It was possibly the happiest day of Rick Payne''s twenty-three years. Today, his beloved girlfriend would become Mrs. Payne.


    Rick barely registered the priest''s words; his full attention was locked onto the beauty standing before him. Mia looked radiant, her emerald eyes sparkling brighter than he''d ever seen. In her pure white bridal gown, no one would believe she''d been the shy, chubby girl he''d fallen for back in middle school.


    Mia felt her heart race faster than during any intense workout. She glanced sneakily at Rick, warmth blossoming inside her chest. To others, Rick might appear a bit pale or plain-featured, but to Mia, he was perfect. He''d been her rock through all her struggles, and she couldn''t imagine loving anyone else. Besides, as an independent game developer with a decent income and newly gained muscles enhancing his tall frame, Rick objectively had plenty of charm.


    At each side of the couple stood their witnesses. Emily and James had been Rick and Mia''s friends since high school—and were dating each other as well. Perhaps witnessing today''s vows might encourage them to take their own relationship a step further.


    Father Gregory cleared his throat to regain everyone''s attention as the ceremony neared its end. It was time for vows.


    "I, Rick, take you, Mia, as my lawfully wedded wife," Rick declared solemnly, his hazel eyes unwavering, "to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."


    More like, even after death, Rick silently added.


    Mia repeated the traditional words clearly, adding a playful mental note of her own: As if death could ever separate us.


    Then came the exchange of rings, along with personalized vows. Father Gregory''s brow furrowed slightly when he noticed the unusual wedding bands. The two rings were black, their edges irregular and wave-like, embedded with tiny red, black, and white crystals forming intricate runes. The priest studied them with cautious curiosity, clearly unsure what to make of the peculiar jewelry.


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    Rick gently slid the band onto Mia''s finger, hands trembling slightly. "I give you this ring as proof of our inseparable connection. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I pledge to you everything I am and will ever become as your husband. Accept this as my promise to stand by your side forever."


    Mia''s cheeks flushed deeply, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. Her voice shook slightly as she replied, "I will wear this ring forever as proof of our eternal bond."


    She wiped a stray tear and gathered herself before continuing softly, "This ring is a token of my infinite love for you, Darling." She''d waited so long to call him that. "I''m yours, now and forever—in heart, body, and soul."


    She worried that her vow seemed simple compared to Rick''s heartfelt words, but Rick''s brilliant smile reassured her. He felt every ounce of sincerity behind her words and could ask for nothing more.


    After dating officially for eight years, Rick and Mia were each other''s first and only loves. Yet they''d never fully expressed their feelings aloud until this moment.


    As soon as the couple slipped the peculiar rings onto each other''s fingers, they felt a comforting warmth from the strange metal. Both were too swept up in emotion to give this sensation much thought.


    "And now, you may kiss the bride!" Father Gregory announced, relief evident on his face that the ceremony was nearly complete.


    Cheers filled the room as Rick leaned toward Mia. Heart hammering, he felt as nervous and excited as if it were their first kiss all over again. Mia closed her eyes, lips trembling slightly as they met his.


    Rick shivered from the soft, warm touch of Mia''s lips. Lost in each other, they didn''t notice their unusual rings touching until a blinding light exploded from the runes.


    Gasps and cries echoed through the church as the intense flash enveloped the newlyweds, their bewildered friends, and the startled priest, instantly whisking them all away. In mere seconds, the five vanished before the astonished eyes of the congregation, leaving behind stunned silence and whispered disbelief.


    Rick slowly opened his eyes, head spinning and body tense with confusion. Something was terribly wrong.


    "Mia?" His voice trembled.


    Her eyes wide with shock, Mia reached up to feel something protruding from her curly blonde hair. Rick stared at her in disbelief, unable to speak at the sight of elegant, spiraling horns emerging from her head.


    Mia’s gaze traveled behind Rick, and she stammered nervously, "Rick…you…you''ve got a tail."