The sun shone brightly on the castle gardens, casting a warm glow over the gathered guests. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds. Lyra, resplendent in her white and silver gown, walked down the aisle, her father by her side.
Arin, dashing in his formal attire, couldn't take his eyes off Lyra as she approached. He smiled, his eyes shining with happiness, as Lyra reached his side.
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of human and Xanthean traditions. Lyra's father, the king of Xanthea, performed the traditional Xanthean blessing, while Arin's family's priest officiated the human ceremony.
As they exchanged their vows, Arin and Lyra's voices were filled with emotion. They promised to love and cherish each other, through the joys and challenges of life.
The moment of truth arrived, and Arin placed the wedding ring on Lyra's finger. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with tears, as she did the same.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared.
The guests erupted into cheers and applause as Arin and Lyra shared their first kiss as a married couple. The Xanthean guests added their own unique touch, shooting beams of light into the air in celebration.
As the newlyweds turned to face their guests, Lyra's smile faltered for a moment. She saw a figure standing at the back of the crowd, a figure she hadn't expected. But Arin's warm smile and gentle squeeze of her hand reassured her, and she smiled, ready to face whatever came next.
The reception was a lively affair, with music, dancing, and feasting. The guests from both worlds mingled, laughing and chatting, as the newlyweds danced their first dance as a married couple.
Arin and Lyra were lost in each other's eyes, their love shining brighter than any star. They knew that their journey together would be filled with challenges, but they were ready to face them, hand in hand.
As the night wore on, the celebration showed no signs of slowing down. The music grew more lively, and the dancing more energetic. Arin and Lyra twirled across the dance floor, their smiles never faltering.
But amidst the joy and celebration, Lyra couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She glanced around, her eyes searching for the figure she had seen earlier. And then, she saw him again, standing in the shadows, eyes red watching her every move..
As Lyra's eyes locked onto the figure, her heart skipped a beat. Who was this person, and why is this figure watching her so intently ? She tried to get a better look, but the figure vanished into the crowd like a puff of smoke giving Lyra more reason to be nervous and curious at the same time.
Arin, noticing Lyra's distraction, followed her gaze. "Everything okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Lyra hesitated, unsure if she should share her concerns. "I thought I saw someone," she said finally. "But it's probably nothing with a little sigh she wanted to forget everything and enjoy her big night ."
Arin's expression turned serious. "Let's find out," he said, taking Lyra's hand and leading her off the dance floor.
Together, they searched the crowd, but there was no sign of the mysterious figure. Lyra couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched, and Arin's grip on her hand tightened as if he sensed her unease.
As they returned to the reception, Lyra's father, the king of Xanthea, approached them. "My dear children," he said, his voice warm. "I have a gift for you."
He handed them a small, intricately carved box. Inside, they found a pair of matching crystals, pulsing with a soft, blue light.
"This is a Xanthean tradition," the king explained. "These crystals will allow you to communicate with each other telepathically, no matter the distance between you."
Lyra's eyes met Arin's, and they both smiled, touched by the thoughtful gift. But as they turned to leave, Lyra caught a glimpse of the mysterious figure out of the corner of her eye.
This time, the figure didn't vanish. Instead, it stepped forward, its features illuminated by the moonlight.
Lyra's breath caught in her throat as she realized who it was. "Kael," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The figure's eyes locked onto Lyra's, and a hint of a smile played on its lips. "Sister," it said, its voice low and husky.