(Second last Chapter of my book. A special thanks to everyone single reader who supported me.)
It’s the final opportunity to escape. I won’t let you go after that." Lotus nudged closer to Razial and arched her brow. Razial offered her a heart-melting smile which always made her heart jump in anticipation.
"I am not going anywhere, Loti. You and I are forever." They took their positions in front of the large arc Lotus had constructed using the twining plants with pink flowers.
Faris and Aiko took their positions beside them, holding hands and waving at the pack who had gathered to witness this monumental occasion.
Elder Pallia joined them as the officiator. Siroos had requested that the same steps be followed for Lotus and Razial’s ceremony which was a tradition of their pack except for the marking ceremony. That was to be replaced by Razial offering Lotus a woven crown of icy preserved flowers. Cassandra had placed a spell so that the flowers wouldn’t melt and remain with her forever. It was the same flower Razial had gifted her for her naming day.
Cassandra leaned into Siroos as they watched with utter satisfaction this moment of bliss where their loved ones went through their bonding ceremonies and all the rituals related to them.
She peacefully hummed.
"It feels like one of the happiest days of my life. My sister and brother-in-law are finally with the love of their lives." Siroos rubbed her arm and watched with a satisfied smile.
They planted their own Sensifa seeds right beside Siroos and Cassandra’s plant. It had turned into a lush tree with leaves joyfully rustling and singing rhymes and songs.
A sense of blissfulness washed over everyone present making this moment everlasting. They watered the seed with water from the oasis, completing the ritual.
It was time to mark their partners.
While Faris marked his mate, further strengthening his bond with Aiko, Razial placed the crown on Lotus’s head.
"Both of you can kiss your mates. May these reunions be blessed forever," Pallia made the final declaration as the ladies of the pack showered them with flower petals.
Faris and Razial pulled their respective ladies into their arms and showered their affection and love on them. Their lips synced as they tasted and melted against each other’s breath.
Unwantedly they pulled apart amidst more rejoicing from the pack.
"Bless-o! You are the sweetest—-Going to enjoy devouring you later." Faris seductively whispered in Aiko’s ear, making her blush deeply.
"Just wait for tonight, I am going to put a baby in you." It was Razial with a tease for Lotus. She leaned in, placing her hands on her husband’s chest and purred.
"Can’t wait. I hope you are ready for the madness."
Their eyes peeked at each other, forgetting the world around them.
Pack members came to them one by one congratulating both the couples and showering them with gifts. Haylia and Elders offered them blessings as well.
Grinning ear to ear she embraced her son and his mate. Both her sons had found their mates fulfilling her biggest desire.
"I am so proud of you, Faris. You have come a long way." She pressed a kiss on her elated son’s forehead and did the same to Aiko. They couldn’t stop smiling at her affection.
"Ahm! Eternal love flamers. We have something to show you." Cassandra interrupted Lotus and Razial with a cheeky smile.
Razial took Lotus’s hand in his and they followed Cassandra and Siroos to the other side of the oasis.
A small cottage nestled amidst the tall trees Cassandra and Lotus had grown previously. It appeared to have grown organically from the earth itself. Its walls were intricately woven from sturdy vines and adorned with blooming flowers in hues of pink, white, and lavender, creating a natural tapestry.
The roof was a patchwork of wooden shingles interspersed with creeping greenery, blending seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Fragrant herbs and colourful wildflowers spilt from window boxes, while a winding stone path surrounded by flowering plants led to the door, framed by an arch of intertwined branches and blossoms.
Encircled by dense foliage, chirping birds, and the gentle rustle of leaves, this enchanting place was perfect for the newly wedded couple.
Your new home if you wish to live with us," Siroos offered with a kind smile, Cassandra nodded in approval.
"Blimey! This is how I had always envisioned a place to live in. I love it," Lotus shrieked, rushing towards the small cosy-seeming place she was about to make home with Razial.
"We appreciate it. It’s really beautiful." Razial offered with a respectful nod.
"We are very pleased to know you found it suitable. Enjoy." Cassandra and Siroos were all smiles as Razial joined his wife and both of them disappeared inside to inspect every part.
"Should we head over to Faris and Aiko and present them their gifts as well?" Siroos asked, crossing his huge arm around Cassandra’s shoulder and leading her away.
"Absolutely."
They found them near the oasis, surrounded by Ranon, Lana and Tara. Siroos gestured to Ames to bring forth the gifts Cassandra had prepared for both Faris and Aiko.
Placed on a giant silver platter were Faris’s axe and the dagger Faris had gifted Aiko. Ames brought it forward.
"Ah! My beloved axe," Faris delightedly said, seeing the shining weapon.
Cassandra and Siroos exchanged knowing smug looks. Cassandra picked it up with both her hands and presented it to her brother in law.
"It’s no longer an ordinary axe. It wields the power of the god of thunder. I stole it from him when I doomed him to Underworld and now it’s mine to award to whomever. And I have infused it in your axe and the dagger you gifted me. With this I proclaim you as the god of thunder. May you reign justly."
Faris’s eyes widened to triple the size at this revelation. With his mouth hanging open he stared at his openly smiling sister-in-law and then at the axe.