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At long last, Rhys set me gently on my feet, keeping one arm anchored firmly about my hips. His free hand rose to trace my features in reverent disbelief, as though reassuring himself I was neither fanciful vision nor a fading dream.
“Once again, you are the grace that saves me, beloved,” he rasped fervently.
Unable to resist, I drew my husband down into a heartfelt kiss, heedless of any lingering audience. The sweet fervor of his mouth against mine sealed our covenant more profoundly than any officiant’s words or ornate decorations ever could. Together, we had forged something everlasting, strong enough to repel the ravages of hatred or time. No curse could sunder two souls fated for joyful eternity.
When we finally parted for air, giddiness still surged wildly through me. My own shaky laughter sounded near delirious to my ears. “My extraordinary husband,” I murmured wonderingly, savoring the shape of those impossible words made miraculously real.
Rhys’ answering smile stole the very breath from my lungs. Bathed in silver moonlight, he positively gleamed. “My precious, indomitable wife,” he answered tenderly. The unexpected delight crinkling his beautiful eyes wrought fresh tears from mine. This was our future now, boundless and bright.
With infinite care, Rhys drew me close again beneath his sheltering wings. An eternity of bliss stretched ahead of us by merciful grace. Hand in hand, we walked forth to claim it without hesitation or fear.
Raven’s teasing voice broke the enchanted silence. “What then? No wedding party to celebrate the blessed union?”
I smiled against my husband’s chest before I turned, eyes alight with playful resolve. “Oh, yes...” I assured Raven. “There’s going to be a party alright.”
CHAPTER34
Rhys
Moonlight streamedthrough the ballroom’s arched windows, mingling with the glow of a thousand floating candles to cast an ethereal luminance over the splendid scene. Though the hour was late, the Starry Night Ball still swirled in joyful chaos around us.
I lingered in a shadowed alcove, content for now by just observing the fruits of my beloved’s tireless work these past months. Seraphina had poured her formidable spirit into crafting tonight’s magnificence—from the crystal candleholders along the front of the stage to the towering floral arrangements by the dance floor. No detail had escaped her keen eye. Her peerless taste and grace were on dazzling display.
The results were breathtaking. But one vision eclipsed all else tonight—Seraphina herself, resplendent in a snowy gown that accentuated her lush curves most distractingly. Watching her now, radiant amidst her friends, my wayward heart still scarcely dared accept this was my wife, my eternity. Our sacred union hours earlier had sealed what fate ordained, though some primal part of me yet feared such shimmering perfection would prove a transitory illusion.
But my irrational doubts withered instantly when her molten gaze met mine across the crowded ballroom, silver eyes luminous with joy. Beneath such open devotion, my fears could not withstand. With an incandescent smile, Seraphina began gliding towards me, stars in her wake. My heart raced wildly as she approached.
“There you are, my wandering husband.” Her musical voice held a note of gentle teasing. “I’ve been searching this whole room for your handsome face.”
“Sera...” I stared, struggling to find words. “You look absolutely beautiful,” I finally managed.
A becoming blush touched her cheeks. “Why thank you,” she replied playfully. “I thought this gown deserved its time in the spotlight. It seemed only fitting to wear it tonight.”
I gazed at her tenderly, awed by her loveliness. “It suits you perfectly, my darling. Though you could wear nothing and still outshine every woman here.”
Seraphina blushed, swatting my shoulder lightly. “Oh, stop!” Her eyes softened. “But I do love hearing it from you.” She leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.
I enfolded her in my embrace, swaying slowly to the music. “I will say it to you every day, if it makes you happy,” I murmured. “You deserve all the joy in the world for what you’ve done for me, my beautiful love. My savior.”
She nestled closer with a contented sigh. “We saved each other, in the end.” Seraphina then pretended to pout. “Why have you been skulking away, my love?”
“Forgive me, my dearest wife.” I bowed elegantly over her slender hand, brushing my lips across her knuckles. “I merely wished to step back and admire your flawless arrangements for a spell.”
It was no hollow flattery. The Starry Night Ball was a tapestry of beauty, each element seamlessly woven together into a grander whole. Seraphina’s intuitive touch was unmistakable.
She accepted my sincere praise with a blush that sent my blood racing southward. I stifled a groan, willing my eager flesh to patience. I would spend eternity worshipping my goddess of a wife, but tonight must not pass fully in selfish passion. Not when Sera had poured such care into this event.
My wife’s eyes remained downcast, a small crease marring her brow that belied lingering uncertainty. Gently, I tilted her chin up, holding her captivating gaze. “Truly, my star, your talents could grace the courts of faerie and legend.” At my heartfelt avowal, light blossomed again on her lovely face. I would never tire of kindling her radiance.
Seraphina rose gracefully on tiptoe to claim my lips in a lingering kiss. “Flatterer,” she teased softly when we parted. But her eyes shone with quiet joy now.
The air was suddenly rent by raucous shouts and piercing guitar riffs as the ballroom doors blew open. Amidst belching smoke, the members of Midnight Howl stalked onto the stage, wielding their instruments like weapons. The crowd erupted in deafening cheers as the banshee queen Carden gripped the microphone stand with clawed fingers.
“Let’s take this party to the abyss!” Her snarling voice boomed out. The ballroom floor shook violently as the band launched into their latest hit,Dance with Darkness,the onslaught of sound seeming to crack the very heavens.
“Since you clearly admire my handiwork...” Taking my elbow firmly, she guided me towards the dancefloor where couples spun elegantly through the heart of the glittering ball. “Come join me properly out there and we’ll put all my plans to the test.”
I would deny my wife nothing, least of all the unbridled delight that lit her from within now. If she wished for the stars themselves, I would pluck them from cold ether. But for now, I was more than content to bask in her joyful glow. “It would be my honor, most enchanting one.”
