Regret ▻ The Originals [2]

18

In the compound, Ophelia slowly walked to the doorway of the ballroom. She stood still for a moment as all the guests stand to greet her.  She nodded at various people when she sees them and sent a small smile to Davina, who sent one back.

She patiently waited for Jackson, who soon appeared behind her only a moment later. The two clasp hands and smiled at each other as they walked down the aisle. When they reached the two staircases, they split apart so they could each walk up the two staircases and meet on the balcony, where Mary was waiting for them to preside over the ceremony. An orchestra played as they made their ascent, and they smiled at each other from across the room until they made it to the altar.

"Please, be seated," Mary announced loudly and all of the guests sat back in their chairs, "We gather together as a community seeking peace, inspired by this couple standing before you."

Across the balcony on the other side of the courtyard, Klaus stood and watched the ceremony. Ophelia locked eyes with him and sent him a small, fragile smile, yet Klaus' face remained blank. She sighed in defeat, immediately looking away from Klaus.

"There was a time when werewolves saw themselves not as cursed, but blessed with connection to our most pure selves. And tonight, we honor that blessing with the long-awaited unification of the two Crescent bloodlines," She paused as she performed a hand-fasting by binding Ophelia and Jackson's wrists with baby's breath flowers, "In doing so, we choose to embrace Ophelia's vampire and witch nature. With this union, Ophelia will share her unique gifts with her pack." She placed a long lit match into Ophelia and Jackson's linked hands to light their ceremonial candle, "And now, your vows."

Jackson took a deep breath, "I pledge to honor you and defend you and yours above all others."

"To share in blessings and burdens. To be your advocate, your champion." Ophelia continued on.

"To be your comfort, your sanctuary, and for as long as we both shall live."

"To be your family," Ophelia stated, beginning to smile.

"To be your family," Jackson repeated after her.

The two smiled at each other and lit their candle together. Klaus and even Elijah seemed to be torn while watching the scene occur.

"You two have endured all the traditional werewolf rituals and trials. There is only one remaining," She paused as she turned to her grandson, "Jackson, you may kiss your bride."

Jackson looked almost scared, but Ophelia smiled at him encouragingly. He stared at her for a long moment before he gently cupped her face in his hand and kissed her.

Klaus looked away while Elijah looked at him sympathetically and sighed. When Ophelia and Jackson finally pulled away, both of their eyes glowed gold, meaning that the Unification Ceremony had worked.

They smiled at each other happily and turned to look at the crowd. The guests all looked at each other curiously, watching as all of the wolves' eyes glowed. Everyone began to smile and chatter, all thrilled that the ceremony had empowered their pack.

Klaus immediately walked out onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard, where the reception was being held as Elijah followed behind him and joined his brother, wagging his finger at him knowingly, "I know that look," Elijah told Klaus, "I see it all too often. What are you planning?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," Klaus replied, trying to hide the smirk on his face.

"Jackson marries the love of your immortal life, in our home, solidifying his rule over the wolves you yourself once sought to control. Talk to me." Elijah insisted in a stern tone.