The priest took Darice’s hand into his. Because he was an adult and not a minor child, he, unlike Kalea, had to publicly concur with his adoption. “And do you agree from this day forward to be known solely as Darice Hauk, son of Sumi and Dancer of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk?”

Darice nodded. “Yes, Reverend Father.”

The priest looked at Dancer as he pressed his hand to Darice’s. “And do you, Dancer of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk, accept the son of your wife as yours, and swear to protect him from this day forward as the progeny of your lineage?”

He smiled at Darice and laced his fingers with his. “I do, indeed.”

Tears filled Sumi’s eyes as she saw the bond between them. This is my family…

No, this was part of her family. She glanced over her shoulder at all the others who were gathered there. It was both impressive and terrifying.

Even the little mechanical monkey that was holding on to Devyn and sobbing.

“I just love weddings,” Vik sniffed.

Ignoring the mecha, the priest continued. “Then, before these witnesses and our gods, it is so. Rise and be acknowledged, House of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk. For the four of you before me, and your future children, are the continuation of the two oldest lineages of Andaria. Know that your children will be honored and respected above all, and they will carry on the noblest and best of what it means to be Andarion. May the gods bless you with many, many sons and daughters.”

But before she could stand, Hauk took Sumi’s hand into his and led it to his cheek. Those red, glowing eyes seared her with his sincerity. “For you and our children, Sumi Hauk, I pledge that I will gladly die.”

Sumi placed her other hand over his and shook her head. “We do not accept that pledge from you, mighty War Hauk. Our children and I expect you to live for us.”

He smiled at her. “And that, munatara a la frah, I will always do.”