Tears well up in my eyes as I take the cup from the nýmphá’s hands. My fingers tremble as I raise it to my lips. I’ll have to drink this every moon until the war is over. And it hasn’t even begun yet.
Mina, Naïa, and Essin lower their eyes, giving me the space I need.
The bitter liquid slides down my throat, and the first tear spills over, tracing a hot path down my cheek. I rest my palm on my belly, shut my eyes, and turn my face away. The ache in my chest is unbearable.
It hurts to know I can’t have a baby now, or a pup if I bore a son. But I can’t have either. Not a beautiful girl or a handsome pup. Not while the world burns around us.
The tears fall freely, and I don’t try to stop them. My heart cries with me. Warmth surrounds me, and when I open my eyes, I’m startled to see Elder Aïna’s arms wrapping me in a gentle embrace. She holds me close, her fur soft against my skin.
It’s been so long since I’ve been held like this.
I collapse into her, burying my face in her chest as the tears come harder. Loud, painful sobs rack my body, and I let them.
“You have made the right choice, child,” Elder Aïna murmurs into my hair.
She’s never called mechildbefore. AlwaysEthereal Leader,Lidéren, orYour Majesty—titles that carried distance, making me feel like I stood on a pedestal far from everyone else.
But this single word holds a warmth and closeness I didn’t realize I needed. And I do, truly.
“Thank you,” I whisper into her fur, clinging to her like an actual child. Elder Aïna has been more than a mentor to me. In some ways, she’s filled the void my mother left behind. “Thank you for everything.” I let go of her and turn to the others.
Mina, Naïa, Essin, and the nýmphí stand quietly.
“Thank you, all of you.” My voice is steady despite the tears still streaking my cheeks. I wipe them away with the fabric of my dress and ground myself in the strength of their presence. “Thank you for supporting me, understanding me, and standingby my side. I will fulfill my purpose and make this world a place worth bringing a child into. I will protect all of you with my life.”
Essin bursts into tears, rushing forward to embrace me. The force of her hug almost knocks me back, but I hold her just as fiercely. Mina and Naïa exchange hesitant glances before I smile at them, inviting them silently to join. They step forward, their initial reserve melting away as we fall into a shared embrace. For a while, we hold each other, whispering soft words of comfort to one another. This is my family. My people. I will protect them. Ávera is mine, this whole land is mine. I will protect them all.
The girls didn’t even ask if I’d want to go bare during the ritual. They already knew the answer. Apparently, every woman who has ever been here walked bare. I can’t imagine doing such a thing. Maybe I’m just too modest for that. I did agree to go barefoot, though. That’s... something.
The sun is setting, its golden light slipping behind Ávera’s tree line and painting the forest in shades of amber and shadow. My nerves are on edge. Tonight, I will bond with Theron. Forever.
This isn’t a human wedding where you can run from an abusive husband or “accidentally” poison him. Here, we intertwine our souls.
“The rest of the ritual I’ll guide you through step by step,” Elder Aïna says as she adjusts the fabric of my gown.
I nod, turning to look at myself in the water basin.
Even with my eyes still slightly red and puffy, I’m beautiful.
My hair is long and perfectly braided, the length adorned with a few blue roses I grew myself, their petals bright against my dark strands. My new gown fits perfectly. It’s looser than what I usually wear, but it’s elegant and comfortable.
For a moment, I see the faintest hint of my mother in my reflection. Nina always said we looked like two drops of water.
I wonder if she’s doing well. I hope she’s not worried.
I also hope that Mother will be here too. Seeing me like this, beautiful and almost bonded with a great vólkin. I look to my right, half expecting the dove to appear on the windowsill.
I wish you could see me now, Mother.
Four nýmphí approach, carrying a length of white, almost translucent fabric draped across their arms.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“A veil,” Mina says with a warm smile.
“It will protect you from ill wishes,” Naïa adds.
The nýmphí form a square around me and move as if dancing. Together, they lift the veil into the air, holding it high above me. Slowly, it floats down, landing over my head and covering most of my body.
