47. Laia

47

LAIA

T hree weeks later, the world has shifted. The past feels distant, like a shadow that has finally faded. I stand in the sacred meadow, the grass soft beneath my bare feet, the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers. The sun is just beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the ceremony.

The meadow is alive with color, wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. It feels like a dream—too perfect, too peaceful. But it’s real. We’ve earned this moment.

The oldest minotaur of their race stands before us, his voice deep and reverent as he speaks the ancient words of bonding. His fur is gray with age, and his eyes are wise and knowing. He’s seen countless ceremonies like this one, but today, it feels special.

I glance at Thalos, Irix, and Kael standing beside me. Their eyes are fixed on the elder, their expressions solemn but filled with an underlying excitement. Thalos’s hand brushes against mine, a silent reassurance that we’re in this together.

The elder’s voice rumbles through the meadow, each word carrying weight and history. “Today, we witness the union of four souls—bound by fate, strengthened by trials, and united in love.” His eyes sweep over us, pausing on me with a gentle smile.

I feel a surge of emotion—gratitude, love, hope—all blending together in a heady mix that makes my heart swell. This ceremony isn’t just about us—it’s about everything we’ve been through and everything we’ve become.

The elder continues, “By this bond, you vow to protect one another, to cherish one another, and to walk together through all of life’s challenges.” He raises his hands, his voice growing louder with the ancient incantation.

My gaze meets Kael’s soft eyes first. There’s a tenderness there that makes my breath catch. Then Irix’s fierce golden gaze—always so intense but now softened with an emotion he rarely shows. And finally Thalos’s steady eyes—filled with unspoken promises and an unbreakable resolve.

The elder’s final words hang in the air like a benediction. “May your bond be as strong as the earth beneath your feet and as enduring as the stars above.”

As the sun sets behind us, casting long shadows over the meadow, I feel a sense of completeness I’ve never known before. We are bound together now—by choice and by fate.

My heart swells with emotion as I look at Thalos, Irix, and Kael. Each of them stands with me, their eyes filled with love and devotion. I’ve never felt so complete, so whole. The past seems like a distant nightmare, something we conquered together.

Thalos is the first to speak. His voice is a low rumble, filled with the strength and determination that have always defined him. “I vow to protect you,” he says, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “To stand by your side no matter the battle, no matter the storm.”

His words resonate deep within me, echoing all the promises he’s kept without ever needing to say them aloud. My throat tightens with emotion, and I can only nod in response, my eyes misting over.

Irix steps forward next. His deep blue eyes meet mine, filled with an intensity that’s both fierce and tender. “I vow to provide for you,” he says, his voice rough but sincere. “To be your strength when you need it most, and to cherish you always.”

His hand reaches out to cup my cheek, and the warmth of his touch sends a shiver down my spine. I lean into his palm, feeling the rough callouses from years of battle, each one a testament to the life we’ve chosen together.

My gaze shifts between them—Thalos’s unyielding resolve, Irix’s fierce devotion—and I know without a doubt that these vows are not just words. They are promises carved from the very essence of who they are.

In this moment, surrounded by the beauty of the meadow and the love of these incredible beings, I feel a sense of peace that’s eluded me for so long. It’s more than just survival now—it’s living, thriving, and loving with every fiber of my being.

We stand here not just as individuals bound by fate but as a united force stronger than any challenge we might face. This bond is our strength, our shield against whatever comes next.

And for once in my life... Everything feels right.

Kael’s voice is soft but steady, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. “I vow to serve you, to honor you as my equal, and to love you for all my days.”

His words wrap around me like a warm embrace, and my throat tightens with emotion. I manage to speak, my voice trembling but sure. “I vow to love you, to stand with you, and to cherish each of you for the rest of my life.”

The air between us feels electric as we close the distance, our lips meeting in a kiss that lingers with the promise of forever. Thalos’s kiss is firm and grounding, Irix’s fierce and passionate, and Kael’s tender and filled with reverence. Each kiss is a testament to the bond we share—stronger than any force, any pain we’ve endured.

The meadow around us comes alive with joy. The ceremony isn’t just a ritual; it’s a celebration of our love, our survival, and our future. Laughter mingles with the music of the wind through the wildflowers. The sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything.

My heart feels light, my soul free, as I embrace Thalos, Irix, and Kael in turn. This is more than a moment; it’s an affirmation of everything we’ve fought for and everything we’ve become together.

This is my home. This is my family.

The three of them are forever bound to me: my life, my heart, and my soul.

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