Welcome to the marriage ceremony of Firo Dragonheart and Malaya Mikowski.

FIRO-I was incredibly nervous today, which may seem odd given that I am a dragon shifter, but it's the truth. I have never feared for my life, nor have I ever been afraid to shift into my dragon form since the age of 12. I've never shied away from intimacy or flirting, but today, on my wedding day to my beautiful and gorgeous mate Malaya, I felt fear for the first time. It wasn't our marriage that I feared, but rather my own mind, as I couldn't believe I was marrying her—the love of my life who embraced my broody nature and awakened the passionate soul within. I was aware our marriage was hastened because Malaya didn't want to lose her fated mates to the war, and that didn't trouble me. My only concern was to be the husband Malaya deserved. As I was getting ready in my wedding suit, I was teased by my siblings and cousins, wondering if I was making a mistake by getting married.I assured them that it was the right decision, expressing my love for Malaya and how she embodied the perfect wife I had always dreamt of. This convinced them to accept our union. Our wedding was Dragonbiza-themed, featuring copious drinking, dancing, and the concoction of bizarre cocktails for a game titled 'Guess the Dragon You Love' or 'Chug the Cocktail of Doom.' The ingredients were chosen to elevate our spirits and encourage playful antics. Rene and her family oversaw the beverages, guaranteeing they would induce hilarity without harm. As Malaya's destined mates, we would all partake in the game, ensuring a night of merriment. However, before the festivities, I was to recite my vows to the woman of my dreams. Although I hadn't seen her wedding gown, my mother revealed that Malaya had chosen a traditional dress reserved for dragon matrimonies, desiring our vows to be genuine and binding. My family and I were overjoyed and immensely proud of Malaya's choice.

There I was, standing at the altar with my best men and brother mates, glancing towards the door of the Dragon Emporium as the dragon wedding march started to play. I heard the door slam open, and in walked Malaya, adorned in a wedding dress crafted from the dragon scales my mother had collected over the years, each time I shed them. The Dragon Elder uttered some words and prompted us to exchange our vows. Taking a deep breath, I began to speak.

"Malaya, my soulmate and soon-to-be wife, from the moment I saw you, your beauty and fearless attitude captured my heart. Your smile was the key. Your presence brought out the best in this once surly, brooding dragon shifter who despised everyone and everything. You transformed him with just a kiss. Today, I am honored to stand here and be blessed with a life of marriage with you. Thank you for being made for me and for bringing a queen to my kingdom."

After I finished, I noticed tears in Malaya's eyes, and then she began her vows, which went as follows:

"Firo, my love, ever since that accidental encounter when I woke cousin Charlie, I was intimidated by your brooding presence and felt an urge to challenge your cold demeanor. Yet, I felt a bond with you, and when you revealed your gentler side, I couldn't help but fall for you. Today, as I stand here in my wedding gown, reciting my vows, I reflect on our tumultuous journey. Despite the love-hate dynamic, I wouldn't alter a single moment or how we met. As we embark on this new chapter together, I am honored to stand by your side. I pledge to be there through the darkest times, offering my unwavering support. I vow to govern the kingdom of dragons with integrity and without prejudice towards any dragon, male or female. You are mine, and I am yours. In honor of our union, I summon Destiny Carter, the tattoo witch, to craft a symbol of our eternal bond. This tattoo will ensure we remain connected, side by side, through sickness and health, for centuries to come, until death does us part. I also vow to extend this same love and unbiased view to any progeny we may have. This, I promise to you."

The dragon elder blessed our union and beckoned us to kiss. As we did, fireworks erupted, and we greeted all the guests before proceeding to the wedding's entertaining segment, which included games and cocktails. We played question and dare games, and the losers had to drink a magical cocktail that made them behave like zoo animals. Unfortunately, Judas lost several games and, in his inebriated state, kissed Malaya and uttered things that should remain private. Since the six of us were known to everyone, no one commented. However, some of the older dragons disapproved of his behavior, prompting Aaron and Darien to take him outside to sober up. That night, Malaya and I consummated our marriage, strengthening our bond. I was elated to have her to myself for the night, aware that from then on, Malaya would be shared with more than just me. I had come to terms with this because Malaya was extraordinary and required more than one fated mate to balance her and her magic.