Page 17 of Dark Witch: Entangled Fates

"Yeah, you're right. I've never thought of that. I think he's also a council member, so maybe he has some political aspirations."

"Is the clan a democracy? Could he run for office and replace Kian?"

Margo sounded worried, which was interesting. She didn't know either of the males well, but she'd spent some time in their presence, and it seemed that she had a preference for Kian.

"I don't think so, but I'm not part of the clan, so I don't know its inner workings."

Margo's gaze drifted to the television screen, and Negal's followed just as the camera panned over the assembled guests.

"They are all so pretty," she murmured. "Look, that's Frankie and Mia."

"I see them." He shifted his eyes to his mate, whose face was alight with excitement. "And I see you, my beautiful Nesha. My soul."

11

ONEGUS

Onegus stood at the altar, waiting for the female he loved more than anyone and anything in the world to enter and join him in front of the goddess.

He still remembered his reaction to her the first time he'd seen her at the fundraiser gala. She'd stood out from the crowd in every way possible. Confident, elegant, statuesque, and with ferocious eyes that could pierce through armor. They had certainly pierced through his.

Up until that moment, he had never believed in love at first sight, but he was a believer now. With one look, he had fallen head over heels, but it had taken him a few days to convince his brain of what his heart had known from that first connection formed from a distance in a crowd of over one thousand guests.

Come to think of it, the gala had been a much grander venue than his and Cassandra's wedding in the ship's converted dining room, but what it lacked in luxury and opulence, it made up with heart, and there was no competition. He would choose to be here a thousand times over. Almost his entire clan was present, their familiar smiling faces turned toward the entrance through which his bride was about to walk in.

As the music swelled and the guests rose to their feet, Onegus felt his breath catch in his throat. There, at the end of the aisle, Cassandra stood tall in a one-of-a-kind gown that seemed to have been crafted from liquid pearls. The dress lacked any of the embellishments so many of the other brides had favored. There was no lace, no tulle, no beading, just simple satin that flowed over Cassandra's gorgeous statuesque frame. Barely-there straps held a cowl neckline, and although he couldn't see the back, it seemed like it was exposed.

Her hair was swept up in an elegant twist, with a few wayward tendrils left loose to frame her beautiful face, and her luminous, expressive eyes held Onegus's gaze.

There was joy, love, and determination in her big brown eyes, and as her lips lifted in a smile that seemed to be just for him, he lifted a hand to his heart and patted the spot, letting her know without words what seeing her on the other end of the aisle was doing to him.

Cassandra glided toward him with her mother on one side and her sister on the other, and as she reached the altar, Geraldine placed her daughter's hand in his. He squeezed her fingers gently, and she rewarded him with a radiant smile before turning to face the Clan Mother.

Annani regarded them with a serene smile, her ancient, wise eyes, which belied her youthful appearance, shining with affection and approval.

The goddess raised her glowing arms and waited until the guests' excited murmurs quieted.

When the hall was utterly silent, she lowered them. "My beloved family and friends," she said in her melodious voice. "Tonight, we are gathered to celebrate the union of two souls, two hearts that have found each other across a room not much different than this one." She waved a hand over the dining hall. "Onegus never imagined that the gala he chaired would not only raise millions for our charity but also bring him the love of his life."

As Onegus felt Cassandra's fingers tightening around his, he ran his thumb over her knuckles in a soothing caress.

His groomsmen were worried about her getting overly emotional and unintentionally blowing something up, but he knew his bride well, and positive emotions did not cause her inner power to rise.

Hopefully, all of tonight would be joyful for her, and nothing would irritate her.

Annani shifted her gaze to the two of them and smiled. "Onegus and Cassandra. You are both highly accomplished, powerful people, and together, there is no limit to what you can achieve. I have no doubt that your love story will be told for generations to come." She smiled brightly. "And I cannot wait to see the children your union will produce."

As laughter mingled with murmurs of agreement, Onegus cast Cassandra a sidelong smile, which she returned. They were too busy to have children anytime soon, but when they did, he knew that they would be spectacular.

"Onegus," Annani said, drawing his attention. "You have given selflessly to the clan for many centuries, leading the Guardian force with a strong hand but also with devotion and compassion. Your people love you, and that is the highest honor a commander could hope for. You have more than earned the boon of a fated mate the Fates have bestowed upon you. None other than the granddaughter of my cousin Toven."

Onegus dipped his head.

Cassandra was even closer to her godly source than he was, but he never really thought about it. He loved her for who she was and not the blood coursing through her veins.

"Cassandra." The Clan Mother turned to his bride. "Your strength, resilience, and your dedication to those you love is as inspiring as that of your mate. You have faced challenges that would have broken a lesser woman, and yet you have emerged stronger, brighter, and more successful. You are a true winner."

As Geraldine sniffled, Cassandra gracefully inclined her head. "Thank you, Clan Mother."