The Hunters of Artemis

The Epilogue: After the Storm

Ten Years Later

I stared at myself in the mirror. My heart pounded as I looked at the ornate hair-do my hairdresser had done for me. The french braid was twisted up in a bun and a white lily was put in at the top. The light makeup made my eyelashes stand out prominently and I was alone in the room, with only the mirror, some flowers and my luggage for company.  

My white dress resembled the one I had worn to the Spring Formal back in Gray Birch so many years ago. It was completely white though, and this time it flowed well below my knees and to the floor, covering my white heels. I took a deep breath and someone knocked on the door. 

"Kat? Kat, are you ready? It's starting in fifteen minutes. You aren't throwing up, are you?" I smiled. 

"Lizzy, I'm fine. I'll be right out." I straightened my dress before grabbing my bouquet and opening the door to see Lizzy waiting for me.

She smiled at me. "Come on. We'll be late." Walking down the white, pristine hallways, I picked up my white wedding train and held it in front of me. 

We came to the dark mahogany doors and I faintly heard music playing. There were three bridesmaids and three ... I don't remember what they're called. It's like the guy version of bridesmaids. Noah (you should remember him) was Liam's Best Man and Lizzy was my Maid of Honor. The doors opened and Noah and Lizzy linked arms and strolled into the sanctuary. A few moments later, my friend Riley and a man named Joshua went in. Then Abi and Roland.

A few seconds later, the doors opened and just like we rehearsed, I walked in with my bouquet of white lilies and orchids and strolled down the burgundy aisle. The seats were filled to the very back with Campers, family (including Apollo and Nike), and...

I nearly stopped when I saw Artemis and her Hunters sitting in the pews. I sucked in a breath and continued walking, trying to keep my eyes off of them. 

I saw Liam waiting up on the stage in a black tuxedo, his face turned towards me, smiling. I managed a small smile back. Completing my walk down the aisle, I stopped right beside him. 

"You look beautiful," he whispered.

The corners of my mouth lifted. "You don't look too bad yourself."

The priest began to preform the marriage ceremony. "Friends, we have gathered here today to join Kat Willis and Liam Montgomery in matromony. Their time together, they have seen their love and understanding of each other grow and blossom and now  they have decided to live the rest of their lives as one. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

We waited a few moments. I peeked back and saw a woman try to jump up but get yanked back down by the woman next to her. I smiled to myself.

The priest began to read a bunch of scripture, and at this time, I just kind of tuned out. Even though I was twenty-four now, I still had that teenage attitude. Liam said it was one of the things he liked best about me. He'd grown a lot more mature, and I guess so had I, but I was less mature. 

The priest began reciting the vows. "Do you, Kat Willis, take Liam Montgomery, to be your husband, your friend, your faithful partner and your love from this day forward. In the presence of your family and friends, do you offer your solemn vow to be his faithful partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for richer, for poorer, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"

I nodded. "I do."

Liam looked so, so handsome. His brown hair was styled in waves like the main teacher in Glee. I forgot his name though... His blue, green and gold eyes stared into my eyes and I saw a small tear well in the corner of his left eye.