Chapter 137: All That Matters
Chapter 137: All That Matters
Seraphina turns to me, her eyes softening with empathy. “We’ll get you ready in no time, Arianna. Everything will be perfect.”
I nod, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The reality of the situation settles over me, a mix of excitement and anxiety. I am about to marry the love of my life, and nothing else matters.
As my mother and Seraphina begin to help me prepare, I can’t help but smile. The chaos, the unexpected timing, it all fades away in the face of what truly matters. Today, I become Aleksandr’s wife, and I am ready for whatever the future holds.
The room is a whirlwind of activity as my mother and Seraphina rush to get me ready. The soft light of the room casts a warm glow, the flickering candles adding a touch of magic to the atmosphere. Mircea, already dressed in her bridesmaid outfit, joins in to help. Her presence is a comfort, her gentle hands soothing my nerves.
"How was the temple of the Blood Scribe?" Mircea asks, her voice soft as she helps untangle my hair. “I’m glad to see you made it back in one piece.”
I take a deep breath, recalling the events. "Yeah, it was intense. There was an entity guarding the dagger of Blood and Shadow, and we had to solve riddles to get it. There was a moment when I thought we might lose Pyra." I shudder at the memory. "But we made it through. We have what we need for the transformation."
Mircea smiles, her eyes shining with pride. "I knew you’d make it. You’re stronger than you think, Arianna.."
My mother guides me towards a large tub filled with warm, fragrant water. The scent of roses, jasmine and lavender fills the air, calming my frayed nerves. "Quick bath, sweetheart. We don’t have much time."
I sink into the water, the warmth enveloping me. The tension begins to melt away, replaced by a sense of calm. My mother and Seraphina work quickly, washing my hair and scrubbing my skin until I feel refreshed and renewed.
After the bath, they help me out and wrap me in a plush towel. Mircea starts drying my hair, her hands gentle and efficient. "We’re going to make you look stunning, Arianna."
The celebrity makeup artist team arrives, their presence commanding attention. They set up their equipment with precision, and I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. "Let’s get started," one of them says with a confident smile.
The makeup artists all appear to be human, and I wonder if they are aware that they are preparing me for a vampire wedding, in a castle filled with literal blood-drinking vampire royalty. If any one of their group wanders off alone into the castle, they might just become a tasty snack for one of the guests.
They work quickly, their hands moving with practiced ease. My hair is styled into an intricate updo, with delicate tendrils cascading down in soft curls. They weave small, sparkling jewels into my hair, catching the light and adding a touch of glamour. The process is meticulous, each strand of hair carefully placed to create a look that is both elegant and timeless.
Next, they apply my makeup. The foundation is smooth and flawless, giving my skin a radiant glow. They use a soft, smoky palette for my eyes, accentuating my bright red eyes and making them pop. A hint of shimmer on my eyelids adds a touch of magic. My lips are painted a deep, rich red, the color bold and striking. The final touch is a dusting of highlighter on my cheekbones, giving me a luminous, ethereal look.
As they work, my mother and Seraphina bring out my wedding dress. It’s a vision of lace and silk, the fabric flowing like water. The bodice is fitted, adorned with intricate lace patterns that shimmer in the light. The skirt flares out in layers of tulle, each layer edged with delicate embroidery. The veil is long and sheer, with tiny crystals scattered throughout, catching the light with every movement. My shoes are delicate heels, adorned with tiny pearls and ribbons that wrap around my ankles.
"Almost ready," my mother says, her voice filled with emotion. She helps me into the dress, her hands gentle and steady. Seraphina secures the veil, making sure it sits perfectly.
Mircea hands me my bouquet, a stunning arrangement of deep red roses and white lilies, the flowers fragrant and fresh. "You look beautiful, Arianna."
I take a deep breath, feeling a rush of emotion. "Thank you, all of you. I couldn’t have done this without you."
Once I’m dressed, they lead me through the castle corridors towards the grand hall. The hall is the same place where my mother was transformed into a vampire during the Blood Moon ceremony, after she wed Konstantin a little under a year ago. It’s hard to believe that now it’s my turn to walk down the aisle. I never could have imagined it.
As we reach the doors of the grand hall, I can hear the faint strains of the wedding march being played on a church organ. The music is haunting and beautiful, like a demonic symphony. Seraphina and Mircea go through ahead, Seraphina scattering red rose petals as she walks down the aisle.
My mother turns to me, her eyes filled with love and pride. "Are you ready for this, sweetheart?"
I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "As ready as I’ll ever be."
The doors open, and I step forward, my heart filled with anticipation and love.