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It had been Amanda's suggestion to do it that way. Since Alena trusted her sister to plan the perfect ceremony for her, she hadn't argued. But maybe she should have been more involved with the plan instead of leaving everything to Amanda.
It might have made her less anxious.
As the first notes of the age-old melody she'd chosen for the occasion began to play, Alena took another deep breath, and her fingers feathered over the soft curve of her belly.
Once her bridesmaids took their stations next to the podium, Alena entered, fixing her gaze on her striking groom as Syssi had suggested.
Orion stood tall and regal, his dark hair smoothed back and his piercing blue eyes glowing with love for her. But it was his sensual smile, the one that had won her heart, that sent a wave of calm washing over her.
Whatever happened, he was there for her, and she would never be alone again.
With each step Alena took, memories of her long life flashed before her eyes — moments of joy, sorrow, love, and loss. Shifting her gaze to her guests, she searched for the faces of her children, and when she found them, it was a relief to see the approval and support in their eyes.
It meant a lot to her that they had all accepted Orion as her mate.
To the side, a lavish dessert table caught her eye. Towering wedding cakes, delicate pastries, and an array of sweets were displayed on ornate platters, and she wondered whether her grandson had made them.
No one else was such a talented chef, and it warmed her heart that Gerard had done that for her.
But the biggest thanks she owed to Amanda.
Her sister had truly outdone herself with this celebration. Between transforming the dining hall into an elegant event venue and coming up with a menu the human staff could pull off with the help of the Odus, she'd crafted a perfect celebration.
Turning back to the podium, Alena looked up at her mother and smiled.
The mischievous gleam in her mother's eyes was softened by the love that radiated from her almost as powerfully as her glow. Yet, Alena was suddenly worried about Annani's plans for the ceremony.
Her mother's unique and unpredictable style promised a unique and exciting experience. Still, since she never prepared and always made up her speeches on the spot, it was somewhat unnerving for Alena, who loved structure and didn't like surprises.
As she reached the podium, Alena took her place beside Orion. When he took her hand, the warmth radiating from it and the love shining in his eyes soothed the remainder of her frayed nerves.
She was ready, and together they turned to face Annani.
Annani
Annani regarded her eldest daughter with a mix of motherly pride, love, and a little bit of sadness.
Alena had been her companion for the first two thousand years of her life, but now that she had found her one true love, she needed to spend her days by his side.
That was how things should be, and every mother should wish that her daughter found love and safety in the arms of a worthy partner.
Orion was that and more, but he was taking Alena away, and as much as Annani tried not to resent him for it, a little bit of it still lingered. She might be a goddess, but that didn't make her a selfless angel.
Stifling a chuckle, Annani smiled benevolently at the couple and lifted her arms to signal that she was about to begin.
"Usually, I open the ceremony by addressing my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on, but my community has grown to include my nephews, mates who are the descendants of other gods, three new gods, Kra-ell, who are not here for various reasons, and even a few humans. So, from now on, I will address you as ladies, gentlemen, gods, immortals, and young souls."
A few chuckles sounded among the guests, and Annani waited patiently for them to end.
"We gather here aboard the Silver Swan to witness a love that transcends time. I have presided over several ceremonies, each unique and a testament to the power of love, but today, I once again stand not just as the officiant but as a mother. The first wedding I ever officiated over was my son's and his lovely bride Syssi, and today, I'm marrying my daughter Alena and Orion, the son of my cousin Toven."
She paused, looked fondly at the couple before her, and then back at the hall filled to bursting with her people.
"In the vast tapestry that the Fates weave, every soul has a string—a path. For a few lucky ones, these paths intersect, creating unbreakable bonds that last an eternity. Intertwined, they continue their journey to write a shared destiny.
"Orion, with your youthful spirit and unwavering determination, you have brought light into my daughter's life. Your love brings her joy and hope for the future.
"Alena, my dear child, you have journeyed by my side through millennia, gathering wisdom and experience, but it is time for you to spread your wings and soar through the clouds with your chosen companion. In Orion, you have found your perfect match, a mate who complements your strengths and a shield against life's inevitable hardships.
