The Wedding

The sun shone brightly on Emberhaven's grand cathedral, casting a warm glow over the gathered nobles and guests. Solomon, resplendent in his formal attire, stood before the altar, his eyes locked onto Nahar's radiant smile.

The ceremony unfolded with elegance, the couple exchanging vows and rings amidst tears and laughter.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the high priest declared, his voice echoing through the cathedral.

As Solomon and Nahar shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the assembly erupted into cheers and applause.

The evening sun cast a golden hue over the castle grounds as the guests made their way to the grand feast.

Ariel danced with Damian, her laughter mingling with the music.

Henry raised his cup in a toast. "To the happy couple! May their love endure through the ages."

Solomon and Nahar's smiles never wavered as they accepted the well-wishes.

Meanwhile, outside Emberhaven's gates...

General Thorn stood atop a hill, his gaze fixed on the castle's illuminated silhouette.

"Tonight's the perfect opportunity," he whispered to his aide. "The kingdom's distracted by the wedding celebrations."

The aide nodded. "Our allies within the castle will ensure the gates remain unguarded."

Thorn's eyes narrowed. "Inform the Persian army to prepare for the signal. We strike at midnight."

In the darkness, the Persian army's banners fluttered in the wind, their forces amassed before Emberhaven's gates.

The commander, Lyra's brother, Mesh, gazed up at the castle. "We'll take Emberhaven by dawn."

As the wedding feast reached its crescendo, laughter and music filled the castle halls. Solomon and Nahar danced, surrounded by their loved ones.

Meanwhile, under the cover of darkness, General Thorn's spies slipped into position.

A hooded figure, skilled in stealth, crept toward the eastern gate. The guards, complacent in their duties, never stood a chance.

The spy's dagger flashed in the moonlight, striking true. The first guard crumpled, silenced before he could cry out.

The spy moved swiftly, taking down two more guards at the gate. The bodies were dragged into the shadows, hidden from prying eyes.

Inside the castle, the festivities continued, oblivious to the danger lurking outside. Solomon and Henry where sure of the guards they put up, but general Thorn had done his job and reduced their numbers.

More spies, dispersed throughout the castle, targeted strategic points. A guard patrolling the battlements fell to a silent arrow. Another, stationed near the stables, was taken down by a poisoned dart.

The castle's defenses were quietly breached, paving the way for the Persian army's impending assault.

General Thorn's aide, disguised as a servant, mingled with the wedding guests. His eyes locked onto Ariel, her laughter and joy a stark contrast to the darkness unfolding outside.

"Ariel's visions are a concern," the aide whispered to himself. "If she discovers our plan..."

He slipped out of the hall, disappearing into the night.

As the feast reached its peak, Solomon raised his cup. "To my beautiful wife, Nahar! May our love forever shine bright!"

The assembly cheered, unaware of the shadows gathering at the gate.

Outside, Mesh, commander of the Persian army, gazed up at the castle. "The signal will be given soon. Prepare the troops for battle."

The night wore on, Emberhaven's fate hanging precariously in the balance.