In the Kingdom of Croya, the wedding of the hero who defeated the Demon King and the most beautiful princess in the realm was to be held today.
The grand hall of the church was adorned with white lilies, the symbol of purity and a new beginning for the newlyweds.
All the nobles were present, along with envoys from distant countries. Though they conversed in hushed tones out of respect for the church, the joy of today's occasion was unmistakably felt.
The Cardinal, Lyold, dressed in pristine white robes and bearing a face aged with the wisdom of countless years, stroked his long beard as his smile widened at the sight of the bride entering.
Yet Lyold's smile was not merely for the union itself, but because that princess—Leila Savoy—known for being a rebel, a man-hater, and someone who would rather die than obey her father's will, had finally agreed to this marriage.
Leila walked in, escorted by the King of Croya, Gideon Savoy. Their entrance alone was enough to dazzle everyone in the church.
Her pink hair was styled into a graceful bridal updo, adorned with delicate ornaments. A long white veil cascaded down her exquisite wedding gown.
It was a simple design, yet the hundreds of tiny diamonds sewn into the dress by nearly a hundred seamstresses made it the most expensive creation on the entire Solis continent.
She walked slowly, radiating elegance, a bright smile on her lips. Her doll-like features were mesmerizing, made even more ethereal as flower petals gently rained down on her like heaven welcoming an angel.
The hero, Caelum Arden, stood waiting. With his striking silver hair and golden eyes that shone like the sun, he was tall—about 195 cm—with broad shoulders and sharp, flawless features that could drive any woman mad with admiration.
He was a prime Alpha—perfect in every sense.
Now, standing beside the bride, they held hands and turned toward the Cardinal, who stepped forward and opened the thin book in his hands.
"Today, we celebrate the holy ceremony of two souls intertwined as one," Lyold began, his voice steady and warm, echoing through the sacred hall.
"Before the eyes of the Divine, and in the presence of all gathered here, we honor the union of Caelum Arden, hero of light, and Leila Savoy, princess of Croya."
"This is not merely a binding of names or titles, but a vow of hearts, a promise that transcends blood, war, and fate itself."
He turned his gaze to Caelum. "Caelum Arden, do you vow to stand beside Leila Savoy, in joy, and in sorrow, in peace and in turmoil?"
"Will you guard her heart as you did this kingdom, and love her not for duty, but for the soul that she is?"
Caelum nodded, voice firm, "I vow it."
Lyold then turned to the bride. "Leila Savoy, do you vow to walk beside Caelum Arden, not as a shadow behind him, but as a light beside him?"
"Will you trust him with your strength, your heart, and the flame of your spirit, now and for all the days to come?"
Leila smiled, "I-"
BOOM!!
Before she could finish her words, they were cut off by a thunderous explosion as the entrance of the cathedral was blasted apart by magic.
The doors were destroyed instantly. Nobles and envoys screamed in panic while knights rushed toward the chaos, moving quickly to protect them.
As the smoke began to clear, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the ruined hall—someone was walking forward with unwavering confidence toward the altar.
A black robe billowed around him, flowing in the wind. His pointed teeth were visible as he smirked wide. The black horns curling from his dark hair and the thin tail swaying behind him made it clear—he wasn't human.
"That's the Demon Lord!" a noble shouted, sparking even more panic.
"Didn't the hero already defeat him?!"
"Why is he here?!"
The King, eyes narrowing, turned to Caelum and said coldly, "What does this mean, Caelum? Were you deceiving us all?!"
His voice thundered across the ruined cathedral, heavy with judgment.
But neither Caelum nor the Demon Lord answered.
Their eyes were locked.
Crimson eyes burned into gold. The Demon Lord's voice rang out, deep and venomous:
"Did you really think it was over between us?" He raised a massive sword and pointed it directly at Caelum. It gleamed in the broken light—just like his eyes, blazing with hatred.
"Caelum, the hero! I'll destroy everything you love—and this world—along with you!"
Caelum stepped forward, gently pushing Leila behind him. The Demon Lord's eye twitched at the motion.
"This is between you and me, Solen," Caelum said, his voice calm and firm. "You don't need to involve innocent people."
Golden light began to swirl in Caelum's hand, forming a brilliant sword. He raised it and pointed it at his old enemy.
"Let's finish this. Once and for all."
With that, they charged at each other.
Their swords clashed, the sound ringing like thunder through the broken cathedral. Their eyes stayed locked—filled with hatred… and something else.
Longing.