Page 56 of Sanctuary and Spices
“Don’t.” She spun me to face the mirror. “Look at yourself.”
I did. The traditional Devaali wedding clothes draped perfectly - layers of silver and deep blue that shifted like captured starlight. My dark curls had been tamed into an intricate style, woven with tiny Jhyra that glowed softly.
“You’re beautiful,” Erynn said. “And you’re glowing. Literally.”
I laughed, but my nerves bubbled up again. “What if I mess this up? What if I’m not enough for him?”
“Jani.” She gripped my shoulders, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “That man looks at you like you hung the stars. Trust me, you’re more than enough.”
A knock at the door made us both jump.
“Five minutes!” Barou called.
My heart thundered. “Already?”
“Deep breath.” Erynn adjusted my sash one last time. “You’ve got this.”
Music filtered through the door - a blend of traditional Devaali melodies and the station’s ever-present hum. I closed my eyes, reaching for the bond. Ronhar’s presence wrapped around me like a warm embrace.
“Ready?” Erynn asked.
I nodded, unable to speak.
She opened the door, and my breath caught. The café had transformed completely. Floating lights danced through the air, casting rainbow shadows through crystal formations. The garden plants swayed gently, their leaves glowing with inner light.
And there, beneath an arch of Jhrya vines, stood Ronhar.
His traditional robes matched mine - silver and deep blue, shot through with patterns that echoed his glowing markings. His hair had been braided intricately, woven with the same tiny flowers that decorated mine.
But it was his expression that stopped my heart. Pure love and wonder filled his face as he watched me approach.
Each step felt like floating. The bond hummed between us, growing stronger as I drew closer. Around us, the crowd murmured:
“Look at the plants-”
“They’re dancing-”
“I’ve never seen markings glow like that-”
Then I reached him, and nothing else mattered.
“Hi,” I whispered.
His markings flared brighter as he took my hands. “You’re incredible.”
Malik stepped forward, datapad in hand. “Friends and honored guests,” he began. “We gather today to witness the bonding of two souls...”
But I barely heard him. All I could focus on was Ronhar’s hands in mine, the way his touch burned through me.
“The couple has chosen to include both Devaali and station traditions,” Malik continued. “They will now plant the bonding vine.”
Ronhar led me to a small table where a ceremonial pot waited. Together, we pressed the delicate Jhrya cutting into rich soil. The moment our fingers touched the vine, it burst into life - roots spreading, stem unfurling, petals opening in a shower of gold and silver light.
“Beautiful,” someone whispered. “Just like the ones in the garden after they bonded.”
Heat crept up my cheeks at the reminder of that first time. Ronhar’s markings pulsed, and I knew he was remembering too.
“Your vows,” Malik prompted.
