Chapter 173: Forever After

Chapter 173: Forever After
(Gretel’s POV)

The makeup artist stepped out of the room, after getting our makeup done. Jazmine looked at herself in the mirror again, her lips glossy and her hair pinned to a beautiful sight as she leaned forward to inspect me like a mother hen.

Mira was sitting cross-legged beside the window, quietly scrolling through her phone but clearly buzzing with excitement.

Bianca was humming softly, tapping her feet on the wooden floor while pulling out the dresses from the dress hanger.

My mother just kept staring at me, her eyes looking teary, her lips tight as she didn't speak yet. Then there were the two other girls whom I've come to learn their names as Marley and Thea.

They've been kind and friendly over the few days here and somehow they’d nestled inside my heart. Marley, with her fiery curls and bubbly laugh, was adjusting the veil Jazmine would help me wear soon.

Thea, more reserved but sweet, was gently curling the last of Bianca’s hair.

“I still can’t believe this is happening,” Jazmine whispered behind me, straightening up. “My brother’s getting married. You’re going to be my sister—officially!”

“Don’t say that or I’ll start crying,” I said, my voice shaking with a nervous laugh. “Again.”

Everyone chuckled, but I could almost see the emotion glimmering in my mother’s eyes. She reached out and took my hand before speaking.

“I'm proud of you, Gretel,” she said. “I really am.”

I smiled at her. My mother, although mostly so calm and composed through the years I've known her, had now clearly spent the morning trying not to cry.

But I noticed her wiping her eyes at least twice already. She wasn’t fooling anyone.

By the time it was nearly 4 p.m., the entire house seemed to buzz with movement and soft music, the air heavy with floral perfume and I anticipated the moment more.

From the window, we could see the guests taking seats in the garden below. Every seat was lined up in beautiful rows.

Flower petals were scattered over the ivory carpet that stretched between the benches like a path to something I can't even put to words.

Lanterns hung from tall silver poles, and vines of jasmine curled around every archway.

I stepped back from the mirror. I barely recognized myself. The gown even looked more beautiful now that I wore it with bridal makeup and hairdo.

It was a vision of ivory lace, glinting crystals, and flowing silk. My veil shimmered as Bianca put it over my head.

Jazmine came to stand beside me, equally stunning in her matching wedding dress—simpler, but elegant and exquisite. She took my hand.

“It’s time.”

The girls helped us adjust the hems of our dresses, fluffed out the veils, and then—together—we stepped out of the room.

The hallway was quiet until we turned the corner and walked down the stairs. Then a hush fell over the house, spreading like a ripple across the garden.

As we stepped outside, almost everyone paused.

As if they held their breaths. I peeped through my veil to see the people seated below turning to look at us—some smiling, some whispering in awe. The air was filled with the scent of roses and sweetgrass.

And then I saw him.

Devion.

Standing at the altar in a tailored dark suit, the silver buttons glinting against his chest. His hair was slicked back, his eyes locked on mine like there was no one else around us.

Beside him stood Aron, just as handsome, probably looking beside me at his mate.

But all I cared about was Devion.

My mate. My love. My forever after.

My feet carried me down the aisle as if they knew exactly where to go. Jazmine walked with me, her arm looped through mine, her smile steady and proud.

I could hear my heartbeat louder in my ears than the music playing softly in the background.

When I reached the altar, Devion stepped forward. His hand reached for mine, feeling warm and strong. He leaned in, just slightly.

“Pardon me if I'm unable to take my eyes off you,” he whispered.

I wanted to melt right there.

The ceremony began with the Elder stepping forward and speaking in the old tongue first, honoring tradition. Then he shifted to English for most to understand.

“Before us stands the Alpha and his chosen Luna. Today, they vow before us and their people to walk as one soul in two bodies.”

Devion took my hands in his and looked into my eyes with a softest expression I couldn't explain.

“I never imagined love could look like this,” he said, voice low and clear.

“You showed up and everything changed. I vow to protect you, laugh with you, grow with you, and stand beside you through every storm. You’re not just my Luna, Gretel. You’re my heart.”

I couldn’t speak for a moment. My throat felt tight with emotion.

But then I said, “Devion, you’ve been my strength even when I didn’t want to admit I needed it. You’ve seen the worst parts of me and still chose to love me. I vow to trust you, to believe in you, and to hold your hand through every chapter of our life. You are my home.”

We exchanged rings—delicate silver bands enchanted with the ancient markings of our kind. The Elder smiled, then raised his arms.

“In the presence of our pack, and everyone else here, I declare you bonded. Alpha and Luna.”

Devion leaned in and kissed me. Around us, cheers erupted, claps, howls of joy.

We were married.

Then the same went with Jazmine and Aron. But I was too smitten by love to acknowledge what transpired.

After the vows, the music grew louder, and the celebration began. The cake was wheeled in—tall and stunning—and Devion and I stood together, our hands entwined as we cut the first slice.

He smudged a bit of frosting on my nose and laughed when I gasped. I retaliated by dabbing his cheek with icing. The guests cheered again.

Pictures followed. So many pictures. With mom and my father. With Aron and Jazmine. With Mira, Bianca, Marley, and Thea.

Devion even pulled in a group of warriors for a ridiculous shot, and I laughed until my ribs nearly hurt.

The sun dipped low, casting gold color over the trees. Then night began, and lanterns began to glow. The reception was in the garden, under the stars, and the tables were now filled with food and wine.

Soft music played while we danced our first dance—just Devion and me. He held me close, whispering nonsense into my ear just to make me giggle.

And I couldn’t stop smiling.

I looked around at the sparkling garden, the moon rising high and beautiful above us. Laughter filled the air. Everyone I loved was here.

Even though I knew Jazmine and Aron would be leaving soon, starting their journey together, I couldn’t feel sad.

Because in that moment, my life felt full. Whole. Right.

Perfect.

As the music drifted on and Devion leaned in to kiss my forehead, I closed my eyes.

I had found love.

I had found home.

And this—this was only the beginning of something beautiful.

The End.