Chapter 137: Running Late-1
Chapter 137: Running Late-1
We turn to leave the chamber, the dagger safely in my grasp. The journey back through the tunnels is uneventful, the weight of the task ahead pressing down on us.
As we emerge from the temple and into the open air, Pyra creates a fiery portal, its edges glowing with red and gold. "This will take us back to the Castle of Endless Night," she says, her voice steady.
We step through the portal, the familiar surroundings of the castle greeting us. The air is cool and crisp, a welcome change from the oppressive heat of the Fiery Realm.
Stepping out of the portal, the familiar grandeur of the Castle of Endless Night envelops us. The cool, crisp air is a welcome change from the oppressive heat of the Fiery Realm. But instead of the expected stillness and quiet, the castle is alive with music, laughter, and the murmur of many voices.
Before I can fully grasp what’s happening, Seraphina comes rushing toward us, her small figure a flurry of motion. She’s dressed like a gothic flower girl, her outfit a mix of dark elegance and childlike whimsy. Her dress is a deep black velvet, adorned with intricate lace patterns and tiny, sparkling gemstones that catch the light with every movement. The skirt flares out in layers of tulle, each layer edged with delicate silver thread. On her feet are tiny black ballet flats, each with a small silver bow. Around her neck, she wears a choker made of black lace, set with a single blood-red ruby. In her hands, she holds a bouquet of black roses and deep red lilies, their rich colors contrasting starkly with her pale skin.
“Arianna! Aleksandr! By all the Gods! Where in the seven realms have you been?” she exclaims, her voice high-pitched with anxiety. “You’re an hour late for your own wedding!”
I blink in confusion, my mind struggling to catch up. “What? We were only gone for a day at most, and the wedding was supposed to be three days away.”
Pyra’s eyes widen with realization. “Time passes differently in the Fiery Realm,” she says, her beautiful golden eyes flashing as she smiles. “Much faster. Remember when you were trapped there before? You thought it was weeks, but it turned out to be months. Almost a year.”
The reality of her words sinks in, and I feel a rush of panic. “Three days have passed?”
Seraphina nods vigorously. “The guests arrived hours ago. We started a little party to keep them entertained, but I’ll let everyone know the wedding ceremony will commence shortly.”
Vampire lords and ladies, dressed in their finest clothes, mill around the grand hall, socializing and sipping champagne. The men wear tailored suits in dark, rich fabrics, their ties and pocket squares a dazzling array of silks and satins. The women are draped in gowns of every imaginable color and style, their jewels glittering in the candlelight. Diamond necklaces, emerald earrings, and ruby rings catch the light with every movement, casting prismatic reflections on the polished marble floors. The air is filled with the tinkling sound of laughter, the soft clinking of crystal glasses, and the hum of lively conversation.
Seraphina takes charge, her anxiety giving way to decisive action. “Luka, get Aleksandr ready. The groomsmen need to get dressed. Bloodbane, Pyra, find your places. Sandra and I will get Arianna ready.”
As Seraphina leads me to my chambers, we pass through the feasting hall. A massive tower of champagne glasses stands in the center, each glass filled to the brim with bubbling golden liquid. An enormous wedding cake, intricately decorated with sugar flowers and delicate lace patterns, dominates one corner of the room. The aroma of roasting meats, fresh bread, and spiced wine fills the air, making my stomach rumble despite my nerves.
Staff bustle about, preparing the wedding feast with a sense of urgency. Platters of hors d'oeuvres, bowls of fresh fruit, and trays of decadent desserts are arranged with precision and care. The sounds of clattering dishes, bubbling pots, and hurried footsteps create a symphony of pre-wedding preparation.
We pass another hall, this one filled with wedding gifts from the guests. A mountain of beautifully wrapped presents rises before us, some clearly designer, their elegant packaging hinting at the luxury within. The sight of it all sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
We finally reach my chambers, and Seraphina pushes open the door. The room is bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, the familiar scent of lavender and sandalwood calming my frayed nerves. My wedding dress hangs in the corner, a vision of lace and silk, waiting for me.