The Flaming Star Codex

Night had fallen, yet a small crowd was gathered in the ceremonial hall.

Guests were seated in a handful of neat rows of pews. Below their feet lay a shiny black marble floor. The white candlelight flickered from the chandeliers above. The walls were draped in a purple and black pattern. Two large winged humanoid statues stood on either side of the center space in the room, one purple, one blue.

Kymil stood on one side of this center space. His hair was black. His eyes a glowing blue. He wore a black suit adorned with a black cape falling off his shoulders. It was secured with a silver chain.

A grey lynx with blue eyes sat a few feet behind the man, his eyes observing, never missing a subtle movement from the people in his sight.

The sound of a beautiful piano and harp filled the space. Kymil didn't recognize it right away, but he knew his bride would. The edges of his mouth turned into a subtle smile at the thought.

At the far end, the large double doors opened and Ember walked in wearing a long-sleeved purple dress with black lace covering it. She wore a black veil over her face and carried a bouquet of dark red roses.

This was the wedding of Kymil and Ember.

The wedding commenced. The bride and groom exchanged gifts and the handfasting was completed. Now it was the vows.

Just as Ember was about to speak, the doors burst open!

A unified gasp came from the crowd as Lucian walked in like he had always owned the place. He walked casually but with purpose. There was no rush.

His gaze was fixated on the bride. He ignored the crowd around him as if they did not exist.

Kymil's Lynx companion, Solen, snarled and his claws came out. He was ready to fight.

Lucian, the intruder, walked right up to Ember as though no one had the right to stop him.

For one heartbeat, no one moved.

Ember only had enough time to turn toward him before his arm swept around her waist. He lifted her from the floor with effortless strength, gathering her in his arms as if she belonged there.

Her bouquet fell from her grasp, dark red roses scattering across the black marble.

Horrified whispers broke out amongst the crowd. Someone stood while another cried out.

Ember stiffened beneath her veil.

"Let me go!" she hissed.

Lucian only smiled.
"Time to come home, darling." He said smoothly.

Kymil went utterly still, the kind that came before the blade fell.

The air around him fractured with shadow.

The handfasting cord dropped to the floor as Kymil's body changed in a heartbeat. His clothes crumpled to the floor in a heap as the golden, spotted fur of a cheetah appeared. His muscles coiled and his blue eyes burned with fury! Solen snarled behind him, claws scraping against the marble as he lunged forward.