This was all so confusing for Xeik as he tried to ascertain why Simone was asking all of these questions. What had happened to them was rather unique, and from the questions she was asking, and what brief explanation he got, he was slowly starting to form a hypothesis on what was going on between the two.

Xeik had taken Simone to a small room with a long table at the center, and bookcases at the side. It was a room that he used to study in a lot, but from the way that it looked, it hadn’t been used in quite some time. The first thing Xeik asked was if she was cold. Neither Lewis nor Simone had the chance to change before things went awry the night before, and Simone had still not changed due to taking the time to separate herself from Lewis.

Simone declined. She was running too hot right now to even be bothered by that.

“So…you can feel everything about him,” Xeik re-stated. He wondered if Lewis felt the same. “There are old texts that reference something called ‘soul tethering’, something along the lines of binding two souls together through time and eternity. The concept is used in a lot of literature, such as ‘destiny’ and ‘star-crossed’, two people meant for each other through life and death.” He closed his eyes. “There’s a name for it…on the tip of my tongue…”

Simone perked up, “He’s awake…” She blushed, and looked at Xeik. “He’s…” Her eyes got wide, and she got really quiet.

Xeik looked at her with concern. “Are you okay Simone!? You look almost feverish.” He started to get up, but Simone shook her head quickly, trying to hide the fact that she seemed to be internally panicking.

The door flew open and was slammed shut immediately as Lewis burst in. He took one look at Simone, and marched towards her. With almost no effort at all, Simone ended up on the table, underneath Lewis. She was panting hard already, excitement in her eyes.

“NOPE! NOT HERE!” Xeik exclaimed.

”Then get out…I’m not waiting,” Lewis demanded.

Xeik sighed. “I…Goddess above help me…” He ran out the room, and locked the door behind him.

The amount of noise coming from the room had attracted Rhenakos, “What the fuck is going on?”

Xeik was facepalming. Everyone could hear what was happening. “What do you think is happening?”

“Let me in!” Rhenakos was about to argue but Xeik was just glaring with a twitching eye.

“Not happening, I think he would kill you and she would probably help.”

–

It was hours until the noise died down and Lewis carried out an exhausted Simone. She looked feverish but content but the fever was the embarrassment of being seen by their friends. “Don’t look at her she’s embarrassed,” Lewis snapped as he carried her past them all.

Llywellyn awkwardly came over, “What is going on Xeik?” The smell of sex in the library was making Xeik sigh.

“Simone and Lewis had their souls tethered and I was explaining to Simone when Lewis came in like he knew where he was. He couldn’t contain himself and said I could watch or I could get out.”

“…” Llywellyn looked at the mess the two had left and looked at Xeik. “Can you research the downsides of this? I’m worried for Simone.”

It was well into the evening when Lewis and Simone made their way to get something to eat. They were quiet but they kept nuzzling each other and holding onto each other. Rhenakos went to touch Simone as a joke and Lewis grabbed his wrist without even looking at her.

“How the fuck?” Rhenakos saw that Simone was looking his way.

“I can see you through Simone…” Lewis looked over at Rhenakos. “She’s mine.” Simone snuggled into him and sat on his lap.

“Now that we can function properly… We can adjust to this.” She was blushing again as she thought about the morning.

“Mone… Please…” Lewis whined at her.

“I’m sorry!” Her face was even brighter red.

Xeik was oddity missing from the dinner, and it wasn’t until about halfway through when he arrived. He was carrying a massive book that looked tattered and worn, and when he slammed it down on the table, it made a resounding thud. That got the attention of everyone, including the enamoured couple.

“So…I did some digging. A lot of digging.” Xeik looked absolutely exhausted. “The proper name for this phenomenon is called ‘Resonance.’ It is, at its core, a powerful magic that alters two beings and connects their souls together. This change is permanent.” He cleared his throat. “There have been cases where the lovers have fallen out of love, but since this resonance is permanent, it drove them mad…hence the ‘torment’ portion we heard from what I’m assuming was the Goddess.”

He opened the book, and flipped a few pages in. “There is very little information, but what I can find is that they share absolutely everything together. Experiences, thoughts, feelings, emotions…all of it.”

Rhenakos slammed his hand down, “Wait, so when they have sex, they can feel both sides at the same time?”

Everyone stared at him for a moment.

“Actually, yes,” Lewis replied with a smug grin. For once, he was willing to play along. “It was pretty damn incredible.”

“No one wants to hear that,” Xeik replied as he cleared his throat. “This ALSO includes magic.” That got a curious look from Lewis, to which Xeik nodded. “That means-”

“I can use magic now?”

“Through Simone, yes. Assuming you learn how,” Xeik replied. “And vice versa, Simone should be able to call on your talents as well. The swordsmanship you’ve learned growing up, your experiences with martial arts…all of it.”

“We won’t fall out of love,” Simone protested once Llywellyn looked scared for her.

“Hell no, she’s mine,” Lewis wrapped his arms a bit tighter around her and pulled her closer. They went back to nuzzling each other once they had that small little fear stamped out.

Simone smiled a bit at Lewis and rubbed his hair. “This is good news.”

“Why?” Osiria looked at Simone.

“Because I can’t use magic all that much. I have mana deficiency. It’s an illness of sorts.” Simone explained.

Lewis snapped his head at the word illness and opened his mouth, “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine it’s not that kind of illness but it means while I can quick cast I can’t maintain the ability to keep my magic going in this body. If you can do it… That means that you are really strong. I have great mana ability just no way to use it.”

Llywellyn nodded, “She’s been looked at by the best doctors both Auclair and Sulwal had at the time. She’s perfectly healthy Lewis. It’s just a thing with her body being weak but she’s still healthy in all other regards.”

Then came news from Xeik’s father who was at the table, “The night phoenixes are beginning to move. Lewis has been branded a traitor and the calls for Simone to be taken back are on the move. You’ve started a war.”

Simone took Lewis’s hand, “We knew we would though. What else has happened over night.”

“We’ve started taking in refugees from the night phoenix territories. Most of them are run-away couples that were forced apart by nobles. You’ve started a revolution which is important, however, they are still aiming to kill Lewis.”

“But they don’t understand how the resonance works,” Simone spoke up. “If they kill him…”

“They will kill you. We also don’t know how killing you would even work. There’s no guarantee you can even die now.” Xeik sighed a bit. “Now, we need to start the actual wedding and show it to everyone through magic. Are you both ready for that?”

"Princess Mia is here!" An announcer let in a small blonde who was in a cute dress. She had a pout on her face and stomped her foot at Xeik. She appeared upset that he didn't greet her at the door.

At the announcement of war, Lewis smirked.

“Oops. Did I accidentally a war?” There was a hint of humor in his voice, but he knew that this was one of the possible outcomes all along. In fact, they had hoped for it. With the declaration of him becoming a traitor, he had inversely become a symbol. Well, at least the start of one. In order to completely seal the deal, he would have to show force to have the refugee night phoenixes rally behind him,

And that meant the wedding.

As all this was happening, a very miffed Mia showed up and demanded to know why Xeik had not greeted her at the gate. Immediately, the Prince of Wolves was on his feet and headed to Mia. Without waiting for her, he hugged her tightly. “Mia! You’ve arrived! Had I known I would have met you immediately, but…” He glanced over to Lewis and Simone. “We’ve had a very trying day,..” All of the previous exhaustion seemed to have melted away.

“She’s so tiny,” Lewis started, a little surprised.

“She can lift me,” Xeik responded. “I’ve missed you Mia!” He quickly went over the details of what had occurred, and that she was just in time for the wedding.

“We do it tomorrow. We can’t waste any more time,” Lewis said with authority.

“Right,” Xeik responded. “Preparations are already done. The invitations were sent…all we have to do is show the world that Lewis and Simone are the real deal.”

Simone was giggling at Lewis before kissing his chin softly. He looked down at her and nuzzled her again. It was making Rhenakos do gagging noises at how sweet they were being.

Mia calmed down and hugged him back before nuzzling into him. Mia had love in her eyes towards Xeik and kissed his nose. She huffed at him and nodded as she forgave him.

“Xeik, I have a question,” Osiria raised her hand.

“She can’t talk. She’s mute,” Xeik knew what they were going to ask.

“Oh, well she’s still cute!”

Simone nodded and gave a wave to Mia who waved back at her.

–

The regular ceremony took place in the morning as nobles from all over the country came to the wedding of Prince Lewis and Princess Simone. Simone was being prepped by attendants and the overall feel was filled with joy. “I’m so happy we couldn’t see the tribal ceremony but this is going to be beautiful,” Osiria was spouting joy as she helped arrange the flowers.

What shocked them was when all the nobles of the night phoenixes arrived and with that brought the king Heath. Everyone held their breath but they realized without an army they were relieved. Simone and Lewis were informed of the king’s arrival but told not to worry as their allies had their soldiers there to protect them.

Simone was in a gorgeous aqua dress with white and gold details. Her hair was decorated in white lilies with a long veil. Lewis had gone all out on her look and she was stunned when she saw herself in the mirror. Mia helped with her make up and she really did look beautiful when it was done. She had heard that Lewis scoured the markets himself for the perfect make up and accessories. They were picked with love.

She hadn’t even seen their wedding bands yet but she was sure that Lewis did a good job on those too. Lewis was standing where the ceremony would take place making sure everything was where it needed to be.

You are too giddy… There was a smirk on Lewis’s face.

I can’t help it… You did such a good job. I can’t wait for you to see me.

“Are you two talking?” Xeik asked as he saw Lewis’s smile.

“All the time. We’ve been talking all morning. Since you guys wouldn’t let me see her,” Lewis rolled his eyes.

“Traditions are traditions for a reason. Since this is technically your second marriage ceremony I’m glad you two aren’t nervous anymore.”

“Simone says you’re stupid,” Lewis chuckled.

The window opened up, “I did not!” Simone yelled out hanging out the window looking at Lewis. “Tell him what I really said!”

Xeik looked from Simone to Lewis and covered Lewis’s eyes. “Stop looking! Simone get back in the room! It’s almost time! And you! Using your wife against me…”

“She’s a good weapon,” Lewis chuckled a bit as he moved up to the altar. He got a bit of an image of her but that wasn’t the full thing.

The guests were seated and Heath was in the front row per instructions from Lewis and Simone. They wanted him to see this. He was already scoffing at the white tux that Lewis was wearing. Once the music started the magic toned the candles as Simone made her way in holding onto Llywellyn. Her bouquet was a large number of white lilies and roses which she had spent forever smelling before they pulled her in.

“Here’s your bride Lewis,” Llywellyn handed her off and Simone offered a smile up at Lewis.

They could not have chosen a more perfect day for the wedding. As Simone walked up the aisle, her radiant white and blue dress shimmered in the sunlight. Even the Omen King couldn’t deny her absolute brilliance in that moment, her aura radiating along with the sun. Her smile as she saw Lewis could have brought an army to its knees and toppled nations on its own.

To Lewis, she was everything. Even if this wedding was merely a symbol, he was glad that they did it. And it was being magically broadcasted across the realms. It was a spectacle to behold, and one that gripped all of the world.

Simone approached Lewis, still smiling.

You’re perfect. Lewis had no other words for her. He couldn’t begin to do it justice. Yet, the emotions welling up inside of him were more than enough for Simone to understand what he was seeing and feeling.

The two spoke their vows, much like the night before, and kissed for all to see. There was applause, though King Heath made no attempt to show any sort of notion that he was okay with this. Simone tossed the bouquet into the crowd, where an angry Osiria and Mia started to fight over it. In the end, it was Mia who stood victorious.

Lewis turned, hoping that all could hear what he was about to say.

“Today I stand before you all with my beautiful mate at my side. This day has been blessed by the Goddess of Life and Love…and shall go down in history as the day that I declare a new age of the Night Phoenixes rise.” There were murmurs from the crowd, and Heath bolted up. Immediately, he froze, noting that he was among enemies at this time.

“”I welcome you all, Night Phoenixes who believe in the truth of love, to come forth and denounce the land that you call home. Fight against the royals who dare force their ideals that go against the freedoms you deserve. The old ways need to die, and with it, we shall create a nation of Night Phoenixes who prosper!”

There was a thin blush across her face as he spoke to her. I doubt it… She knew she could trust him though just from his words. Who knew he could be romantic in such a way.

Simone took his hand and smiled up at Lewis as he spoke. “We ran away and faked our deaths so we could have each other. We dared to do the very thing many others have failed to do in the past. We succeeded and proved our love to the goddess. She granted us a mighty gift. We are bonded forever and we will take this eternity and promise a better future for our people.” She gripped her hand and the couple smiled at each other.

“May you be able to be with the person you’ve known for a long time or the person you just met. I met Lewis when he flew up to the tower I was captured in. He couldn’t see me but I could him so I hit him with a broom. While we started off rocky we’ve worked on it together. Protected each other. Understood each other. That’s what it takes and we’ve proven ourselves. The nations of elves, wolves, and demons are allied to us and have joined our cause. There will surely be more!”

Simone took a step forward, “I am not an animal to be bred too death which is what the council and King Heath were planning to do. He forced me into a corner with an offer but we all know I had to say yes. On top of that he knew where my cousin who helped lock me up was. Felix Auclair is a traitor to his kind. I’ll get revenge for my people but first comes the liberation of the current generation of night phoenixes.”

One of the servants came to her with a scroll and she took it. Opening it Lewis was handed a quill, “This is the declaration of war. A rebellion.” They each signed it and Lewis tossed it at his father. Their eyes glowed a vivid azure, “This is our will and we will succeed come hell or high water.” Their voices were one and the area hummed with strong magic. “Apart we are weak but together we are strong.”

Simone took a breath and the magic broke as she looked back up to Lewis, “Now, before the war begins we will have our reception and merriment. Tomorrow at first light we are enemies.” Simone spoke directly Heath this time.

Lewis and Simone were taken over to a reception area where they cut a cake together. Lewis held her and Simone tossed the cake at him. It was an overall good time even if the night phoenixes were now sour at what had happened.

“Dearest cousin,” Felix approached them and Simone sat on Lewis’s lap so she could look at the traitor who was her cousin.

“Don’t call me dearest like I matter to you. What do you have to say?” Simone snuggled into Lewis who was nuzzling her. A deadly glare from Lewis was directed at Felix.

“I was just curious how you were doing.”

“Oh, I’m just fantastic. I’m here with the love of my life and we’re planning on killing you… It’s great.”

Felix was taken aback by the comment, but he stood his ground.

“That hardly seems necessary. Call off this foolish war, and come back to our kingdom. We can discuss this like civilized birds.” There was nervousness in his voice. “Please consi-”

“Stop talking now,” Lewis demanded. “If you utter another word about this, I’ll kill you where you stand, and we’ll make sweet love over your corpse.”

“Something tells me that isn’t a bluff,” Xeik replied as he walked up. “I suggest you walk away, now…”

Without another word, Felix left, leaving Xeik alone with the pair. “Please tell me that was an idle threat.”

“It wasn’t,” Lewis responded as he took a sip of wine. “Enjoying everything?”

“Y-yeah,” the Prince of Wolves responded with a sigh. “Mia is already planning our wedding. Did you see how happy she was when she caught the bouquet?”

Simone giggled, “Of course. She was absolutely adorable. I wish you two well, with many children.”

Similar interactions occurred with the remaining guests, and soon they started to filter out as the reception came to a close. Those who remained were the ones loyal to Lewis…his friends.

“Tonight, we dine, for tomorrow there will be war,” Lewis said as he downed the remaining wine in his glass. “As the red sun rises, we shall march forth on the lands of the Omen King, and rid the world if his filth…”

Simone watched as Lewis practically put Felix under his boot. Simone got a glass of wine and Lewis gave her a look.

“Please don’t down that one Mone… Remember the last time you got drunk?”

Mone was blushing hard and nodded, “Yes? Although, I don’t know if it would be as awkward now…”

“What would be awkward?” Xeik looked between them. “What the hell happened the last time she was drunk?”

“She tried taking advantage of me but doesn’t remember.” Lewis teased her and she was pouting up at him.

“I didn’t mean to… AND YOU SAID YOU LIKED IT!” She poked his cheek and it got a laugh out of him which surprised everyone. Taking a deep breath that night the two of them watched as the night phoenixes left the same way they came. Lewis was wrapped around her and she tilted her head. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

“As ready as I can be. Xeik is right… I’ll have to learn how to use your magic.” Lewis put his nose into her hair. “Then we can fight them hard.”

“I don’t think it will be a long fight but… definitely hard. We’ll have to come up with a way to learn the magic faster…” She made a face. “Time for bed.”

“Time for martial bed~” Lewis teased her as he picked her up and carried her off to the bed for the second time since the tribal ceremony.

In the morning Simone got changed into some light training clothes and had Lewis meet her in the courtyard. “Alright, now we will learn how to do magic. I’ve been trying to come up with ways to help you learn because Xeik said you are a terrible student.”