Page 2 of Damsel to the Demon

He nods, eyes shining. "Your mother would be so proud."

The mention of Mama makes my throat tighten. I wish she could be here, but I know she's watching over us.

"I have something for you," Papa says, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out a delicate silver chain with a small, polished stone pendant. "It was your mother's. She wanted you to have it on your wedding day."

The tears I've been holding back spill over. "Oh, Papa..."

He fastens the necklace around my neck, his calloused hands gentle against my skin. The stone rests cool against my collarbone, a tangible link to the mother I lost too soon.

"Thank you," I whisper, touching the pendant reverently.

Papa clears his throat, clearly fighting his own emotions. "Now, are you ready to get married?"

I nod, a smile breaking through my tears. "More than ready."

He offers his arm, and I take it, feeling like a princess from one of Marta's tales. As we step out of the room, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The simple white dress, the precious necklace, my father's proud smile - it's more perfect than I ever dreamed.

For this moment, I forget about the dark elves, the hardships, the uncertain future.

Today, I'm just a bride, walking towards love and hope.

Papa leads me down the narrow stairs of our home, my heart racing with each step. The worn wooden floorboards creak beneath our feet, a familiar sound that grounds me in this surreal moment.

Our small living room has been transformed. Wildflowers picked from the nearby fields adorn every surface, their sweet scent filling the air. A handful of mismatched chairs face the far wall, where Old Marta stands, her wizened face beaming.

I scan the room, taking in the familiar faces. Aunt Lena dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief, while Uncle Jace gives me a reassuring wink. My childhood friend, Elena, grins from ear to ear, bouncing her toddler on her knee.

And then I see him. Thomas. My best friend, my love, my soon-to-be husband. He stands at the end of our makeshift aisle, his smile brighter than any sun I've ever seen. My breath catches in my throat.

He looks so handsome. I can’t believe this is really happening!

He's wearing his best shirt - the one with only a single patch on the elbow - and his cleanest pair of trousers. To anyone else, he might look ordinary. But to me, he's the most handsome man in the world. I can’t believe I get to marry him.

Papa squeezes my arm gently, and we begin our walk. Each step brings me closer to Thomas, closer to our future together. His eyes never leave mine, and I feel a blush creep up my cheeks.

When we reach him, Papa places my hand in Thomas's. The familiar calluses of his palm against mine send a shiver down my spine.

"Thomas," Papa says, his voice gruff with emotion. "You take care of my little girl, you hear?"

"Yes, sir," he replies, his gaze still locked on mine. "With my life."

Papa nods, satisfied, and steps back. And suddenly, it's just Thomas and me, standing before Old Marta and our tiny gathering of loved ones.

"You look beautiful," he whispers, his eyes shining.

I can't help but grin. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

He chuckles, the sound wrapping around me like a warm blanket. It's the same laugh I've known since we were children, sneaking off to play in the fields. The same laugh that's comforted me through every hardship, every loss. And now, it's the laugh I'll wake up to every morning for the rest of our lives.

Marta clears her throat, drawing our attention. Her eyes twinkle as she begins the ceremony, her voice cracking with age but filled with warmth.

"We gather here today to witness the union of Mercedes and Thomas," she says, her words wrapping around us like a comforting embrace.

I squeeze his hands, my heart swelling with joy. This is real. This is happening. Despite everything, we've found our slice of happiness.

"Mercedes," Thomas begins, his voice low and earnest. "From the moment we met as children, I knew you were special. Your kindness, your strength, your unwavering hope... you make me want to be better. To fight harder. To dream bigger."

Tears prick at my eyes as he continues, "I promise to stand by your side, through every storm and every victory. To love you fiercely and completely, for all of our days."

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