Yu Liang stared at the copper mirror, barely recognizing the beauty reflected. Her ivory skin was fair and smooth, delicate willow brows were elegantly drawn, and her complexion was rosy and full of color. Behind her, Yu Tian gently combed her long, silky, black hair, happiness sparkling in his big bright eyes.

It had been three months since she woke up and during the whole time, Huo Wei Hu was constantly monitoring her health and well-being, feeding her all kinds of rare tonics and delicacies to the point she suspected he was rearing a pig.

She took a moment to inspect her brother from the mirror while he was distracted with the task of combing her hair and weaving those long silky strands into a bridal bun. In these short three months under Huo Wei Hu’s tutelage, he seemed to have become stronger and more matured. There was also an air of confidence surrounding him that wasn’t there before. Her brother had successfully integrated into Huo Wei Hu’s kingdom, commanding respect from his people and becoming a trusted confidant of her husband to be.

A graceful smiled curved on her rosy lips. The immortal longevity peach fruit Yu Tian obtained for her had not only saved her life, but had also allowed her to shed her human skin. The strong concentrated heavenly divine essence within the immortal peach fruit had transformed her into a deity.

The ones to suffer the most were always the one left behind by their loved ones. No longer restricted by her humanity, the two men in her life need not watch her age and wither away alone because she had gained immortality, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be killed.

Her mind drifted to her parents. The month after she’d awaken, they had sought out her parents for the debts unpaid, but karma had already paid them a visit. Not long after her mother had heartlessly sold her away, she was captured by bandits, robbed of her possession and became their whore. Her days spent with those ruthless men being shuffled around for their pleasures and amusements were worse than any punishments Yu Liang could have given.

As for her father, the empire he served had fallen; all imperial members and officials were beheaded. Her father, along with the previous emperor’s most beloved princess was no exception. But none of that had any ties or connections to her anymore. Her mortal life was done and finished. It was time to move on and leave the past behind.

A beautiful woman smiled back at her from the copper mirror. The hard lines on her face had soften, her bright clear eyes were glowing brilliantly and her vermilion lip was curved upward into a peaceful smile. Today was an auspicious day for this beautiful woman, a perfect day for her wedding.

Bright, red, prosperous words were stuck on the walls of their cozy little cabin, located in the forest they dwelled before. Outside, beasts and demons were bustling about, preparing for the wedding. If any humans were to witness such sight, they would have fainted from shock. Extravagant betrothal gifts were stacked against all corners of the cabin, spreading out to the forest, making navigation difficult.

“Sister, let me say the words of blessing as I comb your hair.”

A fond smile spread across her face. Yu Liang gave him a jubilant laugh. She knew how hard he had been practicing to learn how to comb her hair and style it for the wedding.

“First comb, may the couple be blessed for staying together till their hair turns grey and white…”

“Second comb, may the couple be blessed with a harmonious marriage for all eternity…”

“Third comb, may the couple be blessed with a houseful of children and grandchildren, and a happy life of longevity…”

As he finished the last words of blessing, her hair was skillfully arranged into an elegant bridal style. An exquisite nine-tailed fox hairpin was inserted into her bun, complementing her with a noble aura.

A female fox in her human form entered the room with a bowl of glutinous sweet rice balls. She stopped before the two and gave an elegant curtsy.

“Divine Empress of Chaos, please eat something sweet for a happy and complete marriage!”

Yu Liang happily complied with the tradition and ate the bowl of glutinous sweet rice balls that were served to her. A bright red veil was placed over her head when she finished and she was carefully led outside. The red phoenix bracelet on her wrist glimmered beautifully in the bright sunlight.

Gracefully, she boarded the wedding sedan. Strong, brawny bears in their beast form, carried the splendid palanquin on their sturdy shoulders. They were careful in their movements, afraid to rock the bride inside or cause her discomfort.

Around them, loud firecrackers were released, the sky boomed in multi colors. Lions and tigers danced along the way, blessing their marriage. Birds perched on the trees chirped musically and the wind chimed happily. Foxes in human form sang delightfully as they pounded on the drums and gongs.

Eagles spread their wings wide and scattered flowers from above. Raining petals fell from the sky and adorned the roads. Panthers roamed through the woods and guarded the procession. Packs of wolves howled in gleeful delight over the joyful occasion of their king’s marriage.

Behind them, carts and carts of dowry were filled jewelry, silk, gold and exquisite brocades. The opulent display was prepared by her brother and sponsored by her husband to be. The treasures bestowed to her were enough to buy countless empires. Yu Liang knew that those two wanted to give her the best and pamper her, so her heart was filled with warmth.

In front of her, Huo Wei Hu led the procession as he rode majestically on top of a black, war horse beast with red bows strapped across its body. The groom himself was dressed elegantly in a red wedding robe, his dark obsidian eyes glowing with a bright sheen of blissfulness.

Upon reaching the territory of the Immortal Emperor of Chaos, Hu Wei Hu gracefully leaped down from the horse and lightly kicked the wedding sedan door. He personally escorted his bride down the palanquin before scooping her up and carrying her through the threshold.

Demons, beasts, nine-tailed fox clan and spirits were all gathered for the ceremony. The place was rowdy and lively, bustling with laughter. They all stood up respectfully at the entrance of the two stars.

“Husband and wife bow!” a loud male fox shouted.

The couple faced each other and bowed. Then, Yu Liang was guided away to the bridal chamber. Along the way, she couldn’t help but mused over the wedding ceremony. Under normal procedures, there would be three bows. First bow to heaven, second bow to ancestors and parents, then finally, the third bow to husband and wife.

However, Huo Wei Hu was the Immortal Emperor of Chaos, monarch of all demonic beasts and demons. She just couldn’t picture him bowing his head to heaven. Moreover, neither of them have parents left, so they skipped directly to the third bow. Such a wedding ceremony was also just like his style.

An enchanting smile graced her delicate features as she sat on the bed with her red veil over her head, waiting for her husband to finish entertaining the guests. She was dressed beautifully in a refined red wedding dress made of silk. The custom made dress was tailored specifically for her and was made with the finest quality silk. Her slender hands were folded together and placed on her lap.

Not long after, footsteps were heard outside the door. Someone entered the room and gently closed the door behind. From beneath her veil, she saw two elegant boots stopped in front of her before a hand reached out and lifted the veil.

Two pairs of eyes connected with one another. Satisfactions filled their heart. So this was happiness.

Yu Liang could have sworn she heard him sucked him a deep breath upon seeing her. Unable to resist teasing him, she said, “My lord husband, why are you here so soon. What about all our guests?”

Stroking his chin, an enchanting smile emerged on his devilish face. “My only duty is to please my wife, not the guests.”

He leaned his body closer, his arms locked around hers as his husky breath caressed her sensitive skin. His tall figure suppressed her soft body beneath his as a rich, musky smell invaded her senses. The warm breath on her face made her flustered, but she was unable to avoid or retreat as she was tightly detained within his embrace.

With gentle movement, he removed the accessories on her head and unraveled her hair. Slender fingers threaded through her long hair, leisurely combing the soft strands. She found his eyes hypnotizing and was entranced by the beauty of those dark obsidian hues, beaming with love.

He traced her quivering lips reverently, before leaning his body closer as he cupped the back of her head with one wide palm and seared his lips with hers. She leaned into his warmth, seeking his touch.

She felt her brain short-circuited as his enticing tongue parted her teeth as he deepen the kiss between them, dominating every inch of her. He probed into the depths of her mouth and coaxed her tongue.

Her heart rate increased instantaneously as excitement stirred deep within an undiscovered part of her. With smooth and refined movement, her garments slipped off her shoulders.

Transfixed by her, he murmured sweet words of love. “No one in this world can emulate the woman I love. You are unrivaled in my eyes and unparalleled within my heart.”

His voice was like a spring breeze, fluttering across her skin and nestled deep in her heart. His dark eyes gazed at her tenderly before a hot object plunged deep into her. A sharp pain invaded her body, soon followed by waves of pleasures.

He seized her heart and claimed every part of her. The iridescent candlelight outlined two eclipsed silhouettes. A devastatingly beautiful moment captured within the shadow of the night.

Author's Note: This is the final chapter and the conclusion to the novel. I hope you all enjoy the story as much as I had enjoyed writing it. Many thanks to those who left encouraging comments along the way and to those who left some favorable ratings! They were a great motivation for me to finish.

A new novel, Song of the Phoenix has started. You can find it here on RRL, but for faster release and access to new chapters, they are only available on my blog at Queendrops.wordpress.com

If you have time to spare, I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. You can leave them in the comment section on my blog for a faster response from me since I check that place regularly. Yes, I take the time to reply to every comment on my WordPress blog, so make sure to check back! =)