What do you guys think? A bit corny? or the right dose? I love a little cliche romance. Do you?
?This chapter contains elements of Pagan rituals, proceed with caution? As soon as the couple had entered the temple vicinity, the wedding priest rushed to the couple smiling and congratulating them. The maids dressed in pagan Earth-themed costumes and flower tiaras on their heads, took the couple's hiking gear and sweaty jackets and then led them into separate temple chambers to change and get ready for the second part of the ritual. To their surprise, Clara and Nathaniel awaited Iris and Dom respectively, in their respective chambers to ready them like the two rituals before. As soon as the maid left, Clara squeaked, "Eeeeh, I am so happy for you guys! And even happier that, after everything, Nath and I have been allowed in here to do the honor of helping you guys get ready." She had initially opened her arms to hug Iris but seeing her soiled form reeking of forest and whatnot, decided otherwise, concluding, "I am gonna hug you after you have had your bath. For now, just take co
'Nubendi in Aerem', which translated directly to 'Marrying into the air', was just as literal as it sounded. The third elemental ritual of their wedding. Dom and Iris were led to separate chambers to rest while all the members of their family rushed up and down Mount Matrimony to ready the mating grounds for the second last elemental ritual. In no time, Iris and DOm were being woken up and rushed to get ready for the ritual. Dom was once again given a loose robe to hang on his hips and cover his lower half as Nathaniel drew the same symbols on his naked back for the fourth time. Iris' top, on the other hand, had strips to hold it in place this time, and her skirt was of mesmerizing white net strips that rustled in the slightest wind. Their hairs were left to flow as tiaras were fixed on their heads, much more firmly than before. With a deep breath and a sign from the wedding priest, Dom and Iris were led to the mating ground, on the highest point of the mountain summit. Dom helped
It had been two days since the 'Nubendi in Aerem' ritual and Iris just felt her mood dropping with every passing minute. She had blocked her mind-link to Dom, who was now getting worried about her as well as everybody else who came in contact with her. Anyone could sense from miles away that something was troubling her and she was unable to say it, but it was eating her insides. With the next ritual, the final elemental ritual, getting closer, Dom wanted to fix things with Iris and to know the reason behind her downhearted and aloof attitude. He needed things to be as they were before. But Iris was avoiding everyone and somehow only Lily managed to get through to her during mealtimes. Iris was worrying everyone but she was the most worried of all. Lily's words were still ringing in her ears and she had lost her appetite, her sleep, and her usual cheery demeanor that this marriage and mate bond was bringing her. Lily knew what was wrong but she acted as oblivious and worried as every
The crowd gathered as all the guests prepared to send the couple into the Cave of Ignis et Probitatis, which simply translates to, 'The Cave of Fire and Honesty.' The day had begun awfully for Dom as the last two days had been, but when Clara came out of his mate's room with a triumphant smile on her face, he finally relaxed a bit. He had no idea what was going on with Iris, but he felt so helpless and upset that she wasn't okay and she wasn't sharing it with him. He was confused too and everything had made him lose his appetite and sleep. But when Clara gave the good news that Iris was ready to go out and have lunch with him if he didn't probe her, he finally realized how hungry he had been. If he had to trust her to talk to him on her own terms, then so be it. At least she wasn't staying away from him anymore. At least she wasn't having cold feet about their marriage as his mind kept telling him. Dom was kept unaware of Liliana's little trouble-making since she was his sister and
A tiny crackling was heard like small, almost unnoticeable sparks around them. Dom and Iris quickly looked up to notice the numerous lanterns decorating the cave walls were beginning to catch fire from nothing and lightening up the dark cave. Şekileus had started to accept the part of the ritual that surrounded the passion and devotion of the couple to each other. But the main ring was still silent and cold. That reminded them of the ritual they were there to perform. Dom went back to his position after a soft peck at Iris' forehead as she sat straighter than before. It was time to resume the ritual and be done and over with the last elemental ritual of their wedding. It was time, to be honest. And Iris still had some heavy weight on her heart. They gazed into each other's eyes and Dom saw guilt still swimming in hers. He sighed and started, "Alright, My Queen, I'll lead and you can follow as you feel comfortable. Hm?" Iris wordlessly nodded and with a deep breath, Dom began, "
The next whole week could be expressed for Iris in two words: Utter Bliss! She was on cloud nine and felt like floating mid-air all the time. The days were spent busy with everyone getting ready for the Christian wedding, the nights were spent yearning for the mating ceremony to arrive, which was on the very night of the wedding. Dom and Iris had mind-link conversations almost all the time, sometimes teasing, other times having heart-to-heart, and other times random tidbits were being exchanged. Lily was yet to be invited to the wedding. Since her act on the third ritual, nobody wanted her to mess up anything else, but it was her only brother's most important day of life, and neither of them wanted her to miss it. Plus, it would be suspicious if Alpha's little sister wasn't attending the vows and ring-exchanging. And yet no one dared to bring up the topic in front of Dom. Iris had, after all, been upset for days because of a few seemingly harmless sentences. And then there was the
To say that Iris was surprised would be a huge understatement. Because when Carlisle Gilbert walked in wearing a black tux and bow tie, smiling tenderly, her jaw almost literally dropped to the floor.Before she could even begin, he complimented, "When I say you look drop-dead gorgeous, I mean it. Because you do look mesmerizing, Iris. Dom is going to have his mind blown.""Carl." Iris breathed, still not sure if he really was there or if she was imagining him.He smirked, "O please, don't be so surprised. I wasn't going to miss my best girl's wedding now, was I?"He hugged her, careful not to mess up her dress or makeover. And she finally realized he was really, actually there."H-how are you even here? I thought after the last time you and Dom were in the same room-""I know, I know. It all went downhill. But you know it was all just a huge misunderstanding. We later met and talked like adults and clarified it all up. So much so, that he even allowed me to walk you down the aisle, if
Everyone's gaze shifted from the almost wedded couple to the newcomer. To the surprise of everyone, it was Freddie. He wore a nice black tuxedo himself and stood smiling at ease. Before anyone had a moment to process what was happening, Freddie looked at Dom and regained composure, "That came out wrong. I swear it sounded way cooler in my head." "Freddie, get on with it," Dom spoke through gritted teeth as Iris asked him, confused, "Hold up, you knew he was going to do this?" "Not this! I knew he was going to intervene but this idiot chose the worst possible timing." Dom glared at his friend for almost ruining his wedding. Freddie raised his hands in surrender, "I am so sorry, Your Majesties" His face was that of a child who knew he had committed a blunder but tried to make it right nonetheless, "I don't have any objections to this wedding. I mean, Alpha and his lady's reunion has been the most awaited for so long. I just wish to be included in the ceremony." "What?!" Iris almos