Eden's Mark (21 page)

Chapter Thirty-Two

             
Dusk was upon us, and my nerves were getting the best of me. I had no mirror in which to look at myself, no dress as of yet, and I was famished. Throughout the day I had small bites of fruits and other foods to tide me over, but now, I was starving.  My stomach growled in agreement.

             
“Soon, you and Gregor will feast. This is a lengthy process, but well worth it, you will see.”

             
My stomach gave another grumble in protest and I watched Val use her various stones to bless me. Each stone had properties that was said to promote a long happy marriage and protection over our future. The power behind her whispered chanting radiated through my veins, calling to my own power.

             
“Aunt Val, when will I get to put on some clothes? It’s weird standing here in only undergarments.” I had crossed my arms over my body to take the chill off. I was definitely
not
going to become an exhibitionist any time soon.

             
“Soon. We have to finish the blessing.”

             
Maiya had left me alone with Val for the blessing rights. I had no idea where she had gone off to and was becoming more nervous. Her calming effect was sorely needed. I tried to reach out to her; she sent back a mental push to pay attention, followed by her bell-like laugh. I finally stopped trying and came back to what was going on in the small room.

             
With a reverent bow and a flourish of her delicate hands, Val smiled brightly at me. “You are finished, time for the dress. Maiya, you can come in now.”

             
I gulped loudly. My heart felt like it was going to explode in my chest from panic.

             
Maiya opened the flap and came in carrying a pristine white robe. “You are going to look so beautiful, Eden.” Her eyes lit up as she wrapped the silky cloth around me.

             
I stood still as Maiya and Val swaddled me in the super silky fabric. I looked down at the cloth and noticed silver scrolled embellishments around the edges following the length of the robe.

             
“Symbols blessing the wearer for longevity in love and life.” Val had clearly read my thoughts.

             
The front of the robe dipped below my collarbone in a V shape with a large hood that hung on the back which was no doubt an equivalent to a veil. The sleeves were long and hung almost to the floor. I thought it was a kimono at first glance by the structure. Silver slippers were produced to match the edgework and a braided rope of silver tied the robe around my waist. All that was left was my hair.

             
The two women fussed, brushing and pulling the unruly strands until my head was tender. Each strand was wrapped, braided, and finally pinned up on one side leaving the back to flow over my shoulder.

             
“I will be right back.” The whoosh of air made me shiver as the shifter left once again.

             
“You look beautiful, Eden.” I watched a single tear track down my aunt’s cheek. “Gregor is lucky to have you. He will be a fine husband and a great father.”

             
“Our daughter will never be allowed to do anything.” I laughed freely over his soon to be stressful fatherhood.

             
“It is custom for the family to give a gift to the couple. There is something special I have held on to for such an occasion.” Val took the ring off her right hand and placed it in mine. “This ring was your mother’s. Marcus designed and made this specially for her.”

             
My eyes felt the prick of tears as I gazed at piece of jewelry. Warmth spread through me momentarily, letting me know it recognized me as an heir. I was awestruck at its uniqueness.

             
The band was the oddest color of midnight blue that shined like the stars. The top of the ring was shaped like a shield, much like you would see in medieval times. Four stones were in each quadrant of the ring separated by the blue metal. Symbols were etched into each stone that glowed softly.

             
“It is magnificent! Can you explain the symbols to me?”

             
“The symbols are Fey. Each has a meaning that goes with the stone that specific symbol is carved into. The white opalescent stone stands for purity of heart with the symbol
pure
etched into the surface
.
The deep blue stone stands for unity of the soul with the symbol
forever
.  The gray stone in the bottom left stands for clarity with the symbol
one mind
. I am sure you have guessed what the crimson stone stands for.”

             
“Love. It stands for love.” What else would a stone set in this ring of that color mean? My father loved my mother so much to make this for her.

              “That is correct. Love binds, Eden. The symbol reads
always
. No one else has anything like this; it is rare, just like you, just like them. Cherish it, Eden, it is all I have left from Eve, and now I give it to you.” Her hand muted her sob.

             
I reached my arms around Val, unable to express my gratitude. “Thank you. I will wear it always.” I released her and slid the warm band on my middle finger. The symbols blazed brightly before dying to a sparkle.

             
“We should really stop crying before your face runs.” Val and I laughed together and I felt some of the nerves ease a bit.

             
Maiya came in with a bunch of delicate white flowers and a very interesting bouquet, colored in yellow and green plants I was unfamiliar with. I watched her place the white flowers in my hair that cascaded over my shoulder in a wave. I took the flowers handed to me and Val waved, causing a mirror to appear out of nowhere.

             
I sucked in my breath as I watched my reflection. The young girl looked like a woman. Her large eyes lined in kohl, the red berry stain on her full lips…the blush in her cheeks from anticipation. The woman staring back at me was an alien. The crown of flowers held in her dark hair was meant for royalty, not the creature she was. The robe made her look exotic and mysterious, regal.

             
“What do you think? Do you like it?” Maiya poked her head over my shoulder smiling widely at my reflection.

             
“I look…different.” I smiled the best smile I could at her. “You did a fantastic job, thank you. You have made me beautiful.” I turned and hugged her, she was like a sister and having her with me today was an honor.

             
“Eden, you have always been beautiful. Now you look like a ruler.”

             
Val tilted her head and clasped her hands. “They are ready for you.”

             
Val opened the flap, and I walked out into view. The sky was clear, a thousand stars shown overhead, the moon was bright in the sky illuminating the village. The Earth’s song filled me, allowing me to feel the ground hum under my feet. The trees swayed and the wind blew a warm breeze, letting me know our Mother Earth was happy with the union. I took a deep breath and thanked her for the lovely evening.

             
Gasps followed me as I walked up the make shift isle of white flowers. The path carried me towards the center of the village where my vampire was waiting for me. Halfway there, Lex stepped up beside me, wearing a simple slate colored robe.

             
“May I walk with you?” He held his arm out to me and I accepted.

             
We walked arm in arm up the path, not saying a word. Gregor came into view and my heart stopped. He wore an all-black suit that accentuated his muscular frame and golden complexion. His black hair fell into his eyes in that way I loved. Gregor’s eyes were the brightest gray I had seen yet. This perfect statue of a man was mine. I was practically drooling over him, standing tall and proud. Amend’s small frame was beside Gregor, waiting to perform the rites.

             
You are a vision, my heart. Today I am the envy of all who are here.

             
I felt the blood rush to my face leaving me flushed.

             
As am I. You look very handsome, cleaned up.

             
My laughter echoed my comment.

             
We stopped in front of Gregor, and Lex turned towards me with wet eyes. “Eden, you have been the daughter I have always hoped to have, one day. Valora and I are so very proud of the woman you have become. We are honored to be the ones to give you away in place of your rightful parents. My hope is one day we will find them, and they can share in your joy.” Lex kissed both my cheeks and then he turned to Gregor.

             
“Gregor Knightly, you have been a friend of mine and Marcus’ for as long as I can remember. There is no man better than you I would ever consent to give our Eden away to. I charge you to care for her as I have done all these years. Be good to her, and keep her as you would yourself.” Lex kissed both of Gregor’s cheeks the same as he did mine.

             
“Uncle, we are ready to begin.” Lex stepped back and went to Val, who was in a matching robe. Maiya stood beside me and Koren beside Gregor as our witnesses and guides.

             
Amend cleared his throat, “In the history of the worlds, one thing has always been a constant…love. Love makes us do things we never thought were possible. Those who are blessed enough to find love should be extra careful to hold on to it. This day I am witness to one of the strongest bonds I have ever seen.”

             
Amend raised his staff and told us to hold hands. Gregor turned to me and in his half-bow, offered me his hands. I passed my flowers to Maiya and as soon as I weaved my fingers through his, a rope of light tied around our wrists.

             
“Gregor, by your word, before all here, do you promise to keep Eden and care for her until you pass into the great beyond?”

             
“With all that I am, until my dying breath, I swear to this contract.”

             
“Eden, by your word, before all here, do you promise to keep Gregor and care for him until you pass into the great beyond?”

             
“With all that I am, until my dying breath, I swear to this contract.” My heart raced and the heat built inside my veins.

             
Koren and Maiya, will you be guides in this world for Gregor and Eden, to share in their turmoil and joys, to counsel and teach, as long as they walk this earth?”

             
In one voice, they spoke loudly, “We swear to this contract and the binding of our friendship and loyalty to both Gregor and Eden.”

             
“With the light, the ties do bind.” The rope of light melted into our skin sealing our union and our fate, just as had the words Gregor had spoken to me in the meadow.

             
“Gregor, you may present your offering to your bride.”

             
“I am nothing but a damaged man who has been transformed by the purity of your love, faith, and trust. I offer you this small token to carry with you to always remember my oath to protect you, care for you, and keep as I would my own.” Gregor placed a white variegated band around my left ring finger and my mark pulsed surrounding us with the green aura of our Mother Earth.              

             
“This ring was forged by the earth herself from the rock that surrounds our special place.”

             
“It is beautiful, Gregor. I accept your offering and give all I am to you to protect as my warrior, companion, and lover. My future is yours to safeguard.”

             
A gust of warm air blew around us, swirling the white petals in the air, and the earth filled me with its acceptance of my choice of mate. My back warmed and an odd feeling came over me. The gasps of the people around me combined with the shocked look on Gregor’s face confused me.

             
“What is it Gregor?”

             
“You are unbelievable, my heart.”

             
“What did I do?”

             
“Feel your back, Eden.”

             
I reached around and felt something soft and fragile. “How…are they what I think they are?”

             
“I think you have finally come into your fey side. You’re magnificent, Eden.”

             
I looked over my shoulder and saw large feathery wings the color of the night sky. All along the wings were silver type markings just like the ones Val described to me, the same as my father’s. I extended them, taking in the feel of their movement.

             
“Truly a gift. You are so much more than you think you are. Now, you are mine to cherish and keep forever.”