The altar stood beneath floor-to-ceiling glass panels, the ocean stretching beyond them like a moving painting. As the ceremony began, sunlight drifted slowly across the space, warm and steady, as if the sky itself was offering a quiet blessing to Ares and Winona. A soft breeze brushed through the venue, carrying the faint scent of saltwater.

The officiant turned to Ares. “Are you ready to recite your vows?”

Ares nodded and pulled a small paper from his pocket. Winona let out a breath ...