Nyx (Complete✅)

Chapter 73

Beth tightened her grip on Kelbar, grounding herself to reality. The emotions were overwhelming. She hadn't felt this happy in all her life.

She was drowning, she was floating, she was as light as a breeze and made of sunbeams.

With a steady exhale of breath, she gave in to the force of love pulling her forward

Kelbar held his head high, proudly leading her down the aisle.

A beautiful sound filled the air as a group of Viscordians musicians began playing. Beth smiled in their direction, they stood to the left of the altar. The instruments they held were unearthly. A girl playing an intricate harp-like instrument smiled back.

Halfway down the aisle, and just when Beth thought the music couldn't have been more beautiful, another group began to play. This time on the opposite side of the altar. Her ears suddenly recognized the new sounds. It was a group of human musicians playing earthen instruments. They mingled together perfectly.

The closer she got to Liam the braver she felt. Her heart fluttered, trying to fly from her chest. When they arrived at the altar, Kelbar stopped and took both her hands into his. They turned to face each other. It was a tradition for the Father to bless his daughter before giving her away. Similar to some earth customs. Kelbar was honored to stand in as a father for her, despite the difference in species.

Kelbar took each of her hands and kissed them in turn as he spoke in his native tongue. "May your love grow in peace, joy, and strength as the roots of the tallest trees. May your hearts become one and soar forever in the endless skies."

A tear slid from her eye as Kelbar leaned to kiss her forehead. He smiled warmly at her and wiped the tear away. He then regrasped both of her hands and they turned toward Liam together.

As per tradition, Kelbar looked sternly in Liam's eyes. Man to man. "Do you promise to love and protect?" he asked in a serious tone.

Liam met his gaze. "Yes, I promise to love and protect."

With those words, Kelbar took Beth's hands and placed them into Liam's. Then took a seat in the front row, watching with eyes shining in a way that reminded her of the eyes of his younger self.

Beth was glad to finally be by Liam's side.

The Captain cleared his throat. "Thank you all for being here today to witness this most joyous occasion." He said formally.

Beth tried her best to ignore the multitude of eyes staring at her and Liam. They gazed into each other's eyes. Unable to wipe the goofy grins from their faces. A soft laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside and escaped like music into the air.

The Captain continued. "As many of you know, this is the first human wedding on Viscordian soil. And I think it's the perfect symbol of peace and unification between our two cultures."

Beth grew impatient as the Captain ambled on about peace and harmony. She didn't want to be kept standing forever. However, with Liam by her side, she could bear it. Looking into his eyes shrank the minutes into nothingness, and she knew that they would never get enough time together. Eternity would be far too short.

"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of Beth Fields and Liam Anderson in the union of marriage."

Beth jolted out of her daze when the captain said her name. This was really happening. She was getting married.

Liam clutched her hands, smiling into her face. Excitement lined his features.

Beth smiled back, overflowing with happiness. It was something she would have once called impossible, this scattering of rainbow light through her entire being.

"As a verbal declaration of your promise and devotion for each other, you may share your vows." The Captain gestured at Beth to go first.

Beth's heart beat wildly. Very aware of all the eyes staring directly at her. Her mind suddenly blanked on all she wanted to say. She closed her eyes, trying to focus.

To make it more spontaneous and special, Beth and Liam had decided to say what came to mind in the moment instead of repeated or pre-written vows. Now it didn't seem like it had been such a great idea. Beth's nerves seemed to clog up every one of her brain cells.

Liam pulled her back to reality with a squeeze of encouragement. She opened her eyes. Love and strength flowed into her.

"Liam," She began. "I never knew my heart was capable of loving someone so deeply and being so filled with love. Life before I knew you seemed like a shadow compared to now. Even in the darkest hours you never gave up on me, and I promise to do the same. I promise too always be there for you. In the very best of times and in the worst."

Beth watched a tear trickle from Liam's eye. Tears formed in her own eyes, a release of everything swirling within her. Fear, gone in the radiance of his gaze. Love strengthened beyond words by the same thing. Happiness, bubbling over like a too-full well.

She couldn't say much more before emotions overwhelmed her, voice growing thick with the tears that clogged her throat. "I love you Liam, and I look forward to spending forever with you."

The Captain nodded at Beth, then turned to Liam.

"Beth Fields, I've loved since I first saw you." Liam's voice was calm and sure. His eyes twinkling. "When I learned you were also aboard The Songbird I was overjoyed, but could only hope. I could never have imagined I would be standing here today. I honestly believe that I'm the happiest man on this entire planet."

Several people in the audience chuckled, the sound an agreement, an affirmation.

Liam grew serious. "I promise to love you for as long as I live. To remain faithful and stand by your side through any circumstance. I'm excited to share life with you and for all the adventures we'll have together."

"And now, with these promises declared, do you Liam take Beth to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect her for as long as you live?"

"I do," Liam answered.

"And do you, Beth take Liam to be your husband?" He asked her.

"I do." Beth's heart hammered in her chest, the words punctuated by the heavy beats.

"Now as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other, Beth and Liam will exchange rings."

As Liam slid the ring onto her finger, Beth gasped. It was beautiful. She hadn't seen the rings up close yet. A very talented Viscordian artisan had crafted them of beautiful red stone, with an inlay of powerstone and a mineral that closely resembled the sapphires of earth. The powerstone glowed as it came in contact with Beth's skin. The sapphire-like inlay contrasted beautifully with the red stone.

Beth gently slid the matching ring onto Liam's finger, sealing their love forever.

The Captain smiled. "And now by the power vested in me as Captain of The Starship Songbird, it is my great honor and delight to pronounce you man and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss."

Liam embraced Beth and kissed her fully and deeply. She could feel that this was his release like her tears had been. Emotions flowed like water, almost tangible.

Beth was taken aback. It felt like Liam was kissing her for the first time. As if it were their first-ever kiss. As if all the other times he'd kissed her he had been holding back, almost cautious. Maybe it was just the moment though, that made it extra special.