Chapter 241 - 241: Epilogue

Carriages enter through the tall iron gates of the Slater mansion, with guests stepping outside wearing expensive clothes that glided across the path where snow had been shovelled out of the way, allowing them to make their way towards the back of the mansion where the ceremony was going to take place. High-ranking ministers, pureblooded vampires and distinguished humans who were close to the Slaters and Carnifex came to attend the much-awaited wedding.

The Slater mansion was decorated with flowers leaving a sweet scent to drift in the air, along with a gentle melody from harps and violins that floated down from the covered terrace.

"Congratulations, Lord Azriel. Elder Minister Carnifex," one of the guests wished while offering a bow along with his wife and daughter.

Lord Azriel acknowledged them with a slight nod, while Carnifex responded,

"Thank you, Mr and Mrs Beckett, for joining us."

"It is our pleasure. How could we possibly miss such a grand occasion?" Mr Beckett remarked, his eyes wandering over the old mansion that stood sturdy and proud of its old bloodline.

"This is our daughter, Alanna. She was Lucian's classmate at Sexton, Lord Azriel," Mrs. Beckett introduced.

The young vampiress offered him a deep bow before lifting her head with a sweet, almost innocent smile, clearly meant to leave a favourable impression on the lord. But unfortunately for Alanna, Lord Slater had never been particularly susceptible to such displays. The only woman capable of softening his otherwise nonchalant air with a smile was his wife.

Mrs. Beckett went on to speak, "Alanna has always spoken very highly of your family and she is very fond of Ruelle. I was thinking that it would be rather lovely if such an old acquaintance were to become a closer connection between our families someday," she laughed, her hand settling lightly against her daughter's arm.

"What a lovely thought, Mrs Beckett."

Lady Irina came to stand beside her husband, and her husband's hand settled naturally against the small of her back.

"Though I do believe the sort of connection you are speaking of is something we elders ought to leave entirely to our children," she continued in a pleasant voice. "Azriel and I have never had any desire to decide whom our sons should marry. Even with the treaty, it still was Lucian's choice and it turned out wonderful."

Her eyes moved briefly towards Alanna. "Besides, familiarity alone has never been enough to consider someone well suited, can it?" Lady Irina smiled.

Mrs Beckett's smile faltered for only a fraction of a second. She wanted to say something when her husband interrupted, "We should go take our seats."

"Please," Lady Irina smiled at the family, watching them make their way to the back of the mansion.

Lady Irina had heard more than enough stories involving Alanna Beckett to know what sort of person hid beneath that agreeable smile. Though Mr. Beckett remained useful, usefulness wasn't enough to allow his daughter anywhere near her family.

Then again, Irina doubted she would have to interfere much where her eldest son's matters was concerned.

Dane had always worried her in an entirely different way. At times, she wondered if he had inherited more than a passing resemblance to her late mother-in-law. For all the polish and elegance he carried in public, he sometimes returned home reeking of blood... and so far no bodies had been found. His interest burned quickly and disappeared just as easily with women, leaving Irina with the uncomfortable impression that none of it ever filled him the way a connection was supposed to.

That made the idea of Mrs Beckett quietly arranging her daughter around him almost amusing.

"Has the person officiating the ceremony arrived yet?" Lady Irina asked with a touch of concern in her voice. And before she could look into it, Lord Azriel stopped her.

"I will send someone to see where the person is. You should sit down a little," he assured her.

"The ceremony is supposed to start in twenty minutes. I can't believe he is late," Carnifex looked down at his pocket watch before snapping it close and slipping it into his coat. "If only Father Anthony were in good health, this wouldn't have been an issue."

"Father Anthony is a good man. But he has been ill for quite some time now and it is a pity that the others aren't willing," Lady Irina murmured.

Nearly every human-run church they had approached had refused to officiate a marriage between a pureblooded vampire and a human. Father Anthony had been the exception. But with his health preventing him from attending, he had arranged for his apprentice to conduct the ceremony in his place.

"If we hadn't found one, I was prepared to point a gun at the first priest who refused," Carnifex muttered. As far as he was concerned, no one had the right to object to his daughter's happiness.

Lady Irina smiled. "It is good that we didn't have to go that far. I will go see how the children are doing."

Inside the mansion, the winter atmosphere was replaced by the crackle of massive hearths and the rich, intoxicating aromas of spiced wine, roasted meats, and sweet glazed pastries.

"Mr. Hendrick's son is allergic to nuts. Keep in mind not to serve it to him," Maude instructed one of the servants who carried the tray outside the mansion.

The head of the housekeeper smoothened down the front of her dark apron, her eyes scanning the corridor. The moment she spotted Lady Irina approaching, the housekeeper bowed.

"Milady. Everything is proceeding as it was decided. The fireplace has been stoked in the south wing as you asked, and most of the family members have been sent out to the back garden."

"Thank you, Maude," Lady Irina said before she climbed up the grand staircase with the back of her dress trailing behind her.

Entering the corridor, she walked down the quiet wing of the mansion, she finally paused in front of a room. She knocked gently against the wood.

"Come in," came Lady Maxine's voice from the other side.

When Lady Irina stepped inside the room, her breath caught softly and she paused in the doorway. Standing before the full-length mirror was her youngest son. Lucian was adjusting the silver cuff of his black coat.

"Mother," he murmured.

Irina closed the distance between them, and as she came to stand before him, Lucian leaned down slightly to press a tender kiss to her cheek.

"Look at you," Irina whispered, her voice wavering with emotion. She reached up with both hands, gently smoothing down the lapels of his heavy dark coat and brushing away an invisible speck of dust from his collar. "My little boy, about to take a wife." She then picked up the small blossom before pinning it into his lapel.

Lucian's eyes remained on his mother as he said quietly, "I owe you and Father so much. For bringing her to me."

Irina smiled warmly. "We may have placed you two in each other's path."

"Well, I think we should all be grateful he didn't frighten her off with that charming expression of his," Dane drawled as he entered the room, smiling at his younger brother. "Though, now that I think about it, he very nearly did."

Lucian rolled his eyes. "I didn't frighten her."

"Mother, you should have seen him when I first suggested they share a room at Sexton. He looked at Ruelle as though he were deciding which coffin would suit her best." Their mother's lips curved, though she didn't comment. He stepped farther into the room, adjusting the cuff of his inky-blue coat. "Though I must say, jealous Lucian was much more entertaining."

"It won't be nearly as entertaining when it's your turn," Lucian remarked.

"You're assuming rather a lot about my future, little brother," Dane's lips tugged in amusement. "Though my future does look bleak with how I will be part of the courthouse."

"This is why you should find a bride. The perks of marriage are a lot," Maxine chuckled before questioning, "How far is the summer house?"

"It is eight hours away. The servants have been sent beforehand to prepare the house, so you should have everything you need," Lady Irina said, turning to look at Lucian.

It was better to give the newlywed couple complete privacy, far removed from the watchful eyes of anyone. The Slaters owned a secluded estate nestled along the quiet northern coast, which was isolated, heavily protected, and had a beautiful view.

Lucian couldn't wait to see Ruelle.

It had been four days since they had last seen each other. Four days of an old, inherited tradition that dictated the bride and groom remain apart before the ceremony, a custom that came from pureblooded vampire side. He had agreed to it with great reluctance and almost immediately regretted it.

Just a few more minutes, he thought.

"Where are Sawyer and Angelina?" Maxine asked, as she hadn't seen them since early this morning.

"Angie was in the bride's room, but she left with Oliver. I haven't seen Sawyer since the last hour, "Dane's brows drew together as one of the bridesmaids was missing too. Interesting.

Lady Irina took a peek at the window and exclaimed, "Finally! Looks like the officiant is here." She began to head towards the door and said, "Come down in five minutes."

"I should go check where my daughter has wandered off too," Maxine excused herself, leaving the Slater brothers alone in the room with the door closing softly.

From the tall, arched window overlooking the rear grounds, Lucian watched as the seats were filled by the guests. His eyes drifted past the ceremony pavilion, scanning the perimeter where men had been stationed in and around the estate at precise intervals.

Today was the exact date they had been meant to marry in the life before, which was previously filled with grief.

But this time it was different. It was the last wave of their old life left to ride, and when it passed, this date would no longer belong to tragedy.

When the last few guests were still walking, Lucian caught sight of someone and his eyebrows furrowed. He questioned,

"Who chose the officiant?"

Dane hummed, turning away from the mirror he had been standing in front of. "Carnifex did. Why, what happened?"

The older Slater brother walked over to where his brother stood, moving closed to the tall window and leaning one shoulder against the frame to casually look down below. Down along the shovelled path, flanked by two guards, the man wearing ceremonial vestments made his way toward the altar, holding the leather-bound book of scripture against his chest. The smile that was on Dane's lips faded, and his relaxed posture turned taut.

Someone knocked on the door and informed, "Master Lucian, it is time."

While the lower halls buzzed with excitement, the floor above had been reserved exclusively for the bride.

Inside one of the rooms, Ruelle stood in the centre before a tall mirror, her chest rising and falling with quiet, baited breath.

The back of the wedding gown was crafted from delicate sheer fabric that revealed the soft curve of her spine, while intricate, lace-like embroidery tapered into full-length sleeves that hugged her slender arms down to her wrists. Below the fitted waist, the skirt cascaded into a river of heavy, smooth silk that pooled around her feet in graceful, undisturbed folds. Running down the centre of her back, perfectly aligned from the base of her slender neck to just above her waist, was a line of pearl buttons.

Her hair had been swept up and secured at the back with an ornate, pearl-like pin. A few soft, loose curls had been left free to frame her face, brushing gently against the line of her cheekbones when she moved.

"Do you need me to fetch you a glass of water, Miss Ruelle?" Peyton inquired.

The vampiress had stayed behind alongside Lady Amelia, while the others had hurried down only moments ago as the swell of music shifted outside, carrying the deep, melodic notes of the wedding about to commence.

"I am fine. Thank you, Peyton," Ruelle replied, offering her a warm, reassuring smile.

Her friend Hailey, who was there earlier to help her get ready, had to be pushed earlier so that she could get ready herself. Though a vampiress now, she had turned close to Ruelle. Seeing how her friend hadn't returned, Ruelle assumed that she had been called down to take her position as the bridesmaid.

She now pressed a palm lightly against her midsection, exhaling a soft, trembling breath. "I feel like there's a storm in my stomach..." she murmured.

She had waited for this day through two lifetimes. She had dreamed of standing beside Lucian without fear, without blood on the snow. And now that the reality was only a flight of stairs away, it made her knees weak.

"You are nervous because the moment matters to you," Lady Amelia said gently, stepping forward. Her touch was tender as she adjusted the mist-like veil draped over Ruelle's head, ensuring the sheer fabric fell flawlessly over her shoulders. "All that remains is to walk out there."

"Did you ever worry about tripping down the aisle?" Ruelle asked with her eyebrows drawn close.

"That's a very common worry. But I am sure you will do just fine, honey," Lady Amelia smiled, her eyes crinkling with warmth. She added, "Though, on my wedding day, I was thinking about running away."

"Really?" Ruelle asked, blinking in genuine surprise.

Lady Amelia laughed softly at the memory, giving a nod. "Yes. I was so angry with my parents that I had half a mind to climb out the window. But I wasn't brave enough to push through the idea and ended up marrying your father instead."

Ruelle went quiet for a moment, her brown eyes softening as she looked at the woman who had taken the role of her mother.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice carrying a depth of emotion that needed no explanation. "Thank you for marrying him and not running away."

Lady Amelia reached out, placing a gentle, warm hand against Ruelle's arm. She murmured,

"I am glad I didn't either. If I had run, I wouldn't have had the privilege of meeting you. Your father loves you more than his own life, Ruelle. And so do I."

"Did I hear running away?" footsteps approached the door and Carnifex appeared in front of the room. "I have the carriage ready if you want to do it and stay some more time with us."

This had Ruelle laugh. She replied, "I didn't know you were ready to throw your courthouse title into the fire like that, Father."

"Well, it isn't as though I can tell you to come home if Lucian treats you poorly," Carnifex muttered as he stepped into the room. "That one is far too obsessed with keeping you happy to ever give me the opportunity."

Ruelle saw her father stop a few steps ahead of her, taking in her appearance and in the depths of his old eyes, she saw a quiet, trembling relief. It was the weight of a promise forged with her biological mother to protect her which was going to be completed today.

"I guess it is time to see the little bird fly from the nest," her father murmured, offering his hand, and she placed hers upon it.

Together, they walked through the quiet upper halls and descended the sweeping staircase. The corridors had been cleared of people, and Ruelle's ivory gown whispered across the floor as she walked.

When they reached the tall, arched glass doors at the back of the mansion, two footmen pulled the doors open at the same time.

A long time ago, she had asked her cousin Lachlan to walk her down the aisle. And even though he wasn't here, she was taking the memories along with her.

The crisp winter air greeted them, carrying the sweet, intoxicating perfume of the blooming winter flowers. The guests rose on their feet, their eyes turned to look at the beautiful bride who had arrived. The moment the threshold was crossed, the musicians changed the chords to the bridal procession. The swelling harmony of harps and violins soared across the white grounds like a gentle, warming current.

As she walked ahead down the aisle, she caught sight of the familiar faces gathered among the guests, and a smile touched her lips. Daisy, the person who had believed her without a question, stood next to Maude, her face slightly more wrinkled and her hair grey. Just ahead stood Hailey, dressed in a lovely bridesmaid gown, who had been accompanied by Sawyer. Noticing Ruelle's gaze, Hailey offered an eager little nod of encouragement. Not far, Kevin stood next to Edward and he bowed in greeting.

The ones who weren't invited were the Belmonts, who had been let out of the dungeon but as Lucian had predicted, Harold Belmont carried a mounting debt and was still gambling.

In the front also stood King Septimus with his eye-patch, and he wore a pleased expression.

When her eyes met Dane's, he sent her a wink and a smile, which widened her own smile.

At the far end of the aisle, standing beneath the twining vines and pale blossoms, Ruelle caught sight of Lucian waiting for her.

In his dark formal coat with the tiny white blossom pinned over his lapel, he was as strikingly handsome as ever. The devotion in his eyes belonged solely to her, raw and reverent, wrapping around her like a promise that would outlast the stars. And she was utterly, hopelessly captivated by the man.

Her husband-to-be was truly handsome, she thought.

And as Ruelle walked beside her father, her steps matching the steady tempo of the music, every trace of nervous trembling vanished from her ribs.

Step by step, the distance between her and Lucian shortened.

The winter breeze gently lifted the hem of her veil, but she never looked away from his gaze, nor did he look away from hers.

Lucian's deep red eyes were so smitten by her that they laid his entire soul bare in front of the woman he loved.

When they finally arrived at the foot of the floral archway, Carnifex came to a halt. He lifted her veil and kissed her cheek. The Elder Minister looked at his daughter before turning to face the pureblooded heir, holding out her hand.

"I entrust her to you, Lucian."

Lucian stepped down, bowing his head respectfully and taking Ruelle's hand where his fingers closed around hers warmly.

"You won't have reason to regret it," Lucian replied. A faint smile touched his lips as he guided her up onto the dais to stand beside him before the altar.

Ruelle stepped carefully onto the dais before Lucian, her hand still resting warmly in his. But as she turned to face the officiant, her gaze caught the features of the young man holding the book and her breath stopped entirely. Her eyes widened and her lips parted in disbelief.

"...Brother Lachlan?" she whispered.

The young man blinked, caught off guard by the sudden familiarity in her voice, before a polite smile touched his lips.

"Brother Lachlan will do. I am still only an apprentice in the South," he replied with a gentle, modest dip of his head.

"South?" Dane's voice cut in from just behind Lucian, his eyes fixed entirely on the apprentice's face.

Lachlan turned toward the pureblooded vampire, offering Dane the same courteous, respectful nod. "Yes. It is where I come from and where I will soon be completing my apprenticeship. I am only here on Father Anthony's behalf."

Ruelle turned overwhelmed, her chest tightening with an emotion so fierce and tender it threatened to spill from her eyes. Another life spared. Another ghost returned from the grave, walking in the light, untouched by the slaughter that had once claimed him.

"How long are you here for?" Ruelle asked eagerly. "We have more celebrations tonight... and tomorrow. Please, stay for it."

Lachlan looked momentarily surprised by the bride's earnest invitation. He offered her an apologetic smile. "Unfortunately, my ship leaves tomorrow at noon. I am expected to return soon. But thank you, truly, for the gracious invitation, my lady."

Beside her, Lucian remained quiet, watching the disbelief give way to something painfully close to joy on Ruelle's face. She tightened her fingers around his as their gazes met, and the faint smile that followed needed no explanation.

Lachlan cleared his throat softly, turning his attention back to the open pages of the book before him, his demeanour settling into a solemn expression.

"Shall we begin then?" Lachlan asked with a warm smile. He then began,

"We gather under the quiet sky to witness the joining of two souls. Not merely as an accord between houses, but as a sacred covenant chosen freely in the heart. Love is neither bound by blood nor broken by time. It endures all things, outlasts the shadows, and brings light to the coldest winter…"

The smile on Ruelle's face stayed, while she felt the quiet heat that was transferred by Lucian to keep her warm while others tugged on their coats and shawls. They drowned into each other's eyes, while the flutter in her heart slowly eased.

From one corner where the guests were, Hermes glanced at the prince whose eyes looked glazed. Startled, the attendant asked, "Your Highness, are you alright?"

"Of course, I am. I can't wait to go home," Edward muttered, watching the couple. He didn't know why his eyes even watered now. It was probably the damn liquor in his hand!

Lachlan lowered the book. "Lucian Slater, do you take Ruelle to be your wife? To walk beside her through every season, to cherish her in peace, to stand as her shield in hardship, and to love her beyond the end of your days?"

Lucian did not hesitate for a single fraction of a heartbeat.

"I do," he answered, his voice deep and unwavering.

"And do you, Ruelle, take Lucian to be your husband? To hold his heart as your own, to walk with him into the light, to share in his joys and comfort him in sorrow, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Ruelle replied. Snowflakes slowly began to drift from the sky.

"Then by the grace of heaven and the authority granted to me, I pronounce you husband and wife," Lachlan announced, his voice ringing out across the gardens like a bell. He added, "You may kiss your bride."

Lucian reached out, his long fingers gently cupping Ruelle's face in his warm palms, his thumbs brushing lightly across her flushed cheeks.

"My beloved," he breathed, a quiet whisper for her ears alone. Her hands came up to rest flat against his chest and he leaned down, capturing her lips with his own.

The garden erupted into thunderous applause. Nobles, relatives and friends rose to their feet, wishing the couple while the music continued to play softly in the background.

As the winter wind picked up and the snow began to fall in heavy, silent drifts, the servants moved swiftly to guide the guests back into the mansion.

Footmen held open the towering glass doors, welcoming everyone out of the biting freeze and into the grand ballroom. The sound of a piano being played filled the room. Chandeliers emitted a radiant glow over long banquet tables laden with steaming food and liquor.

Lucian never let go of Ruelle's hand as they entered the mansion. Soon he tugged her hand, leading her towards their room. She asked in amusement,

"Aren't we supposed to be there in the hall?"

"I am sure they won't mind our absence for a little while," Lucian replied and the next moment he swept her off her feet.

Ruelle gasped softly in surprise, her hands flying up to loop securely around his neck. The heavy silk and delicate lace of her gown spilled over his forearms.

She glanced back over his shoulder down the winding corridor, where the lively melodies of the piano and the muffled chatter of dignitaries grew increasingly distant.

"Did you know about Brother Lachlan?" she asked, surprise still dancing in her eyes.

"Not until an hour ago," Lucian replied, and he then said, "You will see him tomorrow."

"But he said he's leaving."

"He won't."

Lucian remarked before they entered the room. Slowly, he let her feet brush the soft rug beneath them, though he never released his hold on her waist. His hands remained on her hips, drawing her flush against him and his eyes swept over every inch of her flushed face.

"Finally," he breathed against her forehead, his lips pressing softly to her skin before drifting down to hover just above hers. "Just you and me, my wife."

—

Author's Note: Thank you everyone for staying with Ruelle and Lucian's story until the very end. For supporting the book and me even with the messy updates.

I'll return once the next story is ready, with more stable updates, while BATI is complete.

The next 2 chapters belong to Dane.