A middle-aged man, draped in ceremonial robes and holding a moon-inscribed staff, stood tall and alert at the center of the hall. He was the wedding coordinator....an esteemed priest tasked with conducting the sacred rites. The one who would officially tie the union between the couple.
With a subtle nod, the wedding ritual began.
Since the union was between a werewolf and a human, the traditional blood-binding ceremony was omitted. Normally, a werewolf groom would slice his palm, pressing the bleeding hand to his bride's chest to symbolically link their souls later in the night under the moon.
But this was different.
Instead, Dimitri and Sorayah turned to face one another and gave a solemn bow. Then, in unison, they bowed toward the altar representing the Moon Goddess...the sacred symbol of their people.
The priest's voice rang out, clear and ceremonial, "Time to kiss the bride!"
