DOWNFALL -HIERARCHY

Chapter 28: The Bride

Narrator's POV:

Nabi stood in front of the massive mirror, her reflection staring back at her. She was wearing a magnificent bridal gown, the intricate details of the fabric and embroidery reflecting the care and attention that had been poured into the creation of the garment. The gown fit her body like a glove, accentuating her curves and making her look like a vision of pure beauty.

Nabi couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as she looked at herself in the mirror. On one hand, she couldn't deny that she looked breathtakingly beautiful in the gown. But on the other hand, the sight of herself in such finery made the reality of her situation sink in even more. The thought of the upcoming wedding and everything it entailed made her heart heavy.

A woman appeared in the doorway, her smile wide and her eyes sparkling with delight as she looked at Nabi. "You look absolutely stunning miss Nabi," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "That gown is absolutely beautiful on you."

Ri-an stood behind the woman, dressed in a sharp, black suit that hugged his muscular frame. His gaze met Nabi's in the mirror, and a small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.

"She looks good, doesn't she?" Ri-an said to the woman, his gaze never leaving Nabi.
The woman nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "She looks fabulous," she agreed. "That gown was made for her. She'll be a beautiful bride."

Nabi swallowed hard, her eyes darting between Ri-an and the woman whom she assumed was a staff. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to maintain a composed exterior, despite the wave of anxiety that washed over her. The two of them standing there together, talking about her as if she was just a piece of property sent a chill down her spine. It was as if she was being assessed and approved, without any regard for her own feelings or desires.

Nabi turned her eyes away from Ri-an and the woman, focusing her attention on her reflection in the mirror instead. She allowed herself a moment to admire her appearance, taking in the details and the way the gown hugged her figure. The fabric was soft and luxurious, and the lacework was so meticulously done that it looked like it had been painted on. There was no doubt that she looked incredibly gorgeous in the dress, but the sense of helplessness and suffocation still weighed heavily on her heart.

A few moments later Ri-an dismisses the woman, who nods and bows before leaving the room, closing the door behind her. Now alone with Nabi, he turns back towards her, his eyes roaming over her figure in the gown. He slowly walked closer to her, his eyes scanning her figure appreciatively. Nabi could feel his gaze on her, heavy and intense, as he circled around her like a predator circling its prey.

Ri-an came to a stop behind her, his eyes never stops scanning her whole existence. He stepped closer, his chest almost touching her back. He reached out and placed a hand on her hip, his touch firm and possessive. "You look beautiful," Ri-an whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

"You're going to take everyone's breath away when you walk down the aisle." His breath was hot against her skin, and Nabi could feel her heart thump against her ribcage at his proximity. His hand on her hip felt as if it were burning through the fabric of the gown, leaving an invisible mark on her flesh.

Ri-an leaned in closer, his mouth now near her shoulder as he continued to admire her appearance in the mirror. He let his fingers trail up her side, tracing the curves of her body. "I can't wait for you to be my wife," he murmured, his voice low and almost seemingly hungry.

Nabi felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, but she tried to keep her expression impassive. She couldn't let him see how much he affected her, how much he made her skin crawl with his touch. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing as his fingers continued to explore her figure.