Chapter 15 - THE WEDDING AT THE CATHEDRAL
A month later, Saint Michael's Cathedral stood bathed in warm sunshine.
Thousands of white lilies lined the stone aisle, and the grand pipe organ echoed through the vaulted arches. The entire city’s elite filled the pews—not out of fear, but out of genuine respect for the new power dynamic in Chicago.
At the altar stood Victor Blackwood, wearing a tailored midnight-blue tuxedo, his posture immaculate, his dark eyes locked on the heavy oak doors at the back of the church.
Beside him stood little Ethan, wearing a miniature matching suit, held safely in Mikhail’s giant arms.
The heavy doors swung open.
Lilianna walked down the aisle. Her wedding dress was a masterpiece of French lace and silk, trailing three feet behind her, decorated with subtle silver embroidery. She carried a bouquet of fresh white roses. She walked alone, not needing anyone to give her away, because her strength belonged entirely to herself.
When she reached the altar, Victor took her hand. His grip was warm, solid, and protective.
"You take my breath away," Victor whispered softly.
The archbishop spoke the ancient vows, but for Victor and Lilianna, the true vow had been made long before this ceremony—on the cold marble floor where blood had been shed, and loyalty had been born.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the archbishop declared. "You may kiss the bride."
May you like
Victor pulled Lilianna close, wrapping his arm around her waist as he kissed her deeply. The entire cathedral erupted into a standing ovation.
Mikhail set Ethan down, and the little boy toddled forward on his tiny feet, grabbing Lilianna’s dress with a happy, babbling laugh. Lilianna scooped him up into her arms, holding her son tight as she and Victor turned to face their world together.
