29. Ada
29
ADA
T he late afternoon sun bathes the garden in golden light as I watch Rose skip down the aisle, her honey-blonde curls bouncing with each step. Her tiny hands scatter red and black petals - a blend of human roses and demon night blooms that perfectly captures what this day represents. My heart swells at her radiant smile.
Above the gathered guests, Luna and Nova work their magic in perfect synchronization. Spheres of light dance through the air, casting a warm glow that makes everyone's faces shine. Luna adds an extra flourish, turning her lights into twinkling stars while Nova transforms hers into swirling auroras.
"Look Mama, I'm making it pretty!" Rose calls out, twirling in her emerald dress.
"You're doing wonderfully, sweetheart." I catch Dezoth's eye at the altar, and the tender look he gives Rose makes my chest tight with emotion.
Vashti stands tall and elegant in her role as ceremony bearer, her black and silver hair adorned with traditional demon crown flowers. Her golden eyes sparkle with unshed tears of joy as she watches Rose approach.
"This is perfect," she whispers, squeezing my hand as I pass. "Just as it should be."
Luna's excited voice pipes up from somewhere behind us. "Nova, make them change colors!"
The lights above shift through a rainbow of hues, drawing appreciative murmurs from the guests. Nova beams with pride at her sister's suggestion, her freckled nose scrunching in concentration.
"Like that?" Nova asks softly.
"Even better!" Luna declares.
Rose reaches the end of the aisle and turns to me with those violet eyes that mirror her father's. But today they hold nothing but pure joy, untouched by the shadows of our past. She takes her place beside Vashti, practically vibrating with excitement as she clutches her now-empty basket.
The twins settle on either side of her, their copper curls catching the magical light. Three little girls who've brought so much light to our lives, standing witness as two worlds unite in love and hope.
And with just our friends and family to bear witness, I finally make Ada my mate, my forever. I couldn't ask for anything better.
From my seat at the head table, I watch Rose giggle as she chases Luna and Nova between tables. Their magical trail of sparkles and color transforms leaves into butterflies that dissolve into light. The garden reception glows with lanterns and the twins' enchantments, casting everything in a dreamy haze.
Mira catches my eye from across the table, her green eyes dancing with understanding as she watches our daughters play. She touches the covered brand on her wrist - a gesture I know well from my own habits of hiding scars.
"Did you ever imagine we'd be here?" she asks softly. "Finding peace with..." She glances meaningfully at our demon husbands.
"Never." I smooth my dress, remembering nights spent running, holding Rose close. "I was so certain we'd spend our lives looking over our shoulders."
"The twins changed everything for me," Mira admits. "Seeing Karn with them... it showed me what love could really be."
Rose darts past, her violet eyes bright with joy. "Mama! Luna showed me how to make sparkly flowers!"
"Just don't set anything on fire this time," I call after her, earning a laugh from Mira.
Near the garden fountain, Karn and Dezoth stand deep in conversation, their imposing heights softened by relaxed postures. Dezoth's usually stern face bears a rare smile as he watches Rose. I approach slowly, listening to them.
"Never thought I'd see the day," Karn says, his copper hair gleaming in the magical light. "The fearsome Captain of the Guard, brought low by a four-year-old."
"She has her mother's spirit." Dezoth's golden eyes find mine across the garden. "Makes a demon question everything he thought he knew."
"The twins did that to me," Karn agrees, absently catching Nova as she launches herself at his legs. "Changed my whole world view."
"Worth it though?" Dezoth asks, helping Rose create a crown of sparkles.
"Every chaotic moment." Karn grins as Luna joins her sister in climbing him like a tree. "Wouldn't trade it for all the peace and quiet in Aerasak."
I wrap my arms around my mate, the one I never saw coming. "Are you ready?"
He looks down at me with so much love that I can hardly breathe. "For you? Always."
"We'll take good care of Rose," Karn promises, and Dezoth pulls me from the reception area.
The garden's magical glow fades behind us as we make our way toward our home. My feet ache from dancing, but my heart feels lighter than it has in years. Rose's delighted giggles echo in my memory as she left with Mira and the twins, already planning their sleepover adventures.
I pause at our bedroom door, my hand hesitating on the handle. Dezoth's warm presence steadies me, his tall frame blocking out the hallway light.
"Close your eyes," he murmurs, his deep voice gentler than usual.
I comply, letting him guide me forward. The sweet scent of aracin blossoms fills my nose, mixed with something warmer - demon night blooms. When I open my eyes, my breath catches.
Hundreds of candles float in the air, casting a soft golden glow across the room. Flowers cover every surface in shades of deep red and midnight blue, their petals scattered across the floor in intricate patterns.
"You did all this?" I turn to find Dezoth watching me intently, his golden eyes reflecting the candlelight.
"Vashti helped with the arrangements." His fingers brush my shoulder, trailing down to the laces of my wedding gown. "Though I insisted on placing them myself."
I lean back against his chest as he works at the complicated fastenings. "The fearsome Captain of the Guard, arranging flowers?"
"I excel at many things." His lips curve against my neck. The first layers of silk fall away, and his hands still. "Are you certain about this? About us?"
I turn to face him, reaching up to trace the sharp line of his jaw. Six months ago, I would have run from any demon's touch. Now, the gentle way he cradles my face makes me wonder how I ever feared him.
"Rose trusts you completely," I whisper. "And so do I."
His usual stern expression melts into something softer, more vulnerable. "I will spend every day earning that trust."
The candlelight dances across his obsidian hair as he bends to kiss me, his touch as reverent as his words.