30. Sariel

I stand at the entrance of the grand xaphan temple, my heart racing with anticipation. Today's the day I make Lyra mine forever. The sun's barely risen, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, but I've been awake for hours, unable to contain my excitement.

My wings twitch restlessly as I pace back and forth. I can't stop thinking about Lyra, imagining how she'll look in her ceremonial robes. It's taking every ounce of self-control not to fly straight to her chambers and whisk her away right now.

I'm about to do just that when I catch sight of Lyra's family arriving. Her parents look around in awe, clearly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the temple. It's a stark reminder of how far Lyra's come, how much she's achieved. Pride swells in my chest.

As the guests start to file in, I find myself growing impatient. The ceremony can't start soon enough. I want to see her, to hold her, to make her mine in front of everyone.

Which means I have to go inside.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I force my body to head toward the entrance. As I walk into the temple, the familiar scent of incense fills my nostrils. The interior is a sight to behold, even more breathtaking than usual. Flowers and ribbons adorn every surface, and soft music fills the air.

I take my place at the altar, trying to ignore the whispers and stares from the assembled crowd. Most are here out of curiosity. She's the only human who has earned her wings and to earn not just that but a soul bond intrigues many of the xaphan in New Solas.

It's not like I could force them away from a public temple.

But still, I know what they're thinking - the cold, ruthless xaphan, brought to his knees by a former human. Let them talk. Nothing matters except Lyra.

The minutes drag by like hours. I shift from foot to foot, my eyes fixed on the entrance. Any moment now, she'll walk through those doors. Any moment now, I'll see her face. Any moment now, she'll become mine forever.

As the ceremony begins, I feel my breath catch in my throat. The temple doors swing open, and there she is. Lyra. My Lyra.

She's a vision in white, her gown flowing around her like liquid moonlight. Her wings, still new and pristine, are folded neatly behind her back. But it's her face that captivates me. Her eyes shine with joy and determination, her chin held high. She's come so far from the timid human I first met, and I've never been more in love.

And her wings… They are out and on full display. Her white gown with gold thread complements them beautifully, and I clasp my hands, fighting the need to run my hands along them and hear her moan.

I did it enough last night.

Lyra begins her walk down the aisle, and I can't take my eyes off her. Each step brings her closer to me, closer to our future together. The crowd fades away, the music becomes a distant hum. All I can see is her.

As she approaches, I notice the subtle trembling of her hands. She's nervous, just like me. It's oddly comforting to know we're in this together, both of us stepping into uncharted territory.

When Lyra reaches the altar, she looks up at me with those deep blue eyes. A smile plays at the corners of her mouth, and I have to resist the urge to kiss her right then and there. Instead, I take her hands in mine, marveling at how perfectly they fit together.

"You look beautiful," I whisper, my voice rough with emotion.

Lyra squeezes my hands. "So do you," she murmurs back.

The Nashai steps forward, her golden robes shimmering in the temple's ethereal light. She raises her hands, calling for silence. The murmur of the crowd fades, and I feel Lyra's grip on my hands tighten.

"We gather here today," the Nashai begins, her voice resonating through the chamber, "to witness the binding of two souls. Sariel and Lyra, step forward."

We move as one, approaching the golden Orb of Solis that rests on a pedestal before us. Its surface gleams, seeming to pulse with an inner light.

"Do you, Sariel and Lyra, come here of your own free will, to be bound for eternity?" the Nashai asks.

"We do," we answer in unison. My voice is steady, but I can hear the slight tremor in Lyra's.

The Nashai nods, then turns her gaze skyward. "Great Solis, we invoke your presence. Bless this union and bind these souls as one."

As she speaks, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. The Nashai's hands begin to glow with magical energy, and I watch in awe as she weaves the intricate bonding spell.

A glowing tether of pure energy extends from her hands, connecting Lyra and me. It's beautiful and terrifying all at once. I can feel Lyra's pulse quickening through our joined hands.

"With this bond," the Nashai intones, "your souls shall be forever intertwined. You will share in each other's joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses. Neither distance nor time shall sever this connection."

The magical tether begins to sink into our chests. I gasp at the sensation - it's not painful, but intense, like a surge of electricity coursing through my body. Lyra's eyes widen, and I know she feels it too.

As the last of the tether disappears into our bodies, I feel a profound shift within me. Suddenly, I'm aware of Lyra in a way I've never been before. I can sense her presence, her emotions, as clearly as my own.

The Nashai smiles. "The bond is complete. You are now one in the eyes of Solis and all who witness this day."

I look down at my chest, and there, just over my heart, is a new mark. It's intricate and beautiful, a design unique to Lyra and me. I glance at Lyra and see an identical mark on her skin.

I can't wait to get Lyra alone. The ceremony was beautiful, but now I'm itching to seal our bond properly. As we leave the temple, I scoop her into my arms, earning a surprised squeak from my new mate.

"Sariel! What are you doing?"

"Taking you home, little nexari," I growl, spreading my wings. "Hold on tight."

I launch us into the air, relishing Lyra's gasp as we soar over the city. Her arms tighten around my neck, and I can feel her heart racing against my chest. The bond pulses between us, urging me to claim her fully.

We land on the balcony of our new home - a spacious apartment in one of New Solas' most prestigious towers. I set Lyra down gently, but keep her close, unable to resist nuzzling into her neck.

"Welcome home," I murmur against her skin.

Lyra turns in my arms, her eyes shining with emotion. "Our home," she whispers, reaching up to caress my face.

That's all it takes. I capture her lips in a searing kiss, pouring all my love and desire into it. Lyra responds eagerly, her fingers tangling in my hair as she presses herself against me.

I growl low in my throat, my hands roaming over her body. The bond thrums between us, demanding completion. I break the kiss, panting slightly as I rest my forehead against hers.

"Lyra," I breathe, my voice rough with need. "I need to seal our bond. Now."

She nods, her eyes dark with desire. "Yes," she whispers. "Make me yours, Sariel."

I don't need any more encouragement. In one swift motion, I scoop her up and carry her to our bedroom. As I lay her on the bed, I take a moment to drink in the sight of her - my mate, my love, mine forever.