Shattered Souls (Guardians of the Maiden Book 3)

Cassiel’s heartbeat thudded loudly in his ears. It drowned out the soft hum of the hundreds of Celestials in the ballroom as they waited for the bride to arrive. He ignored all the eyes he felt watching him where he stood within the platform set in the center of the floor. Four columns wrapped in blue flowers and sheets of white tulle rose on each corner of it. He kept his hands folded together, so he wouldn’t fidget with his black, brocade jacket. It was fitted from his shoulders to the waist, with an elegance suited to his lean physique. Instead of the traditional white robes, he had chosen a modern look for the ceremony, but now it felt too tight and hot.

Yet he could be dressed in mud and still feel like a thousand bats were rampaging in his stomach. Why was he so nervous?

The last rays of light spilling through the massive windows at Cassiel’s back faded as the sun set beyond the mountain, and soft music began to play.

It was time.

He looked up at the double doors on the second floor entryway. The Valkyrie stationed there bowed and opened them. And then he saw her.

His heartbeat slowed.

And his next breath stalled.

A hush fell over the room. It had to be Dyna’s beauty that silenced them, for a glow seemed to reradiate from her as though she had walked through the Seven Gates to find him.

Dyna’s white gown glittered like streams of moonlight beneath the chandeliers. The bodice accentuated every curve in embroidered silk and trimmed in silver. Her shoulders were bear, with only sheer sleeves on her arms ending at points over her hands. A veil covered her head, falling down her back to look like small wings.

Emotion constricted Cassiel’s throat. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

His bride.

His mate.

His.

Dyna froze on the stop step. Her nerves prickled against him, and he could feel her heart pounding.

Look at me, he sent through the bond. Only at me.

She did, then her shoulders straightened, and after a pause, she slowly climbed down the steps. Every eye followed her descent to first floor. Zev and Lucenna waited at the bottom. They escorted her across the long red carpet leading to the platform. Dyna reached it, and he took her trembling hands. Her gaze met his through the veil, and Cassiel was mesmerized all over again.

He gently squeezed her fingers. “You look like a dream.”

The smile that earned him stole whatever was left of him. She possessed it all.

The music quieted as Lord Jophiel climbed the steps of the platform and stood before them. “We have gathered here today to celebrate the union of two souls,” he announced to the court. “Two souls cut from the same cloth of stars by Elyōn himself. Dynalya Astron and Cassiel Soaraway…” He looked at them. “Do you choose to bind yourselves to one another from this day until your last day?”

She nodded.

You must say it aloud, Cassiel said through the bond.

“Oh, right, yes, I do accept,” Dyna stuttered, and he was sure she was blushing terribly under the veil.

Cassiel fought a smile as he said aloud, “I choose to bind myself from this day until my last.”

Lord Jophiel nodded. “Present the sash and the rings.”

Dyna drew out the braided ribbons from some hidden pocket of her dress and gave it to Lord Jophiel. He nodded to him.

Taking her hand again, Cassiel slipped his mother’s ring on her finger. “Harey at mekudeshet li be tabaat zot,” he said and translated for her. You are now blessed to me by this ring.

The sapphire stone glinted under the candlelight, the silver woven around it delicately. A trickle of her surprise traveled down the bond. She shakily took the other gold ring from waiting in his palm, and slipped it on his finger, too. Then she repeated the same words. Lord Jophiel motioned for them to kneel together on the platform. Then he wrapped the sash around their linked hands.

Laying his palm over their bound hands, his uncle spoke the prayer for the God of Life to consecrate this union, binding them to one another for life. A servant brought a small wooden table to put between them, and Lord Jophiel laid out a scroll on top of it. It was filled with script. A contract of marriage.

He took out a knife.

This is the bonding part, Cassiel said, sensing her unease increase.

Dyna nodded and opened her hand. Lord Jophiel drew the knife across her skin, then Cassiel’s, and pressed their palms together. “With your joined blood, Elyōn binds thee as one.”

Light burst from their joined hands in a brilliant ray. Electrical warmth flooded his body, and he heard Dyna’s soft gasp as she felt the same. The rapid flutter of her heart beat in his chest where his heartbeat matched hers. Soft currents of pleasure rushed through his body, nearly toppling him.

The crowd awed loudly.

“This is the sign that indicates you are True Bonded,” Lord Jophiel whispered to them.

And it was witnessed before all to see. Now no one could question their bond. To do so would be to question their maker.

Dyna breathed heavily as her head turned to him. This is what you felt…the first time?

It was stronger by threefold.

It was milder this time since they were already bonded.

Lord Jophiel held their hands over the scroll and a few drops of their blood pattered onto the page before the cuts healed. He unbound the sash and handed Cassiel a quill. He signed his name in a swirl of ink on the contract, then Dyna signed hers below his.

“The bride and groom may kiss to seal their oath,” Lord Jophiel announced.

Cassiel reached for her veil and lifted it off her head. Her bright green eyes met his. The bond drummed with her pulse and awareness of everyone watching.

Cassiel leaned toward her. All I see is you…

Dyna’s eyes fluttered closed and he took her lips in his. The tension eased out of her body as she leaned into his kiss. Someone came forward and placed something on his head. Cold and heavy. He straightened to see his uncle do the same to her. Dyna reached up, her fingers brushing the edges of the sapphire jewels, and the silver points now circling her head.

A crown.

She gaped at him. Cassiel shot her a smile and bowed his head, motioning for her to do the same.

Lord Jophiel’s voice carried in the room, “Prince Cassiel Soaraway, son of the High King, rise.”

He stood.

“Dynalya Soaraway of House Astron, rise now as Princess Consort of Hilos and the Four Celestial realms.”

Cassiel took her hand and helped her stand on her wobbly legs. She was trembling. He brushed his fingers over the small of her back, and she straightened as if his touch was enough to draw out the bravery he knew she held.

“I present before the Realms, the Lord and Lady of Hermon Ridge.”

Together, they faced their court. A room packed with Celestials, half-breeds and purebloods alike. Dyna’s hand tightened in his, and he braced for their public rebuttal.

There was a still pause.

Then the ballroom was a flutter of wings and gowns—as the court deeply bowed as one. Music thrummed through the room, signaling the end of the ceremony, and blue and white petals floated down like a sprinkle of snow. Lord Jophiel smiled at them and stepped down from the platform as two servants came forward. One removed the table and the other wiped the dried blood off their hands with a damp cloth before quickly leaving.

Cassiel took her hand and bowed to kiss the back of it. “May I have this dance?”

Dyna stepped forward as he took her waist and lead her into a sway. She stole glances at the still court. It was customary for everyone to join in the bride and groom’s first dance, but no one moved yet. None of it mattered. The only thing that mattered was in his arms right now.

Cassiel pulled her flush against him by her waist, drawing a small gasp from her. “Eyes on me, princess,” he whispered in her ear.

Her cheeks pinked, but she curled her hand over his and her anxiety melted away. He held her close as they moved to the music. Zev led Lucenna to the dance floor, and Rawn accompanied a Celestial female. The show of support meant a lot to him at that moment. They weren’t alone. That indication soon led to the citizens of Hermon to joined them. Then the ballroom was a sway of bodies and colorful wings.

The majority from the other Realms remained idling by the walls and the galleries in a sea of white feathers. He didn’t bother to look for the one person he knew wouldn’t be there. His kind was with him and that held more meaning than anything else.

Dyna’s eyebrows furrowed when she sensed his thoughts. Your father would have come if he could.

It’s all right. Gracing me with his presence was never something he cared to do.

Cassiel told himself he didn’t care. But his stomach pitched a little at recalling the last time he had waited for his father to make an appearance. He stopped expecting him to arrive a long time ago.

They danced through a few more songs before Cassiel led her off the platform. They walked the velvet red carpet to the dais that held a single grand throne of gold with red, velvet upholstery. They passed it to the massive windows that overlooked the mountain range. He moved them so they were partially hidden behind the drapes for a sliver of privacy.

Dyna exhaled a heavy breath and leaned against the wall by the window. She reached up and removed her silver crown—a tiara rather—staring as it glinted in the silvery light streaming from the Hyalus tree outside. Every sharp point was embedded with jewels, encrusted with diamonds and large sapphires. The largest of them at the center. Only the best, all for her.

“God of Urn.”

“It’s your second light gift,” Cassiel said. “In case it escaped your memory, I did say I would give you a crown.”

“You said as many as I wish,” she replied faintly. “So laden with jewels I would hardly be able to lift my head. I see you kept your word.”

He pretended to look hurt. “Are you not happy?”

Her wide eyes flicked up to him. “No, it’s not that…I was jesting when I said…”

Cassiel chuckled. “I was not. This is the first of many.”

“But I … I can’t take this. It’s too much.” She worried how this would be perceived by those who accused her of landing an auspicious marriage for wealth.

“Well, if you don’t want it…” Cassiel reached for it.

“No.” She held it to her chest. “I’m a princess now, and it’s mine.”

He grinned. “Then you like it?”

“I do.” She rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. If you ever decide to give me another, could it have less jewels? Even if it’s fashioned from wood I would be pleased.”

“And have others think I’m snubbing you? I would never, stupid human.” He took the tiara and placed it back on her head.

It fit her perfectly. As though she had been born royalty.

Dyna smiled at the Hermon mountains where the Hyalus glowed brightly in the night. Its light highlighted the joy on her soft face. “To think this all started with a tree. I was determined to reach the light in the distance, because I knew somehow that was where I needed to go. And there you were, standing on the edge of it. I don’t remember it yet, but the feeling I felt then is what I feel now when I am with you. Warm and safe…and home. When we met again years later, and I heard your song, I think a part of me remembered that feeling and I had to follow it.” She turned to look up at him. “It wasn’t your music that called out to me that day. You did.”Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

The sound of those words fell over him like a soft veil he didn’t want to let go of. Since that winter night by the tree, the impression of something behind. An echo of her cadence. He had strained to listen to the notes he couldn’t fully grasp, tried to turn it into a song that failed form. It had plagued him, and it only faded when she reappeared again.

Cassiel cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over the softness of her skin. All my life, I had been searching for something, never knowing what it was…until now. My soul was waiting for you.

It was strange how fate worked. Where such small unintentional actions could lead to something that changed the path of the future. He hadn’t been living before this, because now, he could finally breathe.

He brought her mouth to his as they swayed together to the soft music. Songs came and went, time idly passing them by as he kissed her. He was simply content to exist in this moment.

Dyna’s fingers played with a lock of his hair at the nape of his neck and she hummed. They cut your hair.

His valets had sheered a few inches off that morning. The occasion called for it, I suppose. Not to your preference.

Her green eyes glittered under the chandeliers as she smiled. I may be partial to its previous length.

Then I won’t cut it again.

Perhaps I should cut mine to my chin. She laughed at his glower.

Don’t you dare. He adored her long hair.

Someone cleared their throat. “Pardon the intrusion, Prince Cassiel.”

“Intrusion not accepted,” he said, gently running his fingers through Dyna’s silken locks.

“Shall we return later?” A female voice snickered. “He’s so absorbed by her, his eyes have not left her once. As if he’s afraid she might disappear if he looks away.”

That made his stomach pitch.

At Dyna’s shy smile, they glanced at their friends standing at the foot of the dais.

“Congratulations, Lord and Lady,” Lucenna bowed elaborately. “May the fates and the gods bless this auspicious union for as long as you live.”

Cassiel should be annoyed at her teasing, but her earlier comment left its weight.

“There have been no whisperings today,” Rawn said, reading his worry. “It seems any scheming was either stalled for tonight or ended all together now that you are publicly bound.”

That was good, but Cassiel wouldn’t risk leaving his guard down. Even now, his body tensed when Dyna moved from his side to hug Lucenna and Zev. He moved closer, keeping his eyes on surrounding crowd.

Sowmya and Yelrakel stood on opposite ends of the dais. The Valkyrie were on guard in every corner of the ballroom and along the walls and gallery above. It would take a foolish person to even attempt anything now.

“We came to see if you were hungry,” Zev said. “Dinner is served.”

Half of the court continued dancing while the other half drifted towards the tables with piles of food. His climbing unease made his stomach churn.

“I think I will skip dinner,” Cassiel said.

“Then shall we escort Lady Dyna to the table?” Rawn asked.

He tensed at the thought, even if she would only be across the room. His gaze swept over the crowd. People were watching but only out of curiosity. Still, he couldn’t help fearing something lurked in the corners, waiting for an opportunity to cut her from his life.

His seraph fire roiled behind the barrier, and suddenly he was grateful the bangle was forced on him. He wasn’t ready for such power when it convulsed every time he was sparked with a consuming need to protect his mate.

Dyna’s hand slipped into his. “I’m not quite hungry yet either. I think I will stay right here.”

She had seen right through him, but he wouldn’t let her go hungry for it.

I’m fine, really. She insisted before he could for a servant to bring a table.

Sighing, he said to the others, “Thank you for keeping watch this evening. The Valkyrie are on duty should you wish to go enjoy yourselves.”

Rawn laid an arm across his chest and bowed. Zev and Lucenna did the same. “It’s an honor, Prince Cassiel. We will remain on guard as well. Any threat that should present itself…”

“Will be dealt with,” Zev finished.

That oath was enough to settle his worry. This was their wedding. He didn’t want it soured by the thought of what if. Right now, she was safe with him. No one was coming for them, at least not tonight.

Once their friends departed, Cassiel sat in his new throne and pulled Dyna onto his lap. “Are you happy?”

“I am.” She lay a hand on his cheek. “More than I can describe.” But she glanced at the sapphire ring on her finger, and her smile wavered. “This…”

“It’s the ring my father gave to my mother when they were wed in spirit, since he was bonded to another.” Cassiel took her hand, grazing his thumb over it. “She asked me to keep it for her the night she left. She said if I became a man before her return, then I was to give it to the one who became my reason for living.” He met her soft gaze. “It belongs to you now, lev sheli.”

Dyna blinked back the wetness in her eyes, and red locks slipped down her shoulders at the solemn tilt of her head. “This ring represents hope and a promise between you and your mother. We don’t know what happened to her, and we won’t until we reach Mount Ida. You deserve to have that closure first before parting with it. I don’t mind waiting.”

“I thought you might say that, and it’s all right. This one is borrowed,” Cassiel indicated the gold band he wore. “Lent to me by Lord Norrlen. It’s merely the symbolism. I will hold on to the ring for as long you wish, but it’s yours, Dyna. If you want it.”

“There is only one thing I want.” She tugged on his collar, inviting. It was all the encouragement he needed.

He slipped his hand to the nape of her neck and lost himself in a kiss, in the dancing storm of her soul. He let himself fall through her being as he had on that full moon night some months ago, knowing that was where he would always find himself, too.