Chapter 107: Chapter 107 Marriage Again
Victoria
Six months after Marcus’s defeat, I stood before the ancient mirror in what had once been Aurora’s room, now completely transformed into my bridal suite. The reflection staring back at me was barely recognizable as the frightened eighteen-year-old who had fled to Devil’s Lair all those months ago.
My wedding gown was a masterpiece of fairy craftsmanship—flowing silk the color of moonbeams, embroidered with silver threads that seemed to capture and hold light. The bodice was fitted perfectly to my curves, while the skirt flowed like water around my legs. A crown of living flowers rested on my head, their petals shimmering with the same ethereal glow that now seemed to emanate naturally from my skin.
"You look absolutely radiant, darling," my mother said from behind me, her own gown a complementary shade of deep forest green. Elisabeth had recovered fully from her ordeal, and the months of healing had restored not just her health but her joy. She looked more beautiful than ever as she adjusted the delicate veil that cascaded down my back.
"I can’t believe this day is finally here," I whispered, my hands trembling slightly as I touched the silver pendant at my throat—Leo’s first gift to me, now restrung on a chain of fairy-wrought silver.
"Nervous?" Elisabeth asked with a knowing smile.
"Excited," I corrected. "We’ve been through so much together. This feels like... like we’re finally stepping into the life we were meant to have."
A gentle knock at the door interrupted us. "Come in," I called.
Emma burst through the door, resplendent in her maid of honor dress of soft blue silk. "Victoria! You look like an actual fairy princess! I mean, I know you technically are one, but wow!"
Behind her, Lilith entered more sedately, elegant in her bridesmaid gown of dusty rose. She’d been a steady source of support during the wedding planning, her organizational skills proving invaluable. Enzo’s recovery had been slow but steady, and seeing his mate happy had been a crucial part of his healing process.
"The guests are all seated," Lilith reported efficiently. "Elder Maxwell is ready to begin the ceremony, and Leo... well, let’s just say he’s been pacing the altar area for the last twenty minutes."
I laughed, imagining my usually composed Alpha reduced to nervous energy. "How does he look?"
"Like he’s about to marry the love of his life," Emma said with a dreamy sigh. "Seriously, Victoria, the way that man looks at you should be illegal. Tiny keeps having to remind him to breathe."
The mention of Tiny made Emma’s cheeks pink slightly, and I exchanged an amused glance with my mother. Everyone had noticed how often Emma had been finding excuses to visit Howlthorne Manor lately, and how Tiny’s usually gruff demeanor softened whenever she was around.
"Speaking of Tiny," I said innocently, "Emma, that’s a lovely necklace you’re wearing. Is it new?"
Emma’s hand flew to the delicate silver chain at her throat, her blush deepening. "It’s... Tiny gave it to me last week. He said it would bring out my eyes."
"How thoughtful of him," Elisabeth said with barely contained mirth.
Before Emma could respond, another knock came at the door. This time it was Rosa, practically glowing with pride in her formal housekeeper’s dress.
"It’s time, Miss Victoria," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Dominic would be so proud."
My throat tightened with sudden emotion. My father should have been here to walk me down the aisle, to see his daughter finally finding the happiness she deserved. But in his absence, Uncle Alessio had agreed to escort me—a choice that felt right in every way.
"Ready?" Elisabeth asked, squeezing my hand.
I took a deep breath, feeling Ava’s presence strong and calm within my consciousness. My wolf was practically purring with contentment, eager to officially claim our mate before the entire pack.
"Ready," I said firmly.
The ceremony was being held in the restored Moon Temple, now cleansed and sanctified once again. As we approached the ancient structure, I could see it glowing softly in the late afternoon light, the fairy magic I’d woven into its stones making it seem almost ethereal.
Hundreds of guests filled the temple grounds—wolves from all the major packs, representatives from smaller territories, even some human dignitaries from the nearby cities. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of the new alliance that had emerged from our victory over Marcus.
Uncle Alessio waited for me at the temple entrance, distinguished in his formal suit. Despite his omega status, he carried himself with quiet dignity that commanded respect from every wolf present.
"You look beautiful, child," he said softly, offering me his arm. "Your parents would be bursting with pride."
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice thick with gratitude for this man who had been a father figure when I needed one most.
As we entered the temple, every head turned toward us, but I only had eyes for the man waiting at the altar.
Leo stood beneath an arch of living branches I had grown specifically for the occasion, their leaves shimmering silver and gold in the temple’s mystical light. He wore a midnight blue suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and commanding presence, but his expression as he watched me approach was soft with wonder and love.
Beside him stood Tiny as his best man, looking unusually formal but unable to hide his grin. I caught him sneaking glances toward where Emma sat in the front row, and had to suppress a smile of my own.