Page 38 of Realms of Shadow and Sun (A World of Sun and Shadow #3)

Renya's heart fluttered as she gazed ahead, her eyes locking with Grayden's. He stood at the altar, a vision of regal charm in his pressed tunic, his usually unruly hair miraculously tamed for the occasion. A smile tugged at her lips. I'll have plenty of time tonight to mess it up, she thought mischievously.

Beside her, Cyrus walked with measured steps, ready to give her away to Grayden. The tradition was foreign to both men, but Renya had insisted her father walk her to the altar. Cyrus had agreed without hesitation, eager to give Renya whatever she desired. His dedication was a poignant reminder of the time they'd lost, and now he embodied every bit the doting father she never knew she was missing.

A sense of euphoria washed over Renya as she realized she no longer needed to look over her shoulder or fear Cressida tearing her away from Grayden. Her mother—if she could still be called that—was bound deep within the sublevels of the lodge, her magic neutralized. She'd been forced to give up all the magic she acquired over the past twenty-five years, and little by little, fae around their world regained some of their powers. But, disappointingly, nothing else seemed to change. No new fated bonds came forward, and Grayden's lands still warmed.

The sole surprise had been Julietta. Her full powers had surged back the moment Cressida released them, revealing that they had been stolen in Julietta's infancy. Renya's gaze drifted to the far side of the forest, where Julietta sat with Kalora. She smiled, warmed by the sight of mother and daughter bonding as Kalora guided Julietta through her newfound abilities.

As they continued down the long, rose-lined pathway, Renya's eyes swept over the gathering of friends and family. Samatra and Thesand had made the journey, as had Margot from the Shadow Realm, accompanied by her son who had chosen flight over fighting in Cressida's war.

Passing Esmeralda and Phillippe, Renya noted the exquisite flower headpiece adorning Esmeralda's hair. Recalling Phillippe's earlier presence in the garden, Renya's lips curved in a knowing smile. It seemed her brother was actively pursuing the Tidal princess's affections.

When they approached Sion, he offered a respectful bow. Though his side remained bandaged, the contentment in his eyes was unmistakable. Selenia stood at his side, her unwavering presence a testament to their deepening bond. Both had struggled with the news of Cressida's survival—Sion yearning for her death to erase his scars, and Selenia's anger perhaps surpassing even his. Yet today, their faces shone with genuine happiness.

A gentle sniffle caught Renya's attention. To her left, Doria dabbed at her eyes with a delicate handkerchief, overcome with emotion.

As Cyrus guided her past her aunt and Tumwalt, they finally reached the altar. Before her stood Grayden, with Almory at his side, resplendent in ceremonial robes that struck Renya as a curious blend of solemnity and whimsy. He looked like a cross between the Pope and a circus performer, and Renya held in her giggle the best she could.

I don't know what a pope or a circus is, Little Fawn, but I trust you'll tell me later, Grayden's amused voice echoed in her mind.

Hush, we need to pay attention, she chided gently, turning to face Almory.

The ceremony was brief, spanning less than five minutes, which suited Renya perfectly. While she understood the significance for Grayden of being married in the same spot as his parents, she felt as though their bond had been cemented since the moment she stepped through the portal.

As Almory pronounced them man and wife, a hush fell over the snowy forest. All eyes turned towards the left of the altar, and Renya's breath caught in her throat at the sight.

Three elkten stood there, majestic and serene, as if they were honored guests at the wedding.

Grayden's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as they gazed at the ethereal creatures.

"Our union has been ordained since the beginning,"

he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, "and it will last until the end."