Emelia stood just outside the door, peeking in as Joshua adjusted his suit one final time.
"Joshua, Merlin asked for you," she said softly.
Joshua turned with a grin. "Okay, lead the way. See ya, Rowdy." He waved over his shoulder and stepped into the hallway, following Emelia.
Rowdy and Sam remained frozen, Sam outside the door, Rowdy just within. After a brief pause, Rowdy stepped out and closed the door behind him, standing beside her.
"Would you like to go for a stroll? Maybe chat a bit?" he asked, his voice casual but nervous.
Sam smiled. "Yep, that sounds nice."
They walked slowly down the hall, their footsteps light.
"About what you saw…" Rowdy began, chuckling awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. "I'm not always that weird. It's just… Joshua got in my head a little."
Sam giggled. "It's okay. I thought it was funny, James."
Rowdy blinked. "I'm not James. I'm Rowdy."
Sam's smile dropped. "Oh… right." Her voice grew quieter, her gaze drifting downward.
Rowdy noticed her sudden change in mood and shoved his hands into his pockets, looking at the floor as they continued walking in silence.
Meanwhile, Joshua and Emelia walked side by side toward Merlin's room.
Joshua looked at her curiously. "What's the Vampire Kingdom like?"
Emelia's face lit up as she answered. "It's really similar to here, but the scenery is different, especially the buildings. Everything has this darker, elegant vibe. But the people, humans and vampires, they're kind. It's actually peaceful."
"Woah, that's really cool," Joshua said with wide eyes. "I wanna go there someday." He reached out and grabbed her hands, smiling brightly into her eyes.
Emelia's cheeks reddened slightly.
(He doesn't seem like a monster at all. He's kinda nice. But didn't anyone tell him about personal space?)
Without warning, she yanked her hands free and bonked him lightly on the head.
"Ouch! What was that for?!" Joshua whined, rubbing the spot.
"I just felt like doing it," she replied with a huff, crossing her arms and pretending to pout.
(This lady's got anger issues… better stay away from her in the future,) Joshua thought, still massaging his scalp.
After a moment, Emelia's expression softened. "How are you feeling about your sister's wedding? You're the best man, after all."
Joshua smiled. "I'm really happy for her. And she's marrying my best friend, that makes it even better. I honestly can't wait."
His joy was so pure, so genuine, that Emelia couldn't help but smile, too.
When they reached Merlin's door, Emelia knocked gently.
The door opened, and Jessica stood there, her eyes narrowing when she saw Joshua. Merlin, seated inside in her wedding dress, perked up.
"Can everyone leave?" she asked, her tone polite but firm. "I'd like to speak to my brother alone."
Julia frowned. "Don't talk too long, your wedding's about to begin."
Joshua stepped past Jessica, who looked at him like he was a cursed object. He quickly averted his gaze. As he passed Julia, she gave him a sour look that made him drop his eyes to the floor. The door shut quietly behind them.
Joshua looked up from the floor and took in the sight of his sister in her white gown.
"Sis… you look beautiful."
Merlin beamed. "Awww, thank you, Joshua. That means a lot."
He took a few steps closer. "How are you feeling, though?"
"Nervous," she admitted. "But excited too."
Joshua smiled warmly. "I'm happy for you. But… why did you want to see me?"
Merlin's expression shifted. She glanced down, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"Joshua… will you walk me down the aisle?"
His eyes widened, caught off guard by the request.
"You're my brother," she said softly. "And I've always seen you as my protector. Today I'm handing that role to someone else. But if it's weird for you… or if you don't want to…"
Joshua stepped forward and gently took her hands in both of his. Merlin looked up at him, her eyes full of hope.
"I'd be honored," he said, his voice firm but full of emotion. "And I'm happy to give my beloved sister to a man as great as Lancelot."
Merlin's lips quivered before forming a radiant smile. She lunged forward and hugged him tightly, and he wrapped his arms around her.
They held each other for a while, neither speaking, only smiling.
When they pulled apart, Joshua glanced out the window.
"They're all seated," he said. "Lancelot's already standing there with the priest."
Merlin nodded. "Joshua, can you help me with this?" She held up her veil.
He took it gently and placed it over her head, then pulled it down to cover her face.
"You ready, big sis?" he asked, holding out his arm.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice steady. "Let's go."
She locked arms with him, and together, they stepped out of the room, one a noble bride, the other a so-called monster walking her into a new chapter of her life.
And in that moment, they both glowed.