Narinder was surprised to see Aym and Baal enter his Domain again. He had been sure the twins meant to abandon their duty. He sat up on his throne, watching them approach and smirked a little at the sight of their bow.

"We have returned, Master." Aym said carefully. Narinder stood up, looking down upon them. When he did not speak, the servant continued. "Please forgive our transgressions. We wish to repent."

"I see… Am I correct in assuming Baal has surmounted his jealousy then?"

"Yes, Master. You have my sincere apology for the foolish behavior. It was dishonorable, and unacceptable, it will not happen again." Baal promised.

"Very well, I accept. Do not fail me again."

"Yes, Master!" The two swore in unison.

"You may stand…" Narinder granted and they obliged, standing before him.

"I feel it is prudent that I reiterate my orders. You are not, under any circumstances, to discuss the goings on in my Domain with anyone outside of it. Not the Lamb, not Nykka, not a soul."

"Yes, Master." They repeated with a nod.

"You have been told, I am sure, that Nykka and I struck an accord. You have been informed that I agreed not to harm either of you, or the Lamb. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Master." The twins spoke again, it was almost robotic. Narinder felt deep satisfaction in their behavior.

"Be warned, I am on the cusp of breaking this infernal tie between Nykka and I. I nearly resisted her, and with a little more power, I am sure I can overcome her manipulations. That said, once I am free of her control, I will be free to do as I please once more. Meaning, I will be free to punish further disobedience as I see fit. Is that understood?"

"We understand, Master!" Narinder nodded.

"In your absence, I have considered my recent actions. I have decided that I acted rashly, and was unfair in my harsh punishments. For that, I apologize." The twins were silent, seeming unsure how to respond to an apology. "Make no mistake, I will not hesitate to kill you for acts such as treason. But, minor failures should not grant such a harsh sentence. It would be foolish of me to kill you so easily, you both are an asset to me as of now."

"Thank you, Master." Aym said, bowing appreciatively.

"I will still allow you to leave in times when my need for you is scarce. For now, I will require you both to bring me more Followers. I need twenty for what I have planned."

"Yes, Master!" They bowed.

"Go now, return when you are finished." He ordered and they instantly obeyed, rushing off side by side. Narinder watched them leave then looked out to his grounds. He would soon construct his temple, as he knew Nykka would do the same. Additionally, he knew he must surpass her power in order to resist her control. For that, he would need to sacrifice many Followers, something she would not be able to do herself due to her vows. This was the edge he had over her, for sacrifice gave far more devotion than love and prayer alone. And that was all she had.

Narinder was careful about how he used the Followers his servants sent to him. He wanted to maintain at least thirty to efficiently fill his shrine, therefore he waited until six had arrived to replace those sacrificed during his most recent fight with the Lamb. After those initial six, he was able to begin his rise over Nykka. The God stood from his throne and pointed his scythe towards one of the many Followers at his shrine.

"You there, Follower! Approach." He ordered coldly. The creature in question stood without hesitation, running to their Master and bowing before him.

"How may I serve you, Master?"

"I require your life." Narinder said in a low tone. "Kneel before me, give yourself to my cause."

"Yes, Master, anything for you, Master!" The Follower insisted and kneeled before him, their hands clasped together as they prayed. Narinder raised his scythe only to let it fall upon the Follower's neck. Blood sprayed forth, splattering against the white floor. Their mask fell away to reveal the head of a bear, rolling over the ground. The moment the bear's head left their shoulders, white devotion gushed from their limp body, streaming into Narinder and filling him with a great surge of power. The Bishop grinned as the electric sensation overtook him, and he eagerly pointed his scythe towards the next victim.

"Come! Give your life for my greatness!" Narinder went on a near frenzy, sacrificing Follower after Follower. It took tremendous restraint to prevent himself from going overboard. He had taken himself down to eleven Followers and forced himself to stop for fear of weakening his progress in the future. He had intended to perform these sacrifices slowly for the sake of efficiency, but the feeling of power was far too intoxicating to deny. He knew this effort had done wonders for his potential. The Bishop could hardly wait to test his newfound strength on Nykka, to challenge the hold she maintained over his heart. It was not the time though, he knew it. He must wait until all the Followers Aym and Baal were to recruit would arrive. Then, and only then, he would try his luck with Nykka.

Narinder tasks each of his new Followers with prayer to replace those he had sacrificed so recklessly. Before the week was out, he had regained the thirty Followers he required. Once his shrine had filled with devotion, it erupted in a black flame. Narinder stood, his black Doctrine appearing in his left hand. He raised his right, and devotion began pouring from the marble statue. The white wisps shot into him, filling him with more power still. After he claimed every ounce of devotion the shrine had to offer, his Doctrine disappeared. With the strength he had amassed, he felt he was finally ready to construct his temple. Narinder walked well away from his throne, and turned to look upon it. His crown shifted into a scythe, and he gripped it in his hand. The God took a breath to hone his concentration before tapping his scythe on the ground. At that moment, a massive black portal ripped open across the ground. It swirled and hissed as a building began to rise from its inky depths. It was composed of black marble, shimmering in the white light of the void surrounding his Domain. The temple stretched on and on, fifty, a hundred, two hundred feet and growing. It seemed nearly endless, towering menacingly over the ant-like Followers below. When the portal closed, it had reached a height of nearly five hundred feet. It was far larger than the Lamb's meager temple which seemed more like a hut in comparison. As Narinder looked upon it in awe, he realized his desire for power had truly outdone his own imagination. This was no temple, far from it. This was a cathedral. It had big, beautiful, black arches, windows framed in gold, and four magnificent towers at each corner. Gorgeous, ornate gold designs were present over the building's exterior, adding to the grandiose effect. Most impressive of all, was the tall spire at the center of the building, that ascended high into the void above. The massive double doors were made of ebony wood, beautifully framed in an archway of gold. Narinder waved a hand and they parted to allow him entrance. Tall pillars lined his atrium, and continued on to the narthex, and then through the even more impressive nave. Dozens of ebony pews sat neatly in aisles ready to be filled by his Followers to either side of the long nave. A grand altar under its golden ambulatory had been raised just above the white marble bema. White candles lit with a blue flame sat in golden holders to either side of the table. His throne awaited him there, it had become larger, and decorated with intricate gold designs during its metamorphosis. The entire building was alight in a cool blue flame, sconces and grand chandeliers were all glowing with the otherworldly light. Narinder could hardly contain his excitement, the cathedral seemed almost too good to be true. After a long while spent examining the building and its many rooms, he exited. Just as he stepped back out, he noticed his servants approaching. The twins were looking up at the building, utterly amazed. Narinder chuckled to himself as they kneeled before him.

"I am pleased with your efforts…" Narinder praised them with a grin. "I have one more request for today, then you may retire to your cabin." He motioned to the largest of the Follower dwellings.

"As you wish, Master." Baal said, his tone held a hint of relief.

"Call upon Nykka for me. Tell her that I wish to see her. Tell her..." He thought a moment, "Tell her that I miss her." They were taken aback by this order, so much so that they each hesitated to answer.

"Yes, Master." Aym said finally while they stood.

"Remember your orders, do not speak of anything I have done, or I have tasked you to do."

"Of course, Master." Baal assured him as they bowed. His servants left quickly, with an eagerness that hinted towards their desire to rest. The Bishop knew it would be a matter of minutes before he'd see Nykka again. What would she say about his cathedral? About his apparent spike in power? Would she fear him? Some evil part of him hoped she would. She had caused him so much distress in the way she forced control over his emotions. He had become so bitter over her incessant interventions. He hated the way she controlled him, it reminded him of his incarceration. The same bitter hatred that had plagued his heart had reignited the moment she stopped him from killing the Lamb. He desired revenge, to make her feel as helpless as he had felt. He wanted to see her squirm, it would be a pleasant change in their dynamic.

Narinder perked up when the familiar flash of golden light appeared within his Domain. He looked in the direction of it, and was pleased to see Nykka had already noticed the massive building before her.

"Oh, my… Narinder, it's-" She muttered as she walked up to him, her eyes still aimed up at the cathedral. "It's magnificent, however did you do it?"

"It was simple…" Narinder shrugged humbly, "I am sure your temple is just as grand."

"Oh, no. Not at all…" The white cat admitted, finally looking at him. "It is quite beautiful, but nowhere near this glorious."

"I appreciate your approval, darling." He purred, and offered his arm to her. "Shall I show you inside?" Nykka nodded and took hold of his arm to be guided within.

"Yes, I'd like that…" She smiled, kissing his cheek.

"Very well… Come." He entered the cathedral with her, and they walked through it slowly so she could take in every detail of it.

"How many Followers do you have?" She asked as she examined the many pews.

"Only thirty as of now, I plan to expand in the coming weeks."

"You managed all this with thirty Followers?"

"Recall that my methods differ from yours, Nykka." He explained in a kind tone, "I have means of gaining power that you are not comfortable with doing yourself."

"Right…" Her tone had taken a turn towards hesitation. "I had forgotten. I did promise not to interfere…" She grumbled, "Well, it is quite impressive nevertheless."

"Thank you. I have my own room now, I'd like to show you…" He purred, and kissed her cheek tenderly. "I have missed you terribly, my love." Nykka blushed at the implications of this.

"I've missed you too… But, Narinder, we have been somewhat at odds as of late."

"Yes, and I wish to repent for my behavior. I have been working on it, and I apologized to my servants. I may have made a deal not to harm them, but I will tell you I have had no desire to do so again. Thank you for interfering, love. It would have been a terrible mistake. It was foolish of me, I am embarrassed of my behavior. All for such silly reasons."

"You are welcome." Nykka smiled a little, her defenses dropping. "If you struggle with your feelings in that way, you should come to me. I can help ease them, you know that."

"Yes, of course." The dark Bishop smiled. "I love you, Nykka. I am sorry I put you under such stress, I do not deserve such a kind woman on my arm."

"It is fine, there was no real harm done." A rosy blush remained on her cheeks, a sign his praise had its desired effect.

"Your forgiveness means everything to me." Narinder purred. "Shall I show you to my room, darling?"

"Very well, love." She agreed, a sweet smile upon her face. With her permission granted, he led her through an archway that opened to a grand hall. Many doors lined this hallway, the largest of them stood at the end. Through this door was an elegant and fully furnished master bedroom. A black and gold marble fireplace was already alight in the same blue flame seen throughout the cathedral. Another wall was completely hidden by a massive white bookshelf that had been filled to the brim with an abundance of reading materials. A white armchair sat in front of the fireplace. Made of the same material was the loveseat placed underneath a tall stained glass window. A door stood against the adjacent wall, it led to a personal bathroom. The outstanding feature of this room was, of course, the bed. It was an exceptionally large four poster, fit to accommodate both tall Bishops. The black posts were elegantly draped in a set of sheer, white hangings. The bed itself looked plush and comfortable, dressed in the most extravagant bedding. Soft, beautifully designed black blankets glittered with their decorative golden stitching. Nykka's golden eyes glanced about the room as she took it all in. "It is beautiful, Nari." She smiled, looking at her lover.

"I am pleased you think so, Love." He said as he released her arm. Nykka stepped away from him to admire the artwork hanging along the walls and above the mantle.

"Even with sacrifices, this is all beyond exceptional. I cannot fathom how you were able to create all of this."

"In time, you will have the same level of power, Nykka. I am sure of it." At the mention of power, she stiffened a little. In silence, she strode back to him, and rested a hand upon his chest. Immediately, he could feel it. Prickling electricity seemed to emanate from her touch, searching him. Inwardly, he denied her efforts. The prickling dulled as he closed himself to her, no longer able to be affected by her abilities. A surge of excitement coursed through him, but he maintained his composure as if he hadn't noticed her attempts at all. Nykka pulled her hand away and looked up at him, a flicker of worry apparent in her glowing eyes. "Is everything alright, darling?" He furrowed his brow in an expression of feigned worry.

"I-..." She took a step back away from him and glanced down at her hand. It glowed subtly, which only confused her further. "I cannot feel you."

"I see…" He reached out, taking her hands gently. "Perhaps it is due to my rise in power." Narinder theorized as if he hadn't already known the truth. "Do not fret, darling." She did not look at him, instead staring at the fireplace with that same worried expression. "My dear…" Narinder smiled, squeezing her hands. "I feel this is a blessing, you will need to put your trust in me. I will not fail you."

"But what- what if you falter? If you attempt to harm them, I would not know." She spoke softly, her ears laying flat in distress.

"I will not break my deal with you, Nykka." He kissed her head softly. "Trust me… Trust me as I trust you."

"Very well." She gave in, looking up at him finally. "I will trust you." Narinder wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"Thank you, I promise I will not fail you, darling." She slipped her arms over his shoulders, hugging him in return.

"I love you…" She spoke softly, nuzzling against his neck.

"I love you too." He pulled back just enough to kiss her. For a moment, she hesitated, but soon melted into his arms. With this final submission, Narinder knew he had finally broken free of her. He was once more free to rule his Domain as he pleased, to treat his servants as he pleased, there was nothing she could do to stop him. The profound satisfaction of this revelation caused him to deepen their kiss in his single-sided celebration. He wished to consummate this victory, and it seemed Nykka was willing to oblige. Narinder ran his hands along the Bishop's curves, a sweet moan issued from her as she broke their kiss. "May I have you, darling?" He asked as his hands began to pull at the strings fastening the back of her robes. Nykka nodded, her face going red.

"You may…" Narinder nodded, adeptly loosening the strings of her robes so he could easily slip them off her body. She made no objection as he disrobed her, rather she pressed a passionate kiss to his lips as she worked to undress him in return. Once he was down to his trousers alone, she ran her hand over his lap, her fingers closing around the pulsing member within. He huffed, and with great restraint, moved her hand away.

"I wish to try something with you, Nykka." She looked up at him, a lustful curiosity in her eyes.

"Try what…?" In lieu of an explanation, he led her to the bed and climbed into it after her. He moved over her, and took hold of her hands. Narinder raised them above her head, when he released her, ghostly shackles had taken their place. Her wrists had been bound together and again to the bed frame so she could not lower them. Nykka seemed surprised, a glint of fear in her eyes. His heart lurched at this, the same twisted excitement bubbling deep within him. He took her cheek in a hand, gently having her look up at him.

"Trust me, darling, I would never harm you." Her hips shifted, and he could easily feel the heat her face was giving off. He could not deny the small smirk that appeared on his lips, "Do you like this?"

"I- I…" She was at odds with herself, visibly struggling to decipher her own feelings. He did not rush her, though he did run his free hand along her inner thigh. Nykka huffed softly, instinctively pulling at her restraints.

"Come now, darling…" He purred as his fingers drifted dangerously close to her heat. "I cannot continue without your consent. It appears as if you are enjoying yourself." He chuckled, watching her squirm helplessly beneath his touch. It was all very fitting given his newfound freedom. "But, how can I know for certain if you do not communicate with me?" Truthfully, it was not consent he was after, rather it was the control. To force her to admit something she very clearly did not wish to admit. "So, I shall ask again…" She tried to look away from him, but he took her chin with his index and thumb, forcing her to keep eye contact. "Do you enjoy being bound?"

"Yes…" She finally spoke, her voice barely audible.

"Wonderful…" To reward her for her admission, he ran his fingers up her slit before slowly rubbing the Bishop's clit. She moaned in response, her back arching up as she pulled on her bonds. He took a sick pleasure in the way she squirmed, he had spent a thousand years bound in this very Domain. To bind another, and have total control over them, was a pleasure far more gratifying than sex alone. Still though, he did not mind using her this way, it was certainly an adequate bonus. Unable to resist temptation any longer, he pulled back to unfasten his trousers and remove them. His stiff erection sprang free, proving just how eager he was to dominate the once formidable Bishop. Narinder lifted her legs, pushing them back with his hands on the back of her thighs. He spread them wide and took a long moment to admire the sight before him.

"Nari…?" Nykka asked, her voice breaking the hungry trance he had been in. He nearly snapped at her for the rude intrusion, but stopped himself just before he spoke. Instead, he forced a gentle tone.

"...yes?"

"You will not be too rough with me, will you?" She spoke carefully, seeming a bit unnerved. Narinder bit the inside of his cheek, keeping himself in check was proving harder than he originally thought it would be.

"Of course not, Nykka. As I said, I will not harm you."

"Right…" she nodded nervously. "It is just, well, I cannot feel you, and it worries me."

"Trust me, Nykka." He sighed, impatient with her complaints. "If I do something that makes you uncomfortable, you need only tell me."

"Very well… Thank you." She seemed satisfied with this, which was lucky as Narinder was unsure how much longer he could stand the idle chatter. He shifted to position the tip of his member at her entrance. Without a word of warning, he pushed into her. The entire length of his erection sliding into her in one deep thrust. She gasped sharply when she felt him hit her cervix, and the shackles jingled as she yanked them subconsciously. "Ah! N- Nari…!" Nykka shouted her surprise, her legs trembling under his tight grip. As she did not explicitly express her displeasure, he did not pause for long. Within seconds, he had begun thrusting at a steady pace. Nykka was rigid, wincing and huffing as she desperately tried to adjust to his size. Whether she was overwhelmed, or just being stubborn he did not know. She did not seem to be enjoying the rough treatment as much as she usually did, yet she did not make any real efforts to stop him. It made no difference to him though, he was enjoying himself deeply. The way her hot, unprepared insides squeezed him was intoxicating. He did not give her much time to adjust to this pace, he only waited long enough for the first truly pleasurable moans to escape her before he intensified his movements. He pushed her legs back further, then moved over her so he could fuck her more deeply. He thrusted faster, ramming as far into her as he could manage. The bed groaned with each powerful downward thrust, and Nykka screamed out loudly. He fully expected her protest now, but to his surprise, she did not. "N- Narinder~!" She cried out his name in the form of a boisterous moan. "Ah~!" A devilish grin appeared on Narinder's face, and he slowed just enough to speak properly.

"You truly enjoy being bound?"

"Yes…!" She huffed, seeming much more eager to admit it this time around.

"Would you like more, Nykka?" As he asked this, he intentionally rammed directly into her g-spot. She screamed in pleasure, her back arching.

"Yes, Nari~! Give me more!"

"Very well." He chuckled, pulling out of her. She panted heavily, finally relaxing. The shackles binding her wrists disappeared so he could change her position. "Onto your knees then, love…" Nykka obeyed the order, getting onto her knees as he instructed, her back to him. He took her hands, placing them behind her back. The shackles reappeared, binding them together. Then, a collar made of the same ghostly metal appeared on her neck, a long, thin chain jingling against her back. He took the chain, wrapping it once around his hand for a better grip. He gave it a yank, causing Nykka to jerk backwards a bit with a squeak of surprise. Narinder grinned at this response and pulled the chain steadily so the collar would squeeze her throat. Nykka moaned weakly, her hips shifting. "You want me badly, don't you?"

"I do…" She muttered, taking a deep breath when he allowed the chain some slack. He pressed his free hand against her back, having her lay her chest against the bed.

"I wish for you to call me 'Master'." He said softly, running his hand over her hips.

"I- I don't-" Narinder yanked the chain suddenly to interrupt her protest.

"If you want me to continue, you will do as I ask." He gave the ultimatum as he smacked her ass. She huffed, shifting under his control.

"Y- Yes, Master…" She agreed finally, apparently unable to resist.

"Good." He chuckled, and readied himself at her entrance once more. A whine of anticipation escaped her, and she wiggled her hips. He pressed his tip into her, but only the tip. A louder whine of protest sounded from the white Bishop. "Beg…" He ordered, gripping her hip to hold her still as she tried to push back against him.

"Pl- please, Master…" She muttered by the pillows, clearly embarrassed. Narinder yanked her chain hard, forcing her to rise up so she could not hide her voice.

"Again." He growled.

"I-! Please, Master~!" A grin spread over his face and he pulled the chain tighter, intent on choking her.

"You are mine then, Nykka?"

"Y- Yes." She muttered, huffing when he finally loosened the tension on her collar. Satisfied and unable to hold back his urges, he slammed into her. He gave her absolutely no time to prepare as he began ramming her hard. Nykka screamed and moaned, matching her movements to his so she could intensify the already powerful thrusts. Amidst her cries of pleasure, he caught a few of the jumbled words she tried to string together. At the sound of 'Master' he lost all control. He lifted one of her legs and began pounding into her as hard and fast as he possibly could. She screamed, her voice becoming heavily strained as he pulled the chain hard enough to cause her head to snap back. Nykka suddenly went rigid, her insides gripping him tight as her fluids gushed forth. She cried out desperately as her orgasm ran its course. He did not let up even as she came back down. He was painfully close to his own climax and was determined to hold it off as long as he could, not wanting this moment of complete control to end.

"Scream for me, Nykka!" He ordered in the form of a mean growl.

"M- Master~!" She obeyed, though not well enough. He slapped her ass hard, and yanked her collar.

"Louder!" He demanded.

"Ah! Master~!" She screamed loud enough to satisfy him. He could not hold himself back any longer. He slammed into her powerfully as he reached his climax, his member pressed flush against her cervix as a thick load of cum filled her. Narinder finally relaxed, pulling out of her with a huff. He sat back to catch his breath, watching as his semen dripped from her entrance in viscous, white drops. Nykka was visibly trembling, and even as he released his curse, she hardly moved. After a long moment filled with only the sound of their labored breaths, she finally laid down on her side, one of her hands resting over her pounding heart. Narinder stood from the bed with his trousers in hand and went to the bathroom to clean himself up. When he returned, he was once again covered from the waist down. He handed a towel to Nykka so she could clean up the mess he had left behind.

"Nari, that- that was amazing…" She said as she handed the soiled towel back to him.

"I am pleased you enjoyed yourself." He tossed it aside carelessly and sat down on the edge of the bed, looking down upon her. "I was not too rough?"

"At first, I was worried, but… I must admit I enjoyed it." She sat up, and felt her throat which was evidently a bit sore.

"Will you marry me?" Narinder asked in a casual tone. Nykka froze at the very sudden question. She looked at him, her lips parted as if she were going to speak, but no words came forth. "I love you, and I'd like you to be my wife." He explained, reaching down to take her hand.

"I-... Narinder, this is so sudden."

"I see no reason why we should wait. We are meant for eachother, we have both reclaimed our Domains, amassed exceptional power. A union is only fitting." He did not mention it, but he was also sure a marriage would grant him even more power. Perhaps more control of the white Bishop as well. When Nykka did not respond, he asked again. "Will you be my wife, Nykka?"

"Yes…" She answered finally, a smile appearing on her face. "I will…" Narinder nodded and leaned over to kiss her tenderly. When it was broken, he felt her cheek for a moment.

"Then we shall marry tomorrow. We will have the ritual here, in my cathedral. You may bring your Followers, of course."

"Very well, Nari…" She put her arms around him, hugging him close and nuzzling up against his cheek. When she pulled back, she had a grin of excitement on her face. "Oh…!" She exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Bharadei can officiate."

"Bharadei…?" Narinder raised a brow at the suggestion. He did not like the idea of Nykka's Faith Enforcer officiating.

"Yes, I am sure she would be happy to do it."

"No offense, darling, but I get the feeling Bharadei does not approve of our relationship. I think it would be more fitting if Aym and Baal officiate."

"What makes you say that…?" Nykka asked, a small frown on her face.

"Bharadei has told me she does not approve, and I am inclined to believe she despises me. I cannot blame her though, I have done horrible things in my past. I just think it would be best if my servants take on the task."

"Alright, she is still going to attend though, we have become quite close."

"I have no objections to who you choose to bring, love." He kissed her head. Nykka nodded and stood up from the bed, she gathered her white robes to begin dressing. Narinder watched her for a moment, a bit confused. "Are you leaving?"

"Oh, yes, there is plenty I need to take care of in my own Domain."

"When will you return?"

"I will return for our wedding, darling." She smiled, leaning down to give him a kiss. "Shall we have it at sunrise?"

"If that is what you desire." He stood to slip his arms around her waist. "I can transform the rest of my Domain if it would be to your liking. I grow tired of this white void." He chuckled.

"That sounds wonderful." She leaned up to give him a final kiss. "I should be going now…" She stepped back, "I love you."

"I love you too…" Moments later, she had disappeared in that familiar column of golden light.

The twins stepped out of their cabin upon being called by the black orb Narinder sent for them. Baal had nearly fallen into the babbling creek that had appeared right in front of their door, Aym had to catch him by the arm. The two looked around, deeply confused by the dramatic change in landscape. The once white void had shifted to a maple forest, the entire cult placed neatly in a clearing with a creek bordering the Follower cabins. The two hurried on to the massive cathedral where Narinder awaited them just outside the massive doors.

"You called, Master?" Aym asked, looking a bit tired.

"I need you two to memorize this." Narinder explained, his black Doctrine laying open in his hands. He handed the book over to Aym, and Baal leaned over to look at it. It was open to the page describing his marriage ritual. He had revised it to fit his union with Nykka, adding a more personal touch to the otherwise basic speech. "Nykka and I are to be wed tomorrow at sunrise. You two will be officiating the wedding."

"Uh… Congratulations, Master…" Baal said, glancing back at Narinder with a look of confoundment.

"Thank you." He found their confusion humorous. "I proposed to her not long ago, I believe this marriage will increase my power further." A look of understanding dawned on both their faces. "Once we are wed, you both are to refer to her as 'Mistress', is that understood?"

"Yes, Master." The servants nodded.

"While I will require you to follow any orders she may give you, be warned that my orders shall still take priority."

"Of course, Master." Aym nodded.

"Very well. Go now, memorize the ritual. We will be wed in my cathedral."

"Yes, Master!" They bowed and walked off towards their cabin, the Doctrine still in Aym's hands.

The cathedral bell rang out just before dawn, the once stark white Domain was cast in the velvety black shadow of night. Narinder stood before his altar, his usual black robes switched out for an elegant set of ceremonial robes. They were black, with delicate gold stitching and golden hems. He watched as his Followers filed silently into the massive building filling the pews to the right of the temple as he instructed them the evening prior. Aym and Baal were last to enter, the twins looked nervous. Rightfully so, the consequences for ruining the ritual would be severe, surely they were aware of that. The two approached Narinder, bowing respectfully.

"Have you memorized it?" He asked, looking between them.

"Yes, Master…" Aym assured him.

"I do hope so." He took either twin by the shoulder and pulled them along to stand behind the altar. He was about to speak when the sound of footsteps caught his attention. He turned to see Bharadei striding into the cathedral. The tall, white wolf had a scowl on her face as she walked the length of the nave. She was followed by a crowd of Followers all dressed in white. Nykka's Followers were maskless, their weary or otherwise awe-stricken expressions clearly visible. Bharadei sat in the front pew on the left side, an expression of deepest loathing pointed at Narinder. He disregarded her and looked back to his servants as the rest of his fiancé's Followers took their seats. "Baal, you have the rings?"

"Yes, Master." Baal said, flashing the ring box he held in his free hand.

"Do not fail me." He narrowed his eyes in warning. They bowed.

"We will not, Master." Narinder nodded and took his place in front of the altar again, he glanced at one of the large, gold-framed windows. The sky had shifted to a steel gray, sunrise would be upon them within minutes. A golden light flashed at the end of the nave, revealing Nykka. The Bishop was in a set of ceremonial robes to mirror his own. White, with golden threading and matching hems. She smiled beneath her threaded veil upon seeing him and began to stride up the nave. He felt his cheeks heat up at the sight of her. He had nearly forgotten how much he used to care for her. That part of himself, the part he had been trying to suppress as of late, had reared its head once more. He felt a twinge of anger directed towards himself. He could not allow himself to become affectionate, not again. It would only weaken his efforts. He forced the feelings down as she stepped up the bema, stopping to stand before the altar at his side. With Nykka now in her place, Aym began to speak. Narinder was relieved to see he had taken the primary role, as Baal would surely fumble the ritual.

"On this glorious summer morning, we gather to celebrate the union of two Gods. Life and Death shall coalesce in the pinnacle of fate's design. Even among the Gods, love is a divine unifier, a universal truth shared between all beings. For the Bishop of Life, Love has transcended time. Her heart has been devoted to but one being, a being who had yet to exist, yet she knew of him. She knew of Death, of his power, his pain, and his wrath. She knew she could calm his anger, and ease his suffering. She knew that, if she only waited, she may come to save his weary soul. So she waited, she waited for centuries in the hope that she may meet her love, and be united with him at long last. On one freezing winter night, by the power of fate's design, Death happened upon her cottage. On that day, Life and Death had finally met. A prophecy fulfilled. Death did not know of Life, he did not know of her warmth. He did not know of her kindness, nor her grace. He did not know then that Life was everything he had ever craved. She eased his suffering, she eased his wrath. She completed him. Today, he repays the gift she has given him. Today, he shall unite with her in the way Life always dreamed." Aym paused at that moment, and in the silence Nykka sniffled softly. Tears of happiness had begun slipping down her cheeks. Baal held out a black ring box, and opened it to reveal two golden rings. One had a brilliant onyx set in the center of it, and smaller onyx stones going halfway down the sides of the band. The other mirrored it, but moonstone replaced the onyx of the first ring. Narinder took the onyx ring from the box, and Nykka took the moonstone. Aym continued speaking, this time addressing Narinder. "Do you, Narinder, Bishop of Death, take Nykka, Bishop of Life, as your sacred wife? On this day, do you vow to honor her, to cherish her in sorrow and in joy 'till the end of time?"

"I do." Narinder vowed as he took Nykka's left hand, gently placing the onyx ring onto her finger. Baal took his turn to speak, and he addressed Nykka.

"Do you, Nykka, Bishop of Life, take Narinder, Bishop of Death, as your sacred husband? On this day, do you vow to honor him, to cherish him, in sorrow and in joy 'til the end of time?"

"I do…" Nykka smiled warmly and placed the moonstone ring onto Narinder's left ring finger. Baal went on after she had finished her task.

"We hereby ask all Followers to stand, so we may rejoice in this union." With this, the sound of shifting robes filled the room as every Follower in the cathedral stood from their pews. The twins waited for silence to fall again before speaking in unison.

"In the name of the Black Crown, we pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Narinder slipped his arms around Nykka's waist before leaning in to place a deeply passionate kiss upon her lips. An eruption of chants and cheers filled the cathedral, and Narinder could feel devotion pouring into him, he knew Nykka would feel the same. He released his bride once the feeling had subsided. Nykka was smiling at him as she took his hand, squeezing it tightly.