Epilogue
The ceremony was breathtaking. The forest, with its towering trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, was transformed into an enchanted wonderland.
Hortense’s touch was evident in every detail.
She grinned as she lifted her hands, caressing the ancient trees, and they responded with a quiet grace.
The branches leaned closer, creating a natural cathedral of greenery.
Soft, golden leaves floated gently down like confetti, catching the light and shimmering as they fell.
Sorcia and Marcus stood at the heart of it all, surrounded by an audience of witches, shifters, elves, and vampires—groups that had once been wary of one another, now united in celebration.
A circle of lanterns floated midair, their warm glow casting an ethereal light over the couple.
The aisle leading to them was a carpet of petals in every imaginable shade, blending harmoniously with the mossy earth beneath.
“I vow to you, Marcus Tinsley, that I pledge my life and my soul to you, forevermore,” Sorcia declared, her voice steady and filled with emotion. As she spoke, she lifted her hand, and a delicate zap of light sparked from her fingertip, traveling toward the space between them.
“And you, Sorcia, I pledge my life and my soul to you, forevermore,” Marcus responded, his deep voice resonating through the forest. A moment later, he sent his own spark of light to meet hers.
The two lights twirled and intertwined, shimmering as they joined.
Then, with a quiet burst, the combined light shattered into a cascade of tiny sparks that rained down on the couple, each one illuminating the scene like tiny stars.
Suddenly, as if the forest itself was alive, a branch extended gently, nudging Sorcia and Marcus forward, pressing them closer. Sorcia glanced over at Hortense, whose emerald-green skin was glowing faintly with joy. The elf simply grinned, clearly delighted by her subtle meddling.
Sorcia smiled and rose on her toes to kiss Marcus.
The moment their lips met, the earth around them seemed to come alive.
Flowers of every color imaginable blossomed in an instant—violets, daisies, roses, and wildflowers native to the forest floor.
Their vibrant hues painted the ground in a living tapestry, the sweet fragrance mingling with the crisp scent of the trees.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Sorcia and Marcus pulled away from the kiss, their hands still entwined. The canopy above them swayed gently, showering another soft flurry of leaves. For a moment, they were oblivious to everything around them, caught in their own perfect world.
The celebration that followed was equally magical.
Long wooden tables were adorned with garlands of ivy and wildflowers, laden with food and drink that seemed endless.
The elves had provided mead that sparkled like liquid sunlight, while the shifters brought hearty roasted meats.
The vampires added their unique delicacies, ensuring everyone had something to enjoy.
Laughter filled the air as witches danced with shifters, elves conversed with vampires, and centuries-old barriers seemed to dissolve in the light of the union. The trees formed an open-air ballroom, their trunks glowing faintly as if basking in the happiness of the moment.
Sorcia and Marcus stood at the center of it all, surrounded by love and unity. It was more than just their wedding—it was the beginning of a new world, a new era of harmony between the groups. Together, they would face whatever challenges the future held, hand in hand.