Lyana stands before me in a simple, white gown. Her long, black hair is tied in a series of intricate braids atop her head, twisting into a lovely crown. A few stray locks frame her heart-shaped face. Her pale skin glows beneath the light of the Hunter’s Moon.
Our friends and family surround us, standing witness to our Elven ceremony. Her golden-brown eyes never leave mine as she recites the ancient vows of bonding.
“You are my heart,” she whispers, “and I am yours.”
“You are my heart,” I repeat, “and I am yours.”
I pull her into my arms and kiss her passionately. When we separate, she beams, and my heart clenches.
I touch her cheek, and whisper softly. “Are you happy, my Lyana?”
She kisses me again and then smiles. “More than words can say.”
At our reception, Bran, his brothers, and his father offer congratulations to Lyana and thinly veiled threats to lop off my head with an axe if I ever mistreat her. A smile tugs at Bran’s mouth as he claps me on the shoulder. “I suppose we’ll have to be friends now, you and I.”
I arch a teasing brow in return. “I suppose you are right.”
Halla and Gerold hug her close. Errik grins as his glowing, blue eyes meet mine. “A High Elf for a cousin,” he muses. “What other Mer can claim such a thing?”
I laugh. “Only you, I suspect.”
Veron and Alara wish us joy. Alara hugging each of us while Veron offers me his arm in friendship.
Ryvan wishes us many blessings and Ella hugs Lyana in a warm embrace. “You will have to come visit us soon,” she tells my mate.
Ryvan looks to me and I nod. “We will be sure to do that,” I promise.
Tears gather in the corner of my eyes as Ruvaen and my sister—Nurala—embrace Lyana warmly. My father follows their lead. It warms my heart to know they have accepted her fully into our family.
Nurala takes Lyana’s hand and my father grabs my arm. It is tradition, but I find that I do not want it as they draw us apart. I cling to Lyana’s hand, not wanting to let go just yet.
My sister smiles. “You’ll see her in a bit during the Hunt, Caelen.”
Reluctantly, I release her.
