Timeline | June 22nd 2.15pm

Jesse and Toni sat in the waiting room of Betts Clinic. The faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, mingling with the hum of muted conversations around them. They were here to sign Toni into rehab, their timing meticulously planned—they had waited until Matthew and Eko's grand wedding ceremony had concluded and the newlyweds had departed for their honeymoon before slipping away unnoticed.

Convincing Mya and Richie that they needed time alone after everything that had unfolded over the weekend had been surprisingly easy. Jesse's quick thinking and Toni's silent agreement had ensured no one pried too deeply into their plans.

Clearing her throat dramatically, Jesse leaned in slightly and began to read aloud, her voice dripping with amusement.

"In the grandiose union of Matthew Dean Skarsgard and Ekovanelina Isobelle Swan," she intoned, drawing out the words for maximum flair, "extravagance took center stage."

Toni rolled his eyes, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, his foot tapping the ground. "Are we really going to go through every article written about them?" he muttered, though the faintest hint of a smile betrayed him.

"Well, dear husband," Jesse teased with mock gravity, her voice playfully steady, "it's good to focus on something else in the moment. You're anxious, and it's a big day. Besides, it's not every day someone we love gets married." She returned to the tablet and scrolled further down, her tone becoming more theatrical as her grin widened.

"'Rumors swirl about floating flowers, a lavish private ceremony conducted in celestial realms, and an exclusive guest list curated with precision—a scoop from none other than Adelaide Splendor herself, editor-in-chief of the Royal Column,'" she read with exaggerated flair.

Toni groaned, letting his head fall back against the clinic's pale blue wall. "You're enjoying this way too much."

Jesse smirked, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "You have no idea. And, maybe I'm just a little jealous—they're out there in the middle of the Mercurian Oceans on some luxury yacht."

"While you're here with me?" Toni tilted his head, arching a brow in her direction.

"And there's nowhere I'd rather be," Jesse said, narrowing her eyes as she grinned at him. "Now, stop with the self-pity and let me finish reading this."

Toni chuckled, bumping her shoulder with his playfully. "Alright, alright. Continue."

Jesse's voice softened as she launched into the next part of the article, adopting a mockingly grand tone. "'Matthew Skarsgard and Ekovanelina Swan have officially become husband and wife, and insiders are spilling the beans on the weekend's extravagant wedding festivities.'"

She cleared her throat for effect. "'In an exclusive statement to the Royal Column, the couple exchanged vows in a highly private ceremony in Orion's District. Ekovanelina dazzled in a Valentino gown, while the bridal party donned red silk attire, rumored to be creations by none other than Oscar de la Renta himself.'"

Jesse raised an eyebrow as she quipped, "Private ceremony? Sure. Except for the next thousand words."

Flipping to the next section, she continued, "'As part of our celebration of this influential power couple, we are thrilled to be the exclusive publishing house selected to unveil intimate photos from the Skarsgards' private ceremony. Refer to page 2 for comprehensive coverage.'"

She swiped her finger across the screen, pausing as she absorbed the next headline. "'The Skarsgard wedding preceded the 'elegant black-tie' reception held on the sprawling grounds of Allegiant's Estate on June 21st, 2121,'" she read, her tone laced with mock seriousness.

"Oh, wait—this part is gold," Jesse added, her grin widening as her eyes sparkled with amusement. "'Sources providing insights to the Royal Column described the reception's ambiance, featuring white and blush peonies suspended from the marquee's ceiling, adorned with over fifty chandeliers. The event hosted more than six hundred guests, all greeted by the radiant bride and groom.'"

****** 24 Hours Prior******

As Jasmine finished securing the earrings, Eko took a deep breath, grounding herself in every sensation—the slight weight of the delicate crown resting on her head, the warmth of her friends' hands offering steady reassurance, and the soft rustle of her dress as its train flowed like liquid silk behind her. The room shimmered with an almost sacred energy, a quiet intimacy shared only among those closest to her.

Eko's gaze swept over her bridesmaids, each glowing in crimson silk gowns that perfectly complemented the moment's grandeur. Her heart swelled with gratitude as their gentle laughter filled the air, creating a harmony of love and support.

"Honestly, Eko," Jasmine breathed, stepping back to take in the full effect, "you look like something straight out of a fairy tale."

Mya, standing just in front of Eko, gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She quickly blinked them away, her voice soft but full of conviction. "If there was ever a moment for perfection, it's right now."

Jesse leaned in, smoothing the final wrinkle from the veil, her fingers lingering as she ensured the luxurious cascade of Eko's hair fell flawlessly down her back and over her shoulders. Eko's fingers curled gently around her bouquet of pristine white peonies, the floral arrangement as delicate and radiant as the bride herself. Mya adjusted the bodice of her dress with a careful touch, smoothing the intricate fabric as if handling something sacred.

The bridesmaids, each resplendent in elegant crimson silk gowns, radiated timeless beauty. Their hair, styled in sleek low buns, framed faces glowing with joy and unwavering support—a sight that filled Eko's heart to the brim.

Jasmine moved to the other side of Eko as Jesse, with practiced finesse, secured the sweeping train. The fabric cascaded in waves of lace and tulle, a waterfall of bridal splendor. Mya and Jesse exchanged a look of quiet awe.

The train, perfectly arranged, added an undeniable touch of regality to her already ethereal gown. Every lace detail and every silken fold seemed to tell its own story, turning the dress into a masterpiece—a living, breathing embodiment of a new chapter about to unfold.

"He's going to absolutely lose it when he sees you," Jesse giggled, her voice alive with excitement.

Eko's gaze softened, her heart full as she looked at her reflection. Mya, ever attuned to her emotions, gently squeezed her hand, grounding her with a warm smile. "This is it," Mya whispered, her tone equal parts reassurance and pride.

With a graceful turn, Eko took one last look at herself in the mirror. The woman staring back wasn't just a bride—she was the truest version of herself, standing on the edge of forever with a calm, unguarded confidence. The delicate crown glimmered atop her head, the diamond-studded earrings catching the light in perfect harmony with her gown's shimmering fabric.

Jasmine's breath hitched, and she covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes shining. "Oh my God, I'm gonnnnaaaaa cry!" she squealed. "Our girrllllll is getting married!"

As if on cue, arms enveloped Eko, Jasmine pulling her close while Jesse and Mya joined in, wrapping her in a warm, protective embrace. Their presence felt like a shield against the overwhelming emotions of the day, grounding her in their love.

"Guys, you're gonna make me cry!" Eko laughed softly, though her voice wavered with emotion. She clung tightly to her friends, feeling the depth of their care and unwavering support.

When they finally stepped back, Eko's watery gaze met each of theirs. "You have no idea how much it means to have you here with me," she whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude. "You don't know how alone I felt before I met you all."

Jesse chuckled softly, lifting Eko's veil with delicate fingers to dab at her cheeks, gently keeping the tears from falling. "Hey, don't cry just yet. You've got to make it to the aisle first."

Eko shook her head, her radiant smile breaking through the emotions stirring inside her. "Thank you for loving me," she said, her voice tender as her gaze moved from Jesse to Jasmine, then to Mya, who was blinking back her own tears.

Mya reached out, her hand squeezing Eko's tightly. "You're our family too, Eko. We'll always be here."

Jasmine sniffled, her smile glowing with warmth. "And just think—when you walk down that aisle, it's like we're all walking there with you."

"Okay, no more tears until after," Jesse said with a shaky laugh, her fingers smoothing the veil one last time. "Seriously, we are not ruining these photos with blotchy faces. We look way too amazing for that."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Sooki stepped in, her presence commanding yet effortlessly stylish in a fitted grey business suit paired with striking red bell-bottom shoes. Her broad grin lit up the room, and as the soft strains of music drifted in from outside, the significance of the moment settled over everyone.

"Alright, ladies," Sooki called, her voice firm but warm as she took charge. "It's time. Let's get in position!"

The bridesmaids sprang into action, adjusting their crimson silk gowns with careful hands, ensuring every fold was smooth and every bouquet was picture-perfect. The air was charged with excitement and a touch of nerves.

"Jazzy, you're up first," Sooki instructed, gesturing toward the door.

That's me," Jasmine replied with a bright smile. She turned to Eko, taking her hand in a firm but loving grip. "See you at the other end!" she said with a playful wink. Accepting the bouquet from Sooki, she took a deep, steadying breath before stepping through the door, her crimson gown flowing elegantly behind her as she began her walk down the aisle.

"Jesse," Sooki prompted, handing over the next bouquet with practiced ease.

Jesse took it, her grin wide as she turned back to Eko one last time. With a tender hand, she carefully lowered Eko's veil over her face. "He's going to lose his mind when he sees you," she whispered, her excitement bubbling over into a small squeal. "You're perfect."

"Alright, Jesse," Sooki said, gently urging her forward with an extended hand. "Let's keep this show moving; we're running on perfection, ladies, not lateness!"

With a final deep breath, Jesse turned, her face alight with pure joy as she stepped through the towering pillars, crimson silk trailing elegantly behind her. The soft strains of music swelled, marking her entrance and leaving Eko standing in the warm quiet of the room, savoring the moment before her own grand entrance.

Mya turned to Eko, her gaze a blend of excitement and tenderness. She took a moment to drink in the sight before her—the delicate lace of Eko's mermaid gown hugged her figure with timeless grace, the detachable train cascading behind her in waves of intricate design. The bouquet of white peonies in Eko's hands added an air of understated elegance, perfectly completing the picture.

With deliberate care, Mya leaned down to fluff the train, ensuring it flowed seamlessly to amplify the romance and majesty of the moment. Her fingers lightly brushed through Eko's cascading brunette locks, framing her face in soft waves that highlighted her radiant beauty. She met Eko's gaze with a reassuring smile, her voice low and steady as she whispered, "Breathe."

That single word carried a world of meaning, grounding Eko and urging her to embrace every second of this monumental moment. Eko nodded, taking a deep, steadying breath as Mya offered one last, supportive squeeze of her hand before drifting gracefully down the aisle.

Now alone with Sooki, Eko felt the weight of the moment settle fully over her. Sooki gestured for her to step forward, her movements precise and purposeful as she guided Eko to the grand entrance framed by ancient, towering pillars. The soft music outside grew louder, mingling with the faint murmur of an expectant crowd. It was time.

Eko paused at the threshold, her bouquet trembling slightly in her hands as she stood poised on the edge of a new chapter. Her gaze lifted instinctively to the sky above, where Orion's constellation shimmered like a silent witness. The celestial expanse, painted in hues of eternal sunset and deep sienna twilight, stretched endlessly before her. It felt as though the universe itself had conspired to create this moment, crafting a hidden oasis—a world within a world, just for them.

Her heart swelled as her thoughts turned to Matthew. Every trial, every triumph, every fleeting moment had brought her here, to this sacred place where their love would be sealed. What should have felt overwhelming instead filled her with a profound sense of peace. This was destiny. Sooki's gentle nod pulled her back to the present, signaling that it was time. Eko took a deep breath, letting the moment carry her forward, ready to step into forever.

The sky above seemed to echo her emotions, Orion's constellation glowing as if blessing their union. The endless expanse of twilight bathed them in its warmth, painting a breathtaking prelude to their vows. It felt like the only place in the universe where nothing could touch them— a hidden oasis and a secret all for themselves. The one place they loved beyond any other world.

A soft, trembling whisper escaped her lips, a fragile plea released into the sea of stars. "Papa, Henry," she murmured, her voice catching, the weight of her emotions pressing at the edges of her composure. "If you're there, you know that Matthew is the one I love most." Her fingers tightened around the bouquet, as if seeking strength in its delicate beauty. "And if you're with me now... please know that I am loved. I've found my home."

A single tear traced a gentle path down Eko's cheek as the soft strains of music beckoned her forward. Her gaze dropped to the delicate white peonies in her bouquet, each petal seeming to cradle a memory, a fragment of the past she had carried for so long. Her thoughts drifted to her mother, the ache of longing swelling within her chest, though now it mingled with a fragile sense of peace.

"Mama, if you're with me," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant melody, "I want you to know that I understand now. I know you did the best you could. And I want you to know... I'm okay. I'm happy." Her lips trembled, another tear slipping free as she allowed herself to release a fragment of the pain she had carried. "Thank you for trying, for loving me the best way you knew how." Her voice softened, steady with acceptance. "I'm okay now."

She took a steadying breath, knowing that each step forward now was one into a future she had fought for—a future grounded in love, and finally hers.

**** June 22nd *****

"Matthew Skarsgard and Ekovanelina Swan's wedding: the so-called 'wedding of the century' graced us once again on June 21st. Though to call it a typical wedding doesn't do justice to the couple's extravagant celebration," Jesse read aloud, skimming the tablet as the faint buzz of the clinic's waiting room surrounded them.

"-their whirlwind romance became public in 2120, and after a fall engagement, the couple celebrated their love with over six hundred elite guests. They were inseparable at the reception, reportedly 'very happy' and sneaking kisses throughout the night," she continued, a fond smile creeping onto her face as she paused, her mind drifting.

She couldn't help but reminisce about their first dance. Jesse had never seen Matthew as happy as he had been on that day. She had known him since he was eight, stood by his side through the kind of horrors no child should ever have to endure. They had all experienced pain that defied comprehension. And yet, here he was—her brother in every way that mattered—finally finding peace, love, and happiness.

Everything she had ever wanted for him was right there in the form of Eko, the woman who had become his anchor, his now-wife. Jesse's gaze lingered on a photo of Matthew and Eko mid-dance, their expressions overflowing with pure, unguarded love.

She smiled inwardly and scrolled to the next part of the article, detailing the lavish music, tight security, and extravagant food arrangements. Her attention snagged on a series of small photo booth shots included in the spread, and she couldn't help but grin.

"Money is obviously no object, but nonetheless, they wanted the day to be a celebration of love, not wealth. The happy couple will do their wedding their way."

"Ha! Wait—what?" Toni's laugh broke through her focus, loud enough to draw a few curious glances from the nearby staff. He grabbed the tablet from her hands, his amusement infectious.

"What?" Jesse blinked, confused. "What's so funny?"

"This line," Toni said, still chuckling as he tapped the screen. "'Money is obviously no objection'—Matthew would keel over from a heart attack if he read that!"

Jesse burst into laughter, leaning closer as Toni continued flipping through the photos and articles. His laughter gradually faded, replaced by a quiet, contemplative smile as he scrolled further.

"Fuck," Toni murmured, his voice softening, his hand running through his hair as he lingered on a photo. It captured Matthew mid-laugh, his arm around Eko, the sheer joy on his face unmistakable. Toni's expression shifted, a bittersweet mix of pride and happiness taking over.

"Look how happy he looks in these," Toni said, almost to himself. His gaze lingered on the image, the corners of his lips curving into a tender smile. It wasn't just that Matthew was smiling—it was the kind of happiness Toni hadn't seen in him for years. Maybe ever. The sight filled him with a profound warmth, his chest tightening in a way that was both comforting and aching.

For everything they'd been through, for every hardship they'd endured together as brothers, seeing Matthew like this, truly and deeply happy, made Toni feel something close to peace. It was rare for Toni to feel this way—contentment in someone else's joy—but Matthew had always been different.

He turned the tablet toward Jesse for a moment before pulling it back and whispering, "W-when are you gonna tell him I'm here?"

Jesse's smile softened, her teasing replaced by a quiet understanding. "Like we agreed—when he's back. You'll have done a week here by then, and he'll definitely want to see you. But, Toni," she added gently, "you need to be ready to have that conversation with him. He's not going to take it well that we kept this from him."

Toni nodded slowly, his fingers idly brushing the edge of the tablet. "Yeah, I know," he murmured, his gaze flickering with hesitation before darting away. "And, uh..." He trailed off, avoiding Jesse's eyes, his voice faltering.

"And uh what?" Jesse's tone sharpened as her eyes narrowed, her focus locking onto him like a hawk about to strike.

"I saw Lottie before we left," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with guilt.

Jesse's expression darkened immediately, her features tightening as disbelief flashed across her face. "You... what?" she snapped, her voice low and dangerous, carrying the weight of barely restrained anger. "Care to repeat that?"

"I told her it was over," Toni said quickly, his words tumbling out in a rush as though trying to shield himself from her inevitable reaction.

"You don't owe her anything," Jesse bit out, her voice cutting and unrelenting.

"I spent the last five months with her, Jesse," he replied, his tone resigned but tinged with defensiveness.

"She tried to get you hooked back on drugs, Toni!" Jesse shot back, incredulous. "How is that not enough for you to stay the hell away from her?"

"She didn't know," Toni said, though his voice wavered, lacking conviction. "She thought we were just... having fun, you know."

Jesse's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to contain the storm of emotions threatening to break free. Her breath came in short, sharp bursts as she leaned back in her chair, shaking her head in disbelief. "Un-fucking-believable," she muttered angrily under her breath. The words felt insufficient for the sheer frustration coursing through her.

This chick. This woman. If she kept pushing her way back into Toni's life, she was going to get him killed—dragging him back into the nightmare he'd barely escaped as a teenager. Jesse's heart pounded, her mind racing with every dark memory of what he'd been through, of what they'd fought so hard to leave behind.

Lottie wasn't just bad news; she was a walking, talking disaster waiting to happen. Jesse's mind raced with the memories of how close Toni had come to losing himself before, how much he'd endured just to claw his way back to the person he was now. This wasn't just a mistake—it was a risk to everything he'd built. She couldn't understand how he could still give Lottie any part of himself, even if only to say goodbye.

"Look," Toni said after a moment, his voice quieter, more tentative. "I just thought I'd tell you... so you'd know I cut all ties with her. That I'm committed to this."

Jesse folded her arms tightly, raising her chin with an air of defiance. "Good," she said firmly, her tone brooking no argument. Then, as if to drive the point home, she repeated, "Good."

A small smirk tugged at the corners of Toni's lips, and he nudged her shoulder lightly. "You're my wife, after all. You should know these things."

Jesse's arms dropped slightly, her eyebrows arching as she looked at him, momentarily caught off guard by his words. The faintest blush crept across her cheeks, softening her features and melting the tension she had been holding onto.

Her arms dropped slightly, and her eyebrows arched as she looked at him, caught off guard by his words. A faint blush crept across her cheeks, softening her features despite her initial indignation.

Her lips curved into a gentle, almost shy smile, breaking through her stern expression. "Yeah," she whispered, her voice barely audible, the warmth of the admission settling between them. "I am."

The weight of the conversation seemed to lift slightly, leaving a quiet moment of understanding and connection between them, unspoken but deeply felt.

***** *****

One step after another, Eko moved down the aisle, her pace steady yet reverent as she was surrounded by the radiant smiles of those they considered family. Each gaze was filled with warmth and anticipation, their love and support forming an invisible thread that guided her forward.

White peonies lined her path, mirroring the delicate bouquet in her hands, their soft fragrance weaving a sense of purity and promise into the air. Eko's focus sharpened as her gaze lifted, locking onto the figure waiting for her at the end of the aisle.

There, among their closest friends and loved ones, stood her fiancé, his eyes fixed solely on her. His smile—bright and unrestrained—beamed with a love so deep it made her heart race. That smile, the one that always had the power to leave her breathless, was more radiant now than she had ever seen it, a perfect reflection of the insurmountable happiness in her own heart.

Matthew looked achingly handsome, his suit tailored to perfection, exuding an effortless elegance. But it wasn't just his appearance that made Eko's pulse quicken; it was the way he looked at her—with unwavering devotion and pure, unguarded love—that made him utterly irresistible. In that gaze, she saw not only the man she loved but the one who would stand beside her for all the days to come.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The soft strains of music faded into the background, and the world around them dissolved. It was just the two of them, standing on the precipice of forever. In this sacred space, nothing else mattered but the bond they were about to forge, unshakable and eternal.

With hands clasped tightly, Eko and Matthew stood before Orion's priest, his ancient presence emanating calm and reverence. The elder priest, whose eyes seemed to hold the weight of millennia, began the sacred rite with a voice steady and profound. Each word he spoke seemed to settle like a protective veil around them, binding not only their hands but their spirits.

"Look at one another and remember this moment in time," the priest intoned, his voice resonant and timeless, like a distant echo of the cosmos.

"Before this moment, you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, teacher. For in these times together, you have learned much from one another." His words carried a weight that breathed life into the memories they shared, each one leading them to this very moment.

"Now, you shall take this passage that will bring you across the threshold of life," the priest continued, a faint, knowing smile softening his gaze as he looked upon them. "Understand that things will never be the same—for after these vows, you shall say to the world, 'This is my husband, and this is my wife.'"

The priest regarded them with a knowing smile, his eyes glimmering with a mix of pride and reverence. It had been years since he had witnessed such profound love. The joy radiating from these two warriors, who had both seen the darkest corners of life, was rare—a near-sacred sight amidst the turmoil of their world.

"Vows," the priest intoned, casting a pointed look between them. His tone carried the weight of tradition, but his smile betrayed his fondness for them. "And remember, just like in rehearsal, no kissing until after I pronounce you under God's law of the people." His gaze shifted to Eko with a raised brow.

Eko's hands trembled slightly in Matthew's, but his steady grip anchored her, his warmth seeping into her skin and grounding her in the moment. She met his gaze, her breath catching as the love and unwavering devotion in his eyes seemed to pull every word straight from her soul.

"Matthew," she began, her voice soft but full of emotion. "Before I met you, I didn't think I'd ever feel whole again. I thought the losses, the pain, the darkness—it was all there was left of me. But you showed me something I never expected. You showed me that even in the darkest moments, there's a chance for light."

Her voice wavered, and her eyes glistened with tears she didn't bother holding back. "I've lost so much. Like so many of us, I've had pieces of myself torn away, pieces I thought I could never get back. But then, there you were. You didn't just fill the emptiness—you rebuilt me, piece by piece, with your love, your kindness, and your belief in me."

Her voice cracked slightly as the weight of her emotions pressed forward, but she held his gaze, steadying herself with a deep breath. "Matthew, I wouldn't trade a single heartbreak or a single loss, because every step I've taken—even the hardest ones—led me to you. And I would take every single one of them again, no matter how much it hurt, just to find you."

She tightened her grip on his hands, her words spilling from her with quiet intensity. "You're not just the love of my life, Matthew. You're my north star. And you're the reason I can stand here today, stronger than I've ever been, because I know that no matter what, I'll always have you."

Tears slid down her cheeks, but she smiled through them, her voice softening as she continued. "So today, no matter where fate takes us, I will choose you. In every life, in every reality, I'd find you and choose you—until the very end, a thousand times over in a thousand different ways. Until there's nothing left of me to love. I will love you. I will always love you."

The space around them seemed to hum with the weight of her words, as if the universe itself bore witness to the promise she had just made. Her vow didn't merely bind her to Matthew; it wove their souls together, tethering them in a way that defied the physical, reaching into the very essence of who they were.

Matthew's expression softened, his emotions flickering across his face—love, awe, and a tenderness so profound it made his usually steady hands tremble slightly. Her words had reached the deepest parts of him, carving themselves into his heart, irrevocable and eternal. He breathed deeply, steadying himself. This was a moment he had rehearsed in his mind countless times, but now, standing before her, he realized that no amount of preparation could do justice to what he truly felt.

The priest cleared his throat, his voice gently pulling Matthew back to the present. "Matthew, your vows, please," he said, his tone lightened by a good-natured groan. "And again, I remind you—do not kiss your wife until after I announce you under God's law."

Soft laughter rippled through the gathered family and friends, a gentle reminder of the intimacy and warmth surrounding them. Matthew grinned, the sound like a buoy in the tide of emotions sweeping through him. But his gaze never left Eko, steady and unwavering, grounding him as he prepared to speak.

He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as if anchoring himself to the moment. "Eko," he began, his voice low but firm, carrying the depth of a man unafraid to bare his soul, "I feel like I was bred for war—whether it's love or chaos, everything I do is to the death."

Eko's brows furrowed slightly, her hands tightening around his as she felt the gravity of his words. They carried the weight of his past, the battles he'd fought both within and without.

"But here I am," he continued, his voice softening as his expression shifted to one of unguarded vulnerability, "and you've given me peace in a lifetime of war. You've shown me that sometimes, home isn't a place—it's a heartbeat."

Her lips parted as his words struck her with the force of a wave, her chest tightening as her heart splintered under the raw emotion he laid bare. "Matthew," she whispered, her voice cracking, feeling the depth of his world colliding with hers.

He smiled softly, his thumb brushing over her trembling hands, silently grounding her as he pressed on, his voice steady despite the tears threatening to spill. "God, let me try to finish," he murmured, the seriousness in his tone resonating deep within her, stirring every part of her being.

"You gotta know that sometimes it knocks the breath out of me, realizing how lucky I am to be alive, to be here, with you." He paused, his gaze holding hers, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "And shit I really don't know what's going to happen to us. I cannot read the stars or converse with the fates. But I do know this—I'm all in. Here and now, until I'm dead in the dirt. No matter how hard it gets, or how desperately the world tries to pull us apart... I'll be yours."

Eko choked back her tears, her heart swelling with a love so intense it almost undid her. They had come so far, through pain and trials that would have broken others, and they still had so far to go. But standing here, she knew with certainty—they were made for each other. Bound, unshakable, eternal. Meant to be. Forever and always.

"The rings," the priest announced gently, his voice breaking the emotional stillness and drawing them back to the ceremony. Matthew nodded toward the Elder, and Toni stepped forward, his expression serious as he held out a small box he'd safeguarded with the utmost care.

Matthew opened the lid, revealing their wedding rings—his and hers, gleaming in the soft light like sacred promises forged into metal.

He carefully took Eko's ring from the box and handed it back to Toni with a nod of gratitude before turning to her. With steady hands, he gently took her fingers in his. Slowly, he placed the band at the edge of her finger, the simple act carrying the weight of every vow he was about to make.

The priest's voice filled the air, steady and reverent. "Do you, Matthew Dean Skarsgard, vow to be bound to Ekovanelina-Isobelle Swan in this life and the next? Do you vow to be open and honest with her? To safeguard her and bring her solace in times of need? To love her unconditionally, in good times and bad, wherever life may lead? In sickness and in health, do you take Ekovanelina-Isobelle Swan to be your lawfully wedded wife under the eyes of God, bound in this life and the next?"

"I do." Matthew's voice was steady, filled with unshakable conviction. With deliberate care, he slid the ring the rest of the way onto her finger, letting it settle against her engagement ring. His eyes locked with hers, his voice softening as he added, "You have me. You always have—my hand, my heart, and my love."

A tear escaped Eko's eye, glistening as it trailed down her cheek, and she smiled, her love for him shining brighter than the moment itself. Mya stepped forward, offering the matching ring she held. Eko reached for it, her hands trembling slightly as she turned to face Matthew once more.

She placed the band at the edge of his finger, her eyes meeting his, her sky-blue gaze shimmering with emotion. The priest's voice rose again, solemn and sincere.

She held his gaze, sky-blue eyes shimmering with love, as the priest asked, "Do you, Ekovanelina-Isobelle Swan, vow to be bound to Matthew Dean Skarsgard in this life and the next? Do you vow to be open and honest with him? To safeguard him and bring him solace in times of need? To love him unconditionally, in good times and bad, wherever life may lead? In sickness and in health, do you take Matthew Dean Skarsgard to be your lawfully wedded husband under the eyes of God, bound in this life and the next?"

A radiant smile broke across her face. "I do," she whispered, her voice trembling with laughter and tears alike. "God, I do." She slid the ring onto his finger with a gentle, reverent touch, her hand lingering there as she looked up at him, her eyes alight with love and wonder.

The priest's voice broke gently through the stillness, resonating like a final seal on the moment. "You may now kiss your wife."

Matthew didn't wait. His hands found her waist as he pulled her into him with a certainty that left no room for hesitation. Lifting her off her feet, he dipped her into a kiss that held everything—every promise, every hope, every ounce of love they hadn't yet put into words. His lips met hers with a tenderness that made the world around them blur, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in the kind of love that felt infinite.

The cheers of their closest friends erupted like a tidal wave, laughter and applause reverberating through the air. But Eko hardly heard it. Her senses were filled with Matthew—his warmth, his strength, the unshakable love she could feel in the way he held her. She smiled against his lips, the kiss deepening as petals began to float down like tiny whispers from the heavens, swirling around them in a magical embrace.

When Matthew lifted her back up, setting her gently on her feet, their foreheads rested against one another for a fleeting second, their breaths mingling. Eko's heart pounded as their eyes met again, everything around them fading into insignificance. In his gaze, she saw their future—a lifetime of moments just like this one, filled with love and promise.

"This life," she murmured, her hand brushing his cheek as she held him close, "is the best I've ever had."

Matthew's hands cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the stray tears that slipped down her cheeks. His smile mirrored hers, a mix of awe and overwhelming gratitude. "Me too, Eko," he whispered, his voice raw and steady. "Me too."

They existed only for each other, bound in a love so profound it felt as though they had been created for this—just for this moment, just for each other.

***** *****

As beautiful as the line from Hozier's song is, it echoes loudly, "each day you rise with me/ know that I'd gladly be/ the Icarus to your certainty," it rang true after all.

See what Hozier actually meant was that one would unconditionally be with the love of their life, as certain as the rising sun, even if it meant their downfall.