28. Nikolai

28

NIKOLAI

I ’d never pictured my mating day. I guess I never thought I’d have one, but now that I have found my mate, I can’t believe I ever felt that way.

“When you said today, I thought you were joking.” Jessa laughs, and I lean against the doorframe of our room as she spins around, watching herself in the reflective glass.

All morning Alina has been fussing about Jessa, making sure she looks perfect despite the bruises and bites marring her body. I got many withering glares over that – and the short notice to get Jessa ready.

I eventually had to shove Alina out of here, declaring that my mate was perfect as she was and I would have no more fussing over it. I really just want to take her in.

“You’d be surprised how infrequent a mating ceremony is.” I lifted a shoulder, feeling restricted in my dress tunic and pants. They are cut closer to my body than I care for, harder to move in, but the way that Jessa looks at me, her eyes sweeping down my frame, makes it worth it. “The vrakken love a reason to celebrate.”

Since we are above ground, we decided to have a night ceremony. That way anyone could come, regardless of their level of magic. Especially since our base won’t be the only one attending.

I sent word to Soren and Raziel this morning when I went to get Jessa water. It took a few hours before their winged scouts returned with a reply. They both agreed to attend tonight.

“I guess it’s something I’ll have to get used to.” My dazzling bride smiles at me as she says it. I can see the excitement basically pouring off of her.

Not only are we mating today, but she will be Changed tonight. And when she survives, there will be a celebration tomorrow all through the night.

I’m not worried about Jessa’s survival, though. Many humans can’t take it, but Jessa is stronger than most. With our mating bond and our blessing from the god and goddess, I know that she will be blessed just as I was.

“Are you ready to go?” I ask her. “It’s nearly time.”

She sucks in a deep breath, and I can hear her heart racing from here. I don’t blame her, though. Even I am full of adrenaline for what’s to come.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything.”

I offer Jessa my arm and she takes it, pressing her delicate frame close against my side. I can feel the rapid flutter of her pulse and hear her excited intake of breath. Together we make our way out of the cool, dim halls of the base and across the moonlit courtyard beyond.

The rich scent of the forest envelops us as we pass beneath the softly swaying boughs. A light breeze teases Jessa's dark curls and brings the perfume of night-blooming flowers. In the distance, the lyrical rush of the river serenades the night.

Across from the sprawling base, we approach the temple – our place that brought us together through our faith and devotion. Intricate symbols of blessing adorn the pillars, and vines crawl up their flanks, reaching for Jessa as we pace through. Her connection with nature is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

I wonder how it will change as a vrakken.

From within comes the low murmur of gathered guests awaiting our arrival. But all I can focus on is the radiant woman at my side.

We pass through the carved arched doorway, Jessa's gown whispering over the ground. She gasps softly at the sight.

The temple has been utterly transformed for our union. Rows of carved wooden pews line either side of the aisle leading to the front. Candles set in intricate sconces line the way, flames dancing and flickering.

At the end stand altars carved with swirling symbols to honor our deities. On one rests an ornate silver basin filled with crystalline water, sacred to Akeldama. The other holds twin golden chalices encrusted with red jewels, a tribute to the First. Perfect symbols under which to bless our mating.

"It's so beautiful," Jessa whispers reverently, eyes shining like stars in the candlelight. She turns to me, hope and trust written in her delicate features. "I can’t wait to be mated to you."

I lift our joined hands and fervently press my lips to her knuckles. Then we proceed together down the aisle, our steps perfectly matched, to seal our souls as one as it was intended.

We proceed arm in arm down the aisle, guests turning in their carved wooden pews to reverently watch our approach. Their murmured voices and the occasional shuffling wings fade away as all attention fixes upon us. I can feel Jessa's pulse racing where her hand grasps my arm.

At the altar atop the stone dais, Raziel awaits us, his jet black wings arched proudly behind him. His ancient power creeps down my spine as I meet his piercing gaze and nod in deep respect.

Together Jessa and I climb the steps, her slippered feet whispering over stone. The candles' golden flames dance over her porcelain skin and make her eyes glow with ethereal light. Her embroidered ivory gown trails behind her, gossamer silk rustling with each graceful step.

Raziel raises his hands, quieting the crowd with the ease of an Elder only his age could achieve. Because the Matriarch is not here, I have asked him to perform our ceremony.

I’d rather have him do it than Brinda, truthfully.

His solemn voice resonates through the hushed temple. "We gather tonight beneath the blessed moon and stars to bring together two mates – a union that is so rare that we must celebrate it when it is found."

I turn to fully face my radiant bride, her slender hands trembling just slightly as I reverently take them in my own. Through our touch, I hope she can feel the devotion flowing between us, stronger than any magic. This close, I can see the flecks of gold in her hazel eyes.

Raziel prompts me to begin my vows. I take a steadying breath, pulse racing, and meet Jessa's loving gaze. Her cheeks are delicately flushed, lips parted in anticipation.

"I, Nikolai, vow to honor you, protect you, and cherish you, in this life and all those that come after. I pledge my unending loyalty, faith, and devotion to you alone, my mate, my love, my very heartbeat. Where you walk, I shall follow. What burdens you bear, I shall help carry. When you fall, I will be there to catch you and lift you up. I will stand as your sword and shield against all threats. My soul is forever and irrevocably bound to yours for all eternity."

Jessa blinks back happy tears, giving my hands a gentle squeeze. When she makes her vow, her voice rings clear and unwavering.

"I, Jessa, pledge you my tender heart, my fierce devotion, my very spirit until the stars themselves fade away. Through times of joy and sorrow, passion and pain, I will remain steadfastly by your side. Your hopes I shall share, your dreams I shall support, your fears I shall soothe. Together we shall weather any storm. You are my guiding light in even the darkest night. From now until the end of days and beyond, I vow that my soul is eternally entwined with yours in love."

Tears of joy gleam in Jessa's eyes and I have a hard time forcing my eyes out to the crowd as I take my next vow.

"To my brothers and sisters of the night, I renew my vow of fealty. I pledge to honor the old ways, serve the will of our Elders, and defend this coven with my last breath if need be. My mate and I shall strive to bring further glory to our people."

Jessa squeezes my hands, her voice meeting mine as she says, “To the great coven which I now humbly join, I pledge my loyalty and service. By your wisdom, I shall abide. In your battles, I shall take up arms. Your secrets I shall keep. Your customs I shall respect. To my last day, I vow to further your causes and bring honor to your name."

After we make our sacred vows, Raziel retrieves an ornate silver blade from the altar. In the flickering candlelight, ancient runes along its handle seem to writhe and dance.

"To seal your bond, mingle your blood before the gods," Raziel intones solemnly. “Akeldama will bless or reject your union now.”

I extend my left hand over the stone basin on the altar, claws glinting. With a quick motion, I draw the blade across my palm. I clench my jaw against the searing sting as crimson wells up, dripping down into the clear water below.

Jessa meets my eyes unwaveringly as Raziel offers her the blade. She takes a deep, steadying breath. Then, with a swift graceful movement, she slices her own delicate palm.

Ruby drops of her blood patter into the basin, sending up tiny ripples across the surface. The metallic scent of our mixed blood hangs heavy in the incense-laden air. Our very life force, mingling together.

But our blood swirls separate in the sacred pool, like small stars dancing across the night sky. Proof our souls were meant to entwine as it refuses to sink, and Raziel smiles.

“Akeldama has blessed these two!” He places a hand upon each of our shoulders. "Nikolai and Jessa, I declare you mated for this life and all that follow, before these witnesses."

I draw my radiant mate into my embrace. As our lips meet in a searing kiss, our palms pressing together where drops of blood mingle, our fates and blood are forever entwined as one.

As cheers resound through the temple, I end our fervent kiss and meet Jessa's joyful gaze. According to tradition, it is my right to claim my mate.

I bend and sweep Jessa into my arms, cradling her petite frame with care. Her gown spills over my arms like liquid starlight as she loops her arms around my neck.

I turn to carry Jessa from the altar, our guests clearing a path. Flower petals rain softly upon us in celebration.

But that is just the first part of the night. They all know what is to come…

And it may be the hardest yet.