Chapter 116: Chapter 116 Surprise Wedding Ceremony

Elara’s POV

"When did you put this on me?" I asked, my fingers finding the delicate earring. I’d spotted it earlier but kept quiet until now.

"A gentleman never tells," Silas replied, that familiar mischievous grin playing on his lips.

Then Silas, who usually claimed every moment of my attention, stepped aside. Finnian moved forward, elegant in Frostpeak World’s ceremonial wedding attire. His movements flowed like water, ethereal and graceful. He captured my hand and sank to one knee.

"Elara," he said, "thank you for loving me. Please keep spoiling me for the rest of our lives."

A simple band slipped onto my ring finger.

Barrett pressed his lips together, his eyes already glassy as he took in my veiled figure. He’d believed once that the Voidferal Feral Territory would be his grave. He’d believed once that I belonged to him alone. We’d weathered our small storms, but I was beautiful, gentle, and vibrant—a little sun that lit up the bleak, solitary existence he’d once resigned himself to.

Barrett approached, every step deliberate and sure. He offered a courtly bow, then dropped to one knee before me. His mouth opened, but silence stretched between us.

"We..."

I extended my hand and clasped his. "My dear General Barrett," I said, warmth flooding my voice. "Will you marry me?"

That broke the dam. Barrett’s tears spilled, warm droplets hitting my skin. My eyes went wide, and I dropped down beside him. Barrett had discovered our mate bond first, and he’d always harbored that quiet doubt. I understood that.

I’ll shower him with extra affection to make up for it.

"Barrett," I whispered, "you’re so strong, so gorgeous. I was drawn to you the moment I spotted you in that medical facility. I’m so fortunate you’re my husband. If you weren’t, I would’ve hunted you down myself."

I was their girl. A few choice words, and Barrett was beaming again.

"Enough of that. My turn now," Julian announced, gently moving Barrett out of the way.

Julian looked magnificent today. His ceremonial attire was striking, and his gem-bright eyes held such tenderness as they met mine. After an elegant bow, he knelt. "My lady," he whispered, "may I have a kiss?"

How could I refuse? Impossible. A radiant, euphoric smile lit up Julian’s features, and my heart turned to liquid.

Mine. They’re all mine.

Dorian came next. The leopard cocked his head, his grin stretching wide. "Elara," he said brightly, "I’m here to marry you."

Kaelen, remaining in his beast form, lowered his great head. Then he revealed an elaborate white wedding gown adorned with celestial patterns. It took my breath away; countless layers caught the light, shimmering so brilliantly I could barely look directly at it.

I gaped in wonder. "I’m dying to know. This morning, you were all ready to tear each other apart, then we escaped. When did you find time to orchestrate all this?"

Silas’s chest puffed with satisfaction. "Baby, did you forget about my Sovereign Territory?"

His power could stretch time until it nearly stopped.

I was floored.

Damn! That never occurred to me!

They’d exploited the time dilation within his domain to prepare everything aboard the ship. The wedding dress? Silas had commissioned it ages ago. The others had protested initially, but Silas maintained that today was ideal. They’d been ambushed by his scheme and had no choice but to follow his lead.

As for the massive gift convoy? They’d dispatched the orders the instant we cleared the Voidferal Feral Territory. Communications flew out, and every vessel arrived at maximum speed.

When finances weren’t a concern, anything was achievable. Plus, they’d all been quietly accumulating these items for me from the moment they realized I was their mate.

Their people simply grabbed the prepared lists and moved with urgency. The whole operation was swift.

They were all uncomplicated, straightforward men. Their approach was basic: purchase the finest, select the most costly, and locate the most beautiful, most distinctive pieces.

Well, except for Kaelen. The poor dragon had stalked the cabin restlessly, running his claws through his scales, frantically trying to complete his list. Fortunately, his memory served him well and he managed to keep pace.

Poor Rory, Finnian’s bodyguard, nearly burned out the ship’s propulsion systems. This impromptu wedding had only succeeded because of Finnian’s influence.

When they issued commands, their forces sprang into motion—particularly those handling vehicle and spacecraft deliveries. Nobody dared arrive late or bungle anything.

The most challenging aspect had been organizing everything without my awareness. Thankfully, Novareach Port provided enough cover for them to execute their entire scheme.

Marry me? They’d better act quickly before I reconsidered once I was back out in the galaxy.

They all concurred they needed to secure my commitment immediately.

I studied the wedding dress, my cheeks flushing as I headed toward the ship’s quarters. Silas thoughtfully engaged his domain.

"No pressure," he said gently. "Take all the time you need. Just call when you’re ready."