Alter of Regret

*Flashback*

Pale sunrays sparkled upon the expansive grounds of Kuchiki Manor, casting an ethereal glow across its pristine estate. The sky was the softest blue with delicate feathered clouds; lush green grasses and blooming flowers graced its expanse; all to provide an exquisite setting for an ideal wedding night celebration.

As she exited the manor gates, a young bride aged fourteen stepped out into the evening sun with excitement and nervous anticipation. Though her face was concealed by the veil of her wedding kimono, she could sense all eyes on her from those watching from a distance; every step trembled tremulously with each beat of her heart so loud that she could even hear it in her ears!

Every detail had been considered carefully, from her elegant dress to the delicate ornaments adorning her hair. According to her grandfather, she was ready for marriage.

As the wedding procession moved down its cobblestone path, the bride's gaze drifted upward, towards heaven. Her mind raced with thoughts about what lay ahead: life with her arranged husband; passionate love between them both; the happiness they would bring each other; children they would raise together - she imagined all these possibilities as her eyes moved upward.

She stood with excitement and nervousness; today was finally her wedding day - something she had dreamed of since she was little.

But something was off.

She noticed the alter was empty and no groom was present to meet her at this very moment. Her gaze darted around anxiously in search of him -

But he could not be found.

The only sound filling the air was that of a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, creaking their branches, and carrying with it an aura of sadness.

She heard a voice urging her to search for him, so she left the bustling garden behind and set out searching for him. Though she had no idea where he might have gone, it was her mission to locate him, and she needed answers immediately.

Night fell, and stars twinkled above. She was alone, the quietness almost oppressive; then in the distance, faint music could be heard; she followed its trail, arriving soon enough at a small, hidden garden.

Dimly lit by the soft glow of several torches, the garden was filled with music from an adjacent pond. Byakuya stood alone near its edge gazing upon the waters below.

Sayuri was filled with joy at first, but her emotions quickly changed when she noticed Hisana standing alongside him - it was shocking when she noticed they shared such an intimate moment on their wedding day! Sayuri knew Hisana still held a special place in Byakuya's heart but never imagined they'd share such an intimate exchange on this special occasion.

Sayuri stood in the shadows of the moonlight, taking in what she saw before her. Byakuya Kuchiki stood before Hisana with soft hands as they held each other close, their loving expressions echoing one another perfectly. "You are everything," Byakuya whispered softly; Hisana smiled faintly as tears streamed down her cheeks into the pale moonlight illuminating their eyes brilliantly.

Sayuri felt her throat tighten, her heart race. She wanted to turn away, to not witness this terrible truth, but it was too late; Byakuya Kuchiki was still in love with Hisana.

Sayuri breathed deeply and slowly, trying to force away the tears that threatened to pour forth from her eyes. But no matter what she tried; they came anyway: one tear trickling down her cheek onto her dress fabric before dissipating into nothingness.

Sayuri watched as Hisana reached up and touched Byakuya, her fingertips lightly grazing over his face. When his eyes closed and a soft sighs escaped from between his lips, Sayuri felt her throat tighten with tension. Byakuya then gently kissed Hisana on her lips - crushing her to its core and leaving her heart broken in two.

Sayuri stepped back, not wanting to be seen and not wanting to disturb the moment. Hisana heard a branch crunch and saw Sayuri. Tears welled up in her eyes while her world began spinning around her. Sayuri wanted desperately to scream and shout but could only make silenced sound waves with each attempt at speech.

Byakuya and Hisana separated quickly, leaving Sayuri feeling even more heartbroken than before. He turned away from Hisana with his head bowed low in regret and sorrow before slowly making his way towards Sayuri without meeting her gaze - though eventually stopping before her and staring down at the ground instead - "Sayuri...I'm sorry" before looking up with eyes full of sorrowful emotion to apologize "but I cannot marry you. I can't love you the same as Hisana." He said with regret in his voice.

Sayuri's throat tightened as her heart broke further; so instead of speaking she simply nodded as the tears ran down her cheeks like raindrops.

Byakuya moved closer, his hand reaching up to her tears as his own became filled with regret and sadness. With each regretful glance into her eyes, Byakuya would say it again: "I'm so sorry". His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke the words.

Sayuri nodded slowly as she struggled to control her emotions. She wanted to ask why. Didn't the time spent together suffice? Hadn't he meant what he said when he told her he loved her back? Sure, it was an arranged marriage, but she thought they had grown to appreciate one another over time - but words eluded her as they attempted to explain themselves further.

Byakuya held her tightly, comforting her with his warm embrace as her tears dampened his shoulder. With each embrace he gave, his warmth eased away the discomfort in her chest.

For an extended period, they remained like this; eyes closed, hearts beating in harmony. Nothing else mattered but this moment.

At last, Byakuya pulled back, his expression softening. "I still love Hisana more, but that doesn't mean that I don't love you too." he explained with passion in his voice.

Sayuri's heart throbbed with emotion, her throat tight with unshed tears. Unsure of herself to speak aloud, she simply nodded her head resigning herself to silence.

"And I always will," he continued with a soft smile for her.

Sayuri finally experienced her tears streaming down her cheeks as her heart overflowed with love and sorrow. Stepping closer to Byakuya, she slapped him before turning to walk away and hide her sorrowful expression.

Byakuya reached out to grab her and held on tight to her, his arms strong and comforting her.

Reluctantly, they parted ways; Sayuri starting to take her leave first while wiping away her tears.

Byakuya gazed upon her with eyes full of regret and love.

"We can still be friends," he replied softly.

Sayuri fought back more tears as she nodded her head, her throat still tight with emotion.

"Yes," she replied softly. "We can still be friends."

As Sayuri was about to leave again, Byakuya reached out and grabbed her hand to stop her. Leaning in close he laid his lips gently across Sayuri's forehead for an intimate kiss and watched her take her final leave.

After the wedding came to a crashing halt, and she returned home feeling isolated and neglected more than ever, time seemed to slow, and minutes seemed endlessly drawn out; she felt an unusual chill in her heart due to betrayal and mistrust that had never existed before.

Over time, feelings of resentment and anger began to replace earlier feelings of joy and anticipation.

She felt used and abandoned when the one she had been promised to chose another woman instead of her.

It was too much for her to bear.