Honoring Tradition

Victoria stood at the entrance of the Dark Palace, her heart heavy with worry and desperation for her father's well-being. Caspian and Lucian approached, carrying a tightly sealed casket that held Lazarus, the source of her deepest fears. With cautious steps, Victoria guided them through the imposing palace walls, seeking solace in the darkness within.

Inside the palace, as the shadows enveloped them, Victoria and Sebastian pried open the casket with trembling hands. Their emotions mirrored the turmoil within their souls. With bated breath, they lifted the lid, only to be met with a heartbreaking sight: Lazarus, his once noble form marred by the ravages of the sun.

Victoria's sorrow overflowed, tears streaming down her face. Her voice trembled with a mix of anguish and love as she whispered, "Oh, father... you must be in so much pain."

"He can feed on me," Caspian declared, his words heavy with sacrifice. "His healing will be accelerated with Lycan blood."

Tears took on a bittersweet tinge as Victoria reached out, finding solace in the warmth of her beloved's touch. "Thank you," her voice a blend of gratitude and profound love.

Sebastian cradled Lazarus delicately in his arms, the weight of his injured body a solemn reminder of the pain he endured. Lazarus winced with each movement, his face contorting in agony.

"I'm sorry, my love," Sebastian whispered softly, his voice filled with a deep sense of remorse and tender affection.

"Let me lay him in bed where he can find comfort," Sebastian said to Caspian, his gesture inviting him to follow. With deliberate steps, he ascended the stairs, carrying his beloved with utmost care.

Victoria's eyes shimmered with gratitude as she turned to Lucian. "Thank you for bringing my father home without delay," she expressed, her voice laced with genuine appreciation.

"Of course," Lucian replied, his tone heartening. "My father and I offered to heal him, but he refused."

"He's always been a stubborn man," Victoria remarked.

"Will you all be alright?" Lucian inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"Yes, we'll be just fine," Victoria replied, her words carrying a sense of reassurance. "Go and mark your mate."

Lucian glanced at Victoria's neck, where her mate mark from Caspian resided. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he contemplated the prospect of finally being linked to his own mate. With a nod, he turned to the door and made his way towards his own destiny.
———

Back at the Lycan Kingdom, Ezra, Caden, Sarai, and Visenya sat together in the common area, their faces etched with anticipation, their hearts heavy with the weight of recent events. They anxiously awaited the next step, their hopes and fears intertwining in the air. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a ray of hope entered the room in the form of Lucian.

"Lucian!" Visenya's voice rang out, a symphony of relief and joy as she leaped from her seat, her feet carrying her swiftly into his waiting arms. They embraced with a fervor born of longing, finding solace and strength in the familiar touch.

"I didn't get a blink of sleep last night," Visenya confessed softly, her voice trembling with the remnants of worry. "I was so afraid that everything would fall apart."

Lucian held her close, his embrace a shield against the uncertainties that had plagued her. His voice, like a soothing melody, resonated in her ear. "There were a few minor mishaps, but it's all over now. The worst is behind us."

"Why do I find that so hard to believe?" Visenya whispered under her breath.

"How is Lazarus?" Ezra's voice carried a tone of concern. "Will he be alright?"

"He's suffered severe burns," Lucian replied softly, "but he will recover."

"According to Ezra's alchemists, at the rate the gas is dispersing in the chamber, the black zaphynite should last for at least a year," Caden added, with a note of urgency.

Lucian's gaze returned to Visenya, and a silent understanding passed between them. "Are you ready for me to mark you?"

"Yes," she replied, her eyes shining with resolve. "I'm ready."

"Wait just a moment," Sarai interjected. "We have our own traditions to honor."

Ezra stepped forward, his voice gentle yet firm. "We don't need to worry about such matters right now, my love."

"No, Visenya will have her bonding ceremony." Sarai stood her ground.

"A wedding? You want to have a wedding?" Caden's voice carried a hint of disbelief.

"It's a bonding ceremony between an alpha and their mate. It is tradition, something our kind has upheld for decades. Just give me until this evening to get everything in order." Sarai's response was resolute.

"Do we really have time for such trivial customs right now?" Caden's frustration was evident as he spoke.

"It is not trivial," Sarai persisted. "My daughter deserves every experience..."

"Need I remind you?" Caden cut her off, his tone sharp. "We have eight deadly dragons asleep, ready to devour us limb by limb the moment they wake up, and you want to plan a wedding?"

"Father, it's okay," Lucian stepped in, his voice calm yet filled with conviction. "She's right, Visenya deserves to experience it all."

Visenya blushed, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's alright, we don't have to..."

Lucian silenced her with a tender kiss, his eyes filled with adoration. "I want to."

Sarai grabbed Visenya by the hand, pulling her out of Lucian's grasp. "Come now, Visenya. We have a lot of things to get in order. Lucian, I'll have a tailor come and get you fitted. It's tradition for the man to wear black."

Visenya turned back to Lucian, a mixture of excitement and nervousness in her eyes. "I guess I’ll see you tonight then."

Lucian nodded, his eyes filled with affection. "I'll be here."

As Sarai and Visenya walked away, hand in hand, Ezra approached them with a bottle of his favorite spirit in hand.

"How about a drink?" Ezra suggested with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He gracefully poured generous amounts of the exquisite amber liquid into three elegant glasses—one for Lucian, one for Caden, and one for himself.

As the glasses were filled, Ezra raised his glass, his voice filled with anticipation, "Here's to new adventures."

Lucian and Caden mirrored his gesture, their glasses clinking together in a harmonious symphony. They savored the first sip, feeling the velvety warmth of the liquid enveloping their senses. In that moment, a renewed sense of camaraderie washed over them, intertwining their fates and fueling their spirits with unwavering determination. With their glasses still cradled in their hands, they stood united, ready to conquer any challenges that awaited them.