Page 59 of Angel of Ruin
He shakes his head. "You're mine. And all of New Solas needs to know that."
30
SARIEL
Istand at the entrance of the grand xaphan temple, my heart racing with anticipation. Today's the day I make Lyra mine forever. The sun's barely risen, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, but I've been awake for hours, unable to contain my excitement.
My wings twitch restlessly as I pace back and forth. I can't stop thinking about Lyra, imagining how she'll look in her ceremonial robes. It's taking every ounce of self-control not to fly straight to her chambers and whisk her away right now.
I'm about to do just that when I catch sight of Lyra's family arriving. Her parents look around in awe, clearly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the temple. It's a stark reminder of how far Lyra's come, how much she's achieved. Pride swells in my chest.
As the guests start to file in, I find myself growing impatient. The ceremony can't start soon enough. I want to see her, to hold her, to make her mine in front of everyone.
Which means I have to go inside.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I force my body to head toward the entrance. As I walk into the temple, the familiar scent of incense fills my nostrils. The interior is a sight to behold,even more breathtaking than usual. Flowers and ribbons adorn every surface, and soft music fills the air.
I take my place at the altar, trying to ignore the whispers and stares from the assembled crowd. Most are here out of curiosity. She's the only human who has earned her wings and to earn not just that but a soul bond intrigues many of the xaphan in New Solas.
It's not like I could force them away from a public temple.
But still, I know what they're thinking - the cold, ruthless xaphan, brought to his knees by a former human. Let them talk. Nothing matters except Lyra.
The minutes drag by like hours. I shift from foot to foot, my eyes fixed on the entrance. Any moment now, she'll walk through those doors. Any moment now, I'll see her face. Any moment now, she'll become mine forever.
As the ceremony begins, I feel my breath catch in my throat. The temple doors swing open, and there she is. Lyra. My Lyra.
She's a vision in white, her gown flowing around her like liquid moonlight. Her wings, still new and pristine, are folded neatly behind her back. But it's her face that captivates me. Her eyes shine with joy and determination, her chin held high. She's come so far from the timid human I first met, and I've never been more in love.
And her wings… They are out and on full display. Her white gown with gold thread complements them beautifully, and I clasp my hands, fighting the need to run my hands along them and hear her moan.
I did it enough last night.
Lyra begins her walk down the aisle, and I can't take my eyes off her. Each step brings her closer to me, closer to our future together. The crowd fades away, the music becomes a distant hum. All I can see is her.
As she approaches, I notice the subtle trembling of her hands. She's nervous, just like me. It's oddly comforting to know we're in this together, both of us stepping into uncharted territory.
When Lyra reaches the altar, she looks up at me with those deep blue eyes. A smile plays at the corners of her mouth, and I have to resist the urge to kiss her right then and there. Instead, I take her hands in mine, marveling at how perfectly they fit together.
"You look beautiful," I whisper, my voice rough with emotion.
Lyra squeezes my hands. "So do you," she murmurs back.
The Nashai steps forward, her golden robes shimmering in the temple's ethereal light. She raises her hands, calling for silence. The murmur of the crowd fades, and I feel Lyra's grip on my hands tighten.
"We gather here today," the Nashai begins, her voice resonating through the chamber, "to witness the binding of two souls. Sariel and Lyra, step forward."
We move as one, approaching the golden Orb of Solis that rests on a pedestal before us. Its surface gleams, seeming to pulse with an inner light.
"Do you, Sariel and Lyra, come here of your own free will, to be bound for eternity?" the Nashai asks.
"We do," we answer in unison. My voice is steady, but I can hear the slight tremor in Lyra's.
The Nashai nods, then turns her gaze skyward. "Great Solis, we invoke your presence. Bless this union and bind these souls as one."
As she speaks, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. The Nashai's hands begin to glow with magical energy, and I watch in awe as she weaves the intricate bonding spell.
A glowing tether of pure energy extends from her hands, connecting Lyra and me. It's beautiful and terrifying all at once. I can feel Lyra's pulse quickening through our joined hands.