The Moon Without a Heart

"I'm going to kill three heartless men."

...

My story ended at the height of glory, when everything was grand and lavish.

I had a magnificent wedding, with 128 dowry carts circling Nevaeh three times.

The peach blossoms of Nevaeh fell gently in the breeze, covering the ground and creating a path that led straight to the majestic palace.

Jason Evans, the top nobleman from the Ramirez and the man every girl dreamed of, helped me onto the horse. He and Austin Bell, the world's best assassin, escorted me into the palace.

That day, I rode through the grand street in my bridal crown and robes, passing through April's bloom and crossing the nine red gates to marry Vincent Morris, the man who had once been a young lord and was now the emperor.

Tradition said a bride should ride in a carriage, accompanied by her family and the officiant. But I refused. For one, my parents died when I was young, and my only master had been gone for years. Also, I didn't want to ride in a carriage.

When I told Vincent, he frowned. In the end, he agreed.

The palace walls on both sides were dark red, tall, and oppressive. As I finally crossed the last gate, the golden one, I saw Vincent in his deep red, embroidered robes.

His brows were sharp like swords, his eyes bright as stars, standing tall at the top of 45 jade steps. Even from a distance, with all the people between us, I could still see the smile on his lips.

"Layla."

Behind me, Jason suddenly called out.

He said quietly, "I'm sorry, I can only take you this far."

Austin wanted to say something too, but he was always quiet. He opened his mouth, and after a pause, simply said, "Take care."

"Alright." I turned and smiled at both of them. Without hesitation, I jumped off the horse, grabbed my gown, and ran toward Vincent.

The music played loudly, and the sound of the horn echoed.

I thought, "This is probably the happiest day in my tumultuous life."

The 45 steps were too short to recall all the memories Vincent and I shared, whether warm, painful, sad, or touching.

"Vincent..."

I ran toward Vincent. Just as I was about to touch the hem of his robe, an arrow shot through the air and pierced my body.

Slowly, I looked down and saw a large blossom of blood spreading before my eyes.

The pain exploded in my flesh, in my bones, and deep in my soul.

Screams of shock erupted around me.

As the cold wind howled, I suddenly heard icy voices in my ears.

"What a perfect ending!"

"Vincent is definitely my top favorite male lead!"

"I love this classic novel."