**Chapter 12: The Burden of Choices**

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Three months had passed, and the reality of Elias and Nera's wedding, now just a month away, weighed heavily on Anastasia's heart. A sense of sadness lingered in her every step as she prepared for a crucial meeting. Today, she was to meet Draven, the head of the Divine Wisdom clan, to finalize an alliance that could change the course of their worlds.

Anastasia knew that the only way to secure the alliance was to agree to marry Draven. Though the thought pained her, she had accepted it as her fate. The decision was hers alone, and no one outside the demon realm and Draven’s inner circle knew of their engagement.

Despite the strength she had shown in her negotiations, Anastasia couldn't shake the deep sadness that clouded her thoughts. Her heart still belonged to Elias, even though he had chosen another path. The love she felt for him was an unhealed wound, one that festered in the absence of her powers as the Mage of Justice.

With the wedding of Elias and Nera drawing near, Anastasia’s resolve began to waver. She felt drained, both physically and emotionally. Twenty days remained until their wedding, and the weight of everything threatened to crush her.

Unable to bear the pain and exhaustion, Anastasia decided that rest was her only refuge. She retreated to her chambers, hoping that sleep would bring her the healing she desperately needed.

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