Later that same day, the official engagement ceremony of Helena Sunfire and Seraphina Ashwood unfolded beneath the sky.
The entire empire shimmered beneath cascades of golden lantern light and oceans of flowers that spilled across balconies, rooftops, and temple stairs.
Drawn images of Aether soared high above in kite form, drifting like blessings carried by the wind.
The banners of Aether, Helena, and Sera fluttered proudly from every tower and gate, their colours rippling through the air while children ran beneath them laughing, chasing ribbons, playing as if joy itself had taken physical shape and decided to dance among the streets.
A grand stage had been built in Aether's land, the very land Sera had officially gifted to him.
