The priest smiled warmly. "Shall we begin?"
The ceremony was small, intimate — but it was perfect.
Tears streamed down Stella's face as she repeated her vows. Her voice cracked, her heart hammering wildly.
"I've loved you for as long as I can remember," she began. "Even when you left, even when I thought you were gone — you were always here." She pressed a hand to her heart. "And I promise… I will love you in this life and the next. In fire and in water. Always. Even after I die"
Simon's eyes darkened with pure, unrelenting possession and love.
"My turn," he murmured.
And god — when he spoke, everyone felt the weight of his love.
"I've been to the darkest parts of the world. I've done things that I already told you but I know that you deserve better than that darkness. But you —" his voice cracked. "You dragged me back. Wrapped your light around me. "
Stella smiled through her tears.
"You don't even know what you've done to me, Stella. You've ruined me in the most beautiful way. And if there's one thing I know for certain in this cursed life of mine — it's that you were made for me. And I was made for you. You will always belong to this beast"
The priest smiled, his voice gentle. "The rings, please."
Gigi stepped forward, handing Simon a simple, elegant platinum band. His fingers trembled slightly as he took it.
Simon swallowed hard, his gaze locking with Stella's. "With this ring, I bind myself to you. Heart, body, and soul. I'm yours, Stella. And nothing — will ever change that."
Stella's chest heaved, and Agatha placed the second ring in her hand. She blinked through her tears, her voice shaking. "With this ring, I give you everything I am. My love, my strength, my heart. You've always been mine, Simon — and now, I'll always be yours."
Her fingers trembled as she slid the ring onto his finger. Simon's jaw clenched as though trying to suppress the overwhelming emotion surging through him.
The priest's voice cracked. "Do you, Simon Winchester, take Stella Adams as your wife—"
" Yes, I do," Simon said, making everyone smile softly through their tears.
"And do you, Stella Adams, take Simon Winchester as your husband through your sickness, health, wealth, till death do us apart."
"Yes. Forever, yes."
"Then by the power vested in me—"
Simon didn't even wait. His mouth crashed against hers — desperate, claiming, unrelenting. His hand fisted her hair, the other gripping her waist as if she might disappear.
"You're mine now," he growled against her lips. "Forever."
Stella gasped into his mouth. "Forever."
And the whole forest erupted in applause.
As the wedding wrapped up, Stella sat with Mallory and Noami, the three of them soaking in the moment.
"I'll be back," Noami said, flashing a soft smile before excusing herself.
Stella turned to Mallory, noticing her distant expression. "You're not happy," she observed quietly.
Mallory exhaled, her gaze fixed on the grass. "It's not that I'm not happy. It's just…" she trailed off. "A part of me still thinks he's going to break your heart. But another part of me knows I'm wrong. I'm just… not ready to accept it yet."
Stella smiled faintly. "He won't, Mal. I know he won't. Anyway, are you guys staying the night?"
Mallory shook her head. "No, we're leaving in about an hour. The flight's already set."
Stella's smile dimmed slightly, but she nodded. "Thanks for coming."
Mallory turned to her, offering a small but sincere smile. "Congratulations, Stella. Really."
"Thank you," Stella whispered.
"I'll be back," Mallory said before walking off, leaving Stella alone for a moment.
Mallory stepped outside the gazebo, breathing in the cool night air. She stared into the darkness, her mind cluttered with thoughts, when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she found Simon approaching.
"Enjoying the fresh air?" Simon asked, his tone light.
Mallory didn't respond immediately. Instead, she turned back to face the night sky. "I still don't trust you," she admitted plainly.
Simon's jaw flexed, but his tone remained calm. "I'll never hurt her."
Mallory let out a bitter chuckle. "You better not. She's my only friend. If you break her heart, I'll destroy you myself."
Simon laughed lowly. "You're welcome to try," he said, amused. Then his tone softened. "But I meant what I said. I'd die before I ever hurt her."
Silence hung between them before Mallory finally asked, "Why haven't you tried to kill me yet?"
Simon's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "Two reasons. One, you mean the world to Stella. And two…" He hesitated before adding, "You remind me of my sister."
Mallory turned sharply, surprised. "I'm not her reincarnation, Simon."
"I know," Simon admitted. "But your stubbornness, your loyalty, your fierce protection — it's the same. And it's why I respect you."
Mallory looked away, unsure of how to respond. Without another word, Simon walked back toward the gazebo, leaving her lost in thought.
Inside, Stella sat with Noami, Blake, and Rocco, laughing softly.
"So… when can we expect little Winchesters running around?" Rocco teased, grinning mischievously.
Stella's face turned crimson. "It's barely been an hour since we got married!"
Blake chuckled. "He's got a point, though."
"We're not rushing anything," Stella said firmly, glaring at Rocco. "And don't you dare put ideas in Simon's head."
The group laughed, and Noami leaned into Blake, a smile playing on her lips. "Actually… we've been talking about getting married too."
Stella's face lit up. "Are you serious?"
Blake grinned. "Yeah. We've been planning it for a while now."
"Oh my god, congratulations!" Stella said, pulling both of them into a hug.
"Thanks," Noami smiled. "And actually… I have something for you." She pulled out a small brown bag and handed it to Stella. "A wedding gift from us."
Stella took it, her heart warm. "Thank you, Noa."
"They should've been here," Noami murmured, her voice cracking slightly.
Stella swallowed hard. "If I ever see them again… it won't end well."
Noami hugged her tightly. "Why did they have to turn on us?"
"They didn't turn," Stella said bitterly. "They were always like that. We just didn't see it."
Blake cleared his throat, pulling them from the gloom. "Come on, today's about happiness. No more ugly memories."
Stella smiled faintly, nodding. "You're right. Today is a good day."
Elizabeth, Agatha, and Simon approached them, a warm smile on Elizabeth's face.
"You guys don't mind if I steal my granddaughter for a while, do you?" Elizabeth said playfully, already pulling Stella away. Agatha and Simon followed closely behind.
"You're married now," Elizabeth said softly, looking at Stella with a fond smile. "Feels like just yesterday you were ten, running around with your wild curls. And now… you're grown up. A wife."
Stella's cheeks flushed. "It still feels unreal."
Elizabeth chuckled. "It's real, my dear. And I couldn't be happier for you." Then she turned to Simon. "You better take care of her."
"With my life," Simon answered without hesitation.
Elizabeth smiled approvingly before stepping back. "Anyway, I won't keep you both long. I know you're desperate for some… alone time," she teased, winking at Stella.
Stella gasped, "Gigi!" and Simon chuckled under his breath.
Agatha stepped forward, her expression more serious. "Before you leave, there's something important that needs to be done."
Stella furrowed her brows. "What is it?"
Agatha's gaze shifted to Simon. "The bond."
Simon's face darkened slightly, but he nodded. "The Death Bond."
Stella's stomach dropped. "The what?" she asked, confusion lacing her tone.