Chapter 6 - Wedding Of The Shadows

At the evening, Anastasya sneaks out of her home to go to the forest. The shrine looms in the distance, bathed in the eerie light of a stormy evening. The wind howls through the trees, rain falling in sheets. Anastasya stands at the base of the stone steps, dressed in her worn-out pajamas, looking up at the mysterious shrine.

Anastasya: "I can’t believe I’m here again... It’s... ridiculous. I’m really going through with this."

She takes a deep breath and steps forward, climbing the stone steps slowly. As she reaches the top, the wind calms just enough for her to hear a familiar voice.

Haruki: "Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up. Late, too, I see."

Anastasya’s gaze snaps up to see Haruki standing at the top of the shrine steps, illuminated by a faint glow from his crimson-gold eyes. His smile is mischievous, but there's a hint of something deeper beneath it.

Anastasya: "I... I didn’t have time to change. I wasn’t expecting this to be... this complicated."

Haruki: "Complicated? Darling, it’s only complicated if you make it so. But really, pajamas? That’s what you decided to wear for our wedding?"

He smirks, his eyes flicking down to her gray flannel pants and oversized shirt.

Anastasya: "I... didn’t think I’d need a dress."

Haruki: "Silly girl. Of course, you’ll need one. We can’t have the bride showing up like that."

With a flick of his fingers, a soft shimmer in the air, and the sound of wind chimes, Haruki conjures a dress. It’s an ethereal gown made of white silk, intricate silver patterns flowing like water across it. The fabric catches the moonlight, glowing faintly.

Anastasya: "What... what is that?'

Haruki: "This? Oh, just something befitting the bride of a forgotten deity. Go on, put it on. You wouldn’t want to marry me looking like a wet rat, would you?"

Anastasya hesitates, feeling a strange pull toward the gown. She nods reluctantly, allowing him to help drape the gown over her shoulders. It fits perfectly, shimmering as it settles around her.

Anastasya: She stares at her reflection on the pool of water. "It’s... too beautiful."

Haruki: "Exactly. Now, you’re ready."

He takes her hand and leads her toward the altar. The stone slab is adorned with wildflowers and glowing runes. The air is thick with tension and something ancient. The wind howls again, but there’s an odd peace that falls over them as they approach the altar.

Anastasya: "What is this? I didn’t expect any of this... ritual, ceremony..."

Haruki: "Ah, but that's the point. This isn’t your typical wedding. Not even close. This is a union of souls, a binding of fates..."

He steps back and begins weaving his fingers through the air, chanting in a low, ancient language that sends a shiver down Anastasya’s spine. The ground beneath them trembles faintly.

Anastasya: "What’s happening? Is this... real?"

Haruki: "It’s as real as the world itself, Anastasya. It’s just... not something you’re meant to understand easily."

The world around them seems to shift as Haruki dips his finger into a small pool of water, his finger glowing with a dark light. He draws a symbol on Anastasya’s forehead, the mark cool and metallic. He then gently kisses the mark.

Haruki: "You’re mine now. Forever bound, heart and soul."

Anastasya feels a sudden rush of warmth spread through her chest. Her eyes widen.

Anastasya: "That... felt strange."

Haruki: "Strange is good. Now, for the final part."

He pulls from beneath his cloak a small, intricately carved bone, a relic of the deity’s ancient past and ties it around Anastasya’s wrist with a ribbon of black silk. The ribbon tightens on its own, as if alive.

Haruki: "By this, we are tethered. By this, your soul is sealed to mine."

The air grows heavy, and Anastasya feels a flicker of fear. Haruki raises his arms high as the sky cracks open, a burst of lightning illuminating the shrine, and the flowers at the altar bloom unnaturally, glowing like spirits.

Haruki: "By blood and starlight, by the winds of forgotten realms, we are bound! This marriage is not of this world, but of the next."

The earth beneath them trembles violently, the energy thick and overwhelming. Anastasya gasps, but Haruki’s eyes lock onto hers, and she’s caught, unable to move.

Haruki: "And just like that... we’re married. Forever."

The storm quiets abruptly, the eerie energy settling into a strange peace. The glowing flowers at the altar fade. Haruki looks at Anastasya, his eyes full of dark affection.

Anastasya: "What... just happened?"

Haruki: "Well, you’re now the bride of a forgotten god. Not exactly a standard wedding, is it?"

Anastasya: "I... don’t even know how to respond."

Haruki: "Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. After all, this is just the beginning."

He reaches out, brushing a lock of wet hair from her face, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. They stand in the eerie glow of the shrine, bound together, the air thick with the presence of something far older than either of them.

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