Page 97 of An Empress of Earth & Darkness

Naya bowed slowly and then her fierce crystal gaze was back on her face. “As the new Commanding Wife of the Blacksteel Clan, I know you will change this world. One step at a time. There is no one else I would rather take my place.”

The gown had stolen her breath and her heart from the minute she had opened the box. It had soft bell sleeves and the structured bodice was covered in embroidery of tiny star-beaded crystals. Coming down from the corset, the sparkling gold embroidery flowed into a full skirt with a beautiful blush underskirt. She was honoured that King Oberon had allowed her to have this. It was already gorgeous in the dull light; she couldn’t wait to see it in the glow of the setting sun. It was the most beautiful gown she had ever laid eyes on, and she wondered for a moment if the Queen of the Fae had worn such a grand gown. She felt like a queen—an empress. Pulling up her hand, the black diamond in her ring twinkled at her like it was supposed to be with her at this moment.

It felt so right.

Breighly Baxgroll’s blonde head popped back into the tent. Kaydence and Lorta had entered moments ago to make sure every detail was attended to. Her beautiful brown eyes flickered with emotion. “Everyone is gathered by the lake. They are ready to begin when you are.” She smiled gently, and it was very unlike her.

Emara’s heart stammered in her chest, causing both heat and coolness to travel along her skin. She was woozy like she had had a glass of wine.

She wished she had.

She nodded at the wolf, who smiled and said, “What a vision you are, Emara. Torin is going to die—but in the best way, of course.”

Kaydence let out a small giggle and Lorta snorted. “I do say, Kaydence, we make a good team. The empress looks utterly beautiful.”

“It isn’t hard with a face like hers and a heart that shines through for everyone to see. We are so honoured to have this moment with you.”

Emara took a breath and smiled back at the girls who had made her more comfortable in the world of magic than she could ever say. “Can I have one moment to myself, please?” They nodded, understanding her requirement to take a few beats to herself.

She presumed the women had moved to the ceremonial space without her because she heard no chatter from outside the tent as she stood taking a few deep breaths.

In the silence of her tent, with her heart fluttering, she knew one thing was missing. She reached for her satchel and dug around until her hand hit something velvet. She pulled out an emerald pouch, and her heart sank. Pulling its drawstrings, she slid out the weighty crescent moon. The different diamonds and stones in it dazzled as she slid it into her braid.

Her own moonlight.

It had been Cally’s last gift to her.

When she’d given it to her, Emara had sworn to never forget the look in her eyes. Emara’s eyes fluttered shut, and she heard Callyn’s voice drift through the tent.

If there is anything in the world that represents who you are, it’s the moon. She shines in times of darkness, and everyone looks at her to lead us into a better day.

With her pin in her hair, she was ready to walk to where Torin stood waiting for her. She hadn’t had time to study how the ceremony would work, but he would guide her through it. She trusted him to see her right. She could depend on him to always have her back.

Her stomach flipped as she slipped outside. She closed her eyes again as the warm summer breeze tickled her skin, and she wished Cally was here to walk with her down the aisle.

A trail of colourful petals wove a path to the top of the altar. The flames burned brighter as she approached, acknowledging her presence. Budding flowers bloomed as she passed them, spilling out colours of powder blue, rose, buttery yellow, and bright orange. She could feel her element building at her back with each step she took. She barely took in the smiles of the clan gathered around as she moved through the grass. Her train gushed out behind her, gathering all sorts of pine needles, petals, and grass. Her bare feet left footprints in the grass as its soft blades caressed her skin.

When she finally glanced up to the cusp of the waters, she saw him.

He was wearing a tight black tunic tucked into his leathers. Atop his muscular shoulders sat silver armour, what he wore for fighting on special occasions. The emblem of her coven now sat in unison with his Commander’s crest on his armour, a bigger version of the one he had worn previously.

The lowering sun crowned him with a glow of fire. His sinful, wonderful eyes were on her, and his full lips were parted in a grin that took the air from her lungs. One dimple was on show, decorating his left cheek. His confidence was astounding as he stood at the top of the aisle, and Emara wondered if she was even putting one foot in front of the other because she didn’t seem to be getting any nearer to him. It was like there was no one else around them, not even the gentle breeze or the birds in the sky.

Just them.

And as they locked eyes, something in her heart locked too. Something overwhelming. Something remarkable. Something stormy and powerful yet calming and right.

It was him.

He was the one who made her blood boil with his cockiness, yet he could calm her fire down within seconds. He shared her bed and her secrets. He was the one who guarded her life and saw it as something more valuable than his own.

He was her soulmate.

Their collision was written in the stars.

A single tear fell from her eye as she reached where he stood, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions that hit her heart. Torin swallowed a lump in his throat as his gaze shifted from her face to the mossy grass below her feet. His beautiful skin was glowing, and the striking angles of his face had softened into something so staggeringly handsome she couldn’t breathe.

“You look,” he whispered, “spellbinding.”

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