It was a beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky. A gentle breeze carried the scent of autumn leaves and marigolds through the sanctuary.
Preparations had been underway for weeks.
Streamers of gold, violet, and green draped from every rooftop and tent pole, connecting each home and hearth like one living organism. Children sang songs of La Doña and her Léon Negro- of how she had returned from death, cloaked in flame and fury, and how he followed her into the abyss and pulled her back.
"She died for love," they sang.
"And he lived with rage until she returned."
"Their love makes the earth grow flowers again."
Music pulsed through the air. Every table overflowed with food. Spiced meats, fruit preserves, roasted vegetables, and loaves dusted with honeyed crumbs. Bonfires were prepared for the evening. And in the heart of it all, stood an altar unlike any other.
Today was a day for joy.
For memory.
For the fallen.
And for a wedding worthy of the gods.
Niegal stood in ceremonial armor, polished and gleaming. Marohu hung from his side, the blade humming faintly as if it, too, were proud to bear witness.
Alejandro adjusted the armor one last time. His arm had healed, save for a pale scar and an occasional ache. He paused for a moment, just watching Niegal's reflection, eyes bright, chest lifted with anticipation, and blinked quickly before a tear could fall.
"It's time," he said, clapping Niegal on the shoulder.
They walked together through the sanctuary to the center square.
The courtyard was transformed.
Garlands of flowers dangled from the old cathedral rafters. Pumpkins and fruits from the harvest lined the carpeted aisle. Candles flickered in the daylight, twinkling like stars grounded to earth.
La Señora Behike and the Behike of Marisiana stood together at the altar, faces lit with joy. The people were gathering fast on pews pulled from the cathedral, on rooftops, standing on crates. They came from across Veracchia, even as far as Isla Muerte. Many had seen the miracles with their own eyes. All knew the stories.
Excitement surged through the crowd like a rising tide.
First came the children.
Esperanza walked barefoot, lavender dress swirling around her legs, gold storm sigils embroidered across the fabric. In her arms she held a babbling Phineus, Aurora just behind her, guiding her with a hand on her back. The crowd awed, whispers trailing behind them:
"¡Mira que linda!"
"The children of gods…"
"Look at her eyes!"
"That baby purred! I swear it!"
Aurora's small belly was just beginning to show. Alejandro wrapped an arm around her waist, murmuring something private into her ear. She blushed, nudging him with a soft laugh.
And then… she came.
Elena.
The crowd went silent as if the wind itself paused to watch her walk.
She wore shimmering white, off-shoulder, with a slit rising just above her knee- elegance and power in one. Her curls were loosely braided back, marigolds and lilies woven between the strands. On her hip rested the Blade of Boinyanel, her bouquet a riot of color and scent. Her glowing scars, her arm snake brand, all on full display.
She hissed softly, the sound barely audible, but those close enough felt it in their bones. The goddess was content.
Niegal's knees nearly gave. The lion roared beneath his skin, overcome.
He reached out as she drew near. She took his hand. He bowed low, kissing her knuckles.
The world faded. Only they remained.
This was a new beginning.
The ceremony began.
They crossed arms to sip from blessed wine in each other's cups. A cord, rich in violet and emerald threads, was wrapped around their hands as prayers were whispered and sacred herbs burned at their feet.
Still, they couldn't stop smiling.
The gods inside them didn't interfere. They only watched, proud. This was theirs, too.
Then came the vows.
Niegal went first. He took a breath, voice thick with emotion.
"Elena… I've thought countless times what I could say to you, and none of them seemed like enough. So instead, please take this vow."
She stroked his palm with her thumb, grounding him.
"I am your Lion, you are my Goddess, my Love, my Tempest and the Storm.
I swear to you my life is yours, as yours is mine.
In this life and the next, and any more after,
I will always love and honor you.
My heart, my body, my very soul is yours."
A tear streaked down his cheek.
"Can you take me, Beast and all, for the rest of our lives?"
Her smile was radiant.
"I do, mi Léon."
The crowd erupted, but it wasn't over.
Elena began her vow, voice trembling, eyes misting.
"Niegal, from the moment we met all those years ago, I just knew it was you. It was always you."
She laughed softly through her tears.
"You are El Léon Negro, my greatest love, the rock that steadies, the mountain that never bows to the howling wind.
I am nothing, nothing, without you.
There is no life without you by my side.
I am yours, as you are mine."
She looked up at him, voice lowering to a whisper.
"Can you take this goddess as your own, in this lifetime, the next, and anymore thereafter?"
He laughed, nodding, voice cracked with joy.
"I do, mi Doña. Always and forever."
The cord fell away.
They kissed- deeply, fiercely. As they did, they floated, ten feet off the earth, cloaked in green and violet light. Her scars shimmered. His eyes glowed.
Somewhere, the lion roared.
Somewhere, the serpent hissed with joy.
The crowd burst into cheers. Rice, confetti, and flower petals flung into the air.
Niegal and Elena scooped up their children once they were back on earth, kissing them a dozen times. Phineus squealed, Esperanza perched on her father's shoulders with a proud grin.
The celebration began.
Bonfires blazed. Music echoed across the valley. Soldiers recounted battles. Mothers shared miracles. Children danced and played, fireworks sparking from Esperanza's fingertips.
Elena and Niegal danced until moonlight gave way to dawn. Laughing. Holding each other. Moving as one.
Some swore they floated again.
At last, when no one was watching, Niegal swept Elena into his arms and carried her to their cottage. Over the threshold. Through each toy. Kicking open the bedroom door.
He laid her down like treasure.
His lips met her brow… her lips… her throat… lower.
She gasped, already wet, already waiting.
This was different.
He was starved. Worshipful.
She reached to lift her dress- he stopped her, gently pinning her wrists.
"No, mi Doña.
Your lion wishes to ravage you in your wedding dress tonight."
She nearly moaned at the words.
He lifted the skirts.
And entered her.
Their bodies glowed with joy.
They didn't hold back.
They didn't have to.
Each kiss, each thrust, was an offering to their love.
Their first climax cracked the heavens- lightning in a clear sky. The ground trembled. A breeze roared through the valley.
And then they kept going.
She flipped him, riding him, head thrown back. He slid a finger into her mouth, teasing her to the brink. She bit his shoulder when she came.
He flipped her again, held her flat as he reclaimed her. She screamed into the bed, trembling, wave after wave cresting through her.
Then he stood tall, lifting her legs over his shoulders, sliding deep inside as he kissed her, foreheads pressed.
Surely, she thought, this is what heaven is like.
They collapsed, soaked, shining, and still hungry for more.
They didn't stop.
Not until dawn.
Not until afternoon.
In a few days, they would return to Marisiana.
To the unknown.
To power, or exile.
To destiny.
But tonight, they had each other.
Their children.
And the gods within.
And for now…
That was enough.