Page 51 of Fated to the Damned

At the altar atop the stone dais, Raziel awaits us, his jet black wings arched proudly behind him. His ancient power creeps down my spine as I meet his piercing gaze and nod in deep respect.

Together Jessa and I climb the steps, her slippered feet whispering over stone. The candles' golden flames dance over her porcelain skin and make her eyes glow with ethereal light. Her embroidered ivory gown trails behind her, gossamer silk rustling with each graceful step.

Raziel raises his hands, quieting the crowd with the ease of an Elder only his age could achieve. Because the Matriarch is not here, I have asked him to perform our ceremony.

I’d rather have him do it than Brinda, truthfully.

His solemn voice resonates through the hushed temple. "We gather tonight beneath the blessed moon and stars to bring together two mates – a union that is so rare that we must celebrate it when it is found."

I turn to fully face my radiant bride, her slender hands trembling just slightly as I reverently take them in my own. Through our touch, I hope she can feel the devotion flowing between us, stronger than any magic. This close, I can see the flecks of gold in her hazel eyes.

Raziel prompts me to begin my vows. I take a steadying breath, pulse racing, and meet Jessa's loving gaze. Her cheeks are delicately flushed, lips parted in anticipation.

"I, Nikolai, vow to honor you, protect you, and cherish you, in this life and all those that come after. I pledge my unending loyalty, faith, and devotion to you alone, my mate, my love, my very heartbeat. Where you walk, I shall follow. What burdens you bear, I shall help carry. When you fall, I will be there to catch you and lift you up. I will stand as your sword and shield against all threats. My soul is forever and irrevocably bound to yours for all eternity."

Jessa blinks back happy tears, giving my hands a gentle squeeze. When she makes her vow, her voice rings clear and unwavering.

"I, Jessa, pledge you my tender heart, my fierce devotion, my very spirit until the stars themselves fade away. Through times of joy and sorrow, passion and pain, I will remain steadfastly by your side. Your hopes I shall share, your dreams I shall support, your fears I shall soothe. Together we shall weather any storm. You are my guiding light in even the darkest night. From now until the end of days and beyond, I vow that my soul is eternally entwined with yours in love."

Tears of joy gleam in Jessa's eyes and I have a hard time forcing my eyes out to the crowd as I take my next vow.

"To my brothers and sisters of the night, I renew my vow of fealty. I pledge to honor the old ways, serve the will of our Elders, and defend this coven with my last breath if need be. My mate and I shall strive to bring further glory to our people."

Jessa squeezes my hands, her voice meeting mine as she says, “To the great coven which I now humbly join, I pledge my loyalty and service. By your wisdom, I shall abide. In your battles, I shall take up arms. Your secrets I shall keep. Your customs I shall respect. To my last day, I vow to further your causes and bring honor to your name."

After we make our sacred vows, Raziel retrieves an ornate silver blade from the altar. In the flickering candlelight, ancient runes along its handle seem to writhe and dance.

"To seal your bond, mingle your blood before the gods," Raziel intones solemnly. “Akeldama will bless or reject your union now.”

I extend my left hand over the stone basin on the altar, claws glinting. With a quick motion, I draw the blade across my palm. I clench my jaw against the searing sting as crimson wells up, dripping down into the clear water below.

Jessa meets my eyes unwaveringly as Raziel offers her the blade. She takes a deep, steadying breath. Then, with a swift graceful movement, she slices her own delicate palm.

Ruby drops of her blood patter into the basin, sending up tiny ripples across the surface. The metallic scent of our mixed blood hangs heavy in the incense-laden air. Our very life force, mingling together.

But our blood swirls separate in the sacred pool, like small stars dancing across the night sky. Proof our souls were meant to entwine as it refuses to sink, and Raziel smiles.

“Akeldama has blessed these two!” He places a hand upon each of our shoulders. "Nikolai and Jessa, I declare you mated for this life and all that follow, before these witnesses."

I draw my radiant mate into my embrace. As our lips meet in a searing kiss, our palms pressing together where drops of blood mingle, our fates and blood are forever entwined as one.

As cheers resound through the temple, I end our fervent kiss and meet Jessa's joyful gaze. According to tradition, it is my right to claim my mate.

I bend and sweep Jessa into my arms, cradling her petite frame with care. Her gown spills over my arms like liquid starlight as she loops her arms around my neck.

I turn to carry Jessa from the altar, our guests clearing a path. Flower petals rain softly upon us in celebration.

But that is just the first part of the night. They all know what is to come…

And it may be the hardest yet.

29

JESSA

Unlike when I was before the Council, I don’t feel nervous or fearful as Nikolai settles me on the bed. He closes the door behind us, turning to drink me in.

“My mate,” he murmurs, and the words do something to me.

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