The wedding hall was filled with excited murmurs.
A peaceful light streamed in through the long, sunlit windows; the gilded chairs were occupied by elegantly dressed family and friends.
The audience murmured softly, phones were raised as some guests tried to capture the moment with their cameras.
The whole room vibrated with anticipation, the air filled with joyful excitement.
The bride, Sara, stood next to the groom, Gabriele, holding his hand tightly.
She looked perfect: her white mermaid-style dress draped lightly over her slender body, her long veil trailing along the floor.
A happy smile spread across her face, but a hint of worry seemed to flicker at the corner of her eyes.
“It’s going to be okay,” Gabriele whispered, gently squeezing her fingers.
Sara nodded, but before she could reply…
…something moved.
Not from somewhere behind her. Not beside it. Just underneath it.
A small, barely perceptible movement—as if something, or someone, were lurking between the folds of the fabric.
Sara started, taking a half step back. Gabriele immediately noticed the tension in the bride’s arms and frowned,
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong?”
But before Sara could answer, the movement continued—more forceful this time.
The bottom of the dress shifted slightly, as if something were hiding underneath…and trying to break free.
The guests were stunned, stunned.
One of the bridesmaids, Adele, raised her hand to her mouth in surprise. An elderly aunt, Margarita, crossed herself and whispered something to the sky.
The air was tense, as if a vacuum had suddenly been created.
Gabriele paled.
Sara remained motionless, frightened, a chill running down her spine.
And then…
…a whisper.
