chapter 201 The Wedding (1)
chapter 201 The Wedding (1)
Dorian's POV
The full moon hung heavy above the sacred grove, casting silver light through the ancient oaks that had witnessed countless werewolf ceremonies over the centuries. Tonight, it would witness ours.
I stood at the altar, adjusting the crystal wolf emblem on my dark suit jacket. My hands were steadier than I'd expected, considering this was the moment I'd been dreaming of since I woke from my cursed sleep.
She's coming, my wolf whispered with deep satisfaction. Our mate is finally coming to us.
The grove had been transformed into something magical. White silk draped between the trees. Moonstone crystals hung from branches to catch and reflect the lunar light. Silver candles flickered in protective glass holders along the aisle. Despite Lyra's advanced pregnancy forcing us to plan quickly, the ceremony was perfect.
Elena stood beside me as our flower girl, practically vibrating with excitement in her miniature silver gown. She kept fidgeting with the basket of white rose petals in her hands.
"Daddy, when do I throw the flowers?"
"When Mama starts walking toward us, little star. Remember what we practiced."
Joey and Melissa stood on the other side of the altar as bridesmaids, both beaming with joy. Joey had recovered well from losing Caleb in the vampire wars, finding strength in running the horse farm he had left her, while Melissa had returned from her travels just in time to help with the wedding preparations.
The eldest of the Silver Moon pack elders stepped forward, his ancient voice carrying clearly across the assembled guests. Wolves from multiple packs had gathered to witness this union. They were not just pack members, but friends and allies who had supported us through the darkest times.
"Brothers and sisters," the elder began, "we gather under the full moon to witness the sacred bonding of Alpha Dorian Blackthorne and Lyra Nightfall."
The rustling of leaves foretold her arrival. I turned toward the forest path. She emerged from the shadows, and I held my breath.
“There goes my heart beating,
Cause you are the reason,
I'm losing my sleep,
Please come back now,”
It was the song Lyra had chosen, and I had never imagined it would fit this moment so perfectly.
Lyra was breathtaking.
She wore the lake-green silk gown I'd commissioned months ago, specially altered to accommodate her nine-month pregnancy. The fabric flowed around her rounded form like liquid moonlight. The silver embroidery caught the candlelight with every step. Her dark hair was swept up under a delicate veil embroidered with moon wolf totems. Her face glowed with a radiance.
During the months I'd been unconscious, trapped in dreams and memories, I'd seen everything clearly for the first time. I understood how much I'd hurt her and how strong she'd been. I'd fallen deeper in love with her than I'd ever thought possible.
I'd never wanted anything more desperately than to spend every remaining day of my life proving worthy of her love.
As she reached my side, I caught her hands in mine. "You're stunning," I whispered. "Absolutely breathtaking."
The elder smiled at our obvious devotion before beginning the traditional ceremony. "Do you, Dorian, take Lyra as your mate, your Luna, your partner in all things? Do you promise to protect, cherish, and honor her for all the days of your life?"
"I do," I said, my voice carrying clearly across the grove. "I promise to love her, to guard her, to stand beside her through every joy and every trial. May the Moon Goddess bear witness to my vow."
"Do you, Lyra, take Dorian as your mate, your Alpha, your partner in all things? Do you promise to stand beside him, to support him, to share his burdens for all the days of your life?"
"I do, I promise to love him, to trust him, to build our future together. May the Moon Goddess bear witness to my vow."
We exchanged rings. Simple platinum bands that would remain symbols of our bond. I slipped the ring onto her finger, marveling at how right this moment felt.
The elder raised his hands skyward. "By the ancient laws of our people, by the blessing of the Moon Goddess, I now call upon the sacred powers to witness this union."
The pack members began a low, harmonic howl that rose through the trees toward the full moon above. The sound was primal and beautiful, a recognition of the bond being forged. Even Elena added her small voice to the chorus. Her four-year-old attempt at howling made several adults smile.
"Look into each other's eyes," the elder instructed. "Let your wolves recognize their eternal bond."