The grand hall of the Knights of Favonius headquarters had been transformed into a sea of silver and gold for the after-party. Banners of Anemo green fluttered alongside imported silk from Liyue and Pyro-red accents borrowed from Natlan emissaries. Tables groaned under platters of Mondstadt honey-roast lamb, Inazuman sakura mochi, and Fontaine’s delicate macarons. Laughter and music filled the air—Venti’s lyre weaving playful melodies while Lisa conducted a small string ensemble with lazy flicks of her catalyst.

  Varka stood near the center, still in his formal white cloak trimmed with gold, one arm wrapped possessively around Nicole’s waist. Her wedding gown, a flowing blend of pale starlight silk and subtle angelic embroidery, shimmered as she leaned into him. The curse that once threatened to claim her had been defied; she remained whole, radiant, undeniably herself.

  Jean approached first, bowing slightly with a warm smile. “Grand Master—Lady Nicole, Mondstadt is honored to witness this union. May the winds carry you both to every horizon you seek.”

  Varka chuckled, clapping her shoulder gently. “And may the Acting Grand Master finally take a day off when we’re gone. Don’t let the paperwork bury you, Jean.”

  Nearby, Diluc raised a glass of dandelion wine in quiet salute from the shadows. Kaeya, ever the tease, sidled up beside him. “To the man who tamed a fallen angel—and the angel who tamed the lion of Mondstadt. May your honeymoon be as legendary as your battlefield tales.”

  Nicole laughed softly, her violet eyes sparkling. Careful, Cavalry Captain. We might invite you along just to keep things interesting.

  From Liyue came Ningguang and Beidou, the Tianquan gliding forward with effortless grace while the captain grinned broadly. “A fine match,” Ningguang said, offering a small jade pendant carved with intertwined winds and stars. “For luck on your travels. Liyue tradition holds that such tokens ward off misfortune.”

  Beidou clapped Varka on the back hard enough to make his armor ring. “And if any sea beasts or abyss spawn interrupt your romantic getaway, call Crux Fleet. We’ll crash the party—properly this time.”

  Even Fontaine sent representatives: Navia arrived with a basket of blooming roses and macarons, her laughter bright. “A wedding without sweets is no wedding at all! And Neuvillette sends his regards—along with a sealed letter of congratulations. He claims it’s ‘official Hydro business,’ but I suspect it’s just sentiment.”

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  As the night deepened, toasts turned to stories. Alice recounted exaggerated tales of Nicole’s early days in Mondstadt, making the former angel blush. Klee bounded between legs, insisting the couple “explode fireworks together forever!” while Sucrose shyly presented a handmade glider charm “for safe flights on your journey.”

  When the music slowed, Varka pulled Nicole onto the dance floor. Their steps were unhurried, intimate—his hand splayed across her lower back, hers resting over his heart. Guests watched with fond smiles; even the sternest knights softened at the sight.

  As the party wound down, they slipped away to a quiet balcony overlooking Starfell Valley. The moon hung low, silver light bathing the fields.

  “So,” Varka murmured, tucking a strand of platinum blonde hair behind her ear, “our escape begins tomorrow. First stop: Natlan’s Toyac Springs. Volcanic pools, steam rising like dragon breath, no duties, no eyes on us.”

  Nicole smiled, tracing the line of his jaw. I remember our first ‘dip’ months ago—back when everything was tension and secrets. You smelled like battlefield smoke and dandelion wine. Then I teased you mercilessly.

  “And you smelled like starlight and stubborn hope,” he countered, voice low. “Now… no curses. No fear of fading. Just us.”

  Their kiss was slow, lingering, the kind that promised more. When they parted, Nicole’s fingers slipped beneath his cloak, brushing his chest. I want nights like that first one in the Chasm— our bodies tangled on furs in a secluded cave, the heat of the springs outside, romantic rhythms under open sky. Awkward laughs when we discover something new… but always loving.

  Varka’s breath hitched. “And after? Liyue’s misty mountains—quiet trails where we can walk hand-in-hand. Inazuma’s shores at cherry blossom time, petals falling like soft rain while we love fiercely in some hidden inn.”

  She nodded, eyes distant with dreams. We’ll talk about the future there, too. What if children come from this? Divine blood mixed with mortal—your strength, my wisdom, our teasing natures. Little ones running Teyvat ragged, laughing like you, asking endless questions like me.

  He chuckled, though a shadow crossed his face. “If? The Heavenly Principles might test us still. Scrutiny from above, powers that could awaken unchecked. Celestia watches—always has.”

  Nicole cupped his face. Then we’ll be ready. We defied them once. We’ll teach our children the same: love isn’t a weakness. It’s the strongest force in Teyvat.

  Varka pulled her closer, forehead resting against hers. “Imagine it—tiny feet pattering through Mondstadt streets, demanding stories of how their parents outran fate itself.”

  She laughed softly. They’d have your courage and my patience. A terrifying combination.

  The night air carried faint strains of Venti’s lyre from inside—one last ballad for the newlyweds. Varka lifted Nicole’s hand, kissing her knuckles where a simple band of star-forged metal gleamed.

  “To horizons of hope,” he said.

  To every adventure still ahead, she replied.

  They stepped back into the hall one final time to bid farewell to their guests, then vanished into the moonlight—two souls bound, unbound by curses, ready to chase the dawn across Teyvat together. The after-party faded behind them, but the promise of tomorrow burned brighter than any star.