Page 57 of Cuddly Demon

TWENTY-FOUR

SAINT

The day of our wedding has finally arrived.

At last.

When the portal to Hell opened Monday morning, Onyx and I descended into the underworld at once.

We met demon tailors who took our measurements to put together the finest tuxedos. Caterers who prepared Hell's finest foods. We rehearsed our wedding ceremony, which left me full of warm fuzzies.

I can't believe I get to tie the knot with Onyx.

My heart beats wildly in my chest as I stand at the altar. The air around us is thick with anticipation, and blue flames dance around us like a protective shield. Heat radiates off of the fire-lit stone walls, shooting out in every direction.

The demon priest stands before us, his dark eyes glinting in the firelight. He reads from an ancient book, his voice deep and dripping with power.

Around us are demons of all shapes and sizes; some with horns or wings, others with tails or scales. They watch silently as Onyx takes my hands in his own.

My parents are even in the audience. So is my older brother.

Can you believe it?

When I informed them what was going on, they flipped out. Needless to say, my mother eventually came around and said that attending her son's wedding in Hell would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I smile as I gaze at Onyx, who's reading his vows.

"My beloved Saint, I promise to love you and honor you for all eternity. To be faithful and loyal to you, through good times and bad. I vow to protect you, care for you, and cherish you always. You are my life, my love, my everything. With you, I can move past the curse placed upon me due to my last master's actions. Be mine."

My heart swells with emotion as Onyx finishes. He looks at me with so much love in his eyes that it takes my breath away. His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, comforting me as tears well up in my eyes.

Now, it's my turn. My throat is tight with emotion as I begin to speak.

"I do," I whisper softly before pressing a gentle kiss against his lips. "I love you, Onyx. You're my best friend and the love of my life. My protector. My keeper. I promise to always be there for you, no matter what. To support you when times get tough and to laugh with you when things are going great. Even if we run into your old master again. I vow to trust and respect you, to never take advantage of your kindness or take your loyalty for granted. I will cherish every moment we have together and never forget how lucky I am to have found such an amazing demon to live my life with."

Onyx slides a ring onto my finger, its fiery band heavy with meaning and symbolism. He says the word 'mine' before leaning forward to kiss me passionately.

The demons around us erupt into cheers and applause as Onyx holds me. We embrace each other tightly, our hearts beating as one.

"Well!" Mom exclaims, her eyes dazzling. "I'm proud of you both. I'm sure you two will make a great couple!"

Dad smiles at Mom. "I'm inspired by their love."

My older brother grins. "Saint made the right choice."

Onyx pulls me close and wraps an arm around my shoulders. "Don't worry, sir. I'll take good care of your son."

I smile and squeeze his hand reassuringly. "We'll take care of each other."

We love one another and that's all that matters.

The demon priest claps his hands together gleefully. "Let's celebrate with a feast!"

A banquet appears before us. All sorts of delicious dishes and drinks are spread out on the tables. We all dig in, sharing laughter and stories.

I take in the buffet of Hell's finest dishes that appear before us. There's grilled rat, roasted bat, and other delicacies both sweet and savory, all of which are cooked to perfection. There are iced cakes and devilish pastries, fruit pies with pungent spices, and hot dishes of barbecued meats. There's even grilled demon steak and fire-roasted goat, both of which are tasty.

A blue hellhound comes bounding to my side. It barks, then rubs its furry head against my leg.