It’s me and her.
Lyra and I stand facing each other, Drew to my right and our friends and family seated to my left. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, streams of warm sunlight shooting across the terrace in long beams as the sun begins its descent from the sky, and candles flicker to life all around us.
Drew’s voice breaks the silence, jolting me back to reality.
“Welcome, honored guests, to a ceremony unlike any other. Today we gather not merely to witness a union but to celebrate a convergence of destinies, a merging of souls forged in the fires of fate. Under the watchful eyes of our gods, we honor the love that binds Colton and Lyra. This is a ceremony of blood and spirit, where life forces entwine and two hearts beat as one. Through blood, we acknowledge the sacrifices made and the strength shared. Through the bonding of souls, we embrace the eternal bond that transcends the physical realm.”
She pauses, her gaze moving from me to Lyra then back to the crowd. Her voice hangs in the air, a palpable magic surrounding us.
“As we begin, let us remember that love is the most potentmagic of all, capable of transforming darkness into light and despair into hope. Let us now complete the ceremony that will forever bind these two souls as one,” she finishes, her voice carrying across the terrace.
“I understand the two of you would like to say a few words to each other with all of us as your witnesses before blood is shared,” Drew says. Lyra and I nod in unison.
“Colton, please go first,” Drew says.
I take a slow, steadying breath, stepping forward and taking both of Lyra’s hands in mine. Her hands are warm and soft, grounding me in this surreal moment. I glance down at our joined hands then back up to her eyes. In this moment, it’s me and her.
“Lyra,” I begin, exhaling slowly, “standing here with you today, I am reminded of all the moments that brought us to this point. You are the most resilient person I have ever known. Through every trial, every shadow, and every obstacle, you have emerged stronger, refusing to let the darkness define you. Instead, you shape it, turning it into something beautiful and powerful.
“Your magic, though dark and mysterious, is a testament to your strength and will. But what makes you truly remarkable is your heart. No matter how dark the path, you always choose to do good. Your soul shines with a light that no shadow can dim. You are a beacon of hope, not only for me but for everyone who is fortunate enough to know you.”
I pause, squeezing her hands slightly and watching her eyes glisten with fresh tears. I take a deep steadying breath and continue.
“We share a love for creatures, and I have seen your empathy and kindness extend to even the smallest beings. Your compassion is boundless, and your ability to see the beauty in everything, even in the darkest places, inspires me every day.
“You are incredibly beautiful, both inside and out. Your strength, your kindness, your unwavering spirit—these are the things that make you who you are. And it is these qualities that have captured my heart completely.
“Today, I vow to stand by your side through every storm, every dark day and every unseen challenge that lies ahead. I vow to support you, to protect you, and to love you with everything I am. Our bond is more than just a connection; it is a merging of souls. You make me better, and I promise to cherish you, to honor you, and to never take for granted the incredible gift that is your love.
“My shadow, my dark enchantress, my heart, my soul, my mate, my everything—I am yours, now and forever, in this life and the next.”
A wave of emotion washes over me. I never thought I could feel so vulnerable yet so strong at the same time. Looking into Lyra’s eyes, I see the same intensity and love mirrored back at me. It’s like the entire world has faded away, leaving the two of us standing in this sacred space.
My heart races as I think about everything we’ve been through. Every challenge, every moment of doubt, every dark day has led us to this moment. She has been my anchor, my light in the darkness, and now I am hers.
“Now, Lyra, what would you like to say to Colton?” Drew asks, bringing our focus back.
Lyra takes a deep breath, her eyes locking onto mine. “Colton, before you came into my life, I was in a dark place, broken and unsure of how to piece myself back together. But you didn’t just help me put those pieces back together—you showed me how to rebuild myself.”
I watch as her lips part and her tongue flicks out to wet them before she inhales and continues. “No matter how much I pushed you away, you stuck by me. Youhealed my heart and made it whole again. Your strength and love made me stronger, and every good quality I have, I owe to you being by my side and believing in me. Your love has given me the courage to face my inner demons, not only to overcome them but to harness that darkness for good.”
She pauses, pressing her lips together as a single tear streams down her face. Chepi swoops in and licks her cheek, nudging her with his nose, causing a sweet smile to spread across her face. My heart swells, seeing her strength and vulnerability combined.
“I was so afraid of prophecies and making the right choice, but then I realized it was never about who is the light and who is the dark, because to me, you will always be my light. I can’t imagine a world or realm where you’re not by my side. I would rather suffer an eternity of night with you than the most beautiful day in the sunshine alone.”
She stops, and I squeeze her hands, letting her know it’s okay. I want her to say everything she needs to say. Right now, we’re in our own bubble.
“You are my person, and I vow to stand by your side and love you with my entire being for all of eternity because my heart belongs to you. There is no me without you. I am ready to bond our souls together because you are my soulmate and we are destined to be together. True fated mates, my soul recognizes your soul.
“Colton, my heart, my soul, my light in the darkness—I am yours, now and always. Let’s start our forever today and follow each other into the darkness if that be our fate.”
She finishes, her voice filled with unwavering love and conviction. I feel a profound sense of completeness wash over me. This is our moment, our eternity beginning now.
Chapter 32
Nyx
“Now,each of you, give me your left hand,” Drew says.
