Milo’s chest was rising and falling fast as he hurried down the quiet hospital corridor. His hands clutched the hem of his white robe, afraid it might catch as he ran.
He knew he should have told Ruby or Karl, but he couldn’t sit still anymore. His heart had been beating painfully ever since the holy fire was lit that morning. He knew what it meant if the ceremony began and didn’t finish. If his wife didn’t marry before the flame burned out, her soul would weaken. He couldn’t let that happen. Maybe... maybe Brother Kaelan could help.
The corridor was filled with nurses and healers moving quietly, but several of them stopped to glance at Milo as he passed. He looked like he had stepped out of a painting—his robe was white silk embroidered with silver and pearls, glowing faintly under the hospital lights. His brown hair brushed softly against his forehead, and his wide, innocent eyes shimmered like honey.
He finally reached Kaelan’s ward and pushed the door open, panting.
"Brother Kai!" he called, his voice breaking with emotion.
Kaelan, sitting on the bed with a light blanket over his legs, turned sharply at the sound. His parents were beside him, speaking softly, and all three looked startled when they saw Milo standing there—his face flushed from running, his eyes glossy with tears.
"Milo?" Kaelan said, his tone filled with both confusion and relief. "You’re here? What happened?"
Milo rushed to his side, barely able to speak. "Brother Kai, how are you feeling? Are you okay?" His voice trembled as he took Kaelan’s hand, looking at him like he couldn’t believe he was really awake.
Kaelan’s lips curved faintly. "I’m fine now... thanks to everyone," he said gently. "But why are you crying? And what’s with the robe? Did something happen?" His gaze moved down to the ornate details on Milo’s clothes—too fine, too ceremonial. "You look like you’re about to attend a wedding."
At that, Milo’s tears spilled over. "Because wife is getting married!" he burst out, voice cracking.
Kaelan’s eyes widened, and his parents froze.
"What?" his mother asked sharply.
Milo nodded, sniffing hard. "Yes! That fat ghost Louis! Madame Shades is making her marry him! The holy fire is already burning, and Brother Karl is so angry and worried. And if she doesn’t get married before the fire dies, she’ll get cursed and become weak!"
He told them everything, his words tumbling out between sobs.
Kaelan stared at him in disbelief for a moment before pushing the blanket aside, his injured arm trembling slightly. "She’s what?" His tone was low but full of restrained anger.
His father frowned deeply. "You mean they started the ritual already?"
Milo nodded again, wiping his face. "Yes, and Brother Adi and Jules went to wife’s old house to find proof. They said they’re almost back, but what if they don’t reach in time? The holy fire doesn’t wait." He looked at Kaelan desperately. "Brother Kai, you’re strong... you know things. Please, help me save wife!"
For a heartbeat, silence filled the room. Then Kaelan swung his legs off the bed, ignoring his mother’s gasp.
"You shouldn’t move yet—"
"Mom."
The look he gave her was firm, and she fell silent, nodding.
•••••••
The air inside the grand hall shimmered with heat from the holy fire. The flames rose higher and higher, glowing gold and white, their light spilling across the red carpets and silk banners that hung from the ceiling. The scent of incense filled the air, sweet and dizzying, and the priestess’s voice echoed softly as she chanted the sacred verses of union.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward the bride.
Ruby stood at the center of the stage, her red robe gleaming under the firelight, her silver jewelry catching every flicker. The golden sheen around her eyes made them look like twin suns, but those eyes weren’t calm—they were restless, searching the door again and again. Every passing minute felt like a lifetime.
Adi, Jules... please hurry, she prayed silently, her heartbeat loud against her ribs.
Beside her, Louis was staring openly, his face pink and sweaty, his mouth slightly open in awe. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. "Ruby," he whispered, almost drooling. "You’re... you’re like a goddess."
Ruby didn’t respond. Her hands stayed still, though her mind was racing. The holy fire was already burning bright—it wouldn’t take long before the binding verse began. Once that happened, no one could interrupt without risking the curse.
The priestess raised her hands toward the fire. "Let the holy spirits bless this union," she said softly, her tone solemn. "Let truth, loyalty, and love bind them under the light of the eternal flame."
Ruby’s stomach twisted.
Louis leaned closer, his round face glowing from the firelight, his grin stretching wide. "You’re going to be mine," he said quietly, his voice trembling with excitement.
Ruby turned her head slowly, her eyes meeting his. There was no fear in them—only cold disgust. "Don’t dream too early," she said flatly.
But Louis only laughed under his breath, mistaking her tone for nervousness. "You’ll see," he murmured, his grin growing wider. "Once this fire binds us, you’ll be my wife forever. Even your ghosts can’t stop it."
Ruby’s fingers curled at her side. Her body looked calm, but inside, anger and dread churned together. The priestess began the second round of chants, and the flames rose higher, the light growing so bright it stung Ruby’s eyes.
Please, Adrian. Please, Jules, she thought, her heart racing faster. Hurry... before it’s too late.
Karl sat at the corner of the grand hall, his jaw clenched so tight it almost hurt. The gold and red lights from the holy fire flickered across his face, highlighting the deep anger burning in his eyes. Around him, people whispered excitedly, smiling and talking about how beautiful the bride looked and how lucky Louis was.
Every word stabbed into his chest like a knife.
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing—his wife, his Ruby, standing beside that fat ghost under the holy flame. His fists were shaking. His teeth ground together so hard that the veins on his neck stood out.
What kind of sick joke is this? he thought furiously.
Where the hell is Milo? And where’s Adi? They were supposed to stop this before it even started.
To be continued... 🪄