Page 83 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“Under the protection of Hera, we ask that you bless this marriage with harmony and prosperity,” the priestess said. “King Bahar, you may unveil your bride.”

Bahar didn’t move. He and Cora were staring at each other so intently, I thought they might have forgotten there was anyone else present. The priestess cleared her throat and Bahar caught himself, looking over at the priestess.

“You may unveil your bride,” she repeated.

Sophia and Lagina took hold of my hands and squeezed. We were all leaning forward in anticipation.

Bahar gently lifted the veil, folding it back so it uncovered Cora’s face. His whole expression softened. “My wife.”

“My husband,” Cora whispered.

“Under the watchful eyes of the gods, I declare you husband and wife,” the priestess called.

Bahar closed the distance between them and pulled Cora into his arms. She leaned up expectantly as he leaned down. They met in the most careful, gentle kiss I’d ever seen. It was sweet and cautious. It was nothing like Cora, so I knew that was Bahar trying to be a gentleman.

Cora threw her arms around his neck, then pulled him tighter and the kiss intensified. Everyone cheered andpeople threw flower petals into the air. I joined in the celebration, clapping and cheering along with everyone else.

When the newlyweds came up for air, they were both beaming. They lifted their arms into the air, huge smiles on their faces.

Suddenly, dark shadows swirled around them, blocking them from view. The cheers turned to screams, and I frantically looked for Ryvin while feeling for my magic. Had I done that? Had my emotions brought shadows? More shadows descended from the sky, creating an ominous cloud over the whole orchard.

People were shoving and screaming, everyone fleeing from the orchard back to their tents or away from the smothering darkness. Ryvin found me and wrapped his arms around me. “That’s not you, is it?”

I shook my head. “It’s not you, either, right?”

“No.” His jaw tensed, then he released me. “Where are you, Mother?”

The shadows swirled around us, forming a vortex right in front of the platform. I ran around it, trying to reach Cora. She was huddled in Bahar’s arms, but thankfully, the swirling shadows weren’t touching them. I stopped in front of them, my arms outstretched protectively, ready to fight if needed.

The spiral of shadows narrowed, swirling and twisting until it finally shrunk away, revealing Nyx standing where they’d once been.

“I didn’t realize I’d arrived on such an auspiciousoccasion.” Nyx inclined her head. “My congratulations to the bride and groom.”

“Why are you here?” I demanded. “I completed your tasks.”

People were still screaming and running, but some of them had stopped to watch. It wasn’t everyday a goddess dropped in. Until I traveled to Konos, I’d never seen a god or goddess. Now, I couldn’t seem to get away from them.

“You proved your point,” Ryvin said, moving closer to his mother. “You nearly killed Ara.”

“I knew she’d go after you, truthfully, but I didn’t expect that you would find a way to keep her alive,” Nyx replied. “I’m impressed.”

Ryvin tensed, his hands balled into fists.

“Don’t,” I warned. “She has to keep her word.”

“Oh, I’ll keep my word,” Nyx said, glancing at me before returning her attention to her son. “And I am here to give you my blessing.”

“I’m not sure I want your blessing after what you did,” Ryvin gritted out.

“Forgive me if I didn’t truly believe that any human could be worthy,” she said. “But your mate proved me wrong. More than once.”

“Powerful Nyx, how honored we are that you’ve graced us with your presence.” Lagina had approached the platform and was in a low curtsy in front of the goddess.

Nyx cocked her head to the side like a cat investigating something unusual. “And you are?”

Lagina maintained her low curtsey, keeping her head down. “I am Lagina, Queen of Athos.”

“I keep forgetting that old monster is dead,” Nyx said. “How unfortunate that you had to have him as a father.”

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