First And Last - By Stacey Kennedy Page 0,11

I’m in no way a replacement for who should be doing this for you, but it would be my greatest honor to lead you to the ceremony.” He offered, his gaze sweet and tone shaky, as if overcome with emotion.

Without hesitated, I wrapped my arm in his, my heart full. “I wouldn’t want anyone else.”

In no time, we headed down the hall and out of the castle toward the Witches Meadow. “So…is it crowded down there?” I asked hesitantly.

Valor winked. “Not too many.”

When we arrived at the meadow, I gave him a look that said he was a lying jerk. He chuckled. Not only was everyone from the Otherworld here, but everyone from the Underworld too.

I didn’t focus on that for too long since the meadow took precedent. It looked exquisite. Obviously, magic played a part here because it never looked this beautiful. It always took my breath away, so that was really saying a lot. The trees were all the same, but tonight, beautiful white dahlias adorned them everywhere. It made the meadow look so alive.

In addition, it wasn’t just that. Thousands of candles were everywhere. It was by far the most elegant and romantic setting I had ever seen. Haven did an amazing job—she took over the plans the moment she heard Kyden and I would be bonded. Trusting her was never a mistake. This was perfect and more than I was capable of dreaming up.

As we came into view, the entire crowd gasped, and low murmurs spread throughout.

My cheeks flamed as all eyes focused on me. “Why are those of the Underworld here?” I whispered to Valor as we started down the hill.

He angled his head down and whispered in same hushed tone. “They have come to witness the ceremony of their leader. It’s only proper.”

One by one, as we passed by members of the Underworld, they all bowed. “Oh, will you just stop that,” I snapped.

Valor chuckled.

However, my annoyance immediately ceased when Kyden stepped in front of my willow. Haven got that right on the money. There was no other place in the world that I would want to do this than under my favorite tree.

My breath caught as I took him in completely. He was beyond gorgeous. He wore a kilt tonight that was similar to Talon’s. Its detailing was superb and fit his body tight. He also had glitter along his body. Apparently, it was a ritual in the Otherworld since Haven had put it on me too. Boy, oh boy, did I appreciate it on him more. It made his sleek body look that much more appetizing.

Valor stopped when we met up with Kyden. He leaned down and kissed my lips.

“Enough of that.” Kyden laughed, as did the crowd. He was never threatened. He knew the love Valor and I had for each other was entirely platonic. If anything, I knew it warmed him that we were close.

Valor leaned back, tears glittered in his eyes. Clearly, he hadn’t expected such an emotional outcome, but his face showed just how much joy it brought him that he was here to witness this ceremony. In fact, it showed on every face present.

Kyden took my hand and led us beneath the willow. When we stopped, his gaze ran the entire length of me, then met my gaze again. “Gods, Álainn, you’re lovely.”

I smiled at the compliment, and then glanced out to the crowd a little. Everyone was here. Haven, of course, was bawling. Even Talon looked a little teary-eyed. Briggs and Rynn gave me a little wave, as did Isla and Dante who stood beside them. Briar smiled bright. Thalia, the Mistress of the Mid-West, and Hayes nodded a hello. Brax, Master of Weres and Zade, Master of Vampires, looked proud. Misa and Azar appeared outrageously happy.

Zia drew my attention as she took our joined hands in hers. “Welcome. This is a night for us to rejoice in the bonding of our two friends.” She smiled down at me. “As in our ways of the Otherworld, please recite words of adoration to each other to state the reasons for your bond.”

She looked at Kyden, gave him a nod to begin.

He sighed deeply, looked to the ground, then met my eyes again—so much emotion displayed in them. “Since you came into my life it has been filled with nothing but chaos.”

Huh?

“Not a day passes that I do not fear for your safety, fight against others or battle for your honor.” Again, he sighed, even deeper. “Even your