Chapter Sixteen

AVA-MARIE

When my eyes opened on October eleventh, one thing crossed my mind.

Holy shit. I'm getting married today.

I was already married, but… I was having an actual wedding. Not something I'd chosen at the last minute, not a choice to save Charlie's life, but a real commitment. One that I was going to make in front of the whole world.

The thought made a pit of anxiety grow and tighten within my stomach, and I didn't know why. I took a deep breath to try and settle it, but it didn't go away. Oberi stirred on the bed, shifting into a phoenix as she looked at me curiously.

The bedroom door banged open, and Kallie cheered, "Wake up, bitch! It's time to get married!"

Opal and Ivy came romping in, cheering behind her. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. I'd spent the night in a bedroom inside the Ladies' Court. I'd been out like a light, but now that I was awake, I immediately felt strange. I tried to place the feeling, but found that I couldn't give it any words. My failure to understand what I was going through only made my worry grow.

"You okay?" Opal asked, and she paused to take in my expression. "You look pale."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "I just need some makeup. Let's go."

I got into the robe that I'd received at my bachelorette party, and my friends and I traveled to the palace temple together. Oberi flew overhead, cooing a wedding song. Before I could start getting ready I had to partake in rituals, both Elvish and Hawkei, to prepare me as a bride. These rituals would take place in the temple pool, in a room off of the main sanctuary and removed from the main chapel.

Charlie's half of our bond was quiet. We'd promised each other we wouldn't communicate at all until the ceremony started, but damn if it wasn't hard to reach out to him right now. It was weird for my head not to be filled with his thoughts. It felt strangely quiet.

When I got to the magic pool within the temple, my mother, Grandmother Eleanor, and the Great Mystic were standing beside its waters. Kallie, Ivy, Opal and Abigail were nearby. Everyone wore huge smiles, though I found I had to force mine.

What was wrong with me?

"Isn't this wonderful?" Mama gushed, like she'd been dreaming about this day since I'd been born. "You're finally getting married."

"Indeed. I never thought I'd live to see the day," a soft, warm voice said as quiet footsteps approached from behind me.

My heart lifted, for I knew that voice. Grandma Haloke had arrived, looking exactly as I remembered. Her long hair hung over her shoulder in a braid, and she still carried herself proudly, wearing Grandpa Liwanu's shawl around her shoulders.

"Grandma," I said, and I reached out to embrace her. "I'm so happy you came." I hadn't seen her in such a long time. I knew she'd come to Ilamanthe recently, but I hadn't been able to visit her.

This was the first time she'd seen me in a wheelchair. I worried she'd get upset, or look bothered, but she treated me the same as ever. I was grateful she didn't bring it up— I didn't want to relive what had happened, especially on a day like today.

"I wouldn't miss this wedding even if the ancestors forbade me to come," Grandma Haloke replied. "Eleanor and I made you a very special present."

"Yes," Grandmother Eleanor said with a twinkle in her eye. "You'll see it during the ceremony."

"I can't peek now?" I complained.

"It would ruin the surprise," Grandma Haloke said, appearing quite mischievous. People said I looked like her when I was concocting up a villainous plan, and I certainly could see it. She got the same smirk I did when she was plotting something. Though she was a Water elemental, I was sure some of the fire inside of me had come from her. She'd raised dragons for a living, after all.

Beside Grandma Haloke was her daughter. Jackie was my dad's sister, and technically my aunt. But she was only a year or so older than me, and we'd grown up together. She was more like my cousin than anything else. I knew her as Jackson growing up, but seeing her now, I knew she was always meant to be Jackie. Her hair was long, past her hips now, and she had the most elaborate cheekbones that I would die to have. She was even taller and thinner than I remembered. A model if there ever was one.

"Prison life did wonders for you. You look great," Jackie teased. "Maybe I should do a few years behind bars and work on my complexion."

Prison was no place for a girl like Jackie. I'd seen how the inmates had treated Ivy, and my friend was tough. My cousin didn't need to experience anything like that. Jackie deserved to be loved and accepted everywhere she went.

"Please," I said flatly. "Nothing could make you more beautiful than you already are. You've always been prettier than me."

"Nonsense. All of my children and grandchildren are beautiful," Grandma Haloke scolded.

"Well…" Grandmother Eleanor said, fluffing her hair. "You are beautiful, Haloke, there is no doubt about that, but I do believe that Ava-Marie takes after her mother. Sophia is quite gorgeous."

That was a round-about way of Grandmother Eleanor congratulating herself on passing down good genes, but nobody called it out— save for Mama, who dared to roll her eyes.

"Should we get started?" the Great Mystic asked, and the ceremony commenced. I wheeled myself to the very edge of the pool and looked down, taking in my reflection in the water.

Ancestors. I hoped no one else could see how scared I looked. My eyes seemed terrified.

"This is a great day for our people," the Great Mystic said, gesturing to the pool. "You will finally be joined with the prince in the way of our goddesses. Let us prepare you for the ceremony."

I gave no response, because once the ceremony began, I didn't feel like I could talk— my voice felt strangled in my throat. I simply slipped my robe off my shoulders and handed it to Ivy.

Underneath the robe, I wore a short Elvish slip in silver that was stitched with intricate designs of Elvish love knots. It was styled after the gown Caralyn donned before the night of her wedding to the goddess Idril, and was something every Elvish bride wore for her pre-wedding ritual. My friends placed me into the water, and the silver slip became soaked as I submerged myself into the pool.

"The night Idril fell in love with Caralyn, she came upon her bathing in a pool," the Great Mystic began. "From now until the time you are wed, these rituals will be a symbol for the love story Idril and Caralyn experienced, until they joined as one."

"This ritual also prepares your soul and body for the joining with the Great Spirit," Mama reminded me. "Today, you become a bride not just for Charlie, but for Him."

I took a deep breath. There was so much symbolism and sacredness in these ceremonies. They meant a lot to everyone, not just me. I wanted to prepare myself for this wedding the right way, so I could be sure I didn't let the gods down. This ceremony wasn't just about me and Charlie. It was about the Elvish people, and the Hawkei, and was a beacon of hope for everyone who lived in Ilamanthe.

As I sat in the water, the Great Mystic poured a vial of liquid gold into it, making the water shimmer. "The union between the Elvish goddesses is the joining of the masculine energy, and the feminine energy. Idril is a goddess, but this gold symbolizes her masculine power, the heat of the sun. Idril is a deity of war, strength, protection, and courage. She leads Caralyn and guides her to become all she can be."

The Great Mystic picked up another vial, one of liquid silver, and poured it into the other side of the pool, until the gold and silver were mixing together and swirling within the water. "In response, this silver, reflecting the glow of the moon, represents Caralyn's feminine magic," the Great Mystic said. "Caralyn gives Idril a safe, empathetic space where her spouse may rest and heal. She provides compassion, nurturing, creativity and love. When these two sides intertwine, they create a divine marriage. Like Idril and Caralyn, you and the prince must combine the masculine and the feminine into a singular being, one soul that can see the world through different perspectives, within one heart."

I understood. In Hawkei lore, the Sun was always chasing the Moon, as he was in love with her, but she was forever out of his reach. To be with her, the Sun had created gods and goddesses out of himself, and the Moon had responded in kind, so aspects of their souls could be reunited throughout the universe. I knew this wedding was a reenactment of that feminine and masculine energy today.

"Love has the power to induce great and wondrous change," the Great Mystic continued. "Idril's deep love for Caralyn changed her from a human to an Elven goddess, so they could live together in eternity. Charlie's love for you has transformed you into an Elf, and we have accepted you as one of our people. Allow his love to change you into a better person, as your love will change him."

I nodded, and the liquid metals glistened across my skin. Charlie had changed me— for the better, and for the worse. I was a different person than I had been before I met him; hell, even before I married him. I knew as time passed our relationship would continue to change and morph me, because I'd never stay the same person. I wouldn't be able to. I'd always have to keep growing, learning and shifting, and he'd do the same for me.

My mother, Jackie, and both of my grandmothers entered the water. This was the Hawkei part of the ceremony, and therefore, only Hawkei women participated. Each of them wore simple white dresses, and they surrounded me in a circle. I used my Toaqua magic to float my body upward, and laid back upon the surface as Grandma Haloke began to sprinkle oils of lavender and white sage upon my wet hair. She worked her fingers into my locks, washing the tendrils.

"All gods and goddesses are born from the Great Spirit," Grandma Haloke began. "This ancient Hawkei ceremony prepares you as a bride by washing your hair, the most sacred part of your spirit, cleansing your soul and providing blessings by the women of the tribe. Ava-Marie, I call upon Whale Spirit to bless you with courage. May she enable you to be brave— not only as a princess— but as a wife. Marriage requires courage, and facing your fears even as you want to run from them. I pray that you will be brave enough to battle whatever comes, and hold your ground as you fight by your husband's side."

"I'll be brave," I promised. This world could do its best to take Charlie from me, and I'd never let them do it. I'd fight until the very end for him, and even long after.

She moved aside. Jackie took her place, massaging the oils into my hair. "Ava-Marie, I call upon Eagle Spirit to provide you with virtue. Sometimes in relationships, temptation comes to play dirty. It makes you desire to hurt the one you love, if only because they've hurt you first. But forgiveness will bridge a way to healing, and being virtuous will help you to remember that despite pain, love endures… if you're willing to give it a second chance."

The lump in my throat got even bigger, and I wasn't able to respond. I knew marriage sometimes required you to forgive, even when forgiveness could be the most painful thing in the world to grant. But Charlie was worth it, and if I forgave him for whatever mistakes came down the line, he'd forgive me, too. We'd work together to create a better future for the both of us, not just ourselves. I would be tempted to strike out at Charlie if he hurt me, and he'd feel the same. But even if we slipped up, we'd find our way back to each other eventually, because we always did. Nothing we could do to each other would ever make us depart from this marriage. No matter what, we'd forgive each other, and move forward.

No one noticed me choke up, and Grandmother Eleanor came to wash my hair beside Jackie.

"I call upon Coyote Spirit to help you be clever," she began. "In marriage, you must not only pick your battles, but be smart enough to outwit whatever may come to challenge your love. Cleverness will enable you to make the best choices for your family. It will help you gain good standing in your community, destroy your enemies, and will keep your husband on the right path."

"Mother," Mama hissed under her breath, and I giggled. Everyone knew that Grandmother Eleanor had no problem keeping my grandfather in line.

"Charlie will be an Emperor, and you are his bride. It will be up to you to steer his decisions, which will ultimately affect thousands of lives," Grandmother Eleanor said, ignoring what my mother had whispered. "Cleverness will help you decide what outcome will be the best one. Not just for others, but for you. Be cunning. It may be what saves your marriage one day, when calamity comes to call and strength is not enough."

"I'll be cunning, Grandmother," I told her. "You know I always have been, and will continue to be."

As she moved back, my mother came close. She began washing my hair lovingly, and it reminded me of how she used to braid my hair when I was a little girl. Her soft, gentle motions made tears come to my eyes with the memory of how life used to be. That was all gone now. I wasn't a child anymore, and nothing could ever bring those times back. But though I was grown, I couldn't be more grateful, because my mother was by my side.

"Ava-Marie, you came from my womb. I birthed you into this world, and now, I place you into the arms of another," Mama said. "I call upon Phoenix Spirit, the goddess of Anichi, to bless you with the gift of renewal and reincarnation. Throughout your marriage, you will find that you and your husband will be born anew. There will come a time when he will no longer be the man you married, nor you the woman he wed. But no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, love can always start again. Rebirth is essential to a marriage, because both of you will reincarnate into new forms again and again, especially in times of pain and loss. Rise from the ashes, and each time you do, rise closer together."

I let out a sob, and tears trickled out of my eyes and into the water. I'd managed to hold it together this long, but I couldn't manage when my mother spoke. The tears demanded to come, because she was right. Charlie and I had changed so many times over the past two years, and though those transformations had been painful, they'd brought us closer together. I knew I wouldn't be the same woman fifty, twenty, or even five years from now, and Charlie wouldn't be the same man. But that wouldn't matter, because I'd continue to fall in love with him all over again, and he'd fall in love with me, too, no matter who or what I became. With this wedding, we were promising to grow together, and that's exactly what we would do.

When my mother was done washing my hair, she and the other women left the pool. I floated back upward into a sitting position, and my friends approached, kneeling at the pool's edge. Kallie, Ivy, Opal and Abigail sat in a circle around me, each of them holding a flower in their hands as they began the Elvish part of the ceremony.

"Before her wedding, Caralyn's friends came to sprinkle her with flower petals, and create magic that would strengthen her bond with Idril," Kallie began. She cast white rose petals into the water. "The fae goddess of time blesses you, Ava. My mother Neva looks upon this day favorably, and gives you the gift of long days. May you and Charlie grow old together, and as the years pass, may you never separate. The most valuable lesson I've learned as a woman is that the bonds we make aren't so easily broken. In the fae tradition, you are becoming a woman today, so let your bond with Charlie last no matter what time may bring."

I'd never felt more appreciated, or loved, than when Kallie laid the blessing upon me. My soul felt like it was buzzing, nearly ready to lift out of my body and float upon the air. Our eyes connected, and in that moment, Kallie and I shared something special— something I knew that even Charlie and I couldn't mimic, a connection that was just as deep and profound as any soul bond. She was my best friend, and I knew I could count on her to support my marriage and advocate for Charlie and me. Even if hard times came, Kallie would be there to help us stay strong, and tell me not to give up on him. Marriage wasn't just about the blending of two people, but the unity of one community. We loved each other, but Charlie and I couldn't do this alone. We needed support to stay married and be happy, and Kallie was offering that help to us if and when we required it. I'd never had a more faithful, more loving friend, and I adored the ancestors for sending her to me.

Opal approached, dropping hibiscus leaves into the water. "Within the gods of merfolk lore, there is Mytera, the goddess of motherhood. Ava, like me, you are a mother. You may not have a child as I do, but you care for and love everyone you meet, regardless of who they are or what they've done. You take care of your friends, and look out for them as a mother would. Because you are a mother to all, Mytera will watch over you and any children that you have, whether they are born from your body or simply from your heart. As you watch over others, Charlie will watch over you, protecting you with his body and providing whatever you may need or ask for. As you've decided and desired, he is your head of household, and I ask Mytera to give you the guidance you need to follow his leadership with faith, trust, and love. He will be your safe place, and it is you who will make his house a home."

I gave her an anxious smile, because all this talk of motherhood was a little nerve-wracking, even if she didn't mean it like that. But Opal was right. I was a mother, because despite not having any children, I cared for my friends like they were my own. I had to look out for everyone and make sure they were okay, putting others before myself no matter what. That was just the kind of person I was. I wanted to make sure everyone I loved was happy and safe, even if it cost me something. That kind of sacrifice could be draining sometimes, because I often forgot about myself in the end. But I didn't have to do it alone, because Charlie would be there to give me whatever I was lacking. I looked out for everyone else, but he looked out for me. He'd helped me handle my bipolar, tended to me after my spinal injury, and watched out for me every day, even when I was sick of managing myself. He took care of me gently, and always would until the moment I died. I knew that without a doubt. My heart swelled as I thought of how much my dom loved me, and I wanted to please him by following his lead until the end of my days.

Ivy stood at the edge of the pool, clutching the flower petals in their hand tightly. It almost looked like they were considering something deep— a decision was being weighed in their mind, one to speak up or back down.

Then Ivy tossed the petals in and said, "Look, the vampires only have one god, and we don't really follow him. Uraeus ain't really a god of weddings, more of a god of destruction, but you know what? Who needs him."

Ivy straightened their shoulders. "Precious, my blessing is better than any gift any god could give you. I'm right here, right in front of your eyes, and I ain't going anywhere. I'll be here to protect you, and protect your marriage for as long as you wanna be with him. I bless you with passion and desire. I pray that you will follow your heart and honor the longings of your body, that you will follow your darkest impulses and most secret inclinations, no matter how wicked they might be. These flower petals I dropped in? They're cardinal flowers, and they're rumored to bring love to the lives of elderly ladies. Cause I hope that even when you're ninety, you and Charlie are still having the same crazy, kinky and devoted sex you're enjoying now. I love you, precious. Don't forget that, because I'm always gonna be here, no matter who stays or who goes."

"Thank you, Ivy," I whispered. I felt reassured by their promise, because I knew I could always count on them. When I had been at the lowest point of my life, Ivy had been there. I wouldn't be getting married today without Ivy's support. They were the reason Charlie and I had made it this far, and the reason my husband and I were getting along so well. Without Ivy's guidance and love, my marriage wouldn't have made it. I wouldn't be with the man I loved if Ivy hadn't been there to bestow their wisdom and give me their shoulder to grieve on when my world was falling apart. They taught me how to love myself first, and for that, I was eternally grateful.

I heard the rushing beat of wings, and Oberi landed beside the pool. She dipped her beak into the water. The effect made ripples as she said, I provide you with the blessings and the protection of the mutabeecha. The companions of the Great Spirit, beings who exist outside the boundaries of time and space, are here with you now. May they surround you, and may the sanctity of their connection keep you and Charlie intertwined, as my existence, and heart, binds you together as one.

Several people gasped, and my eyes widened as the water around me began to glow. A white sheen spread throughout the room, the light reflecting off the ceiling and bouncing off the stained glass. I lifted my hand and saw that my body was glowing, too, a dazzling halo erupting off my golden skin.

When Oberi withdrew her beak, the glow subsided. She blinked at me with her pretty black eyes. I will do my best to love you and keep the two of you safe. As a Familiar, my duty is to enable the two of you to have a relationship that is strong, intimate, and kind. It is all I can do, and all that I desire from my life.

I started crying again— because, you know, how was I supposed to keep it together when my Familiar performed beautiful magic like that? Even if the entire world fell apart, and Charlie and I didn't know how to start again, or had forgotten how to love, Oberi would always be there to bring us back together. She bound us as one, and the connection between the three of us was powerful and deep. Nothing would separate us, now and forevermore.

The Great Mystic spread primrose flowers over my body, which fell upon my wet hair. "With the completion of this ceremony, I complete the rite that transforms our bride into Caralyn, so she may wait for our prince, her Idril. Arise from this pool, and become the goddess."

My friends lifted me out of the water, and I dried off using my Toaqua magic. As they placed me back into my chair, I felt renewed and invigorated— like I was a different woman than I'd been before going into the water with all the blessings my friends and family had bestowed upon me.

Even so, the disquiet burning in my chest remained with me. Oberi cocked her head, like she felt it and didn't understand.

"Now that the rites are over, we must hurry, princess," the Great Mystic said. "There is much to do before the ceremony."

"Yay! Now for the fun part," Opal gushed.

When we got to the bridal suite where I was supposed to get ready, we found a whole waffle bar with mimosas ready for us. I was almost too nervous to eat, but I managed to have a small breakfast before the stylists got started on my hair. They fashioned it so it was falling free down my back in big, beautiful curls. It took over an hour to do my makeup, because I was very specific on having glittering silver eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, and a nude mauve lip gloss, with a dusting of glitter over my cheekbones. I did not lay on a spa table for three hours last week getting lash extensions for them to go to waste, after all. My choice of manicure for the wedding was an almond-shaped nail with sparkling diamond tips and a thin, gold French edge. When in Ilamanthe, be extravagant.

Around two o'clock, Elrye strode in. She was the official planner for the royal wedding, and appeared horrified that I was still in my robe. "The wedding is soon to start, and the princess is not in her dress! What is the bride doing?" she yelped.

"Helping everyone else!" several people cried out at once.

It was true. After getting my hair and makeup, I'd fashioned Ivy's hair, put on Opal's makeup, and was currently zipping Kallie into her dress.

I froze as Elrye scowled, crossing her arms. "Princess, this is your wedding, not everyone else's. May I remind you that you come first?"

"Sorry!" I turned my chair around and hurried away. I couldn't help it if I wanted my friends to look pretty, too. As I headed to change, my bridesmaids were running around the room, chatting loudly, eating snacks and hurrying to yank on their dresses. All of my bridesmaids were wearing long black gowns, the bodice embroidered with pink flowers— everyone, save for Kallie. As my maid of honor, she wore a special off-the-shoulder black dress with see-through, long lace sleeves and a skirt that draped behind her when she walked. Each of my bridesmaids wore floral crowns of twisted branches, decorated with dark green leaves and small pink and white flowers.

My mother and I went behind a large curtain in the bridal suite, to conceal the dress until the big reveal to my friends once it was on. The Elves had a special wheelchair made for my wedding day— it was painted white, and adjustable, with removable handles and armrests. The back of the chair was folded down, and the seat attached on top of it, so the skirt of the ballgown could fall over the sides and the wheels. When I sat on the chair, it didn't appear that I was in a wheelchair at all, merely sitting down. I couldn't really move around when the chair was like this— only stay in one place. It would be like this during the ceremony, then for the reception, the chair would be adjusted again with all the parts reattached so I could move around.

I bounced my hands up and down on the fluffy skirt, examining the layers of tulle. I was in my perfect pink dress. No turning back now.

I couldn't really wear heels anymore, because they put my legs in an awkward position in my chair, and put more pressure on my hips than I would've liked. My feet had also developed a more pronounced arch since I'd been paralyzed, so it was a pain in the ass to find heels that fit, anyhow. Instead, I wore dusty pink pointed flats with rhinestone embellishments and big bows on the heels.

Finally, my mother placed a dazzling veil into my hair, at the back of my head. The edge of the veil was bordered with diamonds, embroidered apple blossom petals spreading throughout the piece. It was long, cathedral length. I was counting on my bridesmaids to make sure it didn't get tangled up in my wheels at any time during the ceremony.

"You're dazzling, Ava," Mama said softly as she took me in, brushing my curls back as tears welled in her eyes. "The perfect look for a bride."

I swallowed thickly. "Is it normal for me to be this… nervous?"

"I suppose it depends," Mama mused. "Do you know what you're nervous about?"

"Not really," I confessed. "I know I want to do this, and I want to be married to Charlie. I want the big wedding, and I want to celebrate our love."

"But?" Mama asked softly.

"But…" I sighed. "I'm so afraid. I know this is the right choice, but it's like my ego is telling me not to take the chance… because if I'm in love, there's a risk I could get hurt."

I could articulate some of my feelings now, because I'd been thinking about them all morning. Charlie had hurt me once before. What if he did so again? I didn't think that would happen, but I was also afraid of proclaiming my love to him in front of the world, then running the risk of being told I was wrong. My intuition told me he was the only man I would ever love, but what if my intuition sent me astray?

"Don't let your anxiety talk you out of taking a wonderful leap of faith," Mama said, and she kissed my cheek. "Sometimes, it's the most terrifying thing in the world, to follow our hearts and do what we know we've been fated to do. Do you believe you and Charlie are destined to be together?"

I nodded. "Absolutely. There's no doubt."

"Then love him no matter what comes," Mama encouraged, squeezing my shoulders. "A long time ago, your grandmother told me the more I opened up to your father, the more he would open up to me. It'll be the same for you and Charlie. If you open up to him, and give him your heart freely, you can trust that he'll keep it safe. Keeping your heart closed and trying to protect yourself isn't going to prevent you from experiencing pain, my daughter. In fact, it's more painful to be alone. Closing him off will hurt him just as much as it'll hurt you. Even if someone you love does something to shatter your heart, what matters is if he'll be there to pick up all the pieces, and mend them together again. I know Charlie is that person for you. All you have to do is believe it for yourself, and trust that if pain comes, it'll pass to transform into happiness again."

I nodded. "I understand. You're so wise, Mama."

"Wisdom gained from being married to your father all these years," she quipped. She grabbed the curtain and said, "Now, are you ready?"

I nodded. When the curtain was pulled back, my bridesmaids immediately started crying.

"Oh, precious, you look so lovely!" Ivy wept, and they dotted at their eyes with a handkerchief before giving me a hug. Other girls swarmed around me, weeping and saying how spectacular I looked.

I knew I'd never appeared so divine. My gown made me feel powerful, strong, and beautiful. Even though my emotions were fighting me, I warred back, because I refused to allow my anxiety and fear to ruin this incredible day.

The time for the ceremony was getting closer. As the bridesmaids rushed to grab their bouquets, Kallie took my hands and squeezed them. "Ava, that dress describes every part of who you are. You've definitely found your place in the world since becoming a princess."

"I hope so." I gave a troubled sigh. "I just hope I don't mess this up."

Kallie's eyebrows knitted together in concern. "Are you getting cold feet?"

"No," I said, but it felt like a lie. "I mean, I don't know. Something feels off."

I nearly tangled a hand in my hair, until I remembered that we'd just gotten it perfect, so I forced my hand to remain in my lap.

"Everyone out! Give the princess some time to relax before we begin!" Elrye cried. "The ceremony will commence in a half-hour. Places, everyone!"

My bridesmaids rushed out of the suite. Kallie stayed behind and squeezed my hands again. "Whatever happens, today, tomorrow, or in the future, you're going to be okay. Any decision you make, right or wrong, is going to lead you to be the woman you're going to become. Charlie loves you more than life itself, and I know you feel the same way about him. There's nothing to worry about, not when you two have been through hell and back and come back stronger every time. If there's anything you two have taught me, it's that love always wins."

I felt the tension in my gut lessen significantly. "You're right, Kallie. Thank you for being here."

"You're welcome." Kallie's face became troubled as she added, "Even though I feel like I'm taking Monica's place, in a spot that was meant for her. I'm sorry she's not with you today, because she should be."

"You're not replacing anyone. You're uplifting and supporting me," I said firmly. "I know Monica is here in spirit, but she can't be here for me today like you can, not in the same way. And I miss her today… more than I've ever missed her in my entire life."

My voice cracked, because it was true. I knew part of the reason I felt so awful is because it was unfair Monica wasn't here today. I'd had to rush into the bathroom after my hair was styled to break down and cry, because I missed her so much. It was so fucking wrong she wasn't here, because I wanted her at my side more than anything on my wedding day. I wanted to watch her expression as I showed her my dress, see her tears as I came down the aisle, reach out to touch her as I adjusted her bridesmaid crown. I was mad at the ancestors, the gods, and the universe for stealing her away, because she should be here.

She wasn't. Yet Kallie was. I found tears welling up in my eyes as I added, "But I know that she sent you to me, and I couldn't ask for a better friend in the entire world. I loved Monica so much… but I'm starting to realize that I love you even more. I couldn't marry Charlie without you, and wouldn't want to. Charlie's my twin flame, but you're my soulmate. I couldn't think of anyone better to stand in her place."

Tears beaded the corners of her eyes. "Oh, Ava." Kallie hugged me, and I embraced her back. "If I could pick anyone in the world to have by my side for the rest of my life, it would be you."

"Always." Even if, ancestors forbid, something happened to Charlie and the whole world withered away, I had a chance to get by, so long as Kallie was there to hold my hand.

I held Kallie close, until she drew away and said, "I have to meet up with Marcus. Cross your fingers that the best man didn't lose the rings."

"Unlikely." I laughed. Kallie placed a loving kiss on the top of my head before she wandered out.

Oberi was the only one still in the room with me, resting on a perch near a wardrobe. Oberi hadn't said much all day, merely observed the routine of the bridal suite with interest. She hadn't even eaten, which was so unlike her.

Oberi, help me, I thought. I don't know what to do.

She ruffled her feathers. Love persists in spite of conflict.

What does that mean?

It is possible to contradict yourself, Oberi pointed out. You can feel multiple things at once, things that are true, and untrue. What you want and what you fear are at odds, and you need to choose a side on what to believe in.

But I don't know what's true. The feelings are too complicated, I thought in frustration. I don't want to feel like this on my wedding day.

What does your intuition say?

I tried to swallow the massive lump in my throat again, and failed. I don't know. Everything seems so loud. I can't distinguish between what's my anxiety, or what's intuition, and trying to decide what to listen to is only making my fear worse.

Your intuition will never lie to you, Ava. Intuition is quiet, and can be ignored if you so choose. Most likely, your intuition will only say something once, and you know it like a truth in your heart. Anxiety cannot be ignored. It keeps worrying endlessly on a wheel until you are forced to pay attention to it. When your intuition tells you something, even if it is upsetting news, you won't feel pain, but rather, will be at peace. And peace is not the feeling anxiety provides.

Well, I definitely don't feel peaceful now. I wish Charlie were here. What do you think he'd say?

Oberi preened her feathers. Why don't you ask him yourself?

He'd opened the door so quietly I hadn't even heard him come in. I felt the color drain from my cheeks as I saw Charlie standing six feet away from me.

Ancestors, he looked so handsome. His tailored suit, dress shirt and tie were all a shade of deep black, his hair slicked back. It reminded me of how he'd looked the night of the Villain's Ball, and the memory nearly swept me away.

He was so… perfect.

But I wasn't supposed to be looking at him, not for another half hour.

"Charlie, what are you doing here?!" I hissed. I couldn't believe he'd snuck into the bridal suite.

He didn't budge an inch. "I knew you needed me, so I came."

"You're not supposed to see me before the wedding!" I said in despair.

Charlie smirked. "Well, I can't really see you."

"That's not the point," I grumbled. Now we were going to get bad luck for speaking before the ceremony. My nerves were right, and this wedding was cursed.

"I felt you freaking out all day. I tried not to engage, but it became impossible," Charlie said. "Something's on your mind. Let's talk this out."

I let out a great huff. "I guess we can talk. But don't touch my dress yet. It was supposed to be a surprise."

"What's this about?" Charlie took a seat across from me— close enough he could reach out and take my hand, but not get anywhere near my dress, thank you very much.

"I'm just… scared," I confessed.

"Scared of what?" Charlie pressed. "Is this too big of an event? I knew I should've told my grandpa to tone it down?—"

"It's not that," I began. How did I get my meaning across without breaking his heart?

I didn't have to, because Charlie knew me so well that he guessed. "You're worried this is the wrong decision."

"Yes? No?" I wondered. "I don't know. It doesn't make sense to me."

I didn't understand why I felt so anxious. It wasn't like I didn't want to do this. I loved Charlie. I'd live for him— I'd died for him. Having this wedding should've been easy. For fuck's sake, we'd been legally married for a year already, and it had been wonderful. I didn't get why I was so scared to do this, scared to participate in a religious ceremony that, really, didn't change anything about the structure of our relationship.

But there was a terrible fear in the back of my mind that though this was a happy day, full of joy and love, it could eventually turn into something that I would regret.

Charlie moved closer to me. I did my best to scoot the edge of my dress away. "Pidge, if you don't want to do this, we can call everything off right now."

"No!" I insisted. "I want this… more than anything in the entire world. You're my husband. You're everything I could ever want."

"Then why are you so scared?"

"Because I'm afraid of what's coming," I said. "We don't know what's out there waiting for us. Marriage is supposed to be forever. What if something happens to tear us apart?"

"Then we'll fix it," Charlie replied simply.

"I'm not afraid of getting married. I'm afraid of losing you," I said, and my throat choked up. "We got married at the Institute, but that was a legal ceremony, not a religious one. What we're about to do is a vow to the ancestors and the goddesses. It secures our bond even more, so if we lose each other, it's going to be that much more devastating. I'm terrified to declare my love for you, because someone could come along and take you from me because of it."

"No one would ever do that, pidge," Charlie promised. "There isn't a god, demon, or man that could ever take me away from you."

"But what if something happens that we can't fix?"

"I don't think it's a what if, but when," Charlie said calmly. "People aren't perfect. We make mistakes— you and I make a lot of them. But we always come back from it, no matter who or what comes to challenge us. I'm not afraid of anything except facing this world without you."

My throat tightened at the confession, and I nearly started crying again, because that was exactly how I felt. "I'm not either. We can get through anything, as long as we're together. I want this wedding— I want you. I know I do."

"Then I'll be waiting for you at the end of the aisle." Charlie gave my hand one last squeeze before he stepped away. I counted his steps as he wandered out, already wanting to be at his side again. Oberi gave a soft coo as he left, but said nothing more.

I knew what I felt for Charlie couldn't be wrong if I desired him this badly. He left me alone in the room, and I turned so I was facing a floor-to-ceiling golden mirror mounted on the wall.

I observed myself and had the thought I'd never looked so pretty. I stared into my eyes, realizing this was one of the greatest moments of my life, a chapter that would mark where the rest of my existence would go. After waiting for all these years, I was actually a bride. It was insane to me. I had pictured this day in my mind for so long, and now, it was actually coming true. This felt like a dream I could wake up from any second.

As I took in my reflection, I realized I'd been letting my anxiety run the show, worrying myself with constant variables and what ifs. The story I was telling myself was overshadowing my love for Charlie, and I wouldn't let that happen anymore.

Intuition is quiet. Oberi's words came back to me, and I closed my eyes so I could just… feel.

There, underneath the worry and the fear of unexpected pain, was certainty. As I listened to my intuition, I felt an immensely deep sense of peace, and a complete knowing that this was the right choice. No matter how nervous I felt, or how many second thoughts I had, my intuition told me that this was what was always meant to be, and my fears were merely that… thoughts that couldn't harm me, unless I let them. My mother was right. Trying to protect myself from pain would only make the pain worse, and though I knew that pain would come, I was certain there'd be much more happiness to experience than there ever would be sadness.

No fear of the future, or of what may happen, would separate Charlie and me. Whatever happened, we'd figure it out, and we'd do it together. Even if one day something awful came to pass and I regretted the choice I made, this marriage still wouldn't be a mistake. We belonged to each other. I knew that in the deepest core of my soul. My gut wasn't telling me that this was wrong— it was telling me that this was right.

Now all I had to do was follow my intuition, and take a leap of faith.

I took a few, calming breaths, collected my thoughts, and straightened my shoulders. I was ready.

A few moments later, Hemlock wandered in. She was carrying a book from the temple, an old tome that had been passed down through the centuries to marry royals within the Elvish temple. She was wearing the silver robes of a mystic and appeared brilliant. The bruises on her face had healed, so she resembled the professor I once knew…

Almost.

As she stood before me, Hemlock took a breath. "Oh, my dear. You are the grandest princess I ever did see on her wedding day."

"Thanks." I gave a soft smile. "All ready to go?"

"I came by to check on you before we begin," Hemlock said. "Is there anything you need?"

"No." I shook my head. "Just ready to get this show on the road."

"Indeed." Hemlock took me in again, then unexpectedly began to weep. It was sudden and heartbreaking to hear, although the tears barely lasted a moment or two.

"Professor, is there something wrong?" I asked in alarm. I knew people cried at weddings, but this seemed… different.

"Don't worry about me, girl," Hemlock said quickly, wiping at her eyes. "Nothing but silly tears from an old woman. I won't bother you like this on your wedding day."

"It's not," I demanded. "What's wrong? I need to know you're okay."

Hemlock gave a quiet sniff. "It is merely… I wish my child had survived, so I could've seen her as a bride."

A piece of my heart broke off. "Your child?"

"Over twenty years ago, I lost my daughter. She was around your age when she died. She was a student at Arcanea University, where I taught alchemy and enchanting," Hemlock replied.

I felt that busted piece of my heart dissolve into dust at her pain. "What happened?"

"She became involved with the wrong people, unfortunately," Hemlock said sadly. "My mate was an Unseelie fae, and he was killed for the fae's hatred against all dark magic. Callista never got over her father's death. She sought revenge against those that had killed him, and wanted to bring equality to Malovia for all fae. But she tried to change the country through violence, and eventually, it cost Callista her life."

"That's truly awful. I'm so sorry for your loss," I said. Hemlock had lost her mate, and her daughter. I couldn't imagine how alone she felt.

"Callista wasn't a bad girl. Merely someone who desperately wanted to stop others from suffering. She thought the only way to change the world was by using force and pain," Hemlock stated heavily. "I tried to help her heal, but my actions weren't enough to stop her from meeting a horrible fate. After Callista's death, I realized that I had failed her."

"You could never fail her. You did all you could to help her get back on the right path," I insisted.

"But it wasn't enough," Hemlock replied. "I swore to myself if there was a child out there that I could save, a girl who had found herself on the wrong side of things but was looking for a way to make them right again, I'd be there for her. I would set her straight, and help her find her way in life before it was too late. I couldn't save Callista, but I could save someone else. That's why I came to the Darke Institute to teach. I wanted to help girls like Callista… help someone like you. You remind me a lot of her. I confess, Ava, when I think about my daughter, I see you."

A deep affection spread like warmth throughout my body, because I didn't know Hemlock felt that way about me. I realized we were close, but didn't know exactly what I meant to her until now.

"I know I can't replace what you lost," I said. "But I hope that reigning in my wild and crazy ways has given you a bit of comfort. You're the kind of teacher that should be instructing at a reform school. You actually care where kids end up. And you care about me— you cared even when I didn't care about myself, and it might've saved my life. So thank you for looking out for me and being there. Because even though I couldn't have my mother at the Institute, I knew that I always had you there."

Her face crumpled, and she raised her arms. Hemlock wasn't able to reply in words; all she could do was stoop down and give me a hug. I hugged her back, because I cared about her just as much as she cared about me.

"I'm so happy to be marrying you and Charlie all over again. You two always look like you're so in love," Hemlock said, wiping a tear away from her eye. "It's an honor to do this for you."

"I wouldn't want anyone else," I reassured her. "Thank you. For marrying me and Charlie, for watching out for me, protecting me… everything."

Hemlock cupped her hand to my cheek and whispered, "My dear, there is nothing you need to thank me for. Truly, I do not want you to feel regret for what I experienced at The Mission's hands. I was more than happy to do it, all for you."

Hemlock left then, because I don't think either of us could talk further without both of us breaking down. By this time, the ceremony was about to start. Oberi jumped off her perch and changed into a unicorn. As she did so, my father opened the massive double doors and stepped in.

Daddy's eyes widened, then immediately watered as he took me in. He spread his arms wide as he said, "Oh, baby. You look every part a princess."

"Thanks, Daddy." I embraced him, squeezing his broad shoulders tightly. "Tell me the truth. Do you really accept Charlie? Are you okay with me marrying him?"

"Of course I am, peanut," Daddy hushed. "I know there's no better man in the world for you than him. You love him, and he loves you. That's the only thing that matters."

"Will you be here for me, no matter what happens?" I asked. "Charlie and I can't do this alone. We need our families, and we need support."

"Every step of the way."

A rush of tears trailed down Daddy's cheeks. "I never thought I'd make it to this day. I thought… you know. But the ancestors answered my prayers."

I understood. He thought his disease would take him from me before he got to see me become a bride. But fate had smiled upon us and been kind. I thanked her for it, because I didn't think I could get married without my father by my side. I reached out to wipe his tears away, but as I did so, my magic froze the tears into ice.

I paused to observe them as the tears floated off of Daddy's face, hovering in the air in front of us. As I watched, I saw the ice crystallize, gleaming under the light. They'd solidified and turned solid— like diamonds.

The tears floated in the air at first, before they twirled downward and landed upon my skin. Threads of ice materialized between them and joined the tears together, forming a dazzling silver necklace. I touched the shimmering necklace and found that it was just as solid as something forged from metal and gems. This piece would be permanent— a creation of my demigod magic. I couldn't create illusions, but the power of my demigod abilities had forged my Spirit and Toaqua magic together to make something out of deep love.

Daddy's shock was clear on his face. "Your magic has no limits, does it?"

"I guess not." I touched the necklace with awe. "I didn't know I could do that. Now I'll get to wear your love whenever I need you there."

"It's a gift you'll have forever, even when I'm gone." Daddy's voice choked up, though he forced his way past the tears. "There's nothing you're incapable of, peanut. And I couldn't be any prouder than to call you my daughter."

Daddy stood and squeezed my hand. "Come on, peanut. Let's get you married."

Oberi walked to us. Daddy lifted me out of my chair and onto her back, so I was sitting side-saddle. He fitted a diamond bridle onto Oberi's face, then grabbed one of the reins to lead her out the double doors and to the hallway that connected to the temple. A servant came to take the bridal wheelchair to the altar, where it would be waiting for me.

By this point, the ceremony had started. All of the bridesmaids and groomsmen had walked down the aisle in pairs, except for Marcus and Kallie. I heard Ave Maria playing from the temple's interior behind the doors, and felt my stomach dip yet again— but this time, it was in excitement. I honestly couldn't wait to get out there.

Kallie draped my veil so it was hanging over Oberi's rump and trailing onto the floor, then placed a light purple bouquet into my hands. It was made of cascading clematis flowers, cut and arranged from the gardens that morning. Clematis flowers symbolized love that was unchanged throughout the passing of eternity, and I thought that was a wonderful flower for Charlie and me.

Plus, the lilac color went well with my pink dress.

Marcus' mouth was open as he took me in with a gaze of awe. "You look incredible."

"I sure hope so. This took all morning," I replied, smoothing down my dress and hoping everything stayed in place.

Marcus hooked his arm with Kallie's and brought her to his side so they could walk together. Neither one of them seemed weirded out by the close proximity. In fact, both of them gravitated closer. In their free hand, Kallie and Marcus were carrying framed photographs. Kallie had a picture of Monica— Marcus, of Marty.

It was a special thing Charlie and I had requested. We couldn't have Monica and Marty here with us today, but Kallie and Marcus had become what we'd needed in the darkest time of our lives. It was an honor for them to stand with us today.

Kallie and Marcus stepped through the double doors. My father, Oberi and I remained out of sight, so we wouldn't ruin the big reveal.

Eventually, we heard the song end, and a new one began— a piano ballad that Charlie and I had composed at the Institute together over a year ago. That was my cue.

"It's time," Daddy said. "Are you ready, Ava?"

I took a deep breath, gathered myself, and nodded. By participating in this ceremony, I was fulfilling my soul path and everything that had been planned for me. I felt certain of that. Now all that was left to do was become joined with my destiny.

I felt my breath sweep away as Oberi carried me into the temple's hall. My father walked at the unicorn's side, holding my hand as we journeyed down the aisle.

The temple was more elaborate than I'd ever seen it be. Burning white candles hovered in the air above the congregation, and the smell of incense, lavender, cinnamon, and sage levitated throughout the room. Pendant amaranth flowers in a dark pink color hung from the temple ceiling in the thousands.

Amaranth. The flower of love that endures despite great difficulty.

The temple was absolutely packed. There wasn't a seat left in the house. People gasped, and a few Elvish women wailed as they took in the sight of my dress. My eyes scanned the room quickly, my breath still caught in my throat. I saw so many faces I knew in a flash, smiling at me like I was the grandest thing in the world. All of my family members clustered together in the pews, looking thrilled.

I realized that time was passing too quickly, because we were already halfway down the aisle and I hadn't had any time to take it all in. Oberi noticed my thoughts and slowed her steps, so I could rejoice in the moment. I glanced toward the front of the room and nearly laughed as I saw our bridesmaids and groomsmen all lined up. Marcus, Ez, Chancey and Alistair were standing up front as groomsmen, Eddie was off to the side, serving as Charlie's guard. I tried to take in and memorize each of their expressions, but it was hard, because my heart was beating so fast and time was moving so quickly.

At the altar, a trellis had been set up. That trellis had been lined with greenery, white asphodel flowers scattered throughout the eucalyptus leaves.

Asphodel. The flower of love that survives even death.

The Emperor had been very adamant about every flower that we used in our wedding, insisting each bloom had to represent something important for our relationship. I'd figured we'd chosen well. The colors were no mistake, either— pink for romantic, youthful love, and black for the steadfastness and seriousness of the commitment we were making. Charlie and I were very certain of the choice we were making, and we wanted everyone to know that we considered it to be forever.

My eyes found my love. He was waiting at the altar for me, his hands clasped with a huge smile on his face. Time had moved so quickly just seconds before, but it suddenly stopped completely. The entire crowd fell away, until I was certain all that existed was just me and him. Nobody else mattered in this world but us, and he was the only person that was alive to me. My soul honed in on him, and I forgot that this wedding was happening at all, because the only center my universe needed was him.

The biggest grin that I'd ever seen him have spread across Charlie's face, and I saw two tears slip out of his eyes. He wiped his eyes quickly, the smile seemingly permanent on his face as Oberi finally stopped at the altar.

Daddy reached up to take me down from her back, and as he carried me, I whispered in his ear, "I love you, Daddy."

Another tear dropped down my father's face, and he set me into the bridal wheelchair. Kallie, Ivy, Abigail and Opal immediately went to adjusting my dress and veil around the chair, and when they were done, Kallie took my bouquet.

I figured Charlie was going to stand, but the groomsmen passed a silver chair down the line. Charlie set it across from me, sitting down so he was at my level, indicating the two of us were equals.

My eyes immediately welled with tears. I didn't know he was going to do that.

Charlie reached out to take my hands. Once he did, I immediately relaxed. I found that I could finally breathe.

There was nothing else to worry about. The waiting was over, and we were here, joined in this temple together. Now would be the best part.

My gaze traveled down to our entwined hands, settling on the date inscribed across our left ring fingers in black ink. October 11, the tattoos read. The font matched the names that were permanently inked across our wrists… his name on mine, my name on his. We'd had Marcus tattoo the date on our fingers back at the Institute after our first wedding. Now here we were exactly one year later, declaring our love in front of all our friends and family who didn't get to be there the first time. Like the tattoos, our love was permanent, and would be a mark on the world that would never fade.

The music concluded, and Hemlock began the ceremony. "Hail the goddesses Idril and Caralyn, and hail the prince and princess, who are to be wedded upon this day."

"Long may they reign," the crowd responded in unison, before the temple went silent.

Hemlock spoke loudly as she stated, "In Elvish tradition, Elven couples are required to undergo a handfasting, and live together for one year before they are officially wed. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the prince and princess' legal wedding. Therefore, I pronounce that they are ready to be joined together in the eyes of the goddesses. We will commence with the rites that will make them as one. We will begin by casting a circle spell, enshrining the couple with our protection."

Four mystics stepped forward, each carrying musical instruments like flutes and drums. They began to circle, moving in a ring around us as they played. Elves valued music above all other art forms, and they used it in most of their ceremonies to perform ancient magic.

Hemlock rang a bell. "I summon the goddesses. Speak now, and let their energy cleanse your space."

One of the mystics circling us beat a small drum, and Charlie said, "I speak to the east, for you are my first dawn, my new beginning."

My heart skipped, and the next mystic rang a wind chime. We'd gone over all of this in rehearsal last night, but I was still worried I'd forget something. There were so many Elvish religious rites to learn, and I'd far from mastered them all.

But the words came naturally to me as I said, "I speak to the west, for you are my last twilight, my final ending."

A mystic played a light tune on her flute. Charlie said, "I speak to the north, for you are my everlasting winter, my place of home."

The last mystic shook a tambourine, and I added, "I speak to the south, for you are my eternal summer, my passion burning."

When the circle was complete, the mystics drew away, and Hemlock said, "The protective circle has been cast. For those that came before, and those who are yet to be, for all the spirits that walk this realm, and all that roam in the Blessed Haven, for all who have come to bear witness today; receive this union, and give it all your blessings. You two who have come to be joined, all life is an endless circle. You will journey together through this life and under the stars until you come to live amongst them with your ancestors in a land forevermore. Your family, your friends, and your people will provide a strong foundation for your marriage. Will you lean on them, and take sacredly the vows you are about to speak?"

"We will be faithful in our love, and our will to remain as one," Charlie and I recited in unison. He squeezed my hands, and a flood of warm emotion rushed through my torso. Even now, it was so hard to believe we were doing this. I was shaking.

"Times of abundance will come, as well as times of trouble," Hemlock said. "Charles, do you vow to take Ava-Marie as your wife, to celebrate with her your victories and carry her sorrows, to share your wealth and come together in poverty, comforting her in illness and rejoicing in health, believing in faith and braving through doubt? Do you vow to be honest and always offer your forgiveness, knowing you cannot wound her part of your soul without harming your own as well, enduring by her side, forsaking all others, for now and forever, until this life shall end and you join together in another?"

"I do," Charlie said sincerely. His voice nearly trembled as he said the words, and I felt a great wave of love wash over me like the ocean at sunset.

"And Ava-Marie," Hemlock began. My spirit flipped inside my chest. "Do you accept Charles to be the husband of your heart, to celebrate with him your victories and carry his sorrows, to share your wealth and come together in poverty, comforting him in illness and rejoicing in health, believing in faith and braving through doubt? Do you vow to be honest and always offer your forgiveness, knowing you cannot wound his part of your soul without harming your own as well, enduring by his side, forsaking all others, for now and forever, until this life shall end and you join together in another?"

"I do," I whispered. Another tear slipped out of Charlie's eyes, and I saw his lip quiver.

Hemlock's voice went a little dry as she said, "Do you, Ava-Marie, vow to submit to your husband, to give to him your obedience and heart, following his headship and commands, remaining devoted in all things?"

"I will," I replied.

"And Charles, do you vow to protect, defend, and lead your wife, becoming her sanctuary, building a home to keep her safe, laying your life down for hers in every circumstance, swearing to never abandon her side?" Hemlock asked. She nearly rolled her eyes, but resisted, ancestors bless her.

"I will," Charlie promised.

We'd added this part in, at the disapproval of Hemlock and despite the scowling of the mystics. This was our damn wedding, after all. We'd followed all the traditions, but this was one small addition to our vows that we'd written ourselves and wanted to keep, so the temple was going to have to learn to live with it. Nobody else had to understand what it meant, but we did, and it was special to us.

"We shall now commence with the making of the bridal spell," Hemlock said. A mystic brought a small pillar before her, topped with a silver bowl. The mystic combined dried rose buds, cinnamon, rosemary, and raspberry leaves, crushing them together and mixing as one.

"These herbs provide romance, abundance, protection, and fertility for your marriage," Hemlock said. "Grown from the earth, they contain the deep magic that will bind this marriage in sanctity."

She spooned the dried mixture into two small pouches, tying the ends and handing them to us. "Keep them in your pockets— Charles' on the left, and Ava-Marie's on the right. After the wedding day is done, tuck them someplace safe, and treasure them until the end of your days, until the satchels are buried with you when you are returned to the ground."

Both Charlie and I slipped the satchels into our respective pockets— which my dress had, by the way. They only made it cooler. The satchel felt heavy in my pocket, weighed with both hope and responsibility.

"We will now exchange the rings," Hemlock stated. She looked at Marcus, who hurried her way. He tripped before he got there and nearly dropped them. I gasped, but he caught them at the last second as a blush spread across his face.

Hemlock shook her head. Marcus gave my ring to Charlie, and his ring to me, before dipping out of there as quickly as he could. Charlie took my hand in his softly, and I noticed his grip was a little unsteady.

"I give you this ring as a reminder of my everlasting commitment to you," Charlie said, and he placed the ring gently onto my hand with trembling fingers. "Our love has no beginning and no end. I choose you as my love, the lost piece of my soul, to live as one everlasting."

I slipped Charlie's ring on, absent of nearly all thought except how perfect this moment was. "I give you this ring as a reminder of my everlasting commitment to you. Our love has no beginning and no end. I choose you as my love, the lost piece of my soul, to live as one everlasting."

Hemlock smiled as I finished the promise, and my brother came up from the back of the groomsmen line. Ezekiel was carrying an old vase, painted with Hawkei designs that had two spouts. The vase had been used at my parents' wedding, and was one of the few things they'd saved from Kinpago.

"The bride and groom are not only Elves, but also Hawkei," Hemlock said to the congregation. "Therefore, some Hawkei traditions have been incorporated into this ceremony, to honor the ancestors and the heritage of these two individuals. In Hawkei tradition, the bride and groom drink tea from a vase with two spouts, symbolizing the separate lives of the bride and groom, uniting into one. In Elvish, the bride and groom drink sweetened wine from one goblet. This tradition from both sides will be united, as the couple will now take a shared drink of Elvish wine from a traditional Hawkei wedding vase."

Charlie took the vase from Hemlock as she said, "Drink carefully, my dear."

He tipped it back, and I took a sip. The wine was delicious— I wanted more the moment I tasted it. It was symbolic of my desire for Charlie, and how I'd never be able to quench my thirst for him no matter how much time passed. Charlie drank from the vase, then handed it back to Ez after we'd polished off every drop.

Ez was near weeping, and his lip trembled as he whispered, "Love you, big sis."

I smiled fondly at him, and he took the vase away as Hemlock raised her hands. "Ava-Marie's grandmothers have come together to make a wedding quilt for the couple," she said. "The quilt shares the couple's wedding colors and features the intricate design of infinity knots. In Elvish culture, these knots symbolize an everlasting loop, a reminder that we are connected to nature and each other in an eternal cycle that will always bring us back to each other. This quilt will be placed on the shoulders of the couple and wrapped around them, to signify they are creating a new home, making a new family, and are forever bound together."

Grandmother Eleanor and Grandma Haloke came up from the pews. Suspended between them was a gorgeous, hand-stitched quilt featuring a variety of intricate Elvish knots. This was the surprise my grandma had hinted at. The designs seemed never-ending and flowed into each other, until I couldn't tell where the design began or ended.

Just like Charlie and me.

As the blanket was draped around our shoulders, Oberi changed from a unicorn into a phoenix, flying over to suspend herself on the quilt between us. She gave a loving coo as she nestled her beak in my hair.

My grandmothers stepped aside. After the quilt was wrapped tightly around us, Hemlock said, "The ceremony is complete, and you are now married. I now pronounce you prince and princess, husband and wife. Prince Charles, you may seal your love for your bride with a kiss."

Charlie didn't waste a second. He kissed me, and ancestors if it didn't bring me back to one year ago, when we'd kissed for the first time as husband and wife in the Institute's chapel. We might as well have traveled back in time, because his kiss roused something deep in me… something we'd done over and over for thousands of years and couldn't wait to do all over again in our next lifetime. This time around, things had been better than I could've ever dreamed. Oberi let out a little song as she perched on the blanket between us.

Flower petals began falling, but I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't sense their weight in my hair, or hear the crowd celebrating our love with exhilarated applause. I felt myself getting swept away by Charlie's kiss, once again breathless, flying and falling all at once.

Charlie was mine, and I was his. I couldn't imagine a better way to start off our forever.

And this forever would never be stolen from me. I'd kill anyone who tried to take it away. There was no more him, or me, just us— a soul united in love, and nothing, not the gods or The Mission or the Warden himself, would ever tear us apart.

Our love would always win. So let the world do its best to destroy us. Even if there was no tomorrow, I wasn't afraid of what was coming next, because if I had Charlie there'd always be something left to fight for. I'd always remember us just like this, young and ready to take on whatever the future had in store.

Charlie was my one and only. I'd never love again after him, never love anyone else— he was the only man I wanted, needed, or desired, for now until my soul ceased to exist.

I'd be his wife for all infinity, until the last days of existence came. And even then, there'd always be a whisper in the universe of what we were and how much we'd meant to each other. Our love was something that had sparked at the beginning of eternity, I was sure of it.

Eternity, I was sure, would never be enough. But it was a pretty damn good place to start.