Silence blanketed the air.
Though the crowd numbered in the tens of thousands, all eyes remained fixed on the celestial pair at the altar. Everyone knew this day was destined to come. Even if Mo Yan and Yu Sui had only recently understood the depths of their feelings, those who had witnessed their journey from the very beginning had known it all along....their hearts had always chosen each other.
The pair was led toward the Temple of the Goddess of Love, their footsteps followed closely by the endless sea of onlookers. Some among the crowd had tears brimming in their eyes; others stood in awe, unable to believe what they were witnessing. Young maidens blushed with joy, their smiles radiant.
For Zhaio Sko marriage rites were reserved only for the most fated of couples....and Yu Sui and Mo Yan were, beyond doubt, such a pair.
They walked hand-in-hand for all to see....a vow unspoken yet powerful:
"From this day forward,
all that we are belongs to each other.
It always did, and it always will
even in the next lifetime."
Behind them, walking quietly and unnoticed, were Su Nian and Duie. Though the world was watching only the sacred couple, their fingers, too, were lovingly entwined. They walked shoulder to shoulder, gazing into one another's eyes with a love so profound, so infinite, that no single moment could ever contain it. It would take entire lifetimes to fully see such love.....but then again, hearts that can see fire in the dark need no eyes to see love in each other.
---
The Temple of the Goddess of Love
Every corner of the temple was adorned with breathtaking splendor. It was as if the marriage belonged not to Yu Sui and Mo Yan, but to the Goddess of Love herself.
Half the crowd had already gathered inside, securing their places....none willing to miss even a single sacred breath of the ceremony. After all, this was a wedding that only occurred once in a hundred lifetimes.
---
The second rite was prepared. The red talismans, bound in silk, were placed into the couple's hands....Yu Sui held the talisman with his own name, and Mo Yan held his.
Lady Wang Ayi and Lady Shiyan Lee once again stepped forward.
Lady Wang Ayi, her voice full of pride and reverence, declared:
"These talismans have been forged with sacred incantations.
They are designed to align your souls, hearts, and minds in perfect harmony.
As per the first rite,
you must bind the talisman of your name upon your partner's forehead.
This shall be the first symbol of your married life.
These may not be removed in public places,
nor in each other's absence."
Lady Shiyan Lee gently guided them to bind the talismans upon one another's brows.
The crowd hushed, every breath held.
Hearts beat louder.
Souls leaned forward.
Then
Mo Yan stepped forward first.
He tied the talisman bearing his name upon Yu Sui's forehead.
And then, Yu Sui, steady and silent, stepped forth and tied his talisman to Mo Yan's brow.
They stood in perfect stillness....not out of uncertainty, but as though each were holding back an entire storm of emotion inside.
Today, their eyes would not look away.
Because at this moment, both stood as sacred grooms...glorious, resplendent, and bound by fate.