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.