It’s not a big wedding. That was never Raelyn.
But it’s perfect.
My brothers are there, all of them, including Lukin and Adrian. Each of them with their wives and children beside them. They look…settled. Dangerous men who found something worth protecting. They nod at me, one by one. No speeches. No teasing. They know what this is.
I tell Raelyn she can invite anyone she wants.
She thinks for a moment, then smiles softly.
“Just Ellie.”
That’s it.
And when the music starts—low, restrained—I see Ellie step forward.
Then Raelyn appears.
My chest locks.
She’s radiant. Not because of the dress. Not because of the room. But because she’s here by choice. Standing tall. Unafraid.
Ellie takes her arm.
And as they start down the aisle, I notice it.
This time, Raelyn looks at everyone.
She smiles. She nods. She even lifts her hand in a small wave, laughing quietly when Ellie whispers something in her ear.
The first wedding, she wouldn’t look up. Wouldn’t look at anyone. She walked like she was bracing for impact.
This time?
She walks like she knows she’s safe.
Her eyes find mine.
And they don’t waver.
Something in me tightens—sharp and aching and grateful all at once. This is what I wanted to give her. Not just a ring. Not just my name.
But a moment untouched by fear.
When she reaches me, Ellie squeezes her hand and steps back. Raelyn stands in front of me, breath steady, eyes bright. Alive.
I take her hands.
They’re warm. Certain.
For a suspended moment, the world narrows to the space between us.
I watch her like she is the only person in existence. Not as a conqueror. Not as a king. But as a man who has already given everything and would give it again without hesitation.
There are no traditional vows. No borrowed words.
Only truth.
I speak first, my voice low, unwavering—dark in its devotion, fierce in its promise.