146
~Elara’s POV
Then the priest lifted his hands, signaling the ritual of the Moon Goddess to begin.
Janae slid the ring onto David’s finger first, her hands steady despite the trembling in her voice. "With this, I bind my heart to yours," she whispered.
David took her hand next, his fingers brushing against hers as he gently fitted the ring. "And with this, I promise to hold your heart with care, always."
A collective sigh of awe swept through the hall. So guests whispered congratulations under their breaths, and others dabbed at the corners of their eyes. Caras clicked softly, but not loudly enough to disturb the sanctity of the ritual.
Then the priest nodded, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "By the blessings of the Moon Goddess, by your spoken vows, and by the love that binds you, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
David and Janae’s hands tightened. "You may kiss the bride," the priest said, and the room erupted into soft, joyous applause.
Ti seed to stretch as David leaned forward, pulling Janae close. Her hands rested on his shoulders. When their lips t, a cheer erupted from the crowd. Caras clicked. So guests clapped, others laughed with joy, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek, though I quickly dabbed it away.
The applause grew louder, a wave of joy sweeping through the room.
I felt my chest swell. Standing beside Darlon, I reached for his hand without thinking, squeezing it tightly. He glanced at , his eyes softening. "She looks happy," he said quietly.
"She does," I whispered, smiling through the tears threatening to fall. "So beautiful."
As they pulled back, their foreheads resting together for a mont, the priest led them in a final blessing, softly chanting words that promised harmony, protection, and lasting love. The air seed to shimr with the weight of all that love, and even the flowers seed brighter, the light softer, the music more alive.
When the ritual ended, they turned to the guests, smiling, hands intertwined. Flowers fell again, petals cascading down like tiny stars. People clapped, cheered, and so cried. I watched, utterly captivated, as my friend bead, radiant in her happiness, standing beside the man she loved.
"Everything looks... incredible," I whispered to Darlon, tilting my head to look at the arrangents. "Janae and David will never forget this day."
Darlon’s lips curved slightly. "Not if you have anything to do with it," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "You’ve been part of every detail, every decision."
I smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I want her to be happy. She deserves this more than anyone I know."
He nodded, and for a mont, we walked in silence, simply taking it all in. Then my attention shifted as Janae and David approached the center of the hall. David took Janae’s hand, smiling nervously, and the room began to quiet. The first dance was about to begin.
The music swelled, a soft piano lody with strings underneath. Janae looked radiant, every bit the bride she had dread of being. David’s hand rested lightly on her back, while her hand lingered on his shoulder. They moved slowly, gently, as if learning each other all over again.
"Oh, look at them," I murmured to Darlon, tugging lightly on his sleeve. "They’re perfect together."
He chuckled softly. "Perfect doesn’t even begin to describe it."
I felt a small warmth in my chest as I watched. The way David looked at Janae, completely focused on her, completely in love, made rember why we celebrated weddings at all. For monts like this. For witnessing love in its purest form.
Janae’s eyes t mine for just a second. She gave a small, almost shy smile. I waved subtly, and her cheeks flushed slightly. I squeezed Darlon’s hand, smiling.
After the first dance ended, applause filled the room. The host clapped his hands to regain attention.
"Ladies and gentlen," he said warmly, "now it is ti to celebrate not just their love, but the family and friends who support them. Please, enjoy the evening, the food, and the company of those around you."
Guests moved toward the tables, picking up glasses of champagne and plates of delicacies. Waiters glided through the hall, offering hors d’oeuvres. Caras still clicked occasionally, but the focus had shifted to laughter, conversations, and the subtle joy of being together.
I reached for my champagne glass. "To Janae and David," I said softly. Darlon raised his glass, smiling down at .
"To love," he echoed.
We sipped, letting the warmth of the champagne settle through us. I looked around, taking in the smiling faces, the sparkling dresses, the carefully arranged decorations. This was more than a wedding. It was a mont of life, captured in its purest form.
As the evening progressed, speeches began. Close friends and family shared stories, so funny, so touching. Laughter rang through the room, and tears glistened in many eyes, including mine. I leaned toward Darlon, whispering softly, "I love seeing her this happy."
He nodded. "She’s going to have a wonderful life. And it’s just the beginning."
When it ca ti for the father-daughter dance, Janae’s father approached, hand extended. She took it, her smile bright but nervous. As they moved across the floor, I noticed how careful he was, as if holding not just her hand but a piece of her heart. I blinked, quickly swallowing the lump in my throat. Even from afar, it was emotional.
"Are you okay?" Darlon asked softly, noticing tense.
I shook my head, laughing lightly to cover it. "Yes. It’s just... beautiful. All of it."
He kissed the top of my head. "You’re too soft sotis, Elara."
I smiled against him. "Soone has to appreciate the little monts."
Later, David and Janae joined the center of the hall again, this ti for the group dances. Friends and family moved around them, joining in. Laughter mixed with music, and I felt a lightness in my chest, watching Janae spin, her veil floating behind her like a halo.
The host clapped his hands, drawing attention. "And now, ladies and gentlen, it is ti for Alpha Darlon and Luna Elara to grace us with their dance!"
A ripple of excitent went through the crowd. Caras clicked imdiately, flashes lighting up the hall like tiny stars. Guests cheered, whistles and applause breaking through the hum of conversation. I felt my cheeks heat up, not from embarrassnt, but from the thrill of the mont.
Darlon offered his hand with that familiar, reassuring smile. "Shall we?" he asked, his deep voice calm amid the chaos.
I laughed lightly, taking his hand. "We shall," I replied, my voice steady even though my heart was racing.
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