Page 117 of The Devil's Wrath

Theo’s eyes widened in alarm as he saw the crimson stain on my lips. He quickened his pace, his arms tightening around me protectively. “Hang on, Wren,” he pleaded, desperation coloring his tone. “Don’t you dare give up on me now. Think of our baby. She needs her mama.”

His words penetrated through the encroaching darkness, a lifeline to cling to. Our baby, the tiny spark of life growing inside me, a perfect blend of him and me, the future we dreamed of, the family we yearned to build together. I couldn’t abandon that precious gift and leave Theo to face this cruel world alone.

With a strength I hadn’t known I’d possessed, I rallied against the pull of oblivion. I focused on the rhythm of Theo’s heartbeat and the cadence of his ragged breaths as he carried me through the twisting corridors. Each thump against my cheek was a reminder, a promise.

“Stay with me, stay with me,” he chanted desperately.

I wanted to. Oh, how I wanted to stay, to hold on to this life, to him, with every fiber of my being. But my body, so battered and broken, had reached its limit. The edges of my vision darkened, narrowing to a pinpoint of light that was his face above me. His anguished pleas faded into a distant echo as the void rose up to claim me again.

FORTY-ONE

THEO

Istood in front of the long mirror in my room, looking at my reflection and straightening my rust-colored tie. My black suit was pressed, my shoes polished to a shine. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in my stomach. There was a knock on the door, and Archer and Kai walked in, wearing black suits with matching ties.

“You ready?” Archer asked.

I nodded, taking one more glance in the mirror. I hoped she’d be proud of me.

“You look great.” Kai smiled.

I followed them downstairs and out to the gardens. The conversations stopped as I walked past everyone. I made my way down the aisle between the rows of rust-colored chairs, the guests turning to watch me. At the end of the aisle stood a minister, his hands clasped. The sun shone brightly on the horizon, filtering through the leaves of the towering hedges and oak trees that lined the garden. The garden was in full bloom, with red roses and purple irises swaying gently in the breeze. At the end of the aisle stood an elegant wooden arch adorned with cascades of white roses and rust-colored lilies.

I stood under the arch, my heart pounding in my chest. The guests settled in their seats, and a hush fell over the crowd. Thestring quartet began to play a soft, gentle melody that drifted through the garden. I looked out at the faces of my friends and family, all smiling at me with love and support. My mother sat in the front row, an empty seat to her right, Cassian and Evelyn King to her left, Atlas and Aurora King and their respective dates, and Kai’s father next to Gage.

I had allowed Gage to live for the simple fact that he was Wrenly’s brother, and if she held no ill will toward him, I wouldn’t either. But it didn’t mean it hadn’t come with a strict list of stipulations.

Archer walked out with Mila, her belly round with child, followed by Kai with Haven. Haven was newly pregnant, but they weren’t telling people yet. Only we knew. They took their places by the altar with me, smiling at me before they turned their attention to the beginning of the aisle.

It was then that the song changed, andsheappeared. My breath caught in my throat as I saw her for the first time in her wedding dress. It was a stunning ivory gown with delicate lace sleeves and a long train that swept behind her as she walked. Her dark hair was pinned halfway up, with long tendrils swooping down her bare back. She carried a bouquet of white and deep maroon roses and rust-colored lilies, like the ones that adorned the arch. One hand was locked onto my father’s arm while her bouquet hand rested gently on her round stomach.

She glided down the aisle toward me, radiant and ethereal, her eyes locked with mine, and the world around us seemed to fade until it was just the two of us. My heart swelled with love and adoration for the woman who had captured my heart so completely. When she reached the end of the aisle, my father placed her hand gently in mine, his eyes glistening with pride and emotion. As our fingers intertwined, a sense of completeness washed over me, as if everything in my life had been leading up to this very moment.

A few months ago, I’d almost lost her for the second time. But somehow, my little bird had held on, not ready to leave the world of the living—not ready to leaveme.

As we stood under the arch, our hands clasped tightly together, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her beauty was radiant, her smile filledwith pure joy and love. The minister began the ceremony, his words a distant echo as I lost myself in the depths of her eyes.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two souls bound together by love and devotion,” he began, his voice carrying through the garden.

I had rehearsed my vows a hundred times, but my voice still trembled with emotion as I spoke. “From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were special. You captivate me with your beauty, strength, kindness, and fierce determination. Every day I spend with you is a gift. For many years, I felt alone, ravaged by the storms in my mind. But you, my love, my little bird, you brought light into my darkness. You showed me that I am worthy of love and that I am not defined by the past or my demons. You taught me how to love, how to trust, and how to find peace in the chaos. You are the mother of my unborn child, and I cannot wait to start this new chapter of our lives together and keep pumping you full of my kids.” I winked at her, and the crowd laughed.

I continued, “I promise to love you until there is no breath left in my body, and even then, I’ll love you still. I promise to protect you always and to stand by your side through every challenge and triumph. I promise to be your partner, your friend, your lover, and your soulmate, now and forever. Wrenly, my queen, I bind myself to you. My body. My mind. My soul. I am yours, and you are mine. If death comes for me, I shall wait for you. We shall not part in this life or the next.”

As I spoke, tears glistened in her eyes. When it was her turn, her voice was soft but steady. “Theo, you are my rock, my anchor, my safe place. I knew my life would never be the same from the moment you saved me. When the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, you are there to steady me, to remind me of what truly matters. Your love has healed me in ways I never thought possible, and I’m forever grateful for the incredible man you are. You showed me what it means to love deeply, to trust completely, and to face life’s challenges hand in hand. I promise to love you with every beat of my heart, support your dreams, and be your partner in everything. I promise to be your home, your family, and your forever. So, Devil, I bind myself to you.My body. My mind. My soul. I am yours, and you are mine. If death comes for me, I shall wait for you. We shall not part in this life or the next.”

The officiant stepped forward, The Brotherhood’s ceremonial blade in his hands. Years of bonding blood had been infused into the blade, and this blood bond would solidify the legacies we both belonged to. “With this blood bond, your oath to each other and The Brotherhood shall be sealed, unbreakable, and eternal. Now seal your sacred vows with the blood of your bond.”

I took the blade first, its polished metal gleaming in the sunlight. With a steady hand, I drew the edge across my palm, crimson blood welling from the cut. I passed the blade to her, our eyes locked as she mirrored my action, her blood mingling with mine on sacred steel. We clasped our hands together, our blood intertwining just as our lives and souls would be forever bound.

“By the sacred rites of The Brotherhood, and with your blood oath sealed upon this hallowed blade, I now pronounce you husband and wife, forever bound by blood in body, mind, and soul and love eternal. What the fates have brought together, let no force tear asunder.”

“I thought you’d never say that.” I pulled Wrenly into my arms and kissed her deeply, all my love and devotion pouring into that single moment. Her lips were soft and warm against mine, and I felt peace for the first time in my life.

The guests erupted in applause and cheers as we turned to face them, our hands clasped tightly together. Wrenly’s smile was radiant, her eyes shining with joy and tears. We made our way back down the aisle, showered with rose petals and well-wishes from our loved ones.

The reception was a blur of laughter, music, and celebration. We danced our first dance as husband and wife, lost in each other’s eyes as the world around us faded away. I held her close, marveling at the incredible woman who had chosen to spend her life with me.

Finally, as the last guests departed and the garden grew quiet, I swept her into my arms and carried her back to our room. As I brought her across the threshold, the soft glow of candlelight greeted us, casting a warm, flickering glow throughout the room. Rose petals were scattered across the floor and bed, their delicate fragrancemingling with the scent of her perfume. I gently set her down, my eyes drinking in the sight of her, my beautiful bride, my queen.

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