146
~Elara's POV
Then the priest lifted his hands, signaling the ritual of the Moon Goddess to begin.
Janae slid the ring onto David's finger first, her hands steady despite the trembling in her voice. "With this, I bind my heart to yours," she whispered.
David took her hand next, his fingers brushing against hers as he gently fitted the ring. "And with this, I promise to hold your heart with care, always."
A collective sigh of awe swept through the hall. Some guests whispered congratulations under their breaths, and others dabbed at the corners of their eyes. Cameras clicked softly, but not loudly enough to disturb the sanctity of the ritual.
Then the priest nodded, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "By the blessings of the Moon Goddess, by your spoken vows, and by the love that binds you, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
David and Janae's hands tightened. "You may kiss the bride," the priest said, and the room erupted into soft, joyous applause.
