Page 135 of Moon Chosen

“I won’t,” Mari said.

“It’s forbidden. You know it’s forbidden for a Companion to know anything about Moon Women,” Sora insisted.

“I know that. Sora, don’t be crazy. I’m going to find out everything I can about Rigel and Jenna, and then, once his wounds have healed enough, I’m going to blindfold him and lead him out of here.” They ate in silence until Mari added, “You really did good tonight. I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you!” Sora covered her mouth when her exclamation had Nik stirring restlessly. Then, whispering again, she told Mari, “It was so much easier tonight. I did what you said—I pictured the moonlight traveling through me and filling you up, just like the fern, and it actually happened.”

“You’re doing it,” Mari said. “You’re becoming a Moon Woman.”

Sora’s smile was brilliant. “Because of you. All because of you.”

“Not really. I’m just following Mama’s teachings. She’d have been better at this than me.”

“I’m not sure you’re right about that, but I don’t want to argue with my teacher,” Sora said.

“Since when?” Mari teased.

“Since now. Don’t worry, though, I’m sure that’ll change.”

The girls grinned at one another. With a jolt of surprise, Mari realized that she was actually smiling. A lot. And enjoying Sora’s company.I’m not so alone anymore,she thought, and then, not sure she wanted to be attached to anyone except Rigel, Mari pushed the thought aside, saying, “I didn’t hear any shrieks from roaming males tonight, did you?”

“Early, when I was healing the fern I heard some, but only faintly. They came from the southwest and it sounded like there were maybe two or three different voices, and not the half dozen or so we’ve been hearing until now.”

Mari wiped her hands and retrieved the journal she’d begun what seemed like so, so many nights ago when she’d first heard the cries. “Three different voices, distant, coming from the southwest. That’s it?” She glanced up from the page at Sora.

“Yes, that’s it. Except for…”

Mari put the quill down and returned to sit next to Sora. “Except for what?”

“Mari, I think it’s time we try to find some of the Clanswomen.” When Mari opened her mouth to speak, Sora cut her off. “Wait, hear me out.” Mari sat back, crossing her arms over her chest, and Sora continued, “You said my next step is people. So, I need people to heal.”

“Which you helped me do tonight.”

“I said hear me out.”

Mari nodded and motioned for Sora to continue.

“I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. It’s been long enough since Leda’s been gone that the Clanswomen will be overwhelmed with sadness. I could try to wash the sadness from them. That’s all—nothing fancy. It wouldn’t be much different from what we did tonight, right?”

“Well, it’s a little more complicated than that, especially if there’s a whole horde of melancholy Clanswomen swarming you and begging to be Washed.”

“Then I’ll make sure I’m not swarmed. Here’s my plan—I’ll go to the birthing burrow today,beforesunset. There are what, four women in the Clan who are near their time?”

Mari moved her shoulders. “I’m not positive, but that sounds about right.”

“I’ll talk with them and see what kind of shape they’re in. Then I’ll come back here and explain to you what I found, and you can tell me what I need to do.”

“They’re all going to need to be Washed,” Mari said. “And they might need other healing. I just don’t know what happens to one of the women if she has had no Moon Woman, and she goes into labor. Sora, I’m not sure if a woman would have the will to give birth if she hasn’t been Washed regularly of the Night Fever.”

“Then come with me. Bring Leda’s medicine bag. Between the two of us we can handle whatever might happen in the birthing burrow,” Sora said.

“I need to stay here.”

“You said you were done hiding.”

“I’m not staying here because I’m hiding. I’m staying here because of him.” Mari jerked her chin in Nik’s direction.

“Make Rigel watch him and come with me. The Clanswomen are more important than him,” Sora said.