24. Rissa

24

RISSA

The wind whipped my black hair around my face as I uttered the final words of the temperature stabilization spell. Luce lowered his hands from the elegant place settings, having finished enchanting them against spills.

I surveyed our handiwork. The reception tables looked impeccable, adorned with crisp linens and delicate floral arrangements that somehow withstood the strong sea breeze. Shay had spared no expense for Tanni's wedding.

"Think that ought to do it," Luce commented, his imposing frame straightening up from the table. Even dressed in a fitted charcoal suit, his powerful build was evident.

"Better hope so, unless you want to face Shay's wrath if someone's champagne gets knocked over," I replied dryly, arching an eyebrow at him.

"I'll take my chances," he retorted with a roguish grin that made my pulse quicken traitorously. "Besides, if anything goes wrong, I'm sure you'll find a way to blame me."

I crossed my arms and snorted. "Damn straight. I'm just amazed you managed to complete a basic enchantment without screwing it up, lord daemon."

"Give me some credit, kitten. I was on the Council, in case you've forgotten."

How could I forget? This infuriating, arrogant male tested my control daily. And the way he kept calling me kitten...I quickly turned away before he could see the flush rising on my face.

"Let's just get this over with so we can finally relax. Tanni deserves a perfect day."

The metal arch gleamed under the sunlight as Martellus and Bran secured it into place. Nearby, Rey and Cathy wove delicate flowers through a lattice, their nimble fingers creating an intricate display of pale pink roses and lush greenery.

Shay cradled baby Diego close to her chest, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders. Despite the chaos of last-minute preparations, she radiated a serene glow, her love for her son evident in every gentle touch. As I watched, Martellus straightened and strode over to Shay, his imposing figure softened by the tender expression on his face.

Possibly his face was going to crack someday from doing that. I'd never thought I'd say tender and Martellus in the same sentence.

"It's almost time," Shay murmured, her voice carrying on the wind. "I let the few guests they wanted past the security check."

Martellus nodded approvingly, his hand coming to rest on the small of her back. "Good. I like people who are on time."

I couldn't help but smirk at his comment. Leave it to Martellus to prioritize punctuality, even on a day meant for celebration. Still, I had to admit that his attention to detail and efficiency were impressive.

Cassie leaned against Aiden, her head resting on his shoulder as they watched the proceedings with contented smiles. The simple gesture spoke volumes about their growing closeness, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of happiness for their easy affection.

A murmur arose as the few, select wedding guests began to arrive. Goblins, shifters, and vampires who'd been helped by Tanni's vaccine filed in, taking their seats on the pristine lawn. Their faces glowed with renewed health and vitality, a stark contrast to the haggard, sickly appearances they had worn under the curse's influence. Smooth skin replaced marred flesh, bright gazes shone where dull stares had once been.

I marveled at the miraculous transformation. The monsters who had suffered so grievously, reduced to mere shadows of themselves, now exuded strength and wholeness. It was good to see the curse broken and the disease stopped.

As they settled into their chairs, an air of celebratory anticipation suffused the gathering. Smiles adorned faces that had known far too much pain and despair. Laughter, pure and unrestrained, floated on the breeze.

I squeezed Luce's hand as the melodious strains of the wedding march filled the air and Hugh strode purposefully toward the metal arch, his hazel eyes fixed straight ahead. Bran moved to take his place as the designated speaker, his long white hair flowing in the gentle breeze.

Suddenly, the very fabric of reality seemed to split open before us, a shimmering rift forming in the center of the aisle. From within the swirling vortex, a figure emerged. Dream manifested in physical form once more.

I sucked in a breath and Luce tensed too. What was Dream up to?

This time, Dream appeared as an ethereal being of indeterminate gender, with iridescent skin that shaded from darkest red to palest violet. Eyes like swirling galaxies regarded the assembled guests with starry wisdom.

"No, let me handle this one," Dream declared, their resonant voice echoing across the grounds with an otherworldly authority.

I watched in wary awe as Dream glided forward, an aura of raw power emanating from their lithe form. The air crackled with energy, the very essence of this world responding to Dream's presence.

Bran, ever the diplomat, gracefully yielded his position, bowing his head in deference to the entity that shaped the fabric of worlds.

As Dream took their place beneath the arch, Tanni emerged from the castle, a vision of radiant beauty in her rose-pink gown. The delicate fabric draped elegantly over her growing baby bump. She walked with a serene grace.

Hugh's gaze locked onto Tanni, his hazel eyes brimming with adoration and reverence. In that moment, the formidable vampire king softened, his stony edges melting away in the presence of his beloved. As Tanni reached the arch, Hugh extended his hand, guiding her to stand beside him.

Dream began to speak, their melodic voice weaving an intricate tapestry of words that resonated deep within my soul. "In this sacred space, we gather to celebrate the union of two hearts, two souls, forever entwined in the dance of love and devotion..."

As the ceremony unfolded, I found myself lost in the profound happiness radiating from the couple. Hugh and Tanni exchanged vows, their words flowing with heartfelt sincerity and unwavering commitment.

I looked around at my friends. Bran and Roma, Reynard and Cathy, Martellus and Shay... each couple a testament to the transformative power of love, each story a chapter in the grand saga of redemption and hope.

Blah, blah, barf. It was too damn sweet to swallow much more.

As Hugh and Tanni sealed their union with a kiss, a collective sigh of joy rippled through the gathering.

As the newlyweds retreated down the aisle, Dream manifested beside Martellus and Shay, resplendent in a shimmering gown that seemed to shift and change with every breath. Leaning in, Dream placed a gentle kiss on baby Diego's cheek, the touch imbued with ancient magic and timeless wisdom.

"You've done well," Dream murmured, glancing at Shay and Martellus with a knowing smile. "Nurture this little one, for he carries the hopes and dreams of all who have come before."

With those cryptic words, Dream vanished as suddenly as they had appeared, leaving behind a faint trace of stardust and the lingering scent of wild roses.

Luce's hand tightened around mine. As I turned to share a smile with him, movement caught my eye.

Aiden had drawn Cassie aside, his face a mask of determination. Curiosity piqued, I strained to catch his whispered words.

"Will you marry me?" Aiden asked, his words almost lost in the gentle rustle of the breeze.

Cassie's eyes widened, a kaleidoscope of emotions playing across her face. Surprise, joy, and a flicker of uncertainty. She paused, her brow furrowed in thought.

"I'll answer that question in..." she mused, a considering glint in her eyes. "Let's say two years."

And with that, she pulled Aiden close, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.

We all moved toward the tables set up for the reception, the air buzzing with excited chatter and laughter. I settled into my seat beside Luce, our fingers instinctively intertwining beneath the table.

Around us, the others took their places. Bran and Roma, Rey and Cathy, Martellus and Shay cradling their adorable baby Diego, his chubby cheeks and wispy blonde hair eliciting coos of adoration from everyone who laid eyes on him.

Aiden and Cassie, still glowing from their impromptu maybe-proposal, couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other.

Hugh and Tanni completed our little circle.

A server brought drinks to us all. "Courtesy of Ms. Fortuna. These are the drinks you all had together at your first dates."

He was right, at least for us. Luce had a cognac and me a mudslide, the first drinks we'd shared. How in the world had she known?

As Aiden raised his glass, his smile wide and his eyes shining with emotion, I felt a lump form in my throat. "To Luck," he declared, his toast ringing out across the table. "AKA Ms. Fortuna. She may not be here with us today, but none of this would have been possible without her. This is all thanks to her."