The ceremony was a blur—petals floating through the air, murmured vows that trembled with sincerity, and the undeniable weight of two souls finding their way to each other.
Mirabelle stood, hands trembling slightly in Caspian's, as he declared her his mate before the gathered crowd.
His voice was deep, sure, thick with emotion, and it settled over her like a promise she'd waited her whole life to hear.
When the officiant's final words rang out—"You may now kiss your mate"—the world seemed to still.
Caspian's gaze locked onto hers, the heat in his eyes stealing her breath.
Slowly, like he didn't want to startle her, he lifted a hand to her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin as though it was the most precious thing he'd ever touched.
And then he leaned in.
Their lips met in a kiss that wasn't just gentle—it was hungry beneath the surface, restrained only by the sacred moment they were in.
His mouth molded to hers, firm and warm, stealing a small gasp from her throat.
That sound seemed to unravel him—his hand slid into her hair, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened.
His other arm curled around her waist, anchoring her to him. There was nothing innocent about the way his lips moved over hers now. It was a claiming, a silent declaration that she was his and he was hers. Her fingers fisted the lapels of his ceremonial jacket, pulling him closer, lost in the heat of his mouth, the velvet slide of his tongue when it brushed against hers in a brief, shocking flick.
The crowd erupted into applause—but Mirabelle barely heard it.
All she could feel was him—his breath mingling with hers, the tremble in his hands, the warmth of his body pressed flush against her.
When they finally pulled apart, her lips were parted, flushed, her eyes wide and dazed.
Caspian's eyes darkened, his voice low and possessive as he whispered against her mouth, "I've wanted to do that."
And from the look on his face—like she was the center of his entire world—she knew this was just the beginning.
Soon it was evening.
The reception was lively, filled with music, laughter, and celebration. Mirabelle was surprised by how warmly she was embraced by the Howlcrest family.
Even Lady Cressida, who had been cool and reserved at first, offered her a small, approving smile.
Yet, as the festivities wore on, Mirabelle couldn't shake the ache in her heart.
She excused herself briefly, stepping out onto one of the estate's balconies for a moment of quiet.
Caspian found her there moments later, his presence a comforting weight. "What's wrong, Bunny?" he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"I'm happy," she said softly. "I really am. But… I wish my mother were here. Or at least someone from my family."
Caspian's expression softened. "I know it's not the same, but you have me now. And you have my family. You're not alone anymore."
Mirabelle leaned into him, her heart full despite the lingering sadness. "Thank you," she whispered.
Caspian tilted her chin up, his crimson eyes locking with hers. "I mean it, Bunny. You're mine now. And I'll make sure you never feel alone again."
Mirabelle smiled, her worries easing as she rested her head against his chest. Today was the start of something new, something beautiful. And for the first time, she truly felt like she belonged.
Suddenly, The large door creaked open, and Mirabelle turned toward the sound. Her breath caught in her throat as her aunt, uncle, and cousin stepped into the room.
"Aunt Claudine? Uncle Robert?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. "Sally?"
The three of them stood there, their expressions a mixture of hesitation and hope. Tears welled in Mirabelle's eyes as she looked from them to Caspian, who stood silently beside her with a neutral expression.
She turned to him, her emotions swirling. "You… You invited them?"
Caspian's lips quirked into the faintest of smiles, but he kept his tone light. "I thought you might want them here, Bunny. Even if I acted like I wouldn't allow it."
Mirabelle's heart swelled with gratitude. She didn't know how to respond, so she threw herself into his arms for a brief moment, squeezing him tightly before stepping forward to greet her family.
Claudine approached her first, her eyes glistening with tears. "Oh, Mirabelle, my dear," she said, pulling her into an embrace. "We're so sorry—for everything. For what we did, for what we allowed. You didn't deserve any of it."
Uncle Robert followed, his voice gruff with emotion. "She's right. We were wrong. And we're so proud of you. You've grown into such a strong, wonderful woman."
Even Sally, who had been a source of so much tension, stepped forward with a shy but genuine smile. "I owe you an apology too," she said quietly. "I've been selfish, but I've changed. And I wish you all the happiness in the world."
Mirabelle felt her chest tighten as tears spilled down her cheeks. She kissed each of them on the cheek, her heart brimming with happiness.
"I forgive you," she said softly. "And I'm so glad you're here today. It means everything to me."
Caspian stood back, watching the reunion unfold. Though he'd invited them for Mirabelle's sake, he hadn't expected to feel a flicker of satisfaction at seeing her smile so brightly.
"Thank you," she whispered to him over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Caspian approached her, placing a hand on the small of her back. "Anything for you," he murmured.
The small gathering became a moment of healing, with words of apology and well wishes exchanged.
Sally even joked about how she'd better find her own mate soon, earning laughter from everyone.
As the family wished Mirabelle a happy life and promised to always support her from afar, Mirabelle felt a deep peace settle over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt whole.
And with Caspian by her side, she knew she'd never feel alone again.