Bloom's room was alive with laughter, perfume, and petals. The air shimmered faintly with magic as Stella, fashion designer and princess of Solaria, adjusted the final layer of Bloom's gown.
Her golden energy flitted through the air like sunlight on glass, wrapping the bride in an ethereal glow.
"There," Stella said proudly, stepping back with a flourish. "Perfection."
Bloom turned to the mirror, her reflection stealing even her own breath. The gown flowed like liquid fire and light — a perfect blend of royalty and warmth. But her hands trembled as she reached for her veil.
Musa, standing nearby with the Winx, caught it instantly. Bloom's smile was brave, but her eyes betrayed her.
"Still nervous?" Musa asked softly, tucking a strand of her own black hair behind her ear.
Before Bloom could answer, she tripped slightly over her train.
Daphne, her older sister and maid of honor, caught her with a laugh. "Careful! You're not supposed to fall before the 'I do.'"
Everyone giggled, but Bloom sighed, voice tight. "I know. I just—what if something goes wrong?"
"Nothing will," Daphne assured, smoothing her veil. "You've got two kingdoms protecting this castle. Everything's perfect, Bloom. You just have to breathe."
Bloom nodded, forcing a smile. "Right. Breathe."
Musa, seeing through it, leaned close and whispered, "If it's about Damon... you know Sky's safe. Riven and the guards have this place locked tight. No one's getting near."
At that, Bloom's shoulders loosened. She turned, squeezed Musa's hand tightly. "Thank you,Musa.I really needed to hear that."
A knock came at the door. "Sweetheart?" Mike's familiar voice warmed the air. Bloom's fathers entered — Mike and King Oritel, both dressed regally, both looking equally stunned at their daughter.
"You look…" Mike started but Oritel finished his sentence "…beyond beautiful."
"Sky is one lucky guy,"Oritel finished, smiling at the tears he was hiding.
Bloom blushes.
The Queen, Marion, chuckled, gently nudging her husband. "Don't you dare start crying now."
That made them all laugh — the perfect sound to cut through most of Bloom's nerves. Then, from beyond the door, came the faint notes of the wedding march.
"It's time," Mike said, holding out his arm. Oritel mirrored him.
Bloom drew in a deep, trembling breath. "Let's do this."
The Winx took that as their cue to leave, fluttering into the golden corridor where the Specialists waited in formation. The hall shimmered with light and crystal flowers — every color refracting across the marble floor.
Riven stood among the groomsmen, looking uncharacteristically composed in a dark tailored suit. When the Winx appeared, his violet eyes flicked instantly to Musa.
For a heartbeat, the world stilled.
She was radiant — a soft indigo gown that hugged her frame and sparkled faintly under the chandeliers. Her hair was pulled back with a streak of glittering blue, elegant but effortless.
Riven quickly masked his reaction with a smirk and, ever so casually, said, "You all look great."
But his gaze stayed fixed on Musa.
"Of course we do," Stella said, hands on her hips. "I designed everything!"
"And you guys don't look so bad yourselves," she added, tossing Brandon a flirty glance.
Brandon bowed dramatically. "Why thank you, Princess. May I?"
He extended his arm.
Stella giggled and slipped her hand into his. "You may."
Around them, the others paired off — Flora with Helia, Tecna with Timmy, Aisha with Nabu — until only Musa and Daphne's husband remained. As best man, Riven would be walking with Daphne, so Musa found herself next to the tall, handsome royal instead. She smiled politely, but couldn't help the little flicker of jealousy in her chest that Riven was pairing with another woman. It felt ridiculous — and yet, there it was.
The music swelled, signaling the procession.
They walked in pairs down the aisle, magic light glinting across the hall as the crowd rose. At the far end, Sky stood waiting,looking regal . When Bloom finally appeared — flanked by both her fathers — every eye in the hall turned.
Musa caught Sky's expression as he saw his bride: pure awe.
"Wow," he mouthed visibly.
Bloom giggled. Just like that,the rest of her nervousness melted away.
The ceremony unfolded like a dream. The vows, soft and heartfelt, echoed through the hall. Marion dabbed at her eyes; Stella sniffled audibly; and even Riven, standing behind Sky, looked almost peaceful.
When the officiant finally said, "You may now kiss the bride," the hall erupted in cheers as their lips met. Magic rippled outward in a wave of light, blessing the new king and queen of Eraklyon.
Musa clapped with everyone else, smiling through a sting of emotion. She was truly happy for Bloom... but a quiet ache settled in her chest. Would she ever have something like that?
Instinctively,she looked at Riven— who was scanning the crowd suspiciously.
But then he turned and their eyes met.
She looked away instantly, cheeks warm,embarassed to be caught staring.
******
Hours later, laughter and music filled the grand ballroom. The celebration was alive — fairy lights floating like stars, a string quartet giving way to upbeat tunes, and tables overflowing with food.
Everyone seemed relaxed… except Riven.
He stood with the Specialists near the back,but he watched the royal couple like a hawk.
His instincts prickled — there was something about the stillness between songs, the occasional flicker of a shadow near the walls,that didnt sit right with him. But the wedding continued without an issue so maybe it was just his imagination?
He also secretly watched Musa,not that he was worried abiut her exactly.It just happened and it was annoying and it distracting.
"Try smiling for once,Riven," Nabu teased. "It's a wedding, not a battlefield."
"I am smiling,"Riven said with a stoic look.
Brandon chuckled, "It's good to see you again,Riven and in a suit instead of armor,for once."
"Yeah," Timmy added, eyes twinkling behind his glasses. "Though, there's a ninety-seven percent chance he's concealing more than one weapon."
The guys looked at Riven for confirmmation.
"Boys,you have to understand: Evil forces are always a threat so I always have to remain one too."
Brandon shakes his head.
"Look like you can take the guy out of the armor, but you can't take the armor out of the guy."
The group laughed then. Even Riven cracked a grin.
Just then, Daphne appeared, slightly flustered. "Hey, have any of you seen Musa? She's supposed to perform in fifteen minutes."
Riven immediately pointed. "She's over there."
His voice was a touch too quick — which earned him a smirk from Helia.
"Keeping tabs on her, huh?" Helia murmured.
Riven didnt bother with a reply, since they'd see right through his lies.He just rolled his eyes.
"She has to be backstage soon," Daphne continued. "I have to take care of something—Riven,can you get her for me?"
Helia elbowed Riven. "Go on, Riven. Go get your lady."
"You guys are so exhausting," Riven muttered, but he was already walking.
Musa turned just before he reached her, as if sensing him.
"Riven? Is something wrong?"
"No," he said simply. "You're up on stage soon. Daphne asked me to get you."
Musa is slightly dissapointed that this was all he came to tell her but she hides it well.
"Right." She handed her glass to a waiter and fell into step beside him. The air between them hummed with unspoken energy.
Before they can get far,they are stopped as someone calls their names.
The couple turns at the same time to see Fereganda,the headmistress of Musa's old school,Alfea.
She and Musa embrace as they hadnt seen each other in so long.Fereganda. She warmly greets Riven too,exclaiming she had missed them and the rest of their group.l since she had seen them in so long.
Musa missed her too.
She hadnt realised how much until now.
The last time she had seen her had been at graduation, right after they defeated she and the Winx defeated the Trix, an occasion the girls didnt like to think about as they had been forced to kill the three witches in the end.
Anyway,Fereganda sadly informs them that she just saw an aquiantance that she has to go talk to but tells them how proud she was of them and how happy she was to see them and... still together.
The elderly woman excuses herself before Musa can correct her about her and Riven.
Riven shrugs at her and she smiles awkwardly.
They then continue their journey backstage.
Riven notices that she was breathing quickly.
"Nervous?" he asked.
"A little," she admitted. "I've never performed for an entire kingdom before.And they're so many important people"
"You'll be fine.You're so talented," he said, voice softer than he meant it to be. "Just get on that stage and own it. They'll love you."
Her lips curved into a small, shy smile.
"Thanks."
They reached the dressing room. As she stepped inside, he lingered for a moment, glancing over his shoulder. "Break a leg," he said, awkwardly but sincerely.
She laughed as he walked away, shaking her head. "He can be so cute," she murmured to her reflection.
But as she caught her own eyes in the mirror, she sobered.
"Get it together," she whispered. "No more falling back in love with him ."
She then furiuosly started applying her makeup.
Soon,someone came and told her that it was showtime.
Nodding, Musa confidenlty made her way to the stage.
******
When the lights dimmed, a hush fell over the hall. Then Musa's voice rose — clear, melodic and magnetic.
It wrapped around every soul in the room. Even Riven, stationed across the ballroom, forgot all about Damon and focused on her amazing voice.
She was dazzling — radiant under the stage lights, her voice taking over the whole room.
But then....her voice caught slightly as she saw something strange — a cloaked figure slipping through the crowd, dagger glinting, moving toward Sky.
"Sky, look out!" she shouted mid-song, pointing.
Time seemed to freeze.
Sky turned just as a shadow lunged — and it might have been all over if Varel, hadnt stepped in front of the blow.
The blade pierced his chest.
"No!" Riven says, immediately rushing to Varel's side and, dropping next to his unmoving body. The old warrior's eyes glazed over.
Across the room, Damon lowered his hood, fury burning in his dark eyes.
"What have you done,Damon?"Sky said.
"What you forced me to do," the guy hissed at Sky. "When you stole my rightful throne!"
With a snarl, Damon raised his hand, dark magic exploding outward. Spectral beasts — all teeth and shadows — burst into the ballroom.
Screams filled the air. Guests ran for cover as chaos erupted.
The winx decided that this was their cue.
"Winx! Transform!" Bloom shouted. The winx flared and the fairies took to the air, unleashing waves of energy against the creatures.
The Specialists drew weapons, forming a defensive circle around the royals.
Riven stood, grief and rage swirling together. Varel's body infront of him lay motionless behind him.
Riven didn't say anything — he charged,fully intedning on killing Damon.
Steel clashed with dark energy. Sky joined him, their teamwork sharp and relentless.
Sky struck him in the ribs but the guy still didnt go down.
He fought hard, but he was outnumbered. And His monsters began to dissolve under the fairies' magic and the skill of the Specialists.
"It's over, Damon!" Sky shouted."Surrender!"
Damon's eyes flicked toward Bloom.
"Not yet."
Damon knew Sky was right but he decided that if was going down then he wasnt going down alone.He knew how much it would destroy Sky if he's newly wedded bride were to die abd on their wedding day.
He thrust his hand forward, sending a jagged bolt of darkness straight at her. Bloom, distracted by another monstrous creatures, didn't see it.
"Bloom!" Sky moved instinctively — the blast struck him instead.
"Sky!"Riven called in a panicked voice.
The hall went silent.
Bloom finally turned around,gasping at what she saw.The fairy dropped to her knees besides him. "Sky? Sky, open your eyes!"
He didn't move.
"Sky!" she cried, shaking him.
With everyone distracted,Damon took the opportunity to escape.
Riven froze. For a second, all sound disappeared except Bloom's voice.
Then he saw movement — Damon, forming a dark portal, ready to flee.
"He's escaping!" Musa shouted.
Without hesitation, she flew after him.
She didnt want him to get away after causing her loved ones so much pain.
"Musa, wait—!" Riven started, but it was already too late.
She had gone through the portal.
For a moment,he was undecided, torn between staying with Sky and following Damon and Musa.
He looked at Sky, unconscious but breathing. Bloom was there; the others were there. They'd see to him.
But Damon couldn't get away,Riven told himself. Not again.And not after what he had done.
With grim resolve, Riven dashed after Musa — disappearing through the portal just as it closed.