Her fire and His Shadow

HIS PRESENCE

The only sound that vibrated through the hallway was the sound of her silver heels on the white tiles. Both of her hands were fingers locked in front of her, her palms were becoming drenched with sweat. She was grateful she opted to wear gloves.

Two maids gently strutted behind her, taking each step she took as she drew closer to the door. A guard dressed in his red and brown uniform sighted her and hurriedly opened the door.

“Lady Aurora Emberly Everett!” The hall announcer called with such a strong voice, the hall went into complete silence.

Aurora abruptly came to a stop, her lips quivering while trying to control her breathing that suddenly increased tempo. The hall was filled! All the tables, including the ones on the second floor, were covered with people she had never met since she was born.

This was an elite daughter's wedding. Of course, everyone– even the uninvited-will make their presence known. One of the maids behind her slightly nudged her, bringing her back from her thoughts.

She coughed slightly under her immaculate white veil that draped to the ground, as she began to walk through the aisle carefully.

A solemn piano sound slowly filled the room. Little smiles and nods greeted her as she passed them with her head down. A hand casually appeared in front of her.

Startled, she raised her head up and immediately felt fear dissipating from her heart. It was Johan.

“Hi.” his unmistakable husky voice called. “Let me lead you to your seat.”

She nodded with a smile that shone as she placed her covered palm on his bare, scarred fingers.

The carefully designed cushion was just a few feet away from them; It was placed on a higher platform in the hall. Everybody was visible to them.

“You didn't hide your fears as you said you would.” He muttered, scanning the crowd.

She nodded. “I didn't expect the crowd to be this much–”

“Oh please.” He disrupted with a mocking laughter. “You rich people know how to show off. What were you expecting?”

She bit her lips, swallowing the words that threatened to spill. He was right, she should have composed her feelings well when the hall door opened. She just stood in shock.

“I'm sorry.” she whispered.

He snickered, waving his hand. “It doesn't matter anymore. I have paid, and you are mine from now on. I'll have to accept your embarrassments too.”

Her head snapped in his direction. Did he just say he had paid? Wasn't it customary for the bride to be there before the ceremonial payment is made? The first part of her wedding was done without her presence? How was this even accepted??

Unable to hide her thoughts, she asked, “Did you just say–”

The sound of the holo drums cracked into the noise, causing the chit-chats to cease.

“Now that our bride has arrived, it is time for the main event,” the announcer declared, holding onto a parchment.

A smirk crawled to Johan’s lips, as he flexed his shoulders, fisting both of his palms. He jumped to his feet at once, with eyes ready to fight.

“In the kingdom of Efire, the groom will have to fight three men to either death or defeat before he can take his wife home.” The announcer read loudly from the parchment, then studied the crowd with squinted eyes. “If you wish to battle with Johan Rylan, make yourself known!”

,

She didn't like this, she didn't accept it. Her eyes darted towards Johan, trying to catch his attention, but he was already throwing punches into the air. Then he paused and roared with all of his strength.

“I told you not to go ahead with this wedding. Now look at you, with the face of a lost cat.” A familiar voice whined behind her.

“Ophelia,” she muttered, fixing her gaze on Johan. “This tradition has been removed for decades.”

She shrugged. “No faith there for your husband. Everyone knows he's strong, you don't need to worry.” picking a grape beside her. “By the way, mum convinced dad to add this to your wedding."

“Why?” she cried, searching frantically through the crowd. “Where is father?”

“I have no idea. He should be around, not that I care.”

A lanky man with the height of a matured tree sauntered out of the crowd, his muscles flexing with each step. His waist was girded with short knives, and a wrapped rope. His right hand held a sword.

Johan unbuckled his royal blue jacket, revealing weapons straddled on his body. Aurora silently sighed, he was equally ready to draw blood.

“Let the fight begin!” the announcer proclaimed, which followed a few hits of the drums.

The tall man swung the first hit with his left arm, striking the air as Johan was quick to dodge. Taking that opportunity, Johan went low, punching him in his gut, bringing him to his knees with a slap.

The sword made a screeching sound as it clanked on the ground. He staggered, trying to get back on his feet with a groan.

“Come on! It was just one hit!” someone from the crowd mocked, causing an uproar of laughter.

A proud smile crossed Johan’s lips, but his eyes were locked in on his opponent. The man charged at him with unexpected speed, but Johan was ready. With a short knife in his right hand, he moved one step back before driving the knife through his back.

The whole crowd gasped at once, overshadowing the cry that erupted from the tall man. Aurora winced at the sight of the blood that flowed heavily, but Ophelia chuckled, as she occupied her mouth with grapes.

“I–I give up.” The tall man struggled to speak.

“Of course you do!” another person from the crowd replied, causing the crowd to cackle.

“Who next wants to fight me?” Johan called in a bold voice.

The hall dropped to a still. Darkness filled the room as a finally stepped out. No weapons straddled on his body. His steps seemed coordinated, his feet made no sound as he walked. Strange enough, his face covered in a cloak. The authority that flowed from him was unmistakable. Unnecessary whispers filled the room.

“I will,” he said, breaking the silence.

Johan’s face dropped, as he took careful steps back. “You are not from around here.”

The strange man titled his head. “Are you going to fight or not?”

Aurora found herself on her feet, studying the man that stood before her husband. His dressing clearly stated he was a stranger in Efire. As her eyes roamed around his body, she gulped almost too loudly. Through the cloak she knew he was staring at her, very intently she dropped back to her seat.

Johan charged at him with a mocking smile, raising the knife buried in his palm. But the man just stood waiting for Johan to draw near. As soon as Johan was a feat from him, he grabbed his neck, lifting him from the ground with one arm.

Crack! The sound echoed through the room, followed by Johan’s limp body thudding on the floor.

Aurora shot up from her chair, and ran to Johan’s lifeless body shaking it vigorously. Her scream of agony filled the hall as the shocked crowd stayed silent.

“You!” Aurora cracked, her eyes stricken with shock. “You have killed my husband!”

“Killed?” he asked with feigned shock laced in his tone. “I didn't kill him. He is only unconscious.”

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she removed her eyes from the strange man to Johan. Then she placed her head gently on his chest. Her shoulders immediately rested. “He is still breathing.”

The whole crowd sighed in relief. But whispers filled the room again as the hooded man walked majestically to Aurora's father.

“Elite Caspian Everett. Your daughter, Aurora, has become my wife. I shall take her home this evening.”