Chapter 7 - A Home Within The Shallow Shrine

The storm has quieted. The shrine feels changed, less ominous, more alive. Faint candlelight glimmers along the inner walls as Haruki gently takes Anastasya’s hand, his fingers warm despite the chill lingering in the air.

Haruki: "Come. There's something I want to show you."

Anastasya looks up at him, still dazed from the ritual, the silken gown trailing behind her as he guides her toward a narrow corridor at the shrine’s side. The walls curve unnaturally, like the shrine itself is bending to make space. They walk deeper in, the path glowing faintly with soft silver runes underfoot.

Anastasya: "I didn’t know this was here..."

Haruki: "That’s because it wasn’t. Not until you became part of it."

They arrive at a wooden door etched with protective charms and delicate floral carvings. Haruki places her hand on the handle.

Haruki: "After you, my bride."

The door creaks open, revealing a warm, cozy interior. A small fireplace crackles with pale blue flames. Woven rugs cover the wooden floor, shelves of ancient books line the walls, and a delicate canopy bed with silver drapes rests under a round stained-glass window. Crystals dangle from the ceiling like stars.

Anastasya: Steps inside slowly in awe. "This is... mine?"

Haruki: "Your sanctuary. The shrine recognized you, so it built this space around your spirit. Every corner reflects your essence."

Anastasya trails her fingers along the bookshelf, stopping at a glass jar filled with dried lavender. She turns to Haruki, brow furrowed.

Anastasya: "Wait. If this is my place... where do you sleep?"

Haruki: Winks. "Oh, I sleep somewhere far more haunted. My quarters are in the darker wing of the shrine—the part that hums with the breath of the old gods. Very spooky. Very me."

Anastasya: "So… why don’t we share the same space? If we’re... soul-bound?"

Haruki: Leans against the door. "I wanted to give you your own room first. You know, so you wouldn’t feel like you married a stalker. That comes later."

Anastasya: She groans and throws a pillow at him. "Haruki!"

The pillow hits him square in the chest. He bursts out laughing, catching it as it falls.

Haruki: "I’m kidding, mostly. You’re the bride, not a prisoner. Besides, the shrine listens to you now. If you want our rooms to merge… you need only will it."

Anastasya narrows her eyes, cheeks tinged pink.

Anastasya: "I don’t want to share a bed with a creep who makes jokes about stalking..."

Haruki: He dramatically puts his hand on his chest, feigning pain. "You wound me. I’m not a creep. I’m a divinely-attached eternal suitor with a flair for theatrics."

Anastasya: "Same thing."

Haruki laughs again and drops onto the velvet-cushioned reading chair by the fire. His expression softens as he watches her take in the room.

Haruki: "I wanted this place to feel like a dream you don’t want to wake up from."

Anastasya: "It kind of does."

She runs her fingers along a vine-shaped lamp glowing with soft lavender light. The shadows it casts dance gently across the walls. There’s a small table with a tea set already arranged, steam curling from the porcelain cup.

Anastasya: "You even prepared tea?"

Haruki: "Jasmine and white chrysanthemum. The spirits say it soothes anxious minds."

Anastasya: She takes a cup. "Thank you."

They sit in a gentle silence, the fire crackling between them. The shrine outside groans faintly, shifting like a living creature settling into sleep.

Haruki: "You know, you can stay here as long as you want. This space belongs to you now, in every lifetime."

Anastasya: "And if I ever leave?"

Haruki: "Then the shrine sleeps... and so do I."

There’s a heavy pause. Then Haruki grins again, masking the weight of his words.

Haruki: "But let’s not get melodramatic. It’s our honeymoon, technically. Should I bring cake? Or a cursed wedding gift?"

Anastasya: She throws another pillow. "Out! Go haunt your own room!"

Haruki: He laughs as he dodges it. "I live to be banished by you, my dear!"

He disappears into the corridor, chuckling to himself, as the door swings gently shut behind him. Anastasya sighs, smiling faintly despite herself, and curls up in her new bed as the storm outside fades into the whisper of dreams.

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