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Our kiss ended, though I wished it could last forever, to freeze this moment and stay in it with him. As we pulled back, our lips lingered, reluctant to part. I gave him a bright smile, feeling tears well up as he looked at me with such love and devotion.
"It's tradition for the bride to call upon the elements to create the rings," my Grams announced, her voice breaking through the guests' cheers as they quieted, all eyes on us. "Forge these rings," was all the guidance my Grams offered, leaving the rest to me.
Taking a steady breath, I fixed my gaze on Emmett, gently lifting one of his hands in mine, his palm facing up while mine supported it below. I focused deeply, attuning myself to the elements around me, the solid earth beneath, the fire flickering in the candles, the air drifting through the trees, and the water deep within the soil.
I envisioned the fire rising, and as if responding to my thoughts, a flame leapt from a candle and landed in Emmett's palm. It swirled there, a ring of light waiting, as though anticipating the next element to join.
I focused on the earth, recalling the lessons I'd learned: that nature always required balance, that every spell carried a cost, and that life and death were intertwined. With that thought, a tendril of soil rose from the ground and drifted into Emmett's hand, joining the flame. It mingled seamlessly with the fire, not consumed but merging, forming something steady.
Next came air, surrounding us, flowing through the trees, rustling the leaves, and filling every breath I took. The fire swirling in Emmett's palm flared brighter, growing as if fuelled by a sudden gust, and I knew air had joined.
Lastly came water, the essence of life and growth. Droplets began to form on the petals of the flowers above, glistening as they gathered into a single, shimmering orb. Once it swelled to fullness, the water floated down, spiralling gracefully into Emmett's palm, merging seamlessly with the fire, earth, and air already swirling there.
I pictured the wedding bands in my mind, how they'd glimmer in the light, capturing the essence of nature, like treasure hidden in the earth itself. As my imagination flowed, the elements responded, beginning to shift and mould. The flames intensified, glowing an orange that made me squint. Slowly, the swirling elements lifted from Emmett's palm, floating midair for all to see. Then, the elements divided, forming two circles, one slightly larger than the other, solidifying into shape.
A sudden flash burst from the rings, making everyone shield their eyes, as though an otherworldly force had crafted them. As the light faded, I uncovered my eyes and watched the rings descend gracefully, settling into Emmett's palm.
They were mainly gold, yet infused with the essence of the elements; flecks of deep orange, silver, and green wove through the metal like vines. I couldn't help but gasp; they were incredibly beautiful, more stunning than I could have imagined.
