The Billionaire's Fairy Bride

Aria Grey stood at the edge of the bustling Aranda marketplace, clutching the frayed hem of her apron as the wind whipped through the narrow streets. The scent of spiced bread and roasted meat wafted from the nearby stalls, but Aria's mind was far from the comforting aromas. Her heart weighed heavy in her chest, a burden she had carried since the cold winter nights of the Dangone Empire. Now, in the heart of this new city, she hoped to find a fresh start, even if the past still haunted her.

She took a deep breath, pulling herself together before stepping into the busy street. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that danced between the tall, stone buildings. Aranda was nothing like the harsh, frozen lands of Dangone. Here, vibrant colors adorned every corner, and the people moved with a lightness that she had never known in her previous life. But despite the warmth, Aria felt as out of place as a frost flower in the middle of summer.

The hotel where she worked stood at the end of the street, a grand structure with arched windows and gilded doors. It was a place where the elite of Aranda gathered, a place where creatures of all kinds mingled under the pretense of civility. Dragons in human form, elves with their ethereal beauty, and fairies who floated on the air like whispers-each of them a reminder of the world she once belonged to but could no longer claim.

Aria had come to Aranda with nothing but a small satchel of belongings and the crushing debt her father had left behind. The hotel job was a lifeline, but it barely paid enough to keep her afloat, let alone settle the debts that shadowed her every step. Each day was a battle for survival, and each night she dreamt of the life she had lost-a life where she had been more than just a nameless waitress.

She pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the hotel and stepped inside. The warmth of the interior was a stark contrast to the brisk autumn air outside. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft glow over the polished marble floors. Guests milled about, dressed in fine silks and velvet, their conversations a low hum of laughter and intrigue.

"Aria! You're late," a sharp voice snapped from behind the front desk.

Aria flinched and turned to see Madame Lena, the hotel's formidable manager, glaring at her with narrowed eyes. "I'm sorry, Madame," she mumbled, ducking her head.

"Don't let it happen again," Madame Lena hissed, her eyes sweeping over Aria's disheveled appearance. "You know how important tonight is. The Blackwood event is the highlight of the season, and everything must be perfect."

"Yes, Madame," Aria replied, hurrying past the desk and into the staff quarters. She could feel the weight of Madame Lena's gaze on her back until she was out of sight.

Once inside the staff room, Aria quickly changed into her uniform-a simple black dress with a crisp white apron. As she tied the strings around her waist, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her, a pale, weary face framed by long, dark hair. Her green eyes, once bright with the magic of her fairy heritage, now seemed dull and lifeless. It was hard to believe she had once been royalty, a princess destined for greatness.

But that life was gone, buried under the weight of her father's mistakes and the cold, unforgiving reality of the world she now lived in.

With a sigh, Aria turned away from the mirror and hurried to the main hall. The Blackwood event was already in full swing, with guests filling the grand ballroom. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the sound of a live orchestra playing a soft, melodic tune.

As she weaved through the crowd, balancing a tray of champagne flutes, Aria's mind wandered. She had heard whispers about Damian Blackwood, the enigmatic billionaire who owned half of Aranda. They said he was a man of great power and influence, a dragon who had risen to prominence through sheer force of will. But there were darker rumors as well-rumors of a man cursed by his own ambition, a man who had made enemies in every corner of the realm.

Aria pushed the thoughts aside as she approached a group of guests. She forced a polite smile onto her face as she offered them drinks, but her attention was drawn to a figure standing alone at the far end of the room.

He was tall, with broad shoulders and an air of quiet authority. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp features were softened by the dim light of the chandeliers. But it was his eyes that caught her off guard-intense, piercing eyes that seemed to see straight through her.

For a moment, their gazes locked, and the world around her seemed to fade away. There was something familiar about him, something that tugged at the edges of her memory. But before she could place it, he turned away, breaking the connection.

Aria blinked, suddenly aware of the champagne flute tipping precariously on her tray. She steadied it quickly, her heart racing in her chest. She had no time to dwell on strange encounters, not with so much at stake.

But as the night wore on, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just crossed paths with someone who would change her life forever.