Page 170 of Ashes of Honor

I gave her a moment, then pressed on. “There was a time where I didn’t think you’d ever let anyone in. You know, there are people in your life that you are bonded to, close with, myself included—but to let someone truly know the depths of your soul …” a shaky laugh escaped me. “I’m happy you’ve found someone that makes you feel so safe, that no matter what, you’ll alwayshave a home. And my hope for you is that you’ll see this as the blessing it is, and let yourself feel it all. The good, the bad, the ugly, highs and the lows. I had my questions and my doubts, please, don’t believe for a second that I did not—but I could not picture a better match.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, “Dammit, Riley,” and wiped them away.

I pulled her in, tucking her head against my shoulder. “I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.”

Alexiares

“You could have at least dressedfor the occasion,” Riley grumbled, clapping a hand on my back.

I barely felt it, my attention fixed on the slow, endless pull of the ocean. I was trying to find my calm, but it wasn’t coming. Not today.

Never in a million fucking years had I pictured myself getting married—let alone twice. But Amaia made loving her so easy that this dream called to me every night. In the middle of this hell, the idea of marriage ironically meant more than in The Before. It wasn’t about tradition. This bond was made with the knowledge that there may not be a tomorrow, let alone a few hours. All you had was now. Showing the greatest commitment that you could while daring death to take it from you.Take me if you can, but you’ll never take this.

Love made you want to fight like hell.

“I’m wearing nice boots and a starched shirt,” I muttered, shaking him off with a smirk. “I even moisturized.”

Riley let out a sharp chuckle, shaking his head. Harley and Suckerpunch bounded up to him, tails wagging like they were in on the joke. Then, just as quick, they circled back to my side.

Harley nudged my leg, and I ran a hand absently over her fur, pausing when I felt the twist of vines wound loosely around her neck. Flowers bloomed along the green, bright against her dark coat.

Riley’s gaze flicked down, then back to me, amusement clear in his eyes. He didn’t say anything, only smirked like he knew exactly what had gone through my head when I’d grown them. I ignored him, movement catching my eyes from down the beach.

Amaia stepped into view, walking down the sand with curls hanging, falling into her face. Her eyes, dark as night with the coal around them, locked onto mine, and I couldn’t breathe.

She was perfect.

My knees nearly buckled.

By the time she reached me, I wasn’t thinking anymore. I grabbed her hand, pulled it to my lips, and kissed it, my thumb brushing over her fingers, her knuckles, the pulse point at her wrist.

“I love you,” I murmured.

Amaia bit the inside of her cheek and her blush deepened. She pulled her hand back only to tap her own cheeks trying to push the heat away.

Fuck. I think I finally believe in luck.

“You ready?” Riley asked, adjusting the buttons on his shirt with a quick glance at us.

Amaia nodded, her voice soft. “Yeah.”

I swallowed hard, my fingers twitching at my sides. She was mesmerizing, I could not help the flow of words. “You are astonishing.” But even that felt small for what she was.

Amaia let out a raspy laugh—acknowledging that the words weren’t meant to have stumbled out loud.

“Well,” Riley cleared his throat. “Given I had zero time to prepare for this and I’ve never been to a wedding … Here goes the TV script.”

An uneasy chuckle exchanged between the three of us, the tension in the air electric.

“You two are—” He exhaled, shaking his head as he tried to find the right words. “Balance. That’s what you are. And if anyone deserves this … it’s you.” He turned to Amaia, his gaze softening. “Seeing you happy in a world like this? It’s a damn miracle. You’ve had your share of dark days, and you still manage to hold on to light. You’re more than deserving of this.” He nodded toward me, a quiet challenge in his eyes. “And you, Bloodhound—you make her happy. That’s the most important thing. So don’t fuck it up.”

It wasn’t just a remark; it was his approval. His way of giving us his blessing in a world that didn’t often allow for it.

“And I hope,” he continued, his voice a little quieter but full of sincerity, “you both have a long, healthy marriage. In a place like this, that’s a rare thing to wish for. But I see it in your eyes, both of you. So, here’s to it. To you, to her—everything you’ve got.”

Amaia sniffled, a tear slipping down her cheek. I reached for her, brushing the tear away with my thumb though I was damn near right there with her.

“Okay. Vows then?” Riley said.

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