In My Hands, Know Suffering

18: Unholy Matrimony

On important or special occasions, not that the death of a beloved counted, smiles often filled the banquet of every table organized. Flowers showered the carpet while invited guests proceeded with the formal procession where two hearts were about to get bounded forever.

The minute Castellone stepped foot inside the chapel, his vision had temporarily shaken his whole being. He had to blink several times and took a step back, almost hitting the person behind him who was his brother. He was seeing black.

"You okay, Llone?" Kerxis held his brother's shoulder. He noticed something was wrong with him.

"Yeah, don't worry about me." Castellone said, composing himself before proceeding to walk forward while avoiding the gazes of their relatives and guests. It almost appeared like he was in a rush.

Kerxis found it odd. He knew Castellone didn't attend any rehearsals before the wedding. But he was sure that he reminded him of how the pacing would go. He followed soon after and stood by the altar, ignoring how Castellone built the atmosphere. No one seemed to bother about it so he just let it slide.

The moment it was time for Flarion to ascend, the people applauded. Castellone winced as if there was something painful that shook him inside. When they stopped applauding, so did the pain. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face as the wedding ceremony continued.

"We are gathered here today to witness the beautiful union between these two hearts," so the priest started.

Castellone, not really being the kind to bother about holy people speaking, grew irritated. He didn't like to hear whatever the presider was saying. He chose to ignore the irritation when his eyes searched the crowd. He only saw familiar faces greeting his eyes. Sirius, Blaze, and Genon were settled on the second row of pews together with Kerxis's friends, Regh, Ire and Hail. Flarion's relatives settled on the other side, paying attention to what the priest was saying. He couldn't understand how they could listen to the man.

The more he settled there hearing and being inside the chapel, his urge to rip something, maybe kill, grew by the minute. It was frustrating. He wanted to run, but he didn't want for Kerxis to recover whatever damage he's done again. No.

He looked up the mezzanine but only saw the gothic plethora decorating the chapel. The interior appeared like those of priceless antiquity, but what caught his attention were the large paintings having the depiction of angels purging the demons.

He had a deadly look on his eyes when he focused on a painting of the angel, Gabriel, clad in all his holy robes. His wings were spread with rays of light emanating from behind. The painting was staring right back at him with a kind of persuasion and innocence like it was begging him to stare into the consecrated soul that could lead him to the gates of Elysium.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

And then Kerxis lifted Flarion's veil. He kissed her which had forever sealed their oneness until death does them apart. The crowd applauded and cheered at the newlywed couple. When Castellone looked at them, he saw the same figure that often haunted him who stood between Flarion and Kerxis. It had the same menacing smile and glowing red eyes that stared back at him.

He narrowed his gaze at it. The moment he did, his head began to feel heavy, almost like the ground was pulling him. Even his chest was heavy, then he realized he was falling. He blacked out and fell to the floor. There was one thing he saw before growing unconscious. The figure draped an arm around Flarion's shoulder as if claiming her as his own.

"Llone."

He heard it whisper, tempting him to open his eyes. Slowly, he did, but he didn't see anyone. It was just the darkness. 'Where am I?'