Ritual

The signal was given, and everyone took their places. Brian was already waiting at the altar, eagerly anticipating Stella’s arrival, while Andriel and Taylor entered together, hand in hand. Though Andriel outranked Taylor in the hierarchy, walking side by side was a clear statement that he didn’t see Taylor as lesser. To Andriel, Taylor was his equal, and he wanted them to be seen as such by all—not just as a couple, but as rulers.

At the altar, they stood shoulder to shoulder, turning to witness Stella’s entrance. As she walked down the aisle, illuminated by the flickering torchlight, Brian’s smile widened. His heart raced, and his inner wolf howled in ecstasy. To him, Stella looked more breathtaking and radiant than ever.

Stella’s dress was simple yet elegant, fitted to her body down to her knees before gently flaring out, with a long train that trailed across the grass, strewn with rose petals. In that moment, she was the epitome of beauty and grace. Brian’s heart swelled with prid