Shadow Slave: A Supreme Bond (Sunphis Wedding One-Shot)

The streets were alive with celebration. A sea of lights and decorations stretched across the city, casting a warm glow over the joyous crowds. People moved through the avenues in elegant attire, laughter and music filling the air.

Tonight was not just any occasion—it was the greatest celebration the world had seen in years.

As dusk settled, a grand wedding hall stood illuminated on the outskirts of the city, away from the clamor of civilization. Here, beneath the vast sky, surrounded by peaceful serenity, an event unlike any other was about to take place. Soon, this place would become a gathering ground for the most powerful and influential figures in the world.

But for now, aside from a few servants and waiters, as well as Rain who was overseeing the preparations, only three people occupied the vast, gilded expanse of the hall—Sunny, Kai, and Ling's father.

"I'll check the stage and the sound system again," Kai announced, striding toward the stands.

"And I'll take another look at the banquet arrangements," Ling's father added, making his way toward the stalls. Even though everything had been meticulously prepared, a restless need for perfection had gripped them all.

Sunny, however, knew there was no need for that. His sister had likely checked every detail a dozen times over.

So, he made his way to the reserved seating area and settled into a comfortable position on the couch.

He exhaled slowly, staring at the entrance of the hall.

"It's finally time," he murmured to himself.

His fingers brushed against the sleeve of his perfectly tailored suit, but he barely registered the sensation. His mind was elsewhere. Emotions swirled within him—anticipation, joy, an almost unbearable giddiness. He could feel it now, creeping into his bones—the weight of this moment, of everything it meant.

Any second now, Nephis would walk through that entrance, accompanied by their friends.

His lips curled into a small, expectant smile as he sensed movement in the shadows beyond the doors.

Footsteps.

His heart pounded faster.

She was close. Nephis was close.

Just a few more steps, and—

"Well, well, look at this doofus!"

A loud, boisterous voice shattered the moment like a splash of cold water.

Sunny clenched his jaw. "Effie."

"Getting restless to see your princess, are we?" Effie teased as she stepped into the hall, smirking.

Ignoring her, Sunny shot a look past her shoulder. "Why are you here alone? Where's Nephis?"

Effie snorted, waving him off. "Relax, will you? She's not going anywhere."

Her eyes flicked toward the banquet section, where her husband was still inspecting the food stalls. Immediately, her focus shifted.

"Ooooh, babe! Grab a plate for me!"

Before Sunny could blink, Effie had already dashed toward her next objective, leaving only a swirl of dust in her wake.

Sunny sighed. He turned his attention back to the entrance just as another shadow appeared—no, two.

'Nephis and Cassie. It must be Nephis and Cassie.'

The footsteps drew closer. His breath hitched. Any moment now, and—

"Uncle Sunny, you look amazing!"

A small figure barreled toward him, wrapping tiny arms around his waist with surprising strength.

Sunny blinked.

The child clinging to him was absurdly beautiful—his features too perfect for his age, his radiant eyes gleaming with youthful mischief.

Behind him, a delicate young woman approached with measured grace, her flowing gown swaying with the breeze. Pale golden hair framed her face, her lips curved in an amused smile beneath a familiar blindfold.

Cassie.

Sunny exhaled, then smiled, resting a hand on the boy's head.

"You look stunning yourself, little Ling."

Ling pulled back with an exaggerated pout. "I'm not little anymore! I'm ten now!" He raised his tiny fist with determination. "And I'm strong!"

Sunny chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair.

Ling's attention, however, had already drifted elsewhere. His eyes locked onto Effie, who was currently stacking her plate with an alarming amount of food. His expression lit up.

"Mama! Grab a plate for me too!"

And with that, he was gone, racing toward her without a second thought.

Sunny shook his head, unable to hold back a grin.

As he turned his attention to the blind woman before him, an exasperated sigh escaped his lips.

"Why are you here alone? Where is Nephis?" he repeated, barely masking his impatience.

Cassie smiled, shaking her head. "Getting restless, are we?" Her voice carried quiet amusement. "She just wanted to check her dress one last time before coming here. Not that it was necessary—we spent the entire evening making sure everything was perfect."

Tilting her head slightly, she added, "Your suit looks beautiful, by the way. Since when did your fashion sense improve?"

Sunny exhaled. "Kai picked it."

"Figures," Cassie chuckled. "Both you and Nephis are the same."

Sunny's brow twitched, but before he could retort, his expression shifted. His eyes lit up.

Another shadow appeared at the entrance. This time, he knew exactly who it was.

As the soft echo of footsteps drew closer, his pulse quickened. A sudden urge to check his appearance overtook him, ensuring nothing was out of place. Then, as he lifted his gaze once more, his breath caught in his throat.

There, standing at the entrance, was a vision so breathtaking that for a moment, the entire world seemed to fall silent.

Nephis.

She was adorned in a gown that seemed almost ethereal—woven from the light of the stars themselves. The fabric cascaded down her figure in soft, flowing layers, shimmering faintly with every movement, as if touched by moonlight. Delicate silver embroidery traced intricate patterns along the edges, reminiscent of flames frozen in time.

But even the finest dress in existence could not outshine the woman wearing it.

Her silver hair spilled over her shoulders like a waterfall of stardust, glowing faintly beneath the hall's warm lights. And then there were her eyes softened with a familiar warmth. She stood there, watching him, an expectant gleam in her gaze.

'How do I look?' she seemed to ask without words.

Sunny stood up instinctively.

For a moment, language failed him. Words seemed meaningless, inadequate. How was he supposed to describe something beyond beauty itself?

In the end, only three words escaped his lips.

"You are beautiful."

A faint pink hue touched her pale cheeks. Her lips curled into a soft smile, and without hesitation, she stepped forward.

With effortless grace, she coiled her arm around his elbow.

"And so are you," she murmured.

A quiet stillness settled over them.

Their gazes held, neither willing to look away, as if trying to carve this moment into eternity. The world around them faded into insignificance—there was only the two of them, standing side by side, bathed in the last glow of dusk.

Then, a voice cut through their trance.

"Alright, that's enough staring," Cassie interrupted, shattering the spell. "The guests will be here soon. You should take your seats."

As he sat down beside her, his lips twitched into an uncontrollable smile. The lingering heat settled in his ears, and his heart still beat a bit too fast.

He took in a long breath and exhaled, calming down a little.

As he glanced toward the entrance, the last traces of dusk had vanished beyond the horizon. A moonlit night had taken over the world.

And outside the hall, shadows began to move. The first guests arrived.

"Congratulations on your wedding!"

"May the two of you live happily ever after!"

"This is the most auspicious day in our history!"

One after another, voices filled the hall. Applause rippled through the space as people stepped forward, offering gifts, bowing respectfully, exchanging words of blessing. The room soon swelled with movement and sound—chatter and laughter, the clinking of glasses, the soft hum of music mingling with the rich aroma of the lavish feast.

Everywhere he looked, there were familiar faces. Friends who had walked the long, treacherous path with them. Allies made along the way. As well as representatives of various clans and factions, and figures of immense influence.

In a matter of minutes, the grand hall had transformed into a vibrant, thriving sea of voices and motion.

And this...

This was only the beginning of a long, unforgettable night.