Page 23 of Rings and Wings and Stardust Things

“Savannah,” he said softly, his voice a gentle caress, blocking out all other sound. “I would never ask you to do anything you're not ready for.” His hand cupped my cheek, and I leaned into his touch.

For a moment, everything else faded into the background. The only thing that mattered was the depth of emotion I saw reflected in Ryon's eyes—a love so pure, so profound, that it rendered me breathless.

Then, slowly, a smile spread across my face, and a bubbling laugh escaped my lips. Of course, this was how it was meant to be. After all the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations and emotional upheavals, what better way to celebrate our love than with a wedding unlike any I had ever planned before?

“Ryon,” I said, my voice brimming with joy and excitement. “This is going to be the best wedding. Ever.”

SAVANNAH

Isank back into the plush chair, taking a moment to catch my breath after the whirlwind week. The beautiful fusion of human and Draen traditions left me exhilarated yet utterly drained.

The week leading up to the wedding blurred into a dance of preparations, consultations, last-minute adjustments. Blending our ceremonial practices required a deft touch, an open mind from all.

I smiled, recalling the Feather Binding ritual. A sacred Draen tradition adapted to include a strand of my hair intertwined with Ryon's feathers. The intricate braiding symbolized our union, lives and essences forever entwined.

The reading of lineages stood out, a poignant moment tracing our ancestral lines before our assembled families. Despite vastly different origins, it underscored love's universal nature, transcending boundaries, uniting us profoundly.

Then there was the aerial dancing - a breathtaking display leaving me awestruck as Ryon and the Draen took flight. Powerful wings carried them through intricate choreographed routines. Though earthbound, my heart soared alongside my beloved, cutting through the air with effortless elegance.

I politely declined Ranna's offer to don a flight suit and join the aerial festivities. As much as I enjoyed life on Teloril, that risk seemed unnecessary right now.

Standing before the crowd, hand clasped in Ryon's, I was keenly aware of the countless dignitaries witnessing our union. Their presence testified to the Zorax family's importance, but I wondered how many came to satisfy curiosity about a human and Draen's strange marriage spectacle.

Regardless of motivations, the ceremony celebrated love transcending boundaries, bringing our families together once seemingly impossible. Exchanging vows with Ryon, his feathers shimmering, eyes brimming with devotion, I felt a completeness I'd never known.

Now, surrounded by the joyous celebration's remnants, I only felt profound gratitude. This journey, beginning with a job offer, transformed into something greater - a love story defying expectations, an unlikely union blossoming into beauty.

I glanced at the intricate feather bracelet adorning my wrist, a gift from Ryon symbolizing our eternal bond. Tracing the delicate patterns, I marveled at how far we'd come, how much we'd overcome to reach this moment.

The soft tap pulled me from my reverie. I recognized the cadence of Ryon's knock, felt a flutter of anticipation. A warm smile spread as he entered, feathers gleaming like burnished copper.

“My love,” that rich, melodic purr sent a delightful shiver down my spine. Even after our vows, the endearment held an exhilarating freshness making my heart swell.

“Ryon.” Rising, I met him, his wings extending slightly in an instinctive captivating gesture.

“I'm afraid we must rejoin the festivities,” a hint of regret colored his tone. “A few traditional toasts remain, and then...” He trailed off, gaze lingering in a way that made me flush.

“And then we can finally slip away?” I couldn't resist a teasing lilt.

His beak parted, a flash of mischief in his eyes. “Precisely. Though having you all to myself is...distracting.”

His feathered arm encircled my waist, drawing me against him. His other hand caressed my cheek, soft pads tracing my skin delicately.

“And I thought Draen were disciplined, focused.”

A low trill - his chuckle. “Ah, you underestimate your charms, dear Savannah.”

His thumb brushed my lip, beak parting to reveal that wicked, talented tongue. Sensing my thoughts, he nuzzled below my ear, tongue flicking out to trace a tantalizing path along my neck's curve. Heat bloomed in my core. I clutched his tunic, desperate for an anchor as waves of pleasure threatened to sweep me away.

“Ryon,” I breathed, warning and entreaty. “If you start, we won't stop.”

He hummed against my skin, delicious tremors coursing through me. “Tempting. But you're right.”

Monumental effort saw him pull back, eyes glazed with familiar hunger. We regarded each other for a charged moment, breaths mingling in the scant space.

Finally, he offered his arm with a courtly flourish belying the simmering undercurrent of desire. “Shall we, my wife?”

I smiled at the pride and wonder in how he spoke the title, filling my heart. Looping my arm through his solid grasp, I nodded.

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