"Come, it's time," I said, putting an end to any potential squabbles. "Be happy for me. How many people find even one person to love in this world? Or our home world, either? I'm blessed. I've found three men who hold the keys to my heart. Now, Delilah, I want you to promise that you aren't going to change into a pussycat during my wedding. Well, weddings."
When we were in front of the altar, Iris cast the runes once more, and once more, they blessed the union. She began the ceremony. As her words drifted into the night, I looked up at my dragon lover—soon to be husband. And then over at my youkai-kitsune—soon to be husband. They looked sure of themselves, sure of the ritual, sure of this step we were taking. And who knew where it would lead? When we found him, Trillian would be brought into the marriage. He'd give me hell, but he'd come around. I was sure of it. There was too much between us for him to turn away.
"Camille, do you accept the binding oath from Smoky and Morio, each to become your soul mate, each to eternally link himself to you? And you to them until the end of time?"
I realized they'd already assented their vows. My heart pounding, I opened my mouth and said, "I do."
"Then join hands." Iris held up the enchanted silver chain.
I held out my left hand. Smoky placed his left hand atop of mine. Morio placed his left hand beneath mine. Iris wound the chain around our wrists and began a low incantation.
She sang in some ancient language, but the intent was clear. As her words hit the air, the chain reverberated and began to fade. I watched as it sank into Smoky's hand, then through mine, then through Morio's, the atoms of the chain changing and transforming to forge an unbreakable bond in our auras, in our souls. Another moment, and it would be too late to ever reverse the spell.
I glanced at them quickly, wondering if they would change their minds, but Smoky leaned down and kissed my lips, and Morio leaned in and kissed my cheek, and the chain disappeared. An incredible sense of peace swept over me as our paths merged. Another moment, and we'd be fully bound for the rest of time. No matter where we went, no matter what we did, we'd always come back together. And with the grace of the Moon Mother, we'd find Trillian.
"It is done," Iris whispered.
I looked down at our hands as our fingers entwined. Though the chain was nowhere in sight, it was everywhere we were. I was married to my dragon lover and my fox demon. We were soul mates in the eyes of the universe, in the eyes of the gods. And nothing anyone—demon or otherwise—could ever do would sever the bond.
