MasukThe celebration spilled through the courtyard like a living thing. Lanterns swayed overhead, casting warm light over long wooden tables cluttered with cups, bottles, and half-eaten food.
Laughter rang freely, unrestrained, echoing off stone walls that had witnessed far too much tension in recent days.
Tonight, that tension was gone.
Zander leaned back in his chair, one arm slung over the backrest, a cup of strong liquor raised high. “To our reckless king,” he announced, voice carrying easily. “Who lost his powers, nearly lost his life, found his mate, and somehow still managed to get married.”
A roar of cheers answered him.
Cup
After the fireworks had faded into the night sky, Gavriel gently guided Althea back down to the hall where the celebration continued. Her eyes were still bright from the show, cheeks flushed from the excitement, and she held his hand tightly as they walked.The music had softened to a lively hum, but the courtiers and guests were still laughing, dancing, and raising goblets in celebration.Althea’s stomach grumbled audibly, making her glance at Gavriel with a sheepish grin. “I’m hungry,” she admitted.Gavriel chuckled and led her to the banquet table, where platters of roasted meats, fruits, and sweet delicacies waited. She eagerly took a plate, filling it with a little of everything, eyes wide at the sight of the colorful desserts.
The celebration spilled through the courtyard like a living thing. Lanterns swayed overhead, casting warm light over long wooden tables cluttered with cups, bottles, and half-eaten food.Laughter rang freely, unrestrained, echoing off stone walls that had witnessed far too much tension in recent days.Tonight, that tension was gone.Zander leaned back in his chair, one arm slung over the backrest, a cup of strong liquor raised high. “To our reckless king,” he announced, voice carrying easily. “Who lost his powers, nearly lost his life, found his mate, and somehow still managed to get married.”A roar of cheers answered him.Cup
Althea’s vision blurred and tears spilled down her cheeks before she realized they had formed. She felt it. Not as a memory alone, but as truth. This man had truly loved her. Meanwhile, Gavriel saw her crying and panic flared in his chest. He broke from tradition without hesitation, quickening his steps until he reached her. His hands hovered, unsure if he should touch her, afraid he might overwhelm her.“Althea,” he whispered urgently. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain?”She shook her head, tears still falling, and looked up at him. “No,” she said softly. “I just… I remember how you made me feel.”His breath stilled. Before he could speak, the officiant cleared his throat gently, signaling that the ceremony must continue. So they took their places.The officiant spoke of unity born not from conquest, but from choice. Of two souls bound not only by fate, but by sacrifice and faith. Of kingdoms learning that strength did not always come from power, but from love willingly given.When th
Althea caught sight of it in the mirror and turned at once. “Melva…”Melva tried to laugh it off, but more tears followed. “I’m sorry,” she said, hastily wiping her face. “I just—” She shook her head. “I’m just so happy for you. After everything you went through. After all the pain. You finally get the life you deserve.”Before Melva could say more, Althea stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her.Melva stiffened in surprise, then melted into the embrace, clutching Althea tightly as she sobbed softly.“Thank you,” Althea said quietly. “For staying with me. For believing in me.”Melva pulled back, still teary-eyed, and sniffed. “I would do it all over again.”Althea smiled, her eyes still shining. Then, as if to lighten the moment, she tilted her head and said, “You know… once all of this is over, I might have to persuade the King to let us leave early tomorrow.”Melva blinked. “What?”Althea grinned knowingly. “You miss Simon.”Melva’s face instantly turned red. “My Lady!”“I m
“Yes,” Althea sincerely replied. “You’ve given up so much for me. Time. Your kingdom. Your peace. And I’m afraid I’m holding you back.”At that, his hand at her waist tightened just a little.“Never say that again,” he said, his voice low and steady. “You are not a burden. You never were.”She swallowed. “But—”He leaned down slightly, his forehead almost touching hers. “I stayed because I chose to. Because I wanted to. Because being here with you mattered more than anything else at that moment.”Her breath trembled.“And it still does,” he added.For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, slowly, Gavriel released her waist, though his hand lingered just long enough for her to feel the warmth of his touch fade.“You should rest a bit more,” he said, his tone gentler now. “Today will be long.”She nodded, still a little dazed. “You too.”As she turned and walked toward the bedchamber this time, he did not stop her. But her heart kept racing long after she lay down, and she knew one thi
Elior nodded, his expression calm. “Those are unclean spirits and demons that produced them. They linger close to humans, whispering corruption, seeking to influence, to twist, and sometimes to possess. Do not be deceived, my lady. Those who fell from His grace, the fallen angels who became demons, are far more dangerous. Many of them will not appear terrifying at all. They are masters of deception and often wear faces that seem harmless.”He turned to her fully then, his voice gentle but firm. “Remember this. Sight alone is not a burden. With faith, it becomes protection. And with faith, it becomes power to stand against them.”Althea slowly exhaled, absorbing his words. Her gaze then drifted across the courtyard, where she spotted Gavriel in the distance, standing beside Zander. The two men were deep in conversation, unaware they were being watched.“There’s something around them,” Althea said quietly. Elior followed her line of sight and gave a knowing smile. “Indeed. Both of them







