the cold air, even my heartbeat — but I couldn’t move. Panic took over; I wanted to call my husband, but my tongue was paralyzed.

I tried to scream, but no sound came out — my voice was gone, as if invisible fingers were gripping my throat. Flashes of light danced before my eyes, and then everything went dark.

I don’t remember how the night passed. I only remember that in the morning, when the sunlight filled the room, I was able to move my fingers again and, with great effort, get out of bed.

I went to the grandmother and asked her why she had given me that potion. She replied calmly, as if speaking about something completely ordinary:

— In our family, it’s tradition. To ensure the first wedding night goes smoothly, the bride must drink this herbal mixture. It temporarily shuts down the body, preventing any sensation. It’s important.

Her words hit me like a blast of cold wind. I didn’t know what to say. I was truly terrified, because I realized this family lived by strange, ancient, and perhaps dangerous rules.

And I… was now meant to become part of them.