Page 64 of Wind Rider

Antreas, Mari, and Sora answered together with a resounding “Yes!”

Nik chuckled and shook his head. “Mari and Sora, you two have never seen a shadow dance. How do you know Danita’s connection with Bast is strong enough for it?”

“Nik, Bast was hunting eggs with Antreas. Danita was here talking with Sora and me. She was upset. Bast knew it even though she could not see or hear Danita,” Mari explained.

“Well, to be completely fair, Bast’s eyesight is remarkable, so she might have been able to see Danita, but I stand by my answer. My Bast’s connection with Danita is strong enough for the dance,” Antreas said. Hisgaze found Danita again, and his whole face changed and softened with affection. “You and Bast can do it. I know you can. And I will love watching.”

Mari watched Danita closely to see if Antreas was being too pushy, but the pleased smile that lit her face told the truth—Antreas wasn’t forcing her into anything. Danita was quite clearly falling in love with the Lynx man.

“I’m not sure what I’m getting myself into, but I’ll try,” said Danita.

The rest of the Companions joined them then. There was a festive air about them, and even Laru was wagging and showing puppyish excitement.

“A shadow dance! It has been far too long,” said Claudia. “Right, Mariah?” The beautiful Shepherd barked in happy agreement.

“This is going to be fun!” Davis said as Cammy jumped around him, huffing merrily.

“Could someone watch Fala’s pups so she and I can join the dance?” Rose asked.

“Dove and I would very much like to take care of Fala’s puppies.” Everyone turned to see Lily leading Dove up to them.

Mari held her breath, wondering at Rose’s response.

Rose and Fala shared a long look, and then Rose began unwrapping the sling she’d taken to wearing since the girl pup had fallen into the river the day before, and walked over to Lily and Dove. She carefully handed Lily the pouchlike carrier and the four squirming pups within. “Take good care of them, please.”

“Oh, we will!” Lily said.

“Thank you, Rose,” Dove said. “Thank you for trusting us with Fala’s babies.”

“We share a boat, and I’ve watched how tender you are with them,” said Rose. “They like you. Both of you.”

“We like them!” Lily gushed, kissing one of the puppies.

Mari released her breath, and with an audible sigh, so did the Pack. Even the Earth Walkers, who knew almost nothing about canines, understood that Rose had just taken an important step in trusting the twoSkin Stealers with the puppies, which filled Mari with hope for Lily and Dove’s future with them.

The rest of the Pack began moving to form a circle around the campfire, talking with one another and openly wondering about the shadow dance.

Sarah limped up, supported by her sister, Lydia, and as soon as they heard “shadow dance” they began grinning and talking with the Earth Walkers. Mari overheard the words “beautiful” and “graceful,” and grew even more curious.

Jaxom and Fortina jogged up, looking confused but curious. “Fortina told me we needed to get back to camp, but I did find these first.” He shyly offered Sora the basket he carried.

She took it without looking at Jaxom, and her face registered happy surprise. “Mussels! They’re going to be wonderful with the fish stew. Thank you, Jaxom.”

Jaxom’s cheeks pinkened, but he waved away her thanks. “Fortina found them. Her nose is amazing. So, what’s going on?”

“Good timing, Jaxom,” Nik said. Then he bent to pet Fortina. “That’s a good girl, Fortina. You and your Jaxom do need to join us in the shadow dance.”

Immediately Fortina began wriggling with glee.

“What’s a shadow dance?” Jaxom said.

“That’s what we’re all asking,” Mari said.

“I could explain, but it’s easier to show you,” Nik said.

“We need music,” said Davis.

“We have musicians,” Sora said.