"You didn't take the damned thing with you? The gun that can incinerate us with the pull of a trigger?" Myra snarled, color rising to her powdered cheeks. That rebellious hair fell back into her eyes as Ash helped herself to a sip of water from the bedside table. The music played meanwhile, all the people slowly meandering to their seats under the darkening sky.

Glancing out the back window again, I couldn't keep the bite out of my voice as I replied.

"Where exactly did you expect me to hide it, Myra? Under my skirt?"

A vein throbbed in her temple.

"I don't know where you would have hidden it. Why don't you ask the Puma who's going to kill my wedding guests!" she replied bitterly in a barely-contained whispered.

"Being a smartass isn't going to help," I growled waspishly, feeling defensive as Ash's eyes went back and forth between us like she was watching a sparring match.

"Well it seems to have served you well up until now! I thought I'd give it a try! Call me a pot. Hi kettle!" Myra shot back, standing to her full height as she crossed her arms across her chest.

"Maybe I didn't want to use a gun powered by souls!" I replied with equal venom, rounding back on her.

"It's preferable to you practically giving it to murderous psychopaths on a silver platter!"

I gnashed my teeth together, refusing to admit Myra was right on some level. But it didn't matter now. The music played on, weaving a magic of its own. The string quartet and pianist harmonized perfectly with gentle and hopeful melodies, unaware of the danger. Everyone was in their seats now, and Levi and Dash now stood at the back of the aisle in their black tuxedos.

Several town guards on horseback patrolled the grounds of the estate, scanning the crowd for enemies. I could see Stone among them on Buck, his face tense. From my high vantage point, I paused, trying to see the plan. The Pumas were clearly working for the Chosen asshole, but what was their plan here? Whatever it was, this sadistic son of a bitch had a flare for the dramatic. I knew in my gut the Pumas were here somewhere, and so was he, but I saw nothing amiss in the crowd. Besides, Stone would have detained any unwanted persons at this point.

I looked at the guards again, trying to see any signs of distress. They were posted masterfully around the perimeter, with equal vantage points on the crowd, scanning continuously. They were certainly alert, but none of them seemed to be taking any action. So where was the damned gun? Surely someone walking around with it would have drawn some attention by now.

Come on, Come on...

That was when I spotted it. There was a dark line visible in the snow. It was subtle in a way that could be easily dismissed as dirt from people's shoes or mud from melted snow. If I hadn't had the benefit of a bird's eye view, I would have missed it. But as I stared at those lines, I noticed a definite pattern to them. It was almost like a spider's web which surrounded all of the carriages and steam vehicles. It ended in a trail that lead subtly to the tree line of the small patch of private woods on the Beaufoutonte estate.

I frowned, catching Ash's eye as she stared at me, as if waiting for me to put it together. The pieces of the puzzles shifted as I put myself in my enemy's shoes.

Death had promised Myra would be safe until she was married. I had a feeling that the Chosen was planning to not waste a second after that part of the deal was upheld. However, he would be frustrated at having to wait so long to strike against his prey. And the longer he had to wait, the more grand it had to be when he struck.

And now there was a banquet of victims just waiting to be slaughtered down there.

"Myra, you need to get downstairs," I said, surprised by how calm I sounded. Ash stood from her chair, her brows knitting together as much as her swollen face would allow.

"What are you planning?" she asked as Myra stared at me like I had an incubus crawling out of my ass.

"Miss Rowena, have you finally lost it?" Myra asked, her eyes wide. I ignored her question, a smirk spreading over my face.

"Don't worry, Myra. Everything is going to be fine. You're still getting married tonight. What type of Maid of Honor would I be if I failed to get you down the aisle?"

"You're the worst Maid of Honor ever and you know it," Myra deadpanned in a response, her eyes widening as I let loose a laugh that was more manic that I had planned.

"Ash?" I asked, glancing at her. She nodded her head, the wrinkle between her brows getting deeper.

"I need you to go downstairs and tell Dash, Levi, and Zachariah that we're switching to plan B."

*******

The last rays of sun hit the tops of the trees as the preamble music came to an end. The western sky was bathed in a glorious sunset red over the Yari mountains and Mirth Hills, fading to purple and obsidian in the east starry sky. The blue bonfires kept the assembly plenty warm with their magic, casting an ethereal glow over the gazebo and audience. Anticipation crackled in the air as everyone waited for evening to begin.

Ash made her way back into the upstairs of the manor, her eyes lingering on Myra and Levi as she disappeared behind the door. Nobody paid her any mind in her maid's uniform. Zachariah drifted behind the crowd, finishing a hushed conversation with Sheriff Stone. They both nodded to me as the music changed its melody, the musicians playing louder to signal the start of the ceremony.

Here we go.

Councilman Terris walked down the aisle first, He would be overseeing the ceremony and would declare it legal. He was followed by Stone, who swung gracefully off Buck and strode to the opposite side of the gazebo as the first official witness.

Myra and I watched from the window of the manor's back door as everyone swiveled in their seats to look at the back of the aisle. Lord Beaufoutonte stood away from us, his expression tight as he watched my father walk down the aisle next.

I shook my head, watching the man who had hurt me time and again make his way to the gazebo with efficient and purposeful strides. His face was so very like mine with his violet eyes and stoic expression under shining black hair. My gut twisted as flashes of my own wedding flew across my mind. I remembered gazing hopefully at an empty road, wanting to be wrong. I remembered waiting...and waiting. Until Levi was the one to walk me down the aisle all those years ago.

How nice of you to show this time, Father.

My bitter thoughts were interrupted as I heard Lord Beaufoutonte come up behind us.

"May I have a brief word with my daughter?" he asked warmly, his eyes shining with pride as he looked at Myra. A lump formed in my throat as I sidled away from them, watching more of the ceremony.

The music swelled significantly as the Matron walked down the aisle on Dash's arm, both of them smiling brightly enough to light up the sky. She looked somewhat ridiculous next to Dash's enormous bulk of muscle, but oh well. As they reached the end, the Matron stood next to my father and shook hands. Together, they stepped to the central alter and looked at the large metal latern hanging above it.

The Matron and my Father worked together to open Soul Lantern, which was an ornate metal thing of graceful blacksmith work. Fayra and I hadn't been able to afford one, but they were common in most weddings in Luradia. It was meant to symbolize Fate's light leading the prospective couple together in unity toward their destiny, and also meant to give them luck.

Myra chuckled next to me at something her father had said, and I turned to them just in time to see him kiss her hand. He then folded her arm around his in anticipation.

A golden light suddenly burst from the end of the aisle, and the audience applauded at the Soul Lantern blazed in pretty contrast to the blue of the bonfires surrounding the patio.

"Rowena," Myra said suddenly, and I turned to look at her with a lifted brow. If I missed my cue, the Matron would eat me alive and Myra knew that. Even so, I delayed as she motioned for me to approach. She cleared her throat delicately, before she narrowed her eyes at me.

"I want to say this just in case everything goes in the ash can," she said in a low voice before she lifted her chin.

"You are a terrible Maid of Honor, Miss Rowena," she said flatly, the corner of her mouth lifting, "but you are a top class body guard. Now let's finish this."

I snorted a laugh, opening the door.

"And you're a top class pain in my ass," I replied quietly as I took my first step out the door, "But you'll be good match for my brother."

And now it was my turn.

Let us be clear. I hated being on display like this. The stares of the crowd burned worse that any wound I had ever received as they settled their attention on me. I did my best to lift my chin and smile as I had been instructed, but I probably just looked uncomfortable. Dash stepped forward as I reached the end of the aisle, and walked with me to our designated spot next to Myra's mother and my father.

The music halted for the slightest moment, the song changing to a stronger and even more elegant melody as Myra and her father appeared. The crowd took a collective breath as they took Myra in. I couldn't blame them. She looked absolutely stunning, emanating raw and natural beauty at its finest. To be honest, the loveliest thing about Myra in that moment was her smile. She looked relieved, hopeful, and only had eyes for Levi.

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I slid my eyes sidelong at my brother, who was grinning like he had just been made the king of the entire fucking world. His stood to his tallest height, his shoulders squared back as he watched Lord Beaufoutonte and Myra's progress with every step. His eyes were drinking in the sight. As if he didn't want to miss a single detail.

Lord Beaufoutonte united their hands, and stepped away as they reached the end. His eyes were shining as he came to stand at the remaining spot near his wife.

Councilman Terris called everyone to order. He began a somewhat long-winded speech about unity, prosperity and blah bluh-blah bluh-blah.

My attention to the words wavered as it dragged on. My heart began to hammer harder against my chest as my eyes looked for any sign of the Chosen. This was the part of my plan where we were at our most vulnerable. I knew that as soon as Death's promise was fulfilled, as soon as Myra and Levi were officially married, he had free reign to do whatever he wanted with us. This was where we had to be ready to make sure he didn't get to my brother and Myra. It wasn't a guarantee, but everything I knew about him so far told me he would start his killing with them. I would have a split second to ensure that didn't happen.

Movement behind the crowd caught my attention, and my eyes snapped to Zachariah. I tilted my head in silent question as he jerked his chin at where the carriages were parked. In answer to my questioning gaze, he slowly lifted his coat flap to where his pistol was holstered, and tapped it significantly.

I dipped my chin in subtle understanding. Zachariah nodded, slowly rounding the crowd.

"Now then!" Terris cried cheerfully as I turned my attention back to Myra and Levi, "If you are both of sound mind and willing, say your vows now in front of your loved ones and these witnesses!"

Myra and Levi turned to one another, their hands interlocked as they gazed into each other's eyes. Matching rings on their fingers glistened under the golden light of their Soul Lantern, the crowd silent as they waited for the climax of the ceremony. They voices blended in a duet as they said:

"Light and Dark,

Life and Death,

New and Olde,

These things are not separate,

But two halves of a whole.

As rain is to sun,

And rock is to air,

So we shall be,

A true balance pair.

Servant to the all the God's will

We are now one

Until time stands still!"

Terris grinned, raising his hands high and wide as they finished.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Meet the new Lord and Lady McAlister!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as I tensed,watching for anyone to make a move toward Myra and Levi, who were wrapped up in a kiss. I was already summoning shadows, and I felt Zachariah nearby just as everyone started to file up the aisle.

Yes, I knew he would strike now. This was his moment! I knew he would be waiting in someone else's skin and go up to them, drag them to purgatory, and kill them. I tailed the happy couple, ready for that moment. Yes this was definitely it. He wouldn't pass this. It was the perfect time to strike.

It didn't come.

Blinking in confusion, Zachariah on my heels, I followed Myra and Levi as they entered the ballroom with everyone in tow. They were redirected toward upstairs to one of the grand rooms to take pictures as everyone else gathered in the ballroom for the post-ceremonial soirée. Dash frowned at me in confusion as he came near us ahead of the crowd.

"Now?" he asked quietly, his eyes going to the Matron. She was already directing people away from the new couple, and telling them to go upstairs for the pictures. People were crowding around us, calling quesitons to me and Dash. Though I did my best to ignore them, a veritable wall of people surrounded us as I was held up by more and more of them. Myra and Levi continued to the stairs to where the photographer waited, and my stomach dropped.

I looked around the crowd again, but they had not answers fro me. I sighed through my nose, trying to think. Something was off.

I didn't want to act too quickly. I had another trick up my sleeve, but I needed to save my strength for the Chosen. Everything hinged on me dragging him to Purgatory to kill him. It was a fight I would gladly have had by now if he had bothered to reveal themself. Where in fucktown was he?

I only knew one thing. I couldn't let Myra and Levi go off alone, but the Pumas could move in for the kill at any moment. I didn't have time to protect Myra and Levi and deal with them.

Or did I?

Finally, I nodded at Dash through the throng of people.

"Now."

He cleared his throat significantly, parting his way through the crowd as he went straight toward the Matron. People were still gazing at me and asking me question after useless pretentious question that I didn't care to answer.

After an endless moment, a female screech rang out above the cacophony of other voices. Everyone looked away from me as Dash's considerable bulk dove to catch the Matron. Icing coated her face and bosom as she had just tripped, or rather was pushed, into the huge wedding cake. Her fall didn't stop there. As she tried to right herself, her heeled shoes slipped on the fragments of the cake and she went to the floor.

"My Gods! I am so sorry! I beg your deepest forgiveness!" Dash's voice screamed over the crowd, and people rushed to the scene to see what was the matter. Nobody was staring a me anymore.

Zachariah's hand slipped into my just in time for my to pull in a deep breath. I let the ice in my veins expand, the primordial power swelling within me. I concentrated on my power as well as Zachariah's as I pulled on that vein of ice, letting it flow and flow without hesitation.

Everything went silent and the air went unnaturally still.

Zachariah and I looked at one another and grinned. It had happened just like we practiced. I had managed to pull Zachariah with me in the my ability to stop time. We found out that it only worked when we had physica contact, and it took a hells of a lot more effort on my part. But it was worth it to have him by my side.

He looked around, clearly disoriented for a moment.

What now? he said with his eyes when he refocused on me. I gazed around. Myra and Levi were frozen at the base of the stairs, the photographer waiting at the top balcony. The rest of the crowd was frozen in their places as they went to help the Matron.

Bah-Dum.

A growl escaped my lips as I felt Death's gaze on me in this strange plane, my power straining. I knew I couldn't stop time forever, but as I drew in a deep breath I felt the strain lessen. The pounding beat of my heart slowed as I tried to figure out what to do. Obviously the Puma's were waiting for some sort of signal from the Chosen to begin the slaughter of everyone at the party, and I was very sure he would have taken his chance during the ceremony.

So why hadn't he? I didn't have an answer for that, and I didn't know where the Chosen was, but I was pretty sure I knew where the Pumas were.

"Gunpowder?" I asked Zachariah, referencing the dark lines in the snow which surrounded the carriages. Zahacriah nodded in confirmation, and I saw their part of the plan clearly. Obviously they would use the gunpowder to blow up the carriages once they were signaled, blocking any chance the Deified would have of escaping.

I pulled in another deep breath, looking at Zachariah to settle one problem at a time. And right now I could only solve one for sure.

"Let's go."

*******

I mainatined the time stop as Zachariah and I made our way along the line of gunpowder toward the treeline. The snow seemed twice as cold as we passed the last of the fires, Zachariah stopping briefly to absorb a bonfire with a few whispered words in Kaze.

We walked and walked, meanwhile every step grew heavier. I could feel Death watching me, but she stayed away. I didn't know if that was good or bad, but I was grateful to not have to contend with her among everything else. We eventually broke the tree line and followed the dark line of gunpowder to a central clearing. Zachariah took a moment to clear away the path, breaking the trail back to carriages.

We looked up, seeing a huge stack of barrels with Pumas standing at the ready around them. Several other barrels were scattered around the clearing, but they were clearly empty. I eyed the way they held their weapons at the ready, one using a looking glass to spy on the manor. In the center of the group stood a woman with smudged dirt all over her face, and a familiar weapon laying in her arms.

The Elemancy gun looked unweildy in her grasp, and I guessed her to be this group's leader based on her position and posture. I could barely move as the strain of holding the time stop for so long pulled at my energy reserves. I shook my head, realizing that they intended to use Elemancer fire to make sure the the gunpowder worked despite being on top of snow. Normal fire would likely fizzle out after traveling acros so much snow, but Elemancy fire would keep burning until it reached its target.

Too bad they wouldn't get to use it.

Zachariah stare sidelong at me, smiling as he realized what we were about to do. His smile turned to a frown as he saw the strain in my featuresm his brows knitting in concern.

"I'm fine. I just need a break," I said breathlessly as he held his hands aloft toward the pile of gunpowder barrels, his Elemancer tattoos bending and flexing in anticipation.

"Make it quick."

"How long do you need?" he asked with a sidelong glance at me as I started to summon shadows.

"Thirty seconds?" I said and he nodded, rolling up his sleeves despite the cold. I lifted a brow at him, and he nodded.

And not a moment too soon. My control on time wavered, then dropped entirely as we stood before the group of people I hated most. Wind immediately blew icy air through my hair and dress. I had a split second of peace, already feeling some of my abilities return in that moment. I pulled in a lunful of the wind as I curled the shadows between my fingers, their power pulling on a different well within me. They were like a dog who had been caged too long, begging to be set free. And now I did.

"What the actual fuck?" said the woman with the Elemancy gun, and I immediately heard triggers cocked on me and Zachariah as we suddenly aappeared to them. I gave her my sunniest smile as I cocked back a shadow spear.

"Howdy," I said flatly. And without any further warning, we attacked.

Racing forward with inhuman grace, Zachariah grabbed the nearest Pumas and flipped him over his shoulder. He tore through several of the group in a matter of seconds with quick and efficient attacks. He bobbed and weaved between them, at one point making two of them shoot at thei comrades as he positioned himself between them. Their bullets missed him him by less than an inch, but he was already pulling out his own pistol and firing three shots.

Before long, at least six of them were thrown to the snow with broken limbs and bleeding wounds. I was a bit sluggish after stopping time, but I motioned toward the general group, tearing through them with my shadows and binding them down. Ten precious seconds ticked by as we disarmed them. I reliashed the thrill of the fight, embracing every punch and jab that met its mark even as I took hits of my own. It was like pushing past the bottom of a well and dicovering an ocean laid beneath, and I pulled deep on that power in preparation for our next move.

Several shots rang out, and I felt one graze my side, the bullet burning like fire.

Not wanting Zachariah to outdo me, I raced forward with my shadows to the center of the group, catching the leader as she leveled the Elemancy gun my way. I coiled the darknes beneath me, and used it to propel my body forward as I lifted my feet in a kick right to her face.

I felt her cheekbones give a satisfying crunch as I made contact, and flipped my body in the air to land next to Zachariah. My hand landed on his shoulder as he raised his hands to the pile of gunpodwer. Many of th Pumas were still recovering from our initial atrtack, but all of them were still alive. Zachariah was murmuring in Kaze, and I felt the power flowing trhough him as I kept my hand firmly on his shoulder.

"You'll fucking die for this!" growled a man Zachariah had just sent flying a few seconds ago. He cradled an arm which was decidedly pointing an awkward angle as his eyes looked at us with the utmost loathing.

"No sir," I replied, as Zachariah summoned his flames and I prepared another time stop, "You will."

He didn't get the chance to reply.

Blue flames flew from Zachariah's palms just as I managed a second time stop, my legs nearly giving out beneath me. They were less than an inch from the barrel as they halted mid-air. I leaned against Zachariah, managing a smile as I realized we needded to hurry. I didn't know how long I could hold off time's eternal flow, and I had never been able to pull it off more than once in a day before. This was pushing me far past my limits, and every cell in my body screamed in protest. But we didn't have the luxury to rest. I needed to be near Myra and Levi again before time moved. The Pumas may be dealt with, but they still were very much in danger.

I grunted in suprise as Zachariah lifted me, but I knew we would be faster with him carrying me and I could save my energy.

Because we both knew this fight wasn't over. The Chosen had yet to reveal himself. And that begged a better question. It knawed at my stomach as Zachariah sprinted in the snow back to the manor, his long legs carrying us to a enemy even scaried the a whole hoard of criminals.

Where was the Chosen?