The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 667: Marking Ceremony

The next day, Oriana and Arlan prepared to leave for the council hall. As they readied themselves, their servants brought out robes made from silk and fine threads of gold. Both had to wear them.

"Do I have to wear this as well?" Oriana asked.

Evanthe, who was present, informed her, "It’s a sign of blessing from all the supernaturals in this kingdom. And it is made of gold because your mate is a gold dragon."

"It’s beautiful," Oriana said, admiring the robe. Evanthe helped her put it on, its long sleeves draping elegantly. The robe remained open at the front, revealing the beautiful dress she was wearing underneath. The bottom hem of the robe was long, brushing along the floor as she moved, giving her a royal appearance.

Just then, someone entered the chamber. Oriana looked at the newcomer through the mirror and almost jumped in happiness. She turned around. "Seren!"

A purple-eyed woman offered her a beautiful smile, which was finally visible to others as she was no longer wearing her veil. "You are looking so beautiful, Oriana," Seren spoke. "Your mate is going to be breathless when he sees you today."

Seren was not lying. Oriana looked truly beautiful. Her small, delicate face shone with a natural glow. Her hazel eyes brightened as if they had stars in them, her small pointed nose and rosy lips added an enchanting charm to her natural beauty. Her best asset, her long red-blonde hair, was styled beautifully with tiny colorful flowers tucked in them like gems.

To the praise, Oriana simply smiled and walked closer to Seren.

"Good to see you here. I was waiting to meet you," Oriana spoke.

Seren smiled warmly. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Today is a special day for my friend."

Oriana’s eyes immediately searched for something she was eagerly waiting to see.

"It’s so beautiful," Oriana murmured, her gaze fixed on the mate bond mark on the right side of Seren’s neck.

"After today, you will have one as well," Seren replied. "I am sure it will be as beautiful as its bearer is."

"I look forward to it," Oriana admitted.

Seren looked at her mother-in-law and offered a respectful nod.

Evanthe accepted it and asked, "Where is Erebus?"

"He has gone to meet his friend, but he is Drayce now," Seren explained.

-----

Meanwhile, inside Arlan’s chamber, Drayce was helping him put on the gold robe. "Finally, the day is here for you."

Arlan hummed, "It can’t be delayed any longer."

"Have you finally made a pact with your dragon?" Drayce asked.

"I had to. I don’t want Oriana to go through what Seren faced," Arlan replied.

"You did well."

"I’m not implying that Seren is facing unfairness. I know she is happy with both of you. I just..."

"I understand what you mean. Don’t worry," Drayce assured him. "We all have different things to deal with when it comes to our dragons, and nothing can be done about it."

Arlan nodded, and finally, he was ready.

"You shall go get your mate," Drayce instructed.

Both of them walked out of the chamber and waited outside Oriana’s, with Drayce staying a few steps away, simply waiting for Seren to come out with Oriana. The elf servant opened the door, and Oriana stepped out. The moment Arlan saw her, looking all beautiful in that golden robe, he felt he couldn’t take his eyes off her, momentarily frozen in place. Even the dragon inside him was dazed to see his beautiful mate, ready to be marked by him.

Oriana reached him and offered a gentle smile, not knowing what to say as he looked at her.

Arlan took Oriana’s hand, squeezing it gently. "You look breathtaking," he whispered.

"Thank you," she replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. "And you look... regal."

Others simply smiled at their reactions.

Seren went to Drayce and whispered, "You were the same that day. Don’t laugh at your friend."

Drayce chuckled, "I won’t."

Evanthe cleared her throat, bringing the pair of new mates back to their senses. "We shall leave now," Evanthe instructed, leading the way to the council hall while Drayce and Seren followed the couple.

They reached the grand doors of the council hall, and everyone in the palace admired the beautiful sight of the gold dragon walking alongside his mate, heading to the marking ceremony. As the grand doors opened, they revealed the gathered clan elders and other dignitaries. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and reverence.

Oriana looked around, taking in the sight of the different supernaturals, each emitting a strong essence of the powers they possessed. All eyes were on them. Her grip on Arlan’s hand tightened slightly as they stepped into the grand council hall, another marvel of magnificent ancient architecture.

Arlan’s thumb gently brushed the back of her palm, calming her nerves as they walked toward the center of the hall. Draven sat on his throne with Erlos standing by his side. Drayce and Seren took their seats among the guests to witness this sacred ceremony. For Seren, it brought back memories of the day Drayce marked her, while Drayce watched Arlan, various emotions flickering in his eyes.

"What are you thinking?" Seren asked softly.

"I never thought there would be a day when I would see Arlan here," Drayce replied, his voice tinged with awe. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Seren understood. "They’ve been through a lot, and I’m happy for them as well."

Arlan and Oriana reached the center of the hall, where the ceremonial altar awaited them. The air was thick with expectation as Draven stood, his presence commanding attention.

"Today, we gather to witness the union of Arlan and Oriana," Draven began, his voice resonating through the hall. "This marking signifies not only their bond but the strength and unity of our kind."

Arlan turned to Oriana, his eyes filled with love and determination. "Are you ready?" he asked softly.

"Yes," Oriana replied, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Certain clan elders began to chant, their voices harmonizing in a powerful spell that resonated through the council hall. The air filled with an ethereal glow, signifying that a dragon was about to mark his mate.

Arlan took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the chants flowing through him. He turned to Oriana, his eyes locking with hers, conveying both love and assurance. The glow around them intensified, enveloping them in a cocoon of light.

Arlan’s appearance changed to his Original form where his half face once more had those golden scales. As Oriana looked at him, she could feel Arlan watching her through his left blue eye while the Dragon was watching her through the right red one.

As the chants reached their peak, Arlan gently tilted Oriana’s head to the side, exposing her neck. His eyes shifted, taking on a more golden hue, a sign of his dragon side coming forward. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin, and then his lips met her neck.

Oriana closed her eyes, bracing herself to feel the pain but at the same time excitement of being her soul tied to his for eternity filled her senses. She could not wait to be his mate, to have their souls become one with this sacred bond.