He guided me up to the front of the altar, where Ibrahim was conducting the ceremony. The warlock smiled at all four of us, and gave a short speech welcoming everyone. I hardly heard a word he was saying. My body was so aware of Tejus’s hand in mine, his broad frame brushing against mine.
I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the breeze across my face.
I had been so anxious about this moment, so nervous. In that moment, the second that Tejus’s hand had touched mine, I realized that I needn’t have been. The ceremony was for my family and friends—it only served to make official what had already happened between us. Tejus and I had become one—heart, body and soul—when we had first made love. I was now as much a part of him as he was of me, and I could feel it, with every nerve in my body.
I reached out to him with my mind, wanting us in that moment to feel connected in every way possible. His energy was ready and waiting for mine, our bond strengthening as our minds entwined.
I’m in love with you, I said softly.
I’m in love with you too, he replied. You’re my life, Hazel. My heart wouldn’t beat without you. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I thank the gods for it, and I will spend the rest of my life loving you with everything that I have.
I smiled up at him, and then turned back to Ibrahim.
“Do you have your vows, Hazel?” the warlock asked me.
“Yes, I do.”
Sofia
I couldn’t believe that I was watching my granddaughter and Ruby get married. It seemed like only yesterday that I was watching Caleb and Rose doing the same thing—and not that long since Derek and I were celebrating our own nuptials. I became overwhelmed by a sense that time was passing so quickly, years feeling like months, weeks passing in just a day. I supposed it was to be expected with the immortal lives we led; I was glad that it didn’t make the precious moments seem fleeting. Some memories stayed with me forever, and life’s ups and downs were just as important to me as a vampire as they had been as a human.
Rose squeezed my hand just at the moment that Hazel began to speak her vows. In an unwavering, clear voice she addressed her husband.
“When we first met, you told me that you were selfish—so selfish that I couldn’t possibly comprehend it. I’m telling you today that I see you, that what you deem selfish in yourself, I find the exact opposite. You are brave and loyal, generous and courageous, and your love for me is unlimited and unconditional—I know this, because I feel it. You have been my protector, my compass, my best friend and my mirror. In turn, I promise to love and cherish you—to hold and guard your heart, to be your guiding light, as you have been mine.”
I brushed away a tear, the vision of Hazel in her white dress and her handsome sentry groom blurring. From her words, I sensed that she had found a love as deep and lasting as mine and Derek’s. I was witnessing souls that were truly entwined, that would stand the test of time.
Tejus paused before returning his vows. I could see his jaw clenching slightly—the sign of a man unused to emotion and trying to repress it.
“Hazel,” he replied in a hoarse voice, “being loved by you has been the most humbling experience of my life.” He moved closer to her, gently pulling her toward him. The couple had become completely unaware of the rest of us, their audience invisible as they created their own bubble consisting of just the two of them. “I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of you and your love. I offer myself to you completely. It was I who captured you, but it is you who has enslaved me. I am forever your lover, your servant, your friend—and I will remain so beyond my dying breath.”
The couple kissed, Tejus’s hand brushing against her jawline with the same reverence as if she were a precious jewel.
The ceremony continued, Ash and Ruby exchanging equally beautiful vows that tugged at my heart. All four of them had been through so much together, to see them come out the other side, stronger and more sure of themselves, was so life-affirming I could feel the entire audience being moved—the love displayed at the altar being shared by every single member of GASP in one way or another.
I looked around at the other guests. I could see Lucas and Marion with Avril, looking like a happy family unit—Avril’s arms were wrapped around Lucas’s neck as he held her up to see the ceremony. If that didn’t show how transformative and altering love could be, then nothing did. It was lovely to finally see Lucas so content, and so dedicated to ensuring the happiness of his family. Jeramiah and Pippa, his wife, stood nearby, both families growing so much closer over time. Lawrence and Grace were standing behind me, both so happy to be home and finally able to get into the routine of their married life—the Nevertide mission had come so soon after their return from their honeymoon, there had hardly been time to adapt to their newly married status at The Shade.