The church bells rang, echoing a celebration of a grand event that everyone had been awaiting for a very long time.
Everyone was seated in that church — a church unlike any other in our world, whether in religion or appearance. You could say its architecture was a blend of Andalusian mosque design and the ornate decorations of Catholic cathedrals. The only difference: there was neither cross nor crescent to symbolise any Abrahamic faith. Yet it was a vast and magnificent church, large enough to accommodate the entire population of the kingdom — with still more room for anyone who wished to attend this bloody wedding uniting Queen Marsha of the Kingdom of Bujars and her new fiancé, Abdeljalil.
Abdeljalil continued his march toward fulfilling his destiny after witnessing his own end through the Heliam Gate, a portal that revealed countless secrets about him and his wedding.
But the real question remained: Was what he saw the truth, or merely a mirage crafted by wicked hands?
We cannot say for certain… but prepare yourself for what's to come — for the horns of shock and revelation are about to sound.
Marsha's long white gown enhanced her beauty, erasing the ugliness and curse she had long suffered. She waited at the altar for her beloved to arrive and complete the marriage rites to realise her dream of a sacred union with the man she had fallen in love with… without even knowing him.
She took out her ring and stood waiting, speaking with Father Kleham — a man said to be 1500 years old if judged by human years, yet whose face appeared young and innocent. He held the Book of Death in his hands and stood silently until Marsha broke the calm with her voice:
Marsha:
"Do you think he will come? I'm afraid he'll leave me alone at the altar..."
Father Kleham:
"He will come, my lady. He loves you. And you deserve a husband who sees the beauty and virtues you hold."
With a sad tone, her words showed her self-doubt and inner loathing.
Marsha:
"I don't know... We fought. And I don't think I'm beautiful. Look at my skin, my face... I look like a lump of coal walking around."
Before she could finish, the church doors opened. A group of children entered, followed by odd little creatures — resembling rats, but slightly larger and quite frightening. Behind them walked Cirrus, accompanied by Suleiman Agha.
They approached Marsha with calm dignity and bowed slightly in respect.
Cirrus:
"My Queen, I wish you a joyful marriage, many children, and eternal happiness."
Marsha:
"Thank you so much, Sirus. I didn't expect you to come. And… you're not as evil as the legends say."
Cirrus (smirking):
"No, Your Majesty, I am evil… but I like to be kind sometimes. And I couldn't miss this wedding, or Suleiman Agha would kill me."
Suleiman Agha:
"He's my only friend. I wanted to witness his wedding."
Marsha:
"Welcome... Where is he? He didn't run off with that witch, did he?"
Cirrus (chuckling):
"Actually, she's the one bringing him to you — and giving you Abdeljalil forever."
Marsha (in disbelief):
"Christina? Giving him up so easily?"
Suleiman Agha:
"See for yourself..."
Marsha turned toward the church entrance — and was shocked.
Abdeljalil was walking towards her… with Christina holding his arm, smiling, until they reached her.
Christina (smirking):
"Hello, slut. Looks like you won."
Marsha (calmly):
"Yes. I fought for him, unlike you. You had plenty of chances to express your feelings — but you didn't. So you lost the battle... and the war."
Tears welled up in Christina's eyes as she handed over Abdeljalil, now standing face to face with Marsha, while Cirrus stood behind her.
Christina:
"Maybe I lost the battle… but I haven't lost the war yet."
Father Kleham:
"Shall we begin now?"
Marsha:
"Of course…"
Father Kleham (raising the Book of Death):
"We are gathered for this sacred marriage — to unite two cursed souls, bound by love and doom."
Looking at Abdeljalil:
Father Kleham:
"Abdeljalil, do you take Marsha as your cursed wife, in joy and sorrow, until Israfil blows the trumpet?"
Abdeljalil:
"I do..."
Then he turned to Marsha.
Father Kleham:
"Marsha, do you take Abdeljalil as your cursed husband, in joy and sorrow, until Israfil blows the trumpet?"
Marsha (with a wide, loving smile):
"I do, Father Kleham."
Father Kleham:
"By the authority of the Book of Death, I pronounce you cursed husband and wife… until Israfil blows the trumpet. You may kiss the bride."
Marsha placed the ring on Abdeljalil's finger, and he did the same.
Then slowly, Abdeljalil leaned in and kissed her gently. He gazed into her jet-black eyes, softly brushing her golden hair aside.
Abdeljalil:
"I truly love you. I can't believe I fell for someone… cursed."
Marsha:
"And I love you too — so deeply, I'm willing to give you my heart forever."
Jealousy blazed in Christina's chest, though she stayed calm… for now.
Abdeljalil spread his arms and gently lifted Marsha, whispering:
Abdeljalil:
"Fulfil your destiny and complete the prophecy. Take my heart — it's yours."
Christina's jealousy intensified. She pulled out a small knife, hiding it as her eyes widened — for Marsha's skin suddenly turned white as the moon, radiant and glowing. Her eyes turned green.
She had become a celestial beauty.
The curse was broken.
Marsha and the entire kingdom had been freed from their affliction.
Marsha:
"I won't take your heart. Taking it was never part of my plan, nor mentioned in the Heliam Gate.
I've seen our wedding thousands of times before we even met.
The curse is lifted.
Now, we can live a real, true love."
Abdeljalil (smiling):
"Oh… You were beautiful before. But now you're even more so.
In the Heliam Gate, I saw you take my heart… and saw myself betrayed."
Marsha gently placed her hand over his heart:
Marsha:
"I don't need your heart , I already possess it, without taking it.
Maybe someone from the Kingdom of the Bastards tampered with the vision.
But it doesn't matter now…
We are finally married, after so much pain."
Then the ultimate shock.
A hand pierced Abdeljalil's body. His heart was torn out. He stared in horror at it, still beating in that hand, as Marsha screamed in terror at the ghastly sight.
Then Christina cried out, maliciously:
Christina (with wicked glee):
"If you won't take his heart… then I will."
She pulled out the knife and lunged at Marsha, aiming to stab her multiple times.
But someone stepped in the way taking the stabs instead.
He fell into Marsha's arms, bloodied, whispering through his tears:
Abdeljalil:
"Until Israfil blows the trumpet… we are husband and wife."
And then…
Abdeljalil collapsed to the ground, seemingly lifeless.