Chapter 30: Chapter 26: The Union Of Souls
A week had passed since Moros and Misa's heartfelt conversation, a moment that solidified their bond. For the first time in his life, Moros set aside his work, choosing to focus entirely on Misa and the life they were about to build together. Today, in the grandest cathedral of Aetherium, their love would be immortalized.
The golden bells of the Cathedral of Cosmic Temperance tolled, their deep, resonant tones carrying across the snowy city of Ariandel. The cathedral itself, a marvel of celestial white stone and intricate carvings, gleamed brighter than the snow-covered ground surrounding it. Inside, thousands had gathered to witness the union of two extraordinary souls.
Moros stood at the altar, dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit with silver accents, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. His usual calm demeanor was tinged with nervous excitement, and his chest swelled with anticipation. His brown hair, neatly combed back, caught the light from the stained glass windows, highlighting the sharp angles of his face. His green eyes—always filled with curiosity and quiet confidence—now glimmered with love, his heart pounding in anticipation of the moment he would officially share his life with Misa. The weight of the moment hit him as his thoughts wandered to what the future held, but a deep, unwavering certainty bloomed in his chest: this was the life he wanted. With her.
Hanz, standing tall in a sharp black suit, glanced at Moros with a rare smile on his face. The usually stoic warrior looked oddly at peace, his spear left behind in favor of a ceremonial blade strapped to his side. Hanz had taken charge of many tasks, including cooking for the private celebrations later, insisting the food be perfect.
To Hanz's left, Josh, the towering mercenary, adjusted his metallic arm as he scanned the crowd. His engraved Desert Eagle rested securely in a holster—just in case. Though the ever-watchful protector maintained a serious demeanor, a hint of pride flickered in his eyes. "You've got this, kid," he had muttered earlier to Moros, his deep voice a quiet reassurance.
Spinell, shy as ever, lingered a step back. His scarred face was hidden beneath a pristine white mask, his golden eyes peeking out nervously. He was dressed plainly compared to the others but had insisted on attending despite his usual avoidance of large crowds.
Seated in the front row, Sandro, the world-renowned arc exuded an air of quiet dignity. At sixty-five, he looked regal in his tailored navy suit and polished boots, his staff with the hidden blade resting against the pew. His piercing blue eyes scanned the cathedral, reflecting both pride and nostalgia. As a mentor figure to the younger group, Sandro had supported Moros through countless trials and was now beaming at this culmination of his journey
Near the front row, Misa's father, Thales Haldenstein, stood as the proudest figure in the room. Dressed in regal attire befitting his status, his presence radiated authority and warmth. He exchanged a subtle nod with Moros, a silent blessing for the young man about to join his family.
Nearby, his closest allies stood, each offering their silent support. They, too, knew this day would be one to remember, the beginning of something beautiful.
As the first notes of a melodic hymn filled the air, all eyes turned toward the grand double doors. There she was—Misa.
She stepped through, radiant as the dawn. The soft rustling of her gown reverberated in the stillness as she moved toward him. The fabric shimmered like a cascade of stars, embroidered with silver threads that caught the light. Her skin, smooth and luminous, seemed to glow in the dimly lit cathedral, as though she were a figure born from the very fabric of the cosmos. She carried a bouquet of white lilies, each petal a symbol of purity and hope. Her golden hair, flowing like liquid sunlight, was adorned with delicate crystal pins that sparkled with every step. Her presence, quiet but commanding, left the audience breathless.
Her eyes, a rich shade of amber, were filled with love and tenderness as they met Moros's gaze. Her lips curled into a soft, serene smile, the kind that only he knew so well. In that moment, she was not just the world's greatest medic, not just the strong and independent woman she had always been—she was simply his Misa, the love of his life. Every fear he had about the future melted away as she moved closer to him, her every step assured.
As she reached the altar, their eyes locked, and Moros felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Every fear, every doubt melted away in the warmth of her gaze.
"I am the luckiest man in the world to have you," he whispered, his voice unsteady with emotion.
Misa smiled softly, her cheeks flushed with happiness, the gentle curve of her lips a silent promise. She took his hand, and in that simple act, Moros felt as if the whole world had come together, just for them.
The pastor stepped forward, holding the ancient holy book of the Blue Giant, its sapphire inlays glowing faintly in the cathedral's light. His voice was rich and steady as he addressed the crowd.
"Sons and daughters of the Blue Giant, we gather here today in this sacred chapel to witness the union of two of His children. In this place of cosmic balance, under the watchful eye of the divine, Moros Lichmann and Misa Haldenstein shall be bound together, heart and soul, for eternity."
Turning to Moros, the pastor continued, holding a small ceremonial needle.
"Moros Lichmann, son of Adam Lichmann, do you vow to protect her, cherish her, and remain faithful to her, even until death separates you?"
Moros's voice was firm, though his eyes shimmered with emotion. "I vow to love and protect her until my last breath."
The pastor pricked Moros's finger, letting a single drop of blood fall into a chalice of sacred wine.
"And you, Misa Haldenstein, daughter of Thales Haldenstein, do you vow to honor him, cherish him, and remain faithful to him, even until death separates you?"
Misa looked into Moros's eyes, her voice steady yet tender. "I vow to love and stand by him, now and forever."
The pastor repeated the action, letting a drop of her blood join Moros's in the chalice. Raising the cup high, he proclaimed, "With their blood, they are united. Let the heavens bear witness."
Then, with a gesture, the pastor brought forth two rings resting on a velvet pillow. The rings, crafted from starsteel and inlaid with shimmering sapphire, represented eternity and the boundless universe.
"Exchange these rings, symbols of your eternal bond," the pastor instructed.
Moros took the first ring, his hands steady now as he slid it onto Misa's finger. His voice was filled with quiet reverence. "With this ring, I give you my heart, my soul, and my life."
Misa took the second ring, her eyes never leaving his. Gently, she placed it on his finger, her voice warm and unwavering. "With this ring, I promise to stand by your side, through every trial and every joy."
The pastor stepped back, raising his hands in blessing. He took a small vial of glowing blue liquid—the sacred blood of the Blue Giant—and painted lines beneath their eyes and on their foreheads, a mark of divine favor.
"Now, drink of the chalice, and let your spirits become one."
Moros took the chalice, drinking deeply before handing it to Misa. She drank as well, their shared blood sealing the bond.
The pastor's voice rang out across the cathedral. "By the power vested in me, under the divine gaze of the Blue Giant, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss."
The bells erupted into joyous clamor as Moros cupped Misa's face, pulling her into a kiss that was tender yet powerful. Cheers and applause filled the cathedral, mingling with the golden peals of the bells.
Hanz, Josh, Spinell, and Sandro watched the moment unfold with happiness and pride in their hearts. Hanz exchanged a proud glance with Josh, Spinell smiled softly, and Sandro, standing tall with his sly smile, couldn't help but feel a sense of quiet satisfaction. For a brief moment, there was a twinkle of pride in Sandro's eyes, though he hid it behind the playful, mischievous smirk that was always present when he knew something others didn't.
In that moment, nothing else existed but the two of them—a union blessed by the heavens, unbreakable and eternal.