Novel & Cerita Vow Or Never

Either now or never. “Let's go in.”

Not ever. ‎

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Zane Blackwood and Sera Voss in holy matrimony. Marriage is a sacred covenant, a bond not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, in the fear of God and in the joy of love. Today, these two stand before us to pledge their lives to each other…” The words echoed off the vaulted ceilings, filling the space with an air of inevitability. I barely heard them. I couldn’t focus nor breathe. I could only stare at their joined hands, the fragile symbol of a future that wasn’t mine, and feel the agony of every heartbeat echoing against the hollow space inside me. My thoughts spun in frantic circles. Every vow spoken, every phrase a

I’ll never let that happen. Never.

I tried to straighten it in a way she couldn't guess the name as well. Ivy rolled her eyes at me, chewing loudly "Oh please, it's not like I haven't read each and every book in my library” I didn't say anything again. They still joked together but I had my eyes on the page, reading on from where the last section had left off. "The weakness of the Vorath” I whispered, flipping the pages slowly. The Vorath recoils from what it cannot consume. Its truest enemy is the light it cannot consume, though each time it doesn't feed on something dark.

His smile was dazzling each time I saw it. I pushed back the lump in my throat to recite the vows I had practiced day and night since I had fallen for him. "Let my vow to you be this: I will never stray from you, my love will only grow. I will protect you from harm, love you for eternity. Let my voice guide you should you be lost and my wings carry you and keep you warm. With this vow, I give my heart, body and soul to you." It was his turn to push back tears as his smile grew.

I demanded silently and breathlessly. “Never.” Sincerity and truthfulness. My heart froze for a milli-second at his reply. Pure and raw terror dawned on me at that moment. The fear had my throat constricting, my body going numb and my eyes widening. I’ve never been so scared of that word before. “Never.” It wasn’t just an answer. It felt like a promise. It felt like a vow. A vow of forever. A forever I never asked for. A forever I never wanted. I forever I feared and detested.

Not now. Not ever.