Darkness Wanes

by Susan Illene

  Had it truly been a little over two years ago he’d been in this very same room, chained, and sentenced to six decades in Purgatory? Everything about his life had appeared hopeless back then. The best he could do was gain the archangel’s favor so that he could protect Melena. A lot had happened since then, and yet this came as the biggest surprise of all. He was marrying the woman he’d once sworn to feel nothing toward except hatred.

  “If it is any consolation,” Remiel said in a confiding tone, “I’d long since lost hope you’d settle down until you made the plea for Melena. She has been a good influence on you.”

  Lucas grunted. “Says the man who took her away from me for three months.”

  “I took no pleasure in that. Though she may have had good intentions, she cannot think to get away with breaking our laws without consequences. I’d hoped her time in Purgatory would dissuade her from making more foolish decisions.”

  “You still have much to learn about my mate then, archangel,” Lucas replied and turned his attention to the entryway across the room. The light clicking of women’s high heels alerted him to Melena’s impending arrival.

  Cori entered first. She took one look at Kerbasi and scowled. “Seriously? You never cease to amaze me.”

  Lucas couldn’t help a slight grin from forming as Cori approached. It still surprised him they’d allowed a human to attend the ceremony, though he supposed they’d preferred her over a vampire or a pixie. Emily came through next, wearing a similar violet dress to that of Cori. She’d pulled up her hair into a chignon and enhanced her pale complexion with makeup—something she rarely used. Both women came to stand on the opposite side of the arch, leaving room for Melena.

  Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel began playing through invisible speakers throughout the room. Lucas had not expected any music, but the satisfied smile on Cori’s face told him she’d had a hand in that.

  She winked at him. “I could hardly let my friends get married without a traditional wedding song played. Would you believe Remiel recognized it?”

  Lucas was beginning to think there was more to the archangel than he’d once thought. Not that they’d ever become allies, but Remiel did seem to be a greater mastermind than he’d imagined. “I’m certain Melena appreciates your efforts.”

  Gasps went up through the room, including from the archangels. Lucas turned his attention to the entryway and felt his heart skip a beat. His mate stepped into view, wearing a stunning ivory wedding dress. It billowed around her, making it appear as if she floated rather than walked.

  The strapless ball gown formed a heart shape on her chest and had floral lace all along the front and skirt. The train extended several feet behind her. In all his life, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman, and Lucas could hardly believe she belonged to him. They’d pulled the top half of her hair away from her face and attached a veil at the back. He was pleased to see they’d left the bottom half down to curl over her bare shoulders. If ever he’d imagined what a true angel might look like, it would have been her.

  Melena’s face practically glowed, and there was a twinkle of happiness in her eyes that had not been there since her return from Purgatory. He’d worried she would hate being forced into such a rushed wedding, but she didn’t seem to mind now. Even Kerbasi offering her his arm didn’t take the gleaming smile from Melena’s face. She accepted the guardian graciously, and they walked slowly down the aisle together as the music continued to play. Lucas was rather certain he’d never seen greater pride on the guardian’s face.

  Kerbasi let go of her with some reluctance once they reached the end of their procession and moved off to the side. Melena took her place across from Lucas and met his gaze. In her deep blue eyes, he saw love, reassurance, and warmth. At that moment, he knew this had been the right decision. Nothing in this world would please him more than marrying her.

  At Remiel’s command, the music stopped, and everyone turned to face him. The archangel did not hold a Bible or any other book. He stood tall and proud in a freshly pressed white robe with sleeves that nearly covered his hands. Lucas found kind-heartedness in his eyes. Once again, he could not believe such an event was really taking place or that they had such a prestigious audience.

  “I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has gathered here today. Many of you have traveled a long distance and went out of your way to ensure Lucas of Pistiros and Melena Sanders would have everything they needed to make this a happy occasion.”

  He paused and gazed around at everyone. “While we’ve done our best to incorporate human traditions into the proceedings, this is first and foremost a ceremony to bind officially the bride and groom together in holy matrimony as is right and proper.”

  “Amen to that,” Kerbasi muttered.

  Remiel cleared his throat. “If the bride and groom could face each other.”

  Lucas pivoted toward Melena. Unable to help himself, he reached out and ran a finger along her jaw, confirming she was as real as she seemed. He doubted even a dream could have been this vivid and astonishing. A humorous smile stretched across her face, as if she read his mind.

  “If you would take her hands, Lucas,” Remiel said, waiting until he’d done so. “Now repeat after me—I, state your name, take thee, state your bride’s name, to be my wedded wife.”

  He took a deep breath and looked into her gleaming eyes. “I, Lucas of Pistiros, take thee, Melena Sanders, to be my wedded wife.”

  “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part,” Remiel continued.

  “Lord knows they’ve already been tested there,” Cori said under her breath.

  The corners of Melena’s eyes crinkled as Lucas repeated the archangel.

  “According to God’s holy ordinance, thereto I plight thee my troth.”

  Lucas glared at Remiel. There was one part in there he did not wish to repeat, not after all that had happened to nephilim over the millennia. “Must I say the ‘G’ word?”

  “Yes.” The archangel narrowed his eyes.

  “Say it quickly and it won’t hurt as much,” Melena said, amused.

  He released a breath and spoke the first line fast before finishing the rest. “—I plight thee my troth.”

  “Good job. I knew you could do it.” Micah patted him on the back. There seemed to be a lot more commentary at this wedding than others he’d attended.

  “Now, Melena,” Remiel said, looking at her. “Repeat after me.”

  She nodded and he gave her the lines with a slight variance to the ones he provided Lucas. After he finished, she took a deep breath. “I, Melena Sanders, take thee, Lucas of Pistiros, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.”

  The archangel spoke the final lines. “To love, cherish, and obey till death do us part.”

  “I’m not promising to obey,” Melena said, putting her hands on her hips.

  Kerbasi spoke up. “On this, I must agree with her. If she obeys everything Lucas says, the world will surely come to an end.”

  “Couldn’t you have used the modern version?” Cori asked.

  Emily pursed her lips. “You can’t really think she’ll obey him all the time.”

  Lucas wasn’t offended by their responses, though he would have loved for Melena to speak that part of the vows. He’d remind her of it for centuries to come, even if he never really expected her to be obedient.

  “Say the words quickly and they won’t hurt as much,” he said, amused.

  “That’s not funny.” Sparks practically shot from Melena’s eyes. He always thought her adorable when she was angry, but even more so while wearing that dress. It made him want to skip the rest of the ceremony and find someplace remote to take her.

  “Very well.” Remiel sighed. “Skip the obey part. As others have pointed out, we know she’d never keep that promise a
nyway.”

  “Fine.” Melena gathered herself and looked up at Lucas. “To love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

  Remiel gave her the final lines.

  She smiled. “According to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I give thee my troth.”

  “Very good. Now for the rings?” the archangel addressed Micah.

  The nephilim handed them over.

  Melena gasped as Lucas slid the ring onto her finger. He’d thought long and hard before having it designed and made for her. The white gold band had a four-carat cushion alexandrite gem—her birthstone—set in the middle, and one-carat diamonds on either side.

  “This is beautiful,” she breathed, angling it several different ways, so the largest gem changed from green to reddish purple. “I can’t believe you had this made for me already.”

  Lucas was relieved that she liked it.

  “For that kind of ring, I’d almost marry him,” Kerbasi said, sliding closer to take a look.

  Remiel silenced everyone and had Lucas repeat another set of vows. Then Melena placed the ring on his finger slowly while repeating her vows.

  “If there is anything else you two wish to say to each other…” The archangel glanced between Lucas and Melena. “I have been informed I should provide you the opportunity.”

  Emily gave Remiel an accusing look. “If you’d given them more warning, they could have customized all the vows.”

  “It is fine,” Lucas said, consoling the teenager. “I do not mind a little tradition, but I do have something to say to my bride.”

  He turned toward Melena and squeezed her hands. On the darkest nights, while she was away, he had thought of many things he wanted to say to her. This was his chance to do it where it would count the most.

  Lucas took a deep breath. “From the moment I first met you, I knew you were different from any other woman I’d ever encountered. You challenged me and never backed down no matter how I threatened you. I’ve never seen anyone with as much heart, courage, and determination. It is my honor to be your mate and your husband for however many years we may have together. Thank you for not giving up on me and for making me a better man.”

  Melena blinked, growing misty-eyed. “The first time I saw you I didn’t exactly get the best impression. You were slaying my foster-mother in half with a sword, and I thought I was as good as dead, too.”

  “Now that is the Lucas we all know and adore,” Kerbasi interrupted.

  Emily snickered.

  Melena rolled her eyes, then returned her attention to Lucas. “I didn’t know then that you were really saving me. I tried stabbing you with a knife even though I doubted I’d make it. Then you wrapped your arms around me, and for a brief moment, I felt the power of the bond we shared, though it wasn’t until many years later that I recognized it.”

  “We’ve had our struggles and our ups and downs…” she continued and squeezed his hands. “But there is nothing in this world that could make me stop loving you. As cliché as it might sound, you’re my knight in shining armor. The man who even when he disagrees with me still stands by my side. I know I can count on you, and that you can count on me. Nothing on any plane of existence could ever tear us apart for long. I love you.”

  “And I love you as well.” Lucas felt his throat swell. He could not recall feeling emotions more powerful than he did at that moment. “If God has ever given me anything good it would be you. Somehow, over the last few years, you’ve become the center of my universe and the reason I draw each breath. Until the end of time, we will belong to each other.”

  “That was very well said.” Remiel wiped away some suspicious moisture from his eyes. “It is my honor to announce that by the Power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Lucas did not need further encouragement. He pulled Melena into his arms and melded their lips together, marking her as his wife. Their tongues clashed in a passionate kiss that caused a stir in their audience. Melena ran her hands up to his shoulders and pressed him closer. He’d held back since her return from Purgatory, but all he could think about as they embraced was consummating their union. The others could leave if they didn’t like it. Minutes passed as they forgot the world around them and knew nothing except each other. He lifted her up, feeling as if they couldn’t get close enough. Lucas wished her skirts weren’t in the way.

  “Uh, brother.” Micah tapped him on the shoulder. “As heartwarming as this is, you should probably wait until we get home. The archangels’ faces are turning red.”

  Melena pulled away first, embarrassment reflecting on her features. “Soon,” she whispered into his ear. “I’m going to rip that suit off of you, but not now.”

  “Don’t expect that dress to remain in one piece, either,” he warned, setting her down.

  Remiel smoothed his robe, unable to meet their gazes. “As a wedding present and goodwill gesture, we will leave the ankle cuff off of Lucas for the next week. Should the couple wish to…” he paused to clear his throat, “take a honeymoon out of state.”

  Lucas nodded at the archangel. “Thank you.”

  Melena reached out and hugged Remiel, startling him. “You’re growing on me, old man.”

  “Me, too,” Emily said, wrapping her arms around the archangel next. He appeared at a loss for words as he awkwardly patted the teenager’s back.

  “Well, I’m not hugging him,” Kerbasi huffed, then ran his gaze around the room. “Where’s the wedding feast?”

  Cori shook her head. “We didn’t have time to set that up, but we’ll put something together soon. Don’t worry.”

  The other archangels moved toward them. Lucas braced himself as Gabriel reached out and clasped his arm. “That was a moving ceremony. When Remiel told me of the deep love and affection you have for Melena Sanders, I had a difficult time believing him, but I have been proven wrong. Take care of that wife of yours. As long as you stand together and trust your hearts, there is much good you can accomplish.”

  Lucas was speechless. Before he could formulate a response, Gabriel addressed Melena. “Godspeed to you, young sensor. I’ll look forward to observing your future adventures.”

  “Does that mean…” Melena paused, furrowing her brows, “that you’re my guardian angel now?”

  Gabriel gave her an amused look. “As much as one can be when dealing with you.”

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Melena

  An odd sort of contentment filled me as I watched Lucas guide his SUV onto the drive leading to our home. The sun had dipped low in the sky, blocked by the towering trees surrounding our property. A myriad of shadows crossed his features, darkening them, but I could sense his satisfaction. He was as happy about getting married as me.

  Though we’d only been gone a little over four hours, it seemed like days. Our whole lives had changed in that short period. We’d actually gotten married, and no matter how much I tried to let that sink into my mind, it still didn’t seem real. Lucas wasn’t just my mate anymore, but also my husband. The human side of me derived profound pleasure in knowing we were now tied to each other in every possible way. Not only that, but he’d proclaimed his love for me in front of a bunch of archangels. A group he was least likely to show any hint of weakness.

  “Do you think Lorna is going to be okay?” Emily asked, breaking into my thoughts.

  When we’d dropped the sensor off at her house, she’d still been a bit red in the face, but she insisted she’d be fine. “Yeah, it’s just taking her longer to recover than you.”

  “It’s weird,” she said, confusion in her voice. “Shouldn’t going through Purgatory affect me as much as her?”

  Lucas parked the SUV next to Micah’s car, his brother having arrived ahead of us. “Not necessarily. When Melena gave you her blood, we knew it might change you in ways it would not a full-grown adult—which is why she’d been warned against it,” he said, censure in his voice. He hadn’t approved of me healing Emily from the plague w
ith that particular cure. “It appears your immune system is stronger than Lorna’s.”

  It hadn’t occurred to me until we were leaving the courthouse how Emily must have reached Heaven. She’d appeared fine when she’d arrived. I wasn’t very happy with the idea of her catching so much as a glimpse of Purgatory. But as it turned out, she’d handled the trip far better than expected.

  She’d gotten a light sunburn, and her breathing was a little ragged by the time we reached Alaska, but she didn’t fall to the ground the way Lorna had, and she recovered within a couple of minutes. She’d declared that the trip was exciting and asked if we could go again sometime. Lucas and I had shaken our heads, and he’d muttered something about the insanity rampant in teenagers. The angels escorting us had frowned and disappeared.

  I reached for the passenger side door handle, but Lucas flashed next to me and opened it from the outside. We’d been in such a hurry to get home that neither of us had time to change. He picked me up from the seat and cradled me and my huge dress in his arms. I rested my head on his shoulder. Our mate bond was crying out for us to consummate our union.

  “You’re going to walk me over the threshold aren’t you?” I asked, looking up at him.

  The warmth of his gaze sent tingles along my skin. “There was a time when tradition did not matter to me, but since I met you, I have begun to rethink my feelings on the matter—particularly any tradition that requires you to let me hold you.”

  “Hey, I’m not complaining.” I wrapped my arms around his neck.

  “They look so cute together, don’t they?” Emily asked Cori, who’d come out of the house to greet us. Cori had ridden with Micah in his car since she didn’t have a vehicle near the portal. An angel had transported her directly up to Heaven from her house since she wasn’t a sensor and not immune to magic.

  Kerbasi had chosen to go to the nerou compound when we returned to Alaska. After discovering Lucas and I planned to stay home tonight and wait until tomorrow to begin our honeymoon, he’d mentioned something about not wanting newlywed antics to disturb his sleep.