Page 51 of Sophie’s Ruin (Crimson and Shadows #2)

He cleared his throat and smiled at me, patting my hand on his forearm.

“Let me take you to the one whose love will carry you through eternity, even after I’m gone.”

He turned away from me then and faced the ballroom.

I stared at him a moment longer before I also faced forward.

We began moving, stepping into the ballroom, and my gaze immediately zeroed in on Henry.

It was as if I always knew where he was in any room.

I wasn’t sure if it was because I was part witch and the world whispered things to me, or because he and I were one, linked by an invisible string, always pulling me to him, tugging me in his direction.

Relief washed over Henry’s features as if he’d feared I wouldn’t come, but then his eyes darkened with molten heat.

My throat went dry, my skin tingling with awareness from his intense stare.

I loved being on the receiving end of that look, but right now, I wished he would stop staring at me like that because it was making it difficult to concentrate.

As if he’d read my mind, Henry’s expression changed, becoming enraptured and reverent.

Now he was looking at me as if I were the only thing he would ever want or need in this world.

I’d seen that look on him before, and every time, it threatened to bring me to my knees.

Tonight was no exception. My legs were weak as my father and I approached where Henry stood before a simple wooden arch overflowing with fresh flowers.

Madam St. Clair stood under it, looking formal and dignified.

The last time I’d seen her look like that was during the Selection weeks ago when I’d come here planning to destroy the supernatural forces holding humanity captive, plotting to kill the vampires along with the Dark Witches.

Now, I was a supernatural creature myself.

I was also marrying one and planning to spend the rest of my life with him.

I supposed one never knew where their happiness awaited.

Mine was right in front of me now, his deep-blue gaze pulling me in.

A pleasant shiver rolled through me as Henry took my hands in his.

One side of his mouth turned up at the charge that passed between us.

“You look stunning,” he said in his deep voice, his pupils dilating again.

“You look rather dashing yourself,” I replied, low and husky.

Henry was wearing a fitted jacket with a white shirt underneath and black trousers, and I found it hard to keep my gaze from roaming over every powerful inch of him. Thankfully, Madam St. Clair cleared her throat, drawing my attention to her.

“Tonight, we are celebrating the love of Sophie and Henry. A love that blossomed despite the odds and persevered in spite of the trials. The world is changing, but their love will remain constant and unwavering.” Henry gently pressed my hands as if in confirmation that the words were true. I knew they were—I felt it in my heart.

Ezra handed us the rings that I’d given to him earlier—two simple gold bands that gleamed in the light of the chandelier.

I was first to place the ring on Henry’s finger and utter the words of my vow, “I, Sophie, take you, Henry, to be my wedded husband, to stand by your side for all eternity,” my voice rang out in the hushed silence.

I heard Henry’s sharp intake of breath as his gaze dropped to the ring on his finger before returning to my face.

He looked almost dumbfounded, as if he couldn’t believe this was happening and that I was choosing him.

He thought he didn’t deserve me, but in reality, I was the one unworthy of him.

I couldn’t stop my gaze from dropping to his chest, to the spot where I’d hurt him when I’d almost killed him.

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision.

Touching my chin, Henry gently guided my gaze up to his like he’d done many times before when I’d gotten lost in the terrible memories.

His eyes held mine the entire time as he proclaimed, “I, Henry, take you, Sophie, to be my wedded wife,” his voice caught on the word, and he swallowed before continuing, “to be your rock for the rest of our everlasting nights.”

When he slipped the ring on my finger, the band’s weight brought instant comfort as if I’d been destined to wear it. My vision cleared as Henry brought my hand to his mouth and skimmed his lips over my knuckles.

“By the power granted to me by the Empire of Seven,” Madam St. Clair started but paused, realization washing over her wrinkled face.

“Well, I suppose it can no longer be called that.” She cleared her throat as a murmur swept through the room.

It seemed now was the first time everyone was beginning to realize this country was no longer the Empire of Seven.

“By the power granted to me by this land, whatever it is we choose to become as we move into the future,” the Governess forged on.

Her words resonated within me. Whatever we choose to become.

The humans had that choice now, because Henry and I had ensured it. “I pronounce you husband and wife.”

Time slowed as Henry and I stared at each other. Everything and everyone faded away until it was just he and I. We weren’t in the ballroom anymore. We were outside, standing in the sun-drenched meadow from my dreams.

“You may kiss the bride,” Madam St. Clair’s voice barely registered, sounding far away.

Henry moved almost immediately, as if he’d been waiting for the signal ever since the ceremony had started.

He sealed his lips to mine, and I melted into him, every stroke of his tongue sending sparks through my entire body.

The kiss was passionate, but ended as abruptly as it had begun—only a taste of what would come later when we were alone.

“I love you,” Henry murmured against my lips before he pulled away.

“I love you, too,” I whispered back.

Cheers erupted, bringing us back to the ballroom, and I almost frowned, instantly missing the meadow.

Henry pulled away but didn’t let go of me, his hands on my waist, holding me close.

He looked happy—genuinely happy—and content, letting out a rough exhale as if he’d been holding his breath.

Then he smiled at me, his smile as warm and beautiful as the sun we’d just been standing under, and I found myself smiling back, unable to avert my gaze from his perfect face.

He was perfect, and this moment was perfect, and I wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

Still smiling, Henry let go of my waist and took my hand in his before turning us away from the arch.

He threaded his fingers through mine as we faced our guests.

My father sat in the front row, wiping away tears from his eyes. Isabelle and Wren sat next to him, cheering and applauding loudly. Amelie and Waylon were also here, as well as Celeste and a few other White Witches.

“Let’s dance!” Isabelle exclaimed, rising from her seat.

The former servants who were also in attendance spurred into action at her words. Some began serving wine and champagne, while others set up in the corner of the ballroom with their musical instruments.

“I can’t believe Amelie and Isabelle were able to put all this together in just a few days,” I said, as soft music began drifting through the ballroom.

“It is impressive,” Henry agreed, taking a flute of champagne from a passing servant.

He handed it to me before grabbing one for himself.

I took a sip of the bubbly drink as I watched Isabelle and Wren begin swaying to the music, their bodies nearly flush with each other.

“I still don’t like him,” Henry muttered, following my gaze.

Isabelle’s head whipped in our direction as his words reached her vampire ears. She scowled at Henry before turning back to Wren, who was watching her with rapt attention.

“You need to give him a chance,” I said low. “I have a feeling he’ll be a part of our lives for a long time.”

When Henry gave me a questioning look, I lifted a shoulder in a non-committal gesture. He opened his mouth to ask what I’d meant, but closed it when Celeste approached us.

“Congratulations,” the witch said with a warm smile.

“Thank you,” both Henry and I replied.

“And thank you for helping me with my magic,” I added.

Celeste nodded.

“You’re welcome. Keep working on it even after you leave. The demon was right about one thing—your magic is strong. Your power will only grow, and with proper care, you can accomplish great things.”

“Speaking of Damien…has he shown himself yet?” I asked her, and held my breath. I hoped he hadn’t found another susceptible soul to corrupt in the White Witches settlement.

“Not that I’m aware,” Celeste replied, drawing her mouth into a straight line.

“I’m tired of waiting for him to reveal himself.

Since searching for him hasn’t worked, I’m going to try to summon him instead.

Demons are drawn to power, and I have it in spades.

Perhaps if I offer myself to him, he won’t be able to resist.”

My blood chilled in my veins at her words.

I glanced at Henry before I said, “When are you going to do it? If you can wait until tomorrow night, I’ll help you. There isn’t much I can do, but I still think you shouldn’t do it alone.”

The witch stared at me for a moment as if trying to decide if she wanted to take me up on my offer. I hoped she would—I couldn’t leave without helping her. I couldn’t let her battle the darkness alone.

“I will,” she finally said. “We will try summoning him tomorrow night.”

The cold feeling in my limbs hadn’t lifted.

If anything, it seemed to grow and spread, but I refused to let it.

I knew that Damien needed to be dealt with as soon as possible.

We’d already waited too long. But I was delaying it, trying to prolong the moment of peace, much like Henry had done after I’d defeated the Dark Witches.

One night. Our wedding night. We deserved that much.

Fighting the darkness could wait, if only for a few more hours.

After Celeste had left our side, I turned to Henry.

“We can’t leave until I help her,” I told him, hoping he would understand.

The look he gave me told me that he did, and truly, I hadn’t expected anything less from him. I waited for him to say something about what tomorrow night might bring, but he didn’t.

“Dance with me?” he asked instead, gently squeezing the hand he hadn’t released after we’d exchanged our vows. In that moment, I knew that we wouldn’t talk about tomorrow night. There would be no dread or uncertainty tonight; there would only be peace and joy.

“Of course. I would never deny you, remember?” I teased with a hint of a smile.

“I hope you remember that promise later tonight,” he teased back, one side of his mouth turning up.

My blood heated at his words, and a wave of desire rolled through me.

Dark lust flashed in Henry’s eyes, but he quickly reined it in.

We handed our champagne glasses back to the servant before Henry hauled me to him for a dance.

The world faded away again, but this time, we didn’t go to the meadow.

We remained by the arch, the sweet scent of flowers wafting through the air around us.

Still, I wasn’t seeing the ballroom and the guests, just as I wasn’t hearing the music.

All I could see was him, and all I could hear was the steadfast rhythm of his heart, which beat in unison with mine.

Time seemed to crawl as we danced, without saying a word, completely immersed in each other.

We didn’t need to speak. There was an understanding between us, a quiet confidence that came with knowing that I was his and he was mine, and nothing could ever come between us.