Chapter 34 · Brother's Vows

Wedding morning, Kael found Dorian practicing vows in the pavilion mirror.

"If you laugh," Dorian warned.

"I won't." Kael leaned in the doorway. "Mira's worth not laughing."

Dorian exhaled. "I know."

They stood together without speaking—the old rivalry quiet, not gone.

Dorian's wedding was small by Ashford standards and enormous by everything Kael had survived.

They held it in the harbor garden where aurora light touched water and stone alike—Mira Voss, ward physician and Renn's colleague, marrying the boy who'd once called lightning down to impress heirs who'd applauded explosions. She wore green. Dorian wore restraint.

Kael stood as witness, not rival.

Uncle Ashford came, handshake firm, eyes brighter than the showcase era. Mother cried without puppet glaze. Father whispered in wind that stirred the harbor scar and smelled of approval Kael no longer needed to chase.

"You look terrified," Kael told Dorian in the side pavilion.

"I'm not terrified." Dorian adjusted his cufflinks—plain, no sigils. "I'm aware. There's a difference."

"Mira knows about the loop?"

"She knows I did terrible things and better ones. She knows you're my brother." Dorian's mouth twisted. "She knows I still hate you sometimes."

"Mutual."

"Also trust you with the rings.