Page 99 of Serpent King's Revenge

I caught the look in Abby's eyes, that fierce determination that always told me she was about to dig her heels in.

And at that moment, I knew exactly what she was planning.

"Nathan, you know I love you, right?" Her voice was steady, sure, even in this chaos.

"Of course, I do," I said, my response automatic. But I could see where this was going, and it made me nervous. "But we can't just—"

"Listen to me," she cut in. She moved back toward me, taking my hand. "We've been talking about getting married. I don't need a big wedding, Nathan. Not now."

"Abby, we should wait. Plan something beautiful, something you deserve." The words tumbled out, but they felt hollow even to my own ears.

She shook her head, her grip on my hand tightening. "I don't need beautiful. I need you. I want to be your wife before tonight, before whatever happens. That's all I want."

I looked at her, really looked at her, seeing the raw honesty there. It wasn't about a wedding; it was about us, about making damn sure we were tied together in every way that counted when we stepped into the fray.

"Okay," I said finally, the word thick in my throat. "Okay, let's do it. But you gotta promise me something, Abby."

"Anything," she replied, her eyes locking onto mine.

"Promise me," I started, swallowing hard against the fear lodged in my throat, "that after all this is over, we'll have a real wedding. The kind with a dress that makes me lose my breath, and a party that our friends can trash in celebration."

A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and it was like a shot of courage straight to my heart. "If that's what you want, Nathan, then yes, I promise."

"Good," I said, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. We didn't say it out loud, but we both knew the unspoken truth hanging between us

Tonight might be all we had left.

Alex gave a nod, and Jack followed suit, a smirk on his lips even when it felt like the world was ending. The Triad women, all business in their manner, gathered around us, forming a circle that felt like a shield against the world outside.

"Alright, let's do this," I said.

Abby stood in front of me, her hands finding mine. Her touch was steady—the same hands that could fire a gun with deadly precision now trembled slightly, holding onto something far more important.

"Abby, you know the life we're in. It's messy and it's bloody, and it doesn't promise tomorrow," I started, locking eyes with her, "but I swear to you, every day I'm given, I'll spend it loving you, protecting you, honoring you. You're my partner in crime and in life, and there's no one else I'd rather have by my side."

Her lips quivered into a smile, and she squeezed my hands back. "Nathan, I remember the first time I saw you—you were all sharp edges and guarded eyes. And now…after the craziest love story I could possibly imagine, here we are. I promise to stand by you, to fight for you, and to love you, even when the odds are against us. Because if we go down, we go down together, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

The words hung heavy between us, unvarnished truth in a room full of allies who understood the weight of them.

It was an oath not just of love but of survival, and everyone around us bore witness to it.

Xinyi stepped forward, her presence firm yet gentle as she faced us. I hadn’t expected her to participate…but this was a role my mother should have played, taking us into this next chapter. She spoke in Mandarin, the rhythm of her words flowing like a quiet stream through the tense air of the teahouse.

"May your union be as enduring as the mountains and as abundant as the sea," Xinyi's voice was soft but it carried weight, every syllable a wish for our future.

"May happiness fill your days and love guide your nights. In honor of Nathan's mother, and the traditions that bind us, I bless this marriage."

The room hung on her blessing, and I felt each word settle around us like a cloak. As if with her prayer, Xinyi was wrapping Abby and me in protection, in hope.

She finished with a nod, her eyes meeting mine, offering silent strength.

Abby's gaze found mine, and I pulled her close. Our lips met, and damn, it was like everything else fell away. It was just her and me, and this kiss that spoke more than vows ever could. Her lips were soft against mine, desperate.

We parted, breaths mingling, eyes locked. There was no need for words; the kiss said it all.

We were in this to the end, together.

"Let's live like there's no tomorrow," Abby whispered, her forehead pressed to mine.

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