I discreetly hand Shinsu a handkerchief when his lips start to tremble.
Once everyone takes their seats, I swallow down all my nerves and start my opening remarks.
“Meeting the right person can change your life. Sometimes we have to overcome our own pride or prejudice to be able to see what’s right in front of us,” I say, blinking up at Bodin and Tilly.“Other times we’re lucky enough to stumble upon them in the middle of a tangerine grove.” My gaze flits to Ren, then Maisie.
“Some have to wait decades for that special person to appear, for others like myself, it took centuries.” I pause and meet Audrey’s eyes.
Shifting my focus back to the bride and groom, I continue, “Shinsu and Nori were fortunate enough to meet when they were barely seven years old, but their connection was so strong then, that even after being separated for decades, they knew they belonged together. Today we get to celebrate the start of their journey as husband and wife, and officially wish them a happily ever after.”
The rest of the ceremony passes in a happy blur as vows are exchanged and tears are shed. Once I officially pronounce Shinsu and Nori as husband and wife, the party shifts toward the waiting dinner.
The ceremony chairs are carried over toward the bountiful tables and we take our seats as the stars blink into the sky above.
The music shifts into something livelier and I notice Marisol being doted on by her pack at the table next to ours. I’m glad the siren is getting some rest after playing most of the afternoon and throughout the ceremony.
When everyone is seated, all the dishes are uncovered and plates are filled as the feast begins.
Tilly takes the chair next to me, Bodin on her other side with a sleeping Orion and Calliope strapped to his chest.
“That was a very special ceremony,” Tilly says. “Thank you, Arran. I know it means a lot to Nori and Shinsu that you did that for them.”
I lean over and lower my voice. “Don’t tell anyone, but I kind of enjoyed it.”
Tilly laughs. “Oh shit. Don’t let Audrey hear that. She’ll sign you up for every public speaking event from here on out.”
At the mention of Audrey’s name, I crane my neck to see over the crowd, but can’t find her. My heart stutters for a good minute as I search for any sign of her before Tilly draws my attention back to her.
“If you’re looking for your darling Audrey, then don’t worry. She’ll be here soon… with a little surprise,” Tilly adds.
I clutch my chest. “More surprises? How’s that even possible?”
Bodin chuckles. “Never underestimate Audrey.”
“I won’t make that mistake ever again,” I promise, knowing that my future is filled with wonder and excitement.
A couple of minutes later, I scent Audrey’s arrival, my head whipping toward her as she comes to a stand at the head of the tables. She picks up a glass and taps a fork against it, and the music fades.
Every single creature present falls quiet as they give her their full attention.
My heart races as Audrey beckons me toward her. Tilly gives me a friendly shove, then I’m out of my seat and cautiously joining Audrey at the front.
I rest a hand on Audrey’s lower back, needing any contact with her as the whole community stares at us with expectant gazes.
Audrey smiles broadly. “Good evening, Starry Hill and friends of Starry Hill. Welcome to our quadricentennial celebration.”
A raucous cheer rises from the crowd and more of them clink their glasses with their forks.
Audrey continues, “It is such a pleasure to stand in front of you today to commemorate the founding of this town four hundred years ago, by this incredible creature we all know and love—Arran Stewart.”
The crowd cheers again and I turn wide-eyed toward Audrey, not expecting to be featured so prominently today.
Audrey takes my hand as she faces me, keeping her voice loud enough for all to hear. “Arran, you came to this island all aloneand vowed to never let another creature in need of help suffer the way you did. You built this town, brick by brick, creature by creature, pouring yourself into every single part to make it the haven it is today. You’ve bled for this town, sweat for this community, and cared for each creature. Your sacrifices over the last four centuries have not gone unnoticed.”
My chest tightens as the crowd thumps their fists on the tables in agreement.
Fighting her tears, Audrey says, “I’ve come to realize that you aren’t fully aware of the impact you’ve had on the lives of the creatures present here and so many who couldn’t be with us today.”
Audrey takes a fortifying breath, my hand clasping hers tighter as she goes on, “Every single one of us has an Arran story, a short anecdote or a tale spanning almost a hundred years.” We both glance toward Calla at the mention of Starry Hill’s second oldest resident, then fix our gazes back on each other. “Over the past few months, I’ve collected countless stories about the lasting impact you’ve had in each creatures’ life and I’ve compiled them into a book for you.”
