Taken by Magic (The Baine Chronicles #8)(57)

Suddenly, a flood of emotion swept through me, so brilliant and intense that I had to grip Iannis’s hand tighter to steady myself. I felt Iannis tense next to me as an invisible bond snapped between us, and I sucked in a sharp breath as all of Iannis’s feelings—the joy, the pride, the sharp edge of relief—crashed into me. I turned toward him, and his wide-eyed expression told me he was feeling the same thing from me. The bond that had been forged between us with the serapha charm was now strengthened a hundredfold.

“And so, it is done,” the priest said. He released our hands, smiling broadly at us. “You may now kiss your bride, Lord Iannis.”

Before I could blink, Iannis crushed me against his chest and kissed me deeply. Cheers and clapping filled the inside of the temple as I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him back, savoring the tender, passionate feelings that passed between us. I could hardly believe this was real, but as his arms tightened around me, and the seconds drew out as we kissed beneath Resinah’s benevolent gaze, I began to accept that it was.

I wonder if Resinah really was a special Tua who loved humans and came here to share her gifts with them, I thought. All those clues had to mean something…but did it truly matter? Her wisdom and affection for us spoke for themselves, whatever her origins.

Resinah laughed softly in my head as Iannis finally pulled back. A sense of knowing came over me—there was some connection, but the truth about her origins was more complicated and mysterious than I had imagined. I was glad I hadn’t discussed the Tua’s suggestion with anyone—there was no point in bringing it up and confusing everyone. Let things stand as they were.

“My blessings on your union,” Resinah’s voice echoed in my mind, and from Iannis’s startled expression, I knew he’d heard it too. “May you both live a long and happy life as one.”

Iannis and I both bowed our heads and silently thanked her. Joy swept through us both as we turned to face the crowd—there was no greater honor than being blessed by the Lady, except perhaps from the Creator himself.

“We did it,” Iannis said as the crowd clapped and cheered. “We are finally husband and wife.”

“We sure are,” I said, grinning at our friends, who were sitting up at the front row and waving furiously at us. “Now why don’t we go and enjoy that feast?”



After the wedding, everyone returned to Solantha Palace for the public reception, where we’d be on full display for the rest of the world. As soon as we alighted from our decked-out horse-drawn carriage—following a human and shifter custom, I’d insisted on hanging a sign from the back that read “JUST MARRIED”—I was nearly blinded by the multiple flashes of light from the waiting paparazzi. Iannis and I were whisked away by security and taken to the back garden, where we spent nearly an hour taking more photographs with the palace’s official photographer.

The first half hour was just me and Iannis, but Fenris, Annia, Rylan, and my Aunt Mafiela were brought in for the last half. When we’d planned the wedding, I had been unsure whether this photo session was truly necessary. I would never forget my wedding anyway, and so much posing seemed an excessive display of vanity. However, Nelia and Aunt Mafiela had convinced me that my wedding was not just important for Iannis and me—our union was being watched by shifters and humans throughout the Federation and beyond. Let them see how radiant and happy a shifter and mage pairing could be, they had argued. Our example might help the next unorthodox couple. Besides, our children, and theirs, might like to see how we had celebrated today. So I forced myself to be patient, and posed as required.

“You look wonderful in that gown, Sunaya,” Aunt Mafiela said afterward, taking me by the shoulders and looking me up and down. “It is just your style.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, trying not to roll my eyes. The way she was swelling with pride, as if I were her daughter, you never would have guessed that just last year, she and I had been at each other’s throats, driven to hatred by twelve years of bitterness between us. “I’m glad you came,” I said, and I meant it. I was very happy that those terrible years were behind us.

“Yeah, you’re a real fancy pants now, Lady Sunaya,” Rylan teased, cuffing me on the shoulder. “Guess I won’t be able to mess around with you anymore, now that you’re the wife of such an important guy.” He waggled his brows at Iannis, who simply chuckled.

This time I did roll my eyes, and punched Rylan in the shoulder for good measure. “Just you wait,” I said as Iannis put an arm around my waist and began to gently lead me toward the palace. “I’ll kick your ass the next time we’re on the mat together, Rylan. Lady or not.”

Rylan’s laughter followed us into the ballroom, where we made a glorious entrance. The place was packed with nearly a thousand guests, and they all toasted us as one. Fenris and Annia made grand speeches, making the audience laugh as they recounted anecdotes about us, and nearly making me cry all over again when they praised us.

“You are, and always will be, the kindest, bravest, and most ferocious soul I’ve ever known,” Annia said, her cheeks pink as her eyes shone brightly with love and pride. “And you,” she said, turning to Iannis. “I wasn’t sure about you when we first met, but I’ve learned from working with you that you’re smart as hell, compassionate, and you’ve got a spine of steel under those robes. I can’t think of a more perfect match for my best friend.”