Chapter 17

CHAPTER17

Sera

London’s clamorand soot could not dim the radiance of this crisp winter day. At my side, Rhys kept a wary watch on the bustling crowds lining the Thames, though his hand remained securely twined with mine. I harbored a few doubts about this visit, but Rhys was right—it was vital my family properly meet the man who would soon be my husband.

Already I had endured my mother’s weeping over the telephone last night. I’d listened to my father’s stunned outrage and my sisters’ shrill predictions of scandal when I announced my intention to wed suddenly. Only my assurances that Rhys was my true match, and no devious seducer, had tentatively won their blessing to visit before rash action. But I knew convincing them fully would require his honest spirit won in person.

“Nearly there, my love,” I encouraged gently. Rhys flicked me a tense smile, his wings tucked away as he strode in his human form. I leaned into him reassuringly as we approached my family’s imposing riverfront home. Whatever reception awaited, we would face it together without compromise.

No sooner had I knocked than the door was flung open violently. My mother stood framed in the entrance, frail body vibrating with energy I remembered well from childhood seer episodes. Wordlessly, she grasped Rhys’ face between her palms before he could react.

Mother was one of London’s most renowned seers, her predictions sought after by high society and leaders alike. But scandal had ruined her reputation years ago, when false rumors spread that she had fabricated prophecies for personal gain. Though eventually cleared of wrongdoing, the damage was done—clients abandoned her in droves. Our family name sank into disgrace. We had struggled in obscurity ever since…

Which made her gift even more precious to me now. I held my breath anxiously as she delved into Rhys’ spirit with her Sight, seeking the truth beneath the surface. After a taut moment, she released him with a ragged exhale. “A soul marked by heavy sorrows... and yet, nobility endures,” she pronounced. Mother cast a glance over her shoulder as she looked at my family, standing expectantly behind her. Then, turning her gaze towards us, she added, “Seraphina has chosen well. Welcome, son.”

Rhys blinked, tension leaching from his frame at her unconditional acceptance. “Thank you, Missus—” he offered hesitantly.

“Now, now…” Mum patted his cheek maternally and ushered us inside. As soon as Rhys stepped across the threshold, he shifted into his gargoyle form—part of the house’s charm. “Call me Mother.” My eyes grew misty witnessing this first step in their binding.

My father and sisters Drusilla and Aurelia waited in the parlor, their faces pinched with lingering disapproval. But Mother’s glowing endorsement gave them pause.

“Seraphina speaks the truth—this union is blessed,” my mother proclaimed, joyful palms in the air. “We must celebrate what fate has ordained.”

“You’re not pregnant, sweetheart, are you?” Dad blurted.

Rhys swiftly choked a laugh. My cheeks burned. With bulging eyes, I muttered a quiet, “Dad!” in protest. “I’m not pregnant!”

Dad rallied with gruff affection. “All right, then. If your mother is certain, that’s good enough for me.” He pumped Rhys’ hand vigorously. “Can’t say I’m shocked, girl. You’ve always had a will of your own.” Wry resignation edged his smile.

“Remember that time we toured the old desalination plant up the coast in Northumberland?” Dad asked, and turning towards Rhys, he continued. “She was so keen to study it and so impetuous, she got too close to faulty machinery, and suffered an accident with the vapor compressor.” Dad shook his head with a rueful chuckle. “Nearly gave me a heart attack! But she was so enthralled with unraveling its mysteries, she didn’t care a whit for caution.”

He smiled fondly at the memory, though it still caused him worry. “You’ve always followed your passions, Seraphina—heedless of risk,” Dad said. “I suppose your young man here is merely the latest mystery you couldn’t resist unraveling...”

“Rhys is more than that to me, Dad,” I replied gently. “We have a true connection—I feel I’ve known him my whole life.”

Dad studied me for a moment, then sighed. “I know, love. Just joshing with you. I can see he’s special, the way you look at each other...” His eyes misted slightly before he coughed. “I’m happy for you, truly.” He squeezed my shoulder.

I kissed his bearded cheek. “Don’t worry, you won’t be getting rid of me that easily.”

He snorted. “Well, I should hope not! You’ll always be my little girl.” Dad shot Rhys a mock warning look. “You take good care of my daughter, you hear?”

Rhys nodded solemnly. “You have my word, sir. Sera’s happiness and safety will always be paramount to me.”

Dad grinned and slapped Rhys on the back. “Good man. Now, who wants some celebratory ale? I’ve got a new batch that’ll put hairs even on your rocky chest!”

I laughed as Rhys’ expression wavered between amusement and alarm. Somehow, Dad had a knack for putting even the mightiest gargoyles at unease. With his blessing, it felt like one more obstacle had been cleared, bringing Rhys and me a step closer to the life we dreamed of sharing.

My sister Drusilla remained unconvinced, peering critically at Rhys. “He seems a bit mature for you, my dearest. And far too... rough.” Her glance lingered on Rhys’ deadly claws.

“The differences only complement and strengthen us, Drusilla,” I countered evenly. “All partnerships require compromise.” My sly look conveyed she would have to make her own here.

Aurelia, the youngest, intervened brightly. “Oh, let true love run its course, Dru! They make a striking pair.” To my relief, Drusilla held her tongue, though her pinched expression spoke volumes.

Mom took charge. “Come, let us speak cheerier things over tea!” Linking arms with Rhys, she murmured into his ear, “I’m saving you from tasting your father-in-law’s ale.” She shot me a conspiratorial wink. “Trust me. That brew could peel paint off a battleship—don’t tell him I said so.”

I had to suppress a laugh at her audacity. But Rhys looked relieved at her intervention.

“Thank you. I’m sure the tea will be delightful,” he said graciously as we moved to the parlor.

The rest of the visit passed cordially, my family softening towards Rhys’ quiet integrity. Night fell gently as we finally made farewells, a new understanding bridging what had first seemed an uncrossable chasm. Folding my hand over Rhys’, I guided us not towards home, but deeper into the city’s shadowed byways.

He glanced at me curiously. “Where are we off to in such haste?”

I flashed a secretive grin. “Somewhere special to celebrate,” I said. “Do you trust me?”

Rhys lifted my hand to his lips. “Always, moon of my nights.”

I flushed, leading him around the final corner. His stunned intake of breath was satisfying enough. We had emerged in a private courtyard with a sweeping view of the Tower Bridge, its Gothic spires alight with a thousand flickering globes. The Thames reflected their brilliance, the water a rippling ribbon of stars.

“How did you...?” Rhys turned slowly, enraptured by the glittering vista.

“I wanted somewhere worthy of this night,” I demurred, thrilled at his awed delight in this place I had discovered as a child. Seeing London’s splendors anew through his eyes rekindled my own faded wonder.

Drawn by instinct, we leaned together against an iron railing, watching the reflection of stars dance around us. The universe seemed aligned in this perfect moment of understanding between two kindred souls.

Rhys shifted to face me directly, joy and yearning naked on his face. “What did I ever do to deserve the blessing of you?” He cupped my cheek as though I were a treasure beyond price.

I turned my head to press a fervent kiss into his palm. “The grace was fate’s gift,” I murmured against his skin. “We need only accept it with open hearts.”

“You make things sound so simple.” His thumb traced my lip tenderly. “How did you become so wise, my sweet witch?”

I smiled. “I had a good teacher.” Our lips met then, and I lost myself in his kiss, sweeter than the night air, more dizzying than the glittering panorama surrounding us. I was breathless by the time we parted.

Rhys’ eyes were alight with a fire brighter than the stars. He grabbed my hands in his and brought them to his lips. “Marry me tonight,” he begged earnestly.

Chuckling, I pressed a finger against his lips to silence him. “Let’s wait until the time is right, my love.”

Rhys nipped at my fingertip playfully before stepping away with a seductive smirk. “As you wish, my lady. But know that I am yours forever, even now.” Taking my hand, he placed it on his chest so I could feel his heart beating for me alone.

Tears of joy filled my eyes as I murmured, “And I am yours.” No more words were needed; our souls had found each other—and nothing in this world or the next could tear us apart.

We stayed entwined beneath the starry night until well after midnight, but eventually, some part of me knew we must return home to rest before the coming day.

As we began the journey back, I glanced over at Rhys hesitantly. “Perhaps someday, if you’re willing... I could meet your family too?”

A shadow passed over his face. “I have no family,” he mumbled. “It’s just me now.”

My heart ached at the stark finality in his words. I longed to know what had caused such an estrangement, but the lingering pain in his eyes kept me from prying further. Instead, I simply twined my fingers with his and murmured, “Wherever our path leads, we walk it together from here on.”

Rhys’ answering smile was tinged with old sadness, but his grip on my hand tightened gratefully. No further words were needed. Side by side, we would build a new future, unfettered by the wounds of the past.

In silence, we made our way back over rain-soaked cobblestones, leaving the glittering bridge behind. Its beauty paled next to the shimmering tie now linking our hearts, a true marriage of souls that outshone all earthly splendor.