Chapter 60
AURORA
My heart pounds as I stand just outside the temple doors. Fiora hovers nearby, her delicate red wings flickering with nervous energy as she fusses over my gown. Her fingertips shimmer, magic crackling in the air as my dress shifts seamlessly from white to deep sapphire blue.
“No, no,” Maribel sighs dramatically. Magic sparks from her fingers and turns the dress into a yellow gold color. “It must be golden,” she insists. “That’s the color of royalty and strength.”
Lyria laughs, shaking her head in mild amusement.
Her emerald wings flutter, casting tiny, dancing shadows on the stone path as she flicks her hand, sending a spark of magic toward the dress.
The fabric ripples again, settling into an elegant lavender threaded with shimmering gold that catches the sunlight.
“It should be the color of the flag of Briarwyn,” she says.
“She is heir to the throne and today she will wed her prince consort before dozens of ambassadors from other kingdoms.”
“It’s perfect.” I brush my fingers over the silken fabric, admiring the beautiful color.
Maribel and Fiora nod in agreement before they throw their arms around me in a group hug. “You are beautiful, my dear,” Fiora whispers, tears in her eyes. “We are so happy for you.”
My father steps forward, his eyes shimmering with barely restrained emotion as he carefully places a delicate golden circlet upon my brow.
He leans forward, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. “You make me so very proud, Aurora,” he says, voice thick. “I’m so happy for you and Thalric.”
My mother wraps her arms around me, squeezing tight. “You have grown into the most extraordinary woman. We love you so much, my darling.”
“Shall we?” my father asks, offering me his arm.
Smiling, I loop my arm through his, and we step through the temple doors.
Sunlight spills through the stained-glass windows, painting the stone floors with rich pools of vibrant color. The air smells faintly of roses and lavender. My gaze locks onto Thalric, at the front of the temple, and everything else fades away.
He stands at the altar, tall and powerful, his gray skin seeming to glow beneath a beam of sunlight, his expression full of reverence and devotion. His massive wings are tucked at his back.
Off to the side, I notice Prince Ryllen, seated on the front row in a place of honor. He smiles warmly, dipping his chin in a subtle nod of support.
When I finally reach Thalric, I turn to face him. He extends his hands, his much larger palms engulfing mine. His touch is strong yet achingly gentle as the priest’s voice fills the temple, echoing against the stone walls.
“Blood of my blood, heart of my heart,” I speak the vows of binding. “I give you my vow as we two become one.”
Thalric’s voice is deep and resonant as he repeats the sacred words. “Blood of my blood, heart of my heart. I give you my vow as we two become one.” His golden eyes stare deep into mine. “You are my savryl… my wings; the one I protect with all that I am. You are mine, and I am yours. Always.”
After the priest bestows his blessing, Thalric pulls me close. He loops one arm around my waist and cups the back of my head with the other as he leans in and brushes his lips to mine in a tender kiss. Time seems to slow, the world narrowing to this perfect, precious moment between us.
When we part, my father steps forward once more, holding another crown—a gleaming gold circlet that matches mine. He places it solemnly atop Thalric’s brow and then addresses everyone in the temple.
“Today, we honor Thalric… not just as protector, but as family. Gargoyles have guarded the royal family of Briarwyn for generations, with unwavering loyalty, strength, and courage. This union is exactly as it should be, and we embrace him now as our prince and future king.”
My father turns to us. “May the gods bless your marriage and your future reign.”
Joyous cheers erupt throughout the temple, echoing off the stone walls. Eldrin, the Gargoyle guards, and the gathered knights raise their swords high, forming an arch for us to pass beneath.
Thalric lifts me effortlessly into his arms and carries me proudly down the aisle as people call out blessings and congratulations.
He looks down at me, and I can hardly contain my smile. This is the happiest day of my life, and this is only the beginning of our forever.