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I flashed a secretive grin. “Somewhere special to celebrate,” I said. “Do you trust me?”
Rhys lifted my hand to his lips. “Always, moon of my nights.”
I flushed, leading him around the final corner. His stunned intake of breath was satisfying enough. We had emerged in a private courtyard with a sweeping view of the Tower Bridge, its Gothic spires alight with a thousand flickering globes. The Thames reflected their brilliance, the water a rippling ribbon of stars.
“How did you...?” Rhys turned slowly, enraptured by the glittering vista.
“I wanted somewhere worthy of this night,” I demurred, thrilled at his awed delight in this place I had discovered as a child. Seeing London’s splendors anew through his eyes rekindled my own faded wonder.
Drawn by instinct, we leaned together against an iron railing, watching the reflection of stars dance around us. The universe seemed aligned in this perfect moment of understanding between two kindred souls.
Rhys shifted to face me directly, joy and yearning naked on his face. “What did I ever do to deserve the blessing of you?” He cupped my cheek as though I were a treasure beyond price.
I turned my head to press a fervent kiss into his palm. “The grace was fate’s gift,” I murmured against his skin. “We need only accept it with open hearts.”
“You make things sound so simple.” His thumb traced my lip tenderly. “How did you become so wise, my sweet witch?”
I smiled. “I had a good teacher.” Our lips met then, and I lost myself in his kiss, sweeter than the night air, more dizzying than the glittering panorama surrounding us. I was breathless by the time we parted.
Rhys’ eyes were alight with a fire brighter than the stars. He grabbed my hands in his and brought them to his lips. “Marry me tonight,” he begged earnestly.
Chuckling, I pressed a finger against his lips to silence him. “Let’s wait until the time is right, my love.”
Rhys nipped at my fingertip playfully before stepping away with a seductive smirk. “As you wish, my lady. But know that I am yours forever, even now.” Taking my hand, he placed it on his chest so I could feel his heart beating for me alone.
Tears of joy filled my eyes as I murmured, “And I am yours.” No more words were needed; our souls had found each other—and nothing in this world or the next could tear us apart.
We stayed entwined beneath the starry night until well after midnight, but eventually, some part of me knew we must return home to rest before the coming day.
As we began the journey back, I glanced over at Rhys hesitantly. “Perhaps someday, if you’re willing... I could meet your family too?”
A shadow passed over his face. “I have no family,” he mumbled. “It’s just me now.”
My heart ached at the stark finality in his words. I longed to know what had caused such an estrangement, but the lingering pain in his eyes kept me from prying further. Instead, I simply twined my fingers with his and murmured, “Wherever our path leads, we walk it together from here on.”
Rhys’ answering smile was tinged with old sadness, but his grip on my hand tightened gratefully. No further words were needed. Side by side, we would build a new future, unfettered by the wounds of the past.
In silence, we made our way back over rain-soaked cobblestones, leaving the glittering bridge behind. Its beauty paled next to the shimmering tie now linking our hearts, a true marriage of souls that outshone all earthly splendor.
CHAPTER18
Sera
“You’re getting married?!”
Lily’s shriek pierced the din of the crowded dining hall. I winced, wishing I’d broken the news more gently over supper with her and Jasper’s pack. But subtlety had never been Lily’s strong suit.
I smiled encouragingly, taking her hand. “Yes, Rhys and I are engaged. We wish to be married as soon as possible.”
Her pretty features scrunched adorably. “But... you barely know him! Isn’t this awfully sudden?” Beside her, Jasper was failing to contain a grin at her outburst.
“The heart wants what it wants,” Rhys said solemnly, though laughter danced in his vivid maroon eyes.
Lily still looked unconvinced by our recklessness. I leaned in conspiratorially. “Can you keep a secret?” I told her in confidence. “Rhys is my destined match.”
Lily stared at me, wide-eyed in sheer shock. A slight scowl furrowed her brow.
“We found out thanks to one of the witch twins in town!” I continued. “We plan to wed a week before graduation.”
