Chapter 56
FIFTY-SIX
ABADDON
The orchestral music Hannah insisted Romulus fly to acquire fills our dining hall, transforming our ancient castle into something magical. Soon she won’t be Hannah-consort anymore—the thought sends warmth flooding through my chest—soon she’ll be Hannah-wife.
And there she is, appearing at the far end of the room in that magnificent white dress that pools around her like moonlight on water.
When she insisted on bringing it from her old life, I didn’t understand.
Now, watching her move toward me with such grace and purpose, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for her foresight.
She takes my breath away.
It took a month for Romulus to weave protection runes around the entire castle, but I wouldn’t bring her home until I was certain she’d be safe. While he worked his magic, I took Hannah to Italy and an abandoned island I know well, where we could be alone with our love and our future.
The island holds dark memories for me. During Napoleon’s campaigns, it housed a sanatorium where victims of my plague were quarantined to die. I’d never brought anyone there before, but Hannah deserved to know all of me, even the darkest parts.
“Following my father’s orders, I brought sickness to many,” I confessed as we sat on crumbling stone steps overlooking the sea. “He called it ‘cleansing.’ I told myself humans were expendable because it was easier than admitting what I really knew.”
“You didn’t know better then,” she said softly.
“In my heart, I always knew it was wrong. But Father called such thoughts weakness and did his best to beat them out of me.” I looked around at the ghost-touched ruins. “The dead don’t forgive easily.”
Her fingers found the fur at my neck, gentle and accepting. “They don’t have to. All creatures deserve the chance to change. Take your second chance and do good now.”
As the sunset painted the distant city in gold, I took her hand in mine. “While you’re beside me, I will be the best version of myself.”
She rested her head on my shoulder, and when stars emerged overhead, she climbed into my lap and kissed me with such tender passion that I forgot everything but her love. We made our own heaven among those haunted stones, loving each other under infinite stars.
We spent that month healing together—making love, sharing meals we cooked from fish I caught, talking through our fears and dreams. Only when Romulus confirmed the castle was secure did I tell her it was time to go home.
“This has been like a wonderful honeymoon,” she said with a smile that made my heart race.
“What is this word?” I asked, genuinely curious.
Her cheeks turned the most delightful shade of pink. “It’s what couples call the vacation they take after their wedding.” Her expression fell slightly. “Though I guess we never actually had a wedding...”
She touched her growing belly absently, and something clicked into place.
“You are my consort,” I stated, confused by her disappointment.
Fire flashed in her eyes. “That’s not exactly the most romantic title, is it? What am I supposed to tell our child—that I’m Daddy’s consort?”
When she stalked away along the mossy ledge, I followed immediately. “I’ve displeased you, but I don’t understand why. Is this a human custom you desire?”
She spun to face me. “Well, I didn’t drag that ridiculous wedding dress halfway around the world for fun!”
Wedding... the word triggered old memories. “A binding ceremony?” I asked carefully, since she still looked ready to murder me.
Her expression softened. “Yes.”
I stepped closer, hope building in my chest. “And you would like this ceremony with me?”
“We’re about to be parents!” She threw her hands up. “So yes, it might be nice!”
I swept her into my arms, wings wrapping around us both. “Beloved,” I whispered against her ear, “I would bind myself to you in every way possible—by human custom, heavenly law, and any other tradition in existence if I knew them.”
“Really?” she squeaked.
My precious woman. Did she doubt how completely she owned my heart?
“Tell me what you need, and it will be done.”
Now, a week later, I stand at the front of our dining hall with my brothers at my side, watching my bride approach on a path scattered with rose petals. She explained that marriage isn’t a contract or deal—it’s a ceremony where partners make promises of love and loyalty to each other.
I didn’t understand the difference until I began preparing my vows. But now I do. This isn’t about possession or obligation. It’s about choice—choosing each other, every day, forever.
Hannah moves slowly to the music, her face hidden by delicate white lace. The beast in me wants to tear away every layer of fabric hiding her from me, but I’ve learned the beauty of anticipation. Tonight, I’ll unwrap my bride properly.
Thing stands before us as the officiant.
Some might find it morbid having Death perform a wedding, but I trust him more than anyone.
Besides, we monsters contain both darkness and light within us.
I am Pestilence, yes, but I’m also Healing.
My father forced me to embrace only destruction, but Hannah has shown me balance.
My brother looks magnificent in the suit Hannah sewed for him—six sleeves perfectly tailored, his massive frame dignified and calm. The transformation from the tortured beast he was to the gentle giant he’s become still amazes me.
Remus grins maniacally from the sidelines, but not even his chaos can diminish my joy today. He and Romulus protected Hannah during our separation, watching over her without her knowledge. I’m grateful to all my brothers for the men they’ve chosen to become.
Six months ago, I would have sworn change was impossible for creatures like us. But here we stand—a family built on love instead of fear, choosing tenderness over violence.
Though I should mention: anyone who threatens this family will discover I can still be merciless when it matters. My kindness is reserved for those I love. Everyone else will find me as dangerous as ever—perhaps more so, now that I have so much to protect.
Hannah’s hands tremble as she speaks her vows, her voice clear and strong despite her emotion.
“I, Hannah Elizabeth Levine, take you, Abaddon, to be my husband before God and these witnesses.” Her smile could outshine the sun. “I promise to be a faithful and true wife.”
When she slips the thick gold band over my claws, my chest tightens with overwhelming emotion. She’s binding herself to me by choice, not circumstance.
“In sickness and health, in poverty and wealth, I am yours. Forever.”
I have to swallow hard before I can speak my own vows. “I promise to protect you and our child, to keep you safe and cherished.” I press my ringed hand to her growing belly, and tears shimmer in her eyes.
“I promise to bring you joy instead of anguish, for as long as I draw breath.” I brush away her tears with gentle thumbs.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” I slide her delicate band onto her finger, completing the circle of our commitment. “I swear I will love you for eternity and beyond.”
Her answering smile is like a sunrise after the longest, darkest night of my existence.
Thing straightens with dignity, though I catch him wiping away a tear. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
I sweep Hannah into my arms, and as our lips meet, I taste forever. This fierce, beautiful woman chose me—not despite my darkness, but because she saw the light I could become.
Our kiss deepens as my brothers cheer behind us, and I know with absolute certainty: this is how love stories are supposed to end. Not with conquest or possession, but with two souls choosing each other freely, building something beautiful from the ashes of who they used to be.
My wife.
My beloved.
My salvation.
And this is only the beginning.