The Dragon's Fake Fiancée

THE WEDDING

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The day of the wedding was perfect.

Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Drakon Spire, casting golden rays across the marble floors. Flowers bloomed on the rooftop garden—roses and lilies and wildflowers that Sera had spent weeks arranging. The air was warm, fragrant, alive with the promise of something beautiful.

I stood in front of the mirror in Kael's—our—bedroom, staring at my reflection.

The dress was a masterpiece.

White silk that shimmered like moonlight, cascading down my body in waves of lace and delicate embroidery. The bodice was adorned with golden phoenix feathers, each one hand-stitched, catching the light with every breath. The train swept behind me like a river of stars.

And on my finger, my grandmother's ring glowed softly, the ruby phoenix burning like a tiny flame.

"You're beautiful."

I turned. Sera was standing in the doorway, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She was wearing a flowing gown of deep emerald, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders.

"I'm terrified," I admitted.

She crossed the room, taking my hands.

"That's normal. That's love." She squeezed my fingers. "I was terrified on my wedding day too. But then I saw Nathaniel, and everything else faded away. All that was left was him. And me. And the future."

I smiled. "You're really good at this."

"At what?"

"Being a sister."

She pulled me into a hug.

"I'm so glad Kael found you," she whispered. "You're the best thing that ever happened to him."

"I think he's the best thing that ever happened to me."

She pulled back, her eyes shining.

"Then let's go make it official."

---

The rooftop garden was transformed.

Hundreds of flowers bloomed in every color. Strings of fairy lights twinkled overhead, casting a warm, magical glow. Rows of white chairs faced an altar draped in silk and roses.

And at the altar, waiting for me, stood Kael.

He was devastating.

A perfectly tailored black suit. A crisp white shirt. His dark hair swept back, his jaw clean-shaven, his golden eyes blazing with emotion.

He looked like a king.

He looked like mine.

I walked down the aisle, my hand on my father's arm. His steps were slow, steady, full of pride.

"I never thought I'd get to do this," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"Neither did I," I whispered back.

He squeezed my arm.

"You deserve this, Elara. You deserve every bit of happiness."

I smiled through the tears.

"So do you, Dad."

---

The ceremony was beautiful.

Our pack surrounded us—Dorian, Lyra, Riven, Finn. Sera and Nathaniel. My father. The people who had become my family.

And Kael.

His eyes never left mine. His hands never stopped holding mine.

"I love you," he mouthed.

I smiled.

"I love you too."

The officiant spoke the words. The pack cheered. And then it was time.

"Kael, do you take Elara to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

His voice was steady, certain.

"I do."

"Elara, do you take Kael to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I met his eyes.

"I do."

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Kael stepped forward. His hand cupped my face, tilting it up. And then he kissed me.

It wasn't just a kiss.

It was a promise.

Forever.

The pack erupted into cheers. I laughed, my heart soaring. And Kael lifted me into his arms, spinning me around like I was the most precious thing in the world.

"I love you," he murmured against my lips.

"I love you," I whispered back.

---

The reception was a celebration of life.

Music filled the air. Laughter echoed through the garden. The pack danced and drank and celebrated like we'd won a war—because we had.

I danced with my father.

"I'm so proud of you," he said, his eyes shining. "I know I wasn't there for you. I know I failed you. But you became the most incredible woman. And I'm so proud to be your father."

I hugged him tight.

"You didn't fail me. You survived. You came back. And that's all that matters."

---

I danced with Kael.

He held me close, his arms wrapped around me, his heart beating against mine.

"I can't believe this is real," I said. "I can't believe we did it."

He smiled—that slow, devastating smile.

"I can. I always knew you were mine."

"Always?"

"From the moment you kissed me at the opera." He pulled me closer. "I knew I was a goner."

I laughed.

"Me too."

---

The fire in my chest burned warm.

Safe.

Home.

Forever.