Avery crossed the Gate and closed his eyes.

  He listened to the sounds.

  Three and a half years of banishment.

  It was loud all around; people were shouting at each other in the distance; someone was angry at what? Someone blocked someone’s door. A couple was arguing. A child was crying. In the distance, the noise of people in the shops.

  Old Unio, even if renamed. The New Empire—what a creative name they had chosen.

  … All was the same. Avery didn’t expect it to be different. Luna was full of hope for the future; she tried to explain that changes would be slow but important.

  He knew nothing would change.

  At the Gate, someone was waiting for him—Avery was not allowed to wander around. He was still banished; that he could come to the wedding was a one-time exception.

  Avery didn’t care to stay.

  He listened to Luna and the others. But. Unio’s decay was too prominent. Avery saw no hope. However, he kept his thoughts to himself.

  This person surprised him—said that they needed to cross the Gate again and go to the other place, within the old Shadows’ territories.

  Roger. But—why? Couldn’t they go directly to Shadows in the first place? They had joined officially; it was in the news. Borders were still active?

  Avery didn’t need to ask. It was explained to him immediately.

  … A private Gate? Unusual.

  They crossed.

  This time Avery didn’t close his eyes; he was too surprised where he landed. A room, all in red. Peculiar.

  “What…?” he said it aloud.

  Immediately it was explained to him that it was the private room of Shadows Lord and soon-to-be Lady.

  Exquisite. It was the only word Avery had to comment on what was told to him.

  He was directed down the corridor to another room, where the bride was preparing herself. She asked specifically for him to join her.

  Roger?

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Avery was already dressed in the clothes proper for the ceremony. There was no need for him to take any luggage. Gates worked perfectly; he would be back to Planet Four right after the event.

  This person, after saying and pushing him a bit into walking, disappeared. Shadows’ swirl was astonishing.

  Avery closed his eyes and started to walk very slowly. He always liked to experience his surroundings this way.

  Listening.

  First, further away, laughter? Yes, many people, somewhere in the room, laughing. Guests or family… Luna mentioned that her future husband had a family of laughers. Closer—two people talking, very quietly, two men. As if behind a barrier of energy, the words were unrecognizable. They would rather not be heard. And closest, here, where he was supposed to go—Luna’s voice—she was not alone.

  “… You shrimp, choose one already,” someone said, sounding slightly annoyed.

  But, no, not really. Avery, a moment later, was sure.

  It was a pleasant tone of voice. With a strange accent to it, the sounds were fuller, more resonant.

  “At least this time you didn’t call me chubby!”

  It was Luna; she answered and laughed loudly.

  “O, here I wanted to ask, how come you shrimp are not so chubby anymore?”

  This someone replied; a smile was detectable in the voice as well.

  How loudly Luna snorted! Avery smirked and listened further, walking slowly.

  “Taj, it is simple. Si is very enthusiastic,” Luna said and quickly added. “You blushed! You! And you were married for how long? Taaaaaaaj!”

  She was laughing hard. This someone clearly was shy—Avery smiled.

  “How indecent; after so many years we’ve known each other, I am your senior,” this someone said.

  “Right, right, sure. Now, show me,” Luna said, calmer.

  “O, not again? You have seen it many times already; the version you chose yesterday was supposed to be used.”

  “Taaaaaaaj… show me again,” she insisted.

  Avery wondered what it was about and who this person was. He was not aware that Luna had someone so close.

  Something buzzed; Avery could hear it clearly.

  “No, not this one,” Luna said.

  Then another buzz, and another one. It was a slight sound. Avery could hear, but it wasn’t loud; many wouldn’t notice.

  Intriguing.

  Energy was involved; this person was doing something with energy.

  “No… no, I have an idea! What did you wear on your wedding day? I didn’t see it ever; you didn’t want to show—this? I mean, very nice, but it is exactly like mine. It’s for wives, right?” Luna laughed again, very loudly.

  “Correct, of course it is the same; it was my choice, and Song wore the ones like Si’s… Luna, are you crying? O, outrageous! Focus, shrimp, we have to go there soon. This one?”

  Another buzz. This person’s voice was not angry at all.

  “This one is nice; yes, Taj, how nicely you have your hair done here; what a bun! Did I ever see you wearing it like this? Why not more often this one… right, right, this one is nice. Help me fix my eyes. Thank you…” Luna stopped talking slowly.

  Right after, she added, “I know, you said he was here; should I…? Avery? Avery!”

  They noticed him. Intriguing, again.

  Before Avery went there, he had a thought.

  Luna, what strange luck she had. This man from the OFF she was seeing turned out to be Domini’s son, the current ruler. The next one, the one who she said laughed a lot, turned out to be Shadows Lord’s son. Her soon-to-be husband.

  As they say, the third time was a charm. Who else extraordinary will Luna attract to herself?

  Avery wondered.

  He heard she was on the move, and soon, he could see her peeking from the room. She saw him, waved, and asked him to join her. Avery went after her.

  There was only her, no one else. Did they have some secret passages here? Or this person was Shadow and swirled somewhere?

  Not relevant.

  “Luna, you weirdo, congratulations…” Avery started to speak.