CHAPTER 3: THE WEDDING NO ONE ATTENDED

Ember barely remembered the path she took.

All she knew was the fire roaring in her chest, hot enough to burn away the reason. Her thoughts replayed the accusation again and again until anger was the only thing left.

By the time she reached Sylvan’s estate, her hands were shaking, not from fear, but fury.

She didn’t knock.

“That smug, insufferable.”

She didn’t bother finishing the sentence.

The front door burst open with a loud crack, wood slamming against the wall as she stormed inside like a storm given form as she kicked it in without hesitation.

Wood slammed against the wall. Inside, conversations died instantly.

Every head in the hall snapped toward her.

Sylvan looked up from across the hall, eyes widening before narrowing into a glare that matched hers perfectly.

“What is wrong with--"

Before he could finish, Ember marched straight up to him and slammed the scroll against his chest.

“What did you do?!” she shouted, voice echoing through the hall.

Sylvan stared at her for a second, then his expression darkened.

Without a word, he grabbed the scroll… and tore it in half right in front of her face.

"I should be asking you that!”

He pulled out his own scroll and shoved it toward her face.

Ember stared at it.

“…You got one too?”

“Oh, no,” he said dryly. “I just carry identical marriage scrolls around for fun.”

Her jaw dropped. “You’re joking.”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

Before she could answer, footsteps thundered behind her as Aurelia, Lyssara, and Eira rushed in.

They froze at the sight of the broken door.

Eira whistled. “Well… that’s one way to say hello.”

Across the room, Theron stood calmly, arms crossed.

His eyes met Aurelia’s for a brief second, a quiet, unreadable moment, before both looked away like nothing had happened.

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Soon everyone was gathered around the table.

Ember and Sylvan were forced into chairs next to each other, both sitting like they’d rather be anywhere else on earth.

Theron leaned forward slightly.

“So,” he said calmly, “what exactly is going on between you two behind our backs?”

Both of them snapped their heads toward him.

“How am I supposed to know?!” they shouted at the exact same time.

They immediately turned and glared at each other.

“Stop copying me,” Ember snapped.

“I spoke first.”

“You literally didn’t.”

Aurelia raised a hand. The room went silent instantly.

“The circle I saw in the library wasn’t cast by either of them,” she said firmly. I’m certain of it.”

She looked between Ember and Sylvan carefully.

“But that still leaves one question… why would someone do this to you?”

Lyssara stood abruptly, crossing her arms like a judge about to deliver a sentence.

“Isn’t it obvious?” she said dramatically. “They tricked us.”

Ember choked. “What?!”

“You could have at least invited us,” Lyssara continued. “And maybe held a proper wedding.”

Sylvan nearly fell out of his chair. “A proper-- are you serious?!”

Theron raised both hands. “Alright, let’s all breathe before someone faints.”

Lyssara scoffed. “I am perfectly--”

Florin leaned back with a mischievous grin. “If it helps, I could marry you instead.”

He pointed at her.

Lyssara stared at him, horrified.

“…What.”

Her eyes rolled back and she fainted straight into Eira’s lap.

Eira looked down at her. “Yep. There it is.”

She popped another snack into her mouth. “At least she’s consistent. This is becoming a pattern.”

Theron sighed. “Focus, everyone.”

He looked at Ember and Sylvan. “Are you absolutely sure this isn’t some elaborate prank?”

They both opened their mouths to argue again, but Aurelia shot them a warning look that could silence storms.

Sylvan rubbed his temples.

“I know it’s hard to believe since we usually can’t stand each other,” he said. “But why would we team up for this?”

Ember nodded reluctantly. “Exactly. If I were planning chaos, I’d at least enjoy it.”

Sylvan snorted. “That’s reassuring.”

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Eira stretched. “So can we go home now? I’m running low on snacks.”

Everyone began to stand.

Theron cleared his throat loudly.

They all turned.

He pointed toward the entrance.

The broken door hung sadly off its hinges.

All four sisters slowly looked at each other.

Ember sighed. “Fine. Since it’s my fault--”

“No,” Theron said calmly. “Sylvan will fix it.”

Sylvan blinked. “Excuse me?”

“Well,” Theron continued, “since you two are technically married now, it’s best you don’t anger the Moon Goddess. Cooperation builds harmony.”

Sylvan stared at him like he’d lost his mind.

Ember slowly smirked.

“Oh, I like this rule.”

Aurelia smiled sweetly. “You should help him, Ember.”

Lyssara stirred weakly in Eira’s lap.

“Oh my… my sister got married… oh my heart…”

And fainted again.

Eira sighed. “I’m officially requesting a sturdier lap.. I’m running out of laps.”

Sylvan looked at Ember, then at the door, then back at Ember.

“This is absurd.”

She crossed her arms, grin widening.

“Guess we’re fixing a door, husband.”

The word hung in the air like a challenge neither of them was ready to accept.

He groaned. “Don’t call me that.”

“Make me.”....

Somewhere above, the moon shone quietly, as if thoroughly entertained.... as if amused by the chaos unfolding below.

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