#nktevent

open starter

“You ever think it’s funny,” Malakai mused aloud, mostly to himself but just loud enough for someone nearby to catch, “how people throw parties to celebrate time passing?” His tone wasn’t harsh— just curious, like the thought had snuck up on him and wouldn’t let go. He shifted, straightening as his hands slid into the pockets of his worn jacket. “Feels more like celebrating an achievement that’s inevitable. Time keeps moving whether we do or not.” He glanced toward the clock with a faint smirk. “But I guess there are worse ways to spend it.”

"It's so crazy being here of all places and being engaged," Natalie admitted, looking around the place before her eyes came back to her ring, yet again. She wasn't vain in any way. She would have loved a little piece of string as a ring so long as it came from Erik. It was beautiful and an endless reminder that she was going to marry the love of her life. "This is where Erik and I got together and it's just so full circle!"

Alec stood in the quiet just beyond the doors, the world held at a hush like a breath before sunrise. White tulle spilled around her feet, light as a promise, threaded with gold that caught every flicker of candlelight—like the sun had decided to take human form and say yes. Her hands rested briefly at her waist, instinctive, protective, a secret only she, Jon, and Elsa knew. Two months. A heartbeat inside a heartbeat. Not showing yet, but there—real as the nerves humming through her bones. Someone murmured, They’re ready for you. She nodded, once. Lifted her eyes to the mirror for a final glance. Not to check herself—she already knew who she was—but to remember this version. The woman who had survived, loved, burned, rebuilt. The woman about to walk toward her future. The doors cracked open just enough for her to see Felicity and Marina lining up, all soft curls and gold-trimmed white, tiny suns in their own right. Alec crouched just in time to catch Felicity in a tight hug, pressing her forehead to her daughter’s. “You ready, my star?” she whispered. Felicity nodded solemnly, then immediately grinned like this was the best day of her life. Petals scattered. Laughter fluttered. The girls stepped forward. And then— The music shifted. The doors opened wide. Everyone stood. Phones lifted. Hands flew to mouths. Tears fell freely, shamelessly. Somewhere, someone sobbed like they’d been waiting years for this moment. Alec barely noticed. All she saw was Jon. Black and gold. Steady. Beautiful. His eyes locked on hers like gravity remembered its job. The aisle stretched between them, and Alec walked it like it had always belonged to her—measured, luminous, unafraid. When she reached him, she didn’t hesitate. She leaned in just enough, voice barely more than breath. “Hi,” she whispered, smiling like the whole universe had conspired just for this. “You clean up dangerously well.” The officiant began to speak—words about time, about love, about choosing and being chosen. A poem followed, something old and aching and hopeful. Someone sang, voice rising and falling like prayer. Alec heard none of it. She watched Jon’s hands. His mouth when he smiled. The way his eyes softened like he couldn’t believe she was real. Her thumb brushed his knuckles, grounding, familiar. “This part?” she murmured under it all, playful, sure. “This is my favorite part of our story.” And when the world faded back in, when vows waited on the edge of their tongues, Alec stood radiant and anchored and utterly present—already married in every way that mattered. @immcrtalsx

The bass thumped low through the reception hall, dim lights flickering off the sheen of fake blades and too much black fabric. Lily stood between Hen and PJ, a smirk ghosting across her lips as she adjusted the strap of her leather holster—for accuracy, obviously. “Y’know,” she said, voice lilting with a teasing edge, “for a trio of deadly ninja assassins, we’re doing a terrible job blending in.” Her eyes sparkled under the mask as she tipped her head toward the dance floor, where monsters and superheroes were cutting loose without a single ounce of stealth. She leaned in between them, close enough that her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “We could fix that. Silent strike—hit the bar, disappear with a bottle, live to dance another day.” Her grin widened, mischievous now. “What do you say, my lethal loves? One last mission before midnight?” @immcrtalsx & @mcnstercus

The music was loud enough to make the fairy lights tremble, but Quinnelope only heard the sound of his laugh. It still did that thing—lit her up from the inside out, like she was more candle than ghost. The wedding reception glowed around them in shades of amber and champagne, guests swirling in costume, but all she could see was him in those round glasses and rumpled shirt sleeves, hair just the right kind of messy for Milo Thatch. She tugged at the edge of her turquoise skirt, the fabric catching the light like water. “You know,” she teased, stepping close enough that her shoulder brushed his arm, “I think Kida would’ve charged you for a translation by now.” Her grin softened, all warmth and nostalgia. “But I’ll settle for a dance instead.” Her fingers slipped into his, tangible and sure, the faint shimmer of rainlight ghosting across her skin. “You still remember how to waltz, right, Professor?” @immcrtalsx

“Weddings are nice and all but I’m mainly here for the open bar,” she admitted. Although Hecate said she was here for the open bar, she only had two drinks so far and couldn’t take her eyes off of her date. Anyone who had eyes knew the real reason Hecate was here was solely for Adelina. She would never admit that but it was true.

She caught herself staring at him, lost in that dreamy way she couldn’t quite hide. “Look at all the fireworks!” Taelyn exclaimed, her voice a little too bright as she pointed toward the sky. She took a quick, anxious gulp of her drink, hoping Kieran hadn’t noticed how intently she was watching him. “They always make me feel so hopeful, like anything’s possible. What about you; what are you looking forward to most next year?” @mcnstercus