The Celestial City had never seen a celebration like this.
Golden light streamed through the vast cathedral, casting shimmering reflections off the diamond-studded gown that hugged Anastasia's curves—and her growing baby bump—with an ethereal glow. Her breath hitched as she took her first step down the aisle, her arm linked with Wyatt's. The murmurs of Archangels and Dominions filled the grand hall, their awe unmistakable. Every seat was taken, the air thick with the scent of fresh roses and the anticipation of an event long overdue.
Wyatt gave her a reassuring squeeze. "You ready for this?"
Anastasia swallowed hard, eyes locked on Bastian at the end of the aisle. Clad in crisp white and gold, his broad shoulders squared, his ocean-blue eyes locked onto hers with a devotion that made her knees weak.
"More than ready," she whispered.
Bastian sucked in a sharp breath as she walked toward him, every slow, graceful step sending his heart hammering against his ribs. He had fought wars, faced death, even defied Heaven itself—but nothing compared to the sheer, breathtaking sight of Anastasia in that dress, walking toward him, ready to become his wife.
As they reached the altar, Wyatt hesitated before placing Anastasia's hand in Bastian's. He held on for just a second longer, locking eyes with Bastian. "Take care of her."
"With everything I am," Bastian vowed.
Zadkiel, standing before them, raised his hands to silence the murmuring crowd. "We are gathered here in the presence of Heaven's mightiest and those closest to our hearts to witness the union of these two souls. A love that has defied time, tragedy, and even the laws of the Celestial Realm itself." His eyes softened. "If that's not fate, I don't know what is."
Anastasia and Bastian turned to face each other, hands clasped.
Bastian's voice was steady, but his eyes burned with emotion. "Anastasia, from the moment I met you, you've been my fire, my peace, my reason to fight. I swear to stand beside you in every battle, to love you through every storm, and to cherish you beyond the limits of eternity."
A tear slipped down her cheek as she smiled. "Bastian, you have always been my heart's home. No matter where life or death tried to take us, I have always found my way back to you. I vow to walk with you, fight with you, and love you through every lifetime."
Zadkiel raised his hands. "Then, by the power of the Celestial Realm and the love that binds you, I declare you husband and wife."
Bastian didn't wait for permission—his lips were on hers before Zadkiel could finish speaking. The cathedral erupted in cheers as he dipped her slightly, kissing her with every ounce of love and longing he had carried for lifetimes. The moment stretched, infinite, eternal.
Finally, they pulled away, laughing breathlessly, and turned to face the roaring crowd of angels, warriors, and loved ones.
The reception was as grand as the ceremony, with tables overflowing with celestial delicacies and wine that shimmered like liquid gold. Rose and Jenny, as bridesmaids, ensured Anastasia had everything she needed—though they mostly just kept refilling her plate, insisting she was "eating for two."
Billy and Matt, standing proudly as Bastian's best men, gave a speech that quickly dissolved into chaos.
"You see," Billy started, swirling his glass, "when Bastian first met Anastasia, he was all broody and mysterious—"
Matt cut in, "He still is."
"True, true," Billy admitted. "But back then, he thought he was cool about it."
"He wasn't," Matt added, smirking.
The crowd burst into laughter while Bastian groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
"And let's not forget the time he nearly got his wings burned off trying to impress her," Billy continued.
"That didn't happen," Bastian argued.
"Oh, but it did," Anastasia chimed in sweetly. "And I have several witnesses."
Bastian just sighed, defeated, while the entire hall laughed.
As the night wore on, the newlyweds took to the dance floor. The music softened, the world quieted, and in that moment, it was just the two of them. Bastian held her close, his hand resting protectively on her baby bump. Their eyes met, and she saw nothing but love, devotion, and the unspoken promise of forever.
"I still can't believe you're finally mine," he murmured.
She smiled, pressing her forehead against his. "I always have been."
Just as the song ended, Zadkiel approached the couple. "May I have the next dance?"
Bastian smiled at him and graciously handed Anastasia's hand to Zadkiel. "Of course."
As Zadkiel waltzed her around the dance floor amongst the other couples she admired him with a grateful expression.
"Thank you for all this. For bringing my family and friends. For everything."
He smiled warmly at her and spun her around. "You have become someone I deeply care about, so it was my wedding gift to you. You made a great sacrifice to stay here with us, so it was the least I could do."
When the song ended, she hugged Zadkiel which he returned, and he bowed to her before he stepped away before joining his other dominions.
Anastasia stood in the hall, taking in the surroundings of her loved ones and her new husband while stroking her pregnant belly, and for the first time, she was happier in her life than she had ever been.