Chapter 31
Ara
The gatheredAthonians erupted in cheers as we walked down a flower petal strewn path toward the waiting platform. Strips of blue and gold silk were draped across the top, creating a shimmering canopy. Behind the platform, we could see the sun dipping low into the horizon as it made its descent to night.
Bahar stood patiently, a look of pure devotion in his shining eyes. He wasn’t aware of anything around him. His attention was completely focused on Cora. Warmth spread in my chest and I felt hopeful for them. Next to him, a priestess in a white peplos waited silently for the bride’s arrival.
I noticed the few dozen dragons who’d traveled with Bahar. He left most of his men and his brother behind to try and retake Drakous while the king was occupied here. We’d be fighting a difficult battle on both fronts against the fae.
Music began and I forced myself to the present moment. This might not be the wedding Cora imagined, but I was determined to make it special for her. Fixing a smile on my face, I looked around at the faces of these gathered. The vampires from Thebes were standing to one side, the Athonians keeping their distance from the group. Soldiers in uniforms and citizens were intermingled, everyone striving for a view of the bride. A perfume of jasmine and tuberose filled my nose, their scents thick in the warm evening air.
Aunt Katerina was standing about halfway down the path in a formal teal peplos. Cora paused, releasing Lagina so she could give the older woman a hug.
“You’re going to be a wonderful queen.” Aunt Katerina said, her voice thick with emotion. She held her in her arms for a few heartbeats, and when she stepped back, she wiped tears from her cheek. “You make all of Athos proud.”
Cora kissed our aunt on the cheek, then whispered something I couldn’t hear, before looping her arm through Lagina’s again. We continued along the flower petal strewn path.
We reached the platform and Lagina held Cora’s hand as the bride climbed the steps. A breeze made Cora’s skirt ruffle and flow as she stepped onto the platform. Lagina released her hand, then moved to the side next to me and Sophia. Ryvin, Vanth, and Argus joined the crowd nearby.
As Cora faced Bahar, he looked like he’d just had every wish he’d ever made come true all at once. Cora’s expression was similar. It made my heart swell to see the joy in their expressions. I knew she’d dreaded this, but I was so grateful that she wasn’t anymore.
The priestess lifted her hands, indicating that the ceremony would begin. She began by dedicating the ceremony to Hera, the goddess of marriage, then she guided the couple through making offerings of oil and wine. A jeweled knife was used to cut a lock of Cora’s hair, another offering to the goddess.
“This union will not only unite two great kingdoms, Athos and Drakous,” the priestess said, “but it unites two people who will become one. As a symbol of your connection, please join hands.”
Cora and Bahar took hold of each other’s hands and I noticed a pink flush on my sister’s face.
“Under the protection of Hera, we ask that you bless this marriage with harmony and prosperity,” the priestess said. “King Bahar, you may unveil your bride.”
Bahar didn’t move. He and Cora were staring at each other so intently, I thought they might have forgotten there was anyone else present. The priestess cleared her throat and Bahar caught himself, looking over at the priestess.
“You may unveil your bride,” she repeated.
Sophia and Lagina took hold of my hands and squeezed. We were all leaning forward in anticipation.
Bahar gently lifted the veil, folding it back so it uncovered Cora’s face. His whole expression softened. “My wife.”
“My husband,” Cora whispered.
“Under the watchful eyes of the gods, I declare you husband and wife,” the priestess called.
Bahar closed the distance between them and pulled Cora into his arms. She leaned up expectantly as he leaned down. They met in the most careful, gentle kiss I’d ever seen. It was sweet and cautious. It was nothing like Cora, so I knew that was Bahar trying to be a gentleman.
Cora threw her arms around his neck, then pulled him tighter and the kiss intensified. Everyone cheered and people threw flower petals into the air. I joined in the celebration, clapping and cheering along with everyone else.
When the newlyweds came up for air, they were both beaming. They lifted their arms into the air, huge smiles on their faces.
Suddenly, dark shadows swirled around them, blocking them from view. The cheers turned to screams, and I frantically looked for Ryvin while feeling for my magic. Had I done that? Had my emotions brought shadows? More shadows descended from the sky, creating an ominous cloud over the whole orchard.
People were shoving and screaming, everyone fleeing from the orchard back to their tents or away from the smothering darkness. Ryvin found me and wrapped his arms around me. “That’s not you, is it?”
I shook my head. “It’s not you, either, right?”
“No.” His jaw tensed, then he released me. “Where are you, Mother?”
The shadows swirled around us, forming a vortex right in front of the platform. I ran around it, trying to reach Cora. She was huddled in Bahar’s arms, but thankfully, the swirling shadows weren’t touching them. I stopped in front of them, my arms outstretched protectively, ready to fight if needed.
The spiral of shadows narrowed, swirling and twisting until it finally shrunk away, revealing Nyx standing where they’d once been.
“I didn’t realize I’d arrived on such an auspicious occasion.” Nyx inclined her head. “My congratulations to the bride and groom.”
“Why are you here?” I demanded. “I completed your tasks.”
People were still screaming and running, but some of them had stopped to watch. It wasn’t everyday a goddess dropped in. Until I traveled to Konos, I’d never seen a god or goddess. Now, I couldn’t seem to get away from them.
“You proved your point,” Ryvin said, moving closer to his mother. “You nearly killed Ara.”
“I knew she’d go after you, truthfully, but I didn’t expect that you would find a way to keep her alive,” Nyx replied. “I’m impressed.”
Ryvin tensed, his hands balled into fists.
“Don’t,” I warned. “She has to keep her word.”
“Oh, I’ll keep my word,” Nyx said, glancing at me before returning her attention to her son. “And I am here to give you my blessing.”
“I’m not sure I want your blessing after what you did,” Ryvin gritted out.
“Forgive me if I didn’t truly believe that any human could be worthy,” she said. “But your mate proved me wrong. More than once.”
“Powerful Nyx, how honored we are that you’ve graced us with your presence.” Lagina had approached the platform and was in a low curtsy in front of the goddess.
Nyx cocked her head to the side like a cat investigating something unusual. “And you are?”
Lagina maintained her low curtsey, keeping her head down. “I am Lagina, Queen of Athos.”
“I keep forgetting that old monster is dead,” Nyx said. “How unfortunate that you had to have him as a father.”
“I am not my father,” Lagina said, a note of defiance in her tone.
Nyx arched a brow. “Rise, Queen of Athos.”
Lagina stood. “If you’d give me the honor of your time, I’d like to show you the temple we are erecting in your honor.” Lagina clasped her hands in front of her and waited patiently.
“You actually are building a temple? I thought it was just an idea when it showed up in Ara’s dream,” Nyx looked from Lagina, to me, then to Ryvin. He nodded.
“So the humans learned their lesson from the darkness I bestowed on them,” she said.
“It was an excellent reminder of your power and your abilities. It made me realize how wrong it was that my father never honored you properly. You are just as worthy of a grand temple as Athena,” Lagina said.
Nyx straightened, her chin rising even more. “Finally, someone with sense ruling the humans. Please, take me to this temple.”
They started to walk, then Nyx turned back, returning to me. She stretched out her hand, then opened her fingers to reveal two items in her palm. “I believe I owe you these.”
Gratitude overcame me. I never thought I’d see my mother’s gifts again. I took them from Nyx, then quickly affixed them around my neck. “Thank you.”
Nyx gave me a half smile. “Do come by and visit Obsidian sometime. He took a liking to you.” Then she glanced at Bahar and Cora. “You two make a lovely couple.”
She stepped closer to them, and Bahar tightened his grip around Cora. My sister was shaking. Nyx waved her hand and a spiral of shadows appeared, then she reached into the shadows and pulled out a knife. Bahar quickly pushed Cora behind him, and Ryvin unsheathed the sword at his side.
“Everyone calm down.” Nyx turned the weapon so she was holding the blade, presenting the hilt toward Bahar. “Now, remove yourself sir. This is a gift for the bride.”
Bahar hesitated, but eventually moved enough that Cora could reach for the hilt. She took it awkwardly.
“This weapon will instantly kill your mate no matter where you strike him with it. Even if it’s just a graze on his flesh.” Nyx was smiling.
Cora held the weapon out away from her as if it were poisonous. She looked up at Nyx, wide-eyed.
“You don’t have his powers. This will even the playfield.” Nyx winked. She turned her gaze to Bahar. “If you take it from her or have it destroyed, I will know, and I will come for Drakous.”
“What a lovely gift,” Lagina said loudly.
“Yes, lovely,” Bahar grunted.
“Thank you,” Cora managed.
“It won’t harm her, if you’re wondering,” Nyx said to Bahar. “So she can sleep with it under her pillow every night if needed.”
“I hope she won’t feel the need, but if it makes her feel safer, it’s welcome in our bed,” Bahar said.
Nyx gave him an appreciative nod, then turned to Lagina. “Shall we?”
It wasn’t until Lagina and Nyx were out of sight that the music began again and the party truly started. Platters of food were brought out and people ate and danced and laughed. Torches were lit so the party could continue long after the sunset. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen this much joy.
Ryvin offered his hand. “Care for a dance?”
I grinned, accepting it. We both knew this happiness was fleeting, but we took it, spending the next few hours spinning and dancing until we were breathless.
By the time the celebration slowed, I was so exhausted I had to lean on Ryvin on the walk back to my room. It had been so long since I’d been tired for a good reason.
That night, I fell asleep with Ryvin’s arms around me, and my mother’s returned gifts. For the first time in a long time, I felt hope.