I covered her wrist with my hand, tracing the glowing symbol. “Not just the fates.Wechose this. I was taught that a hunter should never lose his breath, for fear of losing the trail. But standing next to you, I find I would gladly never breathe again if it meant I can spend every second being the air you choose to take in.”
“Brovish.” She stroked my face. “I choose you. Every single breath of you. So don’t stop breathing. I’ve decided I’m keeping you.”
Carol stood, clapping. Tears tracked down her face, but she was smiling. “That was beautiful. Truly.”
Laina leaned into my side. She gently touched one of the driftwhisps in her hair. “What does it really mean when they nest in your hair?”
“It means they recognized you were already loved before you knew it yourself.” I stroked one of the silver tendrils. “They sensed someone here would claim you in their heart, and they announced it to everyone who understands their language.”
“Oh.” The word came out soft, almost breathless. “That’s lovely. And you’re very determined.”
“I told you I wanted to keep you.”
“You did.” She lifted onto her toes, and I bent down to meet her. “Consider me kept.”
I kissed her in front of everyone. Her mouth opened under mine, and my hands found her waist, pulling her closer. Sofia sparked. The driftwhisps’ silver glow brightened, but none of it mattered as much as the small sound Laina made when I deepened the kiss.
When we pulled apart, Drogar had recovered enough to grin at us.
Carol dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.
Laina held the carved snugglethorn between us. “I love you.”
“You told me two nights ago.”
“I’m telling you again. In front of witnesses.”
I covered her hand with mine, the carving between our palms. “I love you. In front of witnesses and in private and in every moment in between.”
“You love me?” Tears sparkled in her eyes.
I hadn’t said it, but I should’ve. “I do. Always.”
Sofia peeped.
Laina laughed through her tears and stroked the emberkit’s spine. “We love you too, Sofia.”
We stayed in the garden while the sun moved lower. Eventually people drifted away.
Only Carol remained on the bench, watching us.
I walked over to her while Laina was occupied with Sofia.
When I came to a stop, Carol looked up. “That was beautiful. I’m happy for both of you.”
I pulled my notebook from my pocket, opening it to a specific entry I’d marked, one I’d made after Laina and Carol walked and spoke their hearts for the first time. Taking steps across the tavresh-mora. Laina meeting her halfway, uncertain but willing to venture farther.
I’d written it because I’d wanted to remember that healing between them was possible. That distance could be walked if both people tried.
Her eyes moved over the words. When she finished, her gaze found mine, tears threatening again.
“Could you send me a copy of this?” she asked.
I tore the page out carefully. “It’s yours.”
She folded it and tucked it into her pocket. “Thank you.”
I nodded, because words felt inadequate for what passed between us.
