CHAPTER 176: BRUNO MARS - MARRY YOU

"We have some time before the reception," Damien said, the twinkle in his eye unmistakable. His fingers brushed against hers. Mischief and desire mingled in his voice.

"I like the way you think," Luna winked, her cheeks slightly flushed from anticipation. She leaned in just slightly, lips parted, ready to test the boundaries of their first hour as a married couple.

From behind them came a droll voice. "I’m afraid there will be no shenanigans tonight. Your people await." Luciver, ever the walking reminder that joy must always come with duty, stepped forward.

Luna rolled her eyes. "Well, thanks father in law."

"I live to serve," Luciver replied dryly.

Despite the interruption, Luna and Damien couldn’t help but smile. Together, still locked at the hands, they walked out of the temple into the night air. The city’s sky shimmered with floating flame orbs—traditional Blood City wedding lanterns believed to carry blessings into the stars. The effect was breathtaking.

And standing below those stars, every royal lord and noble from every corner of the vampire empire waited in formation—except, of course, Lord Gabriel, who was as conspicuously absent as he was dangerous. Luna felt it in her bones. Every joy lately came with a shadow. She didn’t say it out loud, but Damien’s grip on her hand tightened, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Luciver took his place on the balcony that jutted out from the temple front. His voice thundered with the elegance of ancient nobility. "I present to you the Crowned Prince and Princess of the Blood City!"

Applause thundered. Whistles. Fireworks then exploded in the sky.

Damien turned to Luna, and kissed her.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you more, your highness," Luna replied with a grin that held both affection and sass. She gave his chest a playful push.

They descended the wide marble stairs, their fingers still intertwined. As they approached the waiting luxury car, they looked every inch the fairytale.

Not far off, Kyllian stood with his hands in his pockets.

)

"I’ll skip the reception," he said lowly to Queen Ravena, who had remained behind, her sharp eyes missing nothing.

"Of course," she replied softly, her voice touched with a hint of compassion. She knew. The way mothers always knew. The temple ceremony had already been more than he could stomach, and yet he endured it—for Luna. For what they used to be.

"I’ll see you later."

He gave her a brief nod and turned, walking slowly through the golden-lit garden path that led toward Luna’s building. His shoulders were heavy with resignation. As the lanterns floated higher and laughter echoed into the night, Kyllian disappeared beneath the ivy-covered archway, swallowed by his own silence.

*****

The town square had transformed into a fairy tale pulled straight from the pages of a princess’s dream. Hundreds of well-dressed nobles, dignitaries, townsfolk, and invited guests gathered beneath a canopy of lanterns. The music swelled—an elegant blend of traditional Blood City strings and modern werewolf drums—an alliance even in melody. The massive wedding cake stood like a fortress in the center of the celebration: seven tiers tall, laced in gold-dusted frosting, and decorated with fresh bloodroses.

The newlyweds stepped onto the gleaming crystal floor laid across the square. The crowd hushed slightly as Damien took Luna’s hand in his. He twirled her under the starry enchantment of the night, the hem of her gown sparkling.

"Don’t think I’ll let you enjoy yourself too much, Mrs. Dragos," he said with a smirk, pulling her close again.

"I’d like to see you try and stop me," Luna replied, laughing softly. Her eyes held a mischievous glint as she swayed in his arms.

He leaned in, their foreheads brushing. "Okay, but please let me know if you feel tired."

Their moment was golden.

Doctor Thessa, who had been hovering near the edge of the dance floor, was watching the princess closely. And when Luna yawned—just once—Thessa was on the move.

"Princess Luna," she called gently but firmly, stepping into the rhythm of the waltz. "How about a little break? Just a short rest?"

Damien immediately pulled back. "Do as the good doctor commands, or she’ll report me to Veyron for pushing my bride too hard."

"I would do that," Thessa deadpanned.

Luna rolled her eyes with a fond smile. "Alright, alright. No one wants a cranky Veyron." She allowed herself to be escorted to the elegantly decorated lounge area to the side of the square, where cushioned chairs and refreshments awaited. As she sat, her hands instinctively brushed her stomach.

It was then that a ripple passed through the crowd. A presence that nowadays made Luna’s shoulders stiffen and her guard rise.

Lord Gabriel emerged. His smile was charming. His eyes were knives.

"Princess," he said smoothly, giving an exaggerated bow. "Allow me to offer my deepest congratulations. You are a vision. And may I say—this wedding? Absolutely beautiful."

Luna smiled, but the corners of her lips were like blades. "Thank you, Lord Gabriel."

"Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to borrow your husband for a bit."

Her smile didn’t fade, but her posture shifted ever so slightly—alert, sharp. She inclined her head gracefully. "Of course."

As the older vampire led Damien away, Luna’s eyes sharpened like the glint of moonlight on steel. She scanned the crowd. And there, near the drinks table where three noblewomen were giggling over Veyron’s height, she found Talon.

She raised a single finger and Talon immediately locked eyes with her.

"Keep an eye on my husband, please," Luna whispered as he bowed low at her side.

"Of course, Your Highness," Talon replied.

She leaned back, watching Talon slip into the crowd. Her eyes, however, remained on the vanishing form of her husband and the very dangerous man leading him away.

"What is it, Lord Gabriel?" Damien asked through a smile so tight it could slice glass. His voice was polite, but the underlying irritation simmered just beneath the surface. "It’s my wedding. Can we try not to cause trouble?"

(Anyone have theories on Lord Gabriel’s motives? Drop your comments.)