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“Must be a nice change,” Hasina added. “The Freehold magistrate was relieved, actually. Seems like your Danya made life difficult for a lot of folks.”
But Verve could not quite allow relief to take root in her heart. “We may be safe from the Chosen and renegade mages, but Legion attacked me once. Do you think they’ll come back to finish the job if they learn I survived?”
“You’re nothing to them,” Hasina replied.
But Sohvi’s expression darkened. “Let me show you something.”
Suddenly, she and Verve stood alone in the vast stretch of black beneath the glowing river of the Fae realm. Verve twirled around to get a better look at the mighty river of light; each step, each movement, was easy and free, like her body was lighter and stronger here.
“What’s going on?” Verve breathed. She’d been too astonished to do more than gawk the last time she’d visited the Fae realm.
“Meridians dwell partly in the spirit realm,” Sohvi said. “Physical sensations aren’t as strong here, so it may feel easier to move. But I brought you here to show you something else.”
“Where’s Hasina?”
“Back in the physical realm,” Sohvi said, a touch of irritation in her voice. “Only meridians can travel here. Don’t fret: Hasina will keep watch over our bodies. This is why we have anchors. Come on.”
“I wasn’t fretting,” Verve muttered. “But it’s sodding weird, isn’t it?”
Sohvi gave a faint smile and beckoned for Verve to follow. The two meridians made their way along the shining river, leaping in huge bounds toward a small beacon of light to one side. It glowed brighter as they drew closer, and the light poured over Verve’s heart, as much a part of her as her blood and bones.
“This is Lotis now that a meridian calls it home,” Sohvi said, gesturing to the beacon. “Lotis and its inhabitants are under your protection.”
“That’s…fine,” Verve replied, breathless with wonder. “But I’m not sure I could do much good should Legion make their way here. Their attack on me was,” she shivered, “ruthless.”
Sohvi nodded. “If you concentrate, if you learn how to better use your meridian abilities, you can shield Lotis from Legion’s soldiers. If you do this, they will not trouble your people again.”
Verve considered. “You said the meridians have a home in Pillau, right? Ever thought of expanding to Greenhill Province? I know a nice, quiet little village that takes on strays. And it’s never a bad idea to have a second location.”
Sohvi’s brows furrowed. “An interesting proposal. I’d have to speak with the others, but it could work.”
“Great.” Verve offered her hand, and Sohvi accepted. “Celidon would be proud.”
Sohvi studied her, then looked back at the river. “I know.”
* * *
Later, after Sohvi and Hasina had left Lotis, after everyone else had stumbled off to sleep, Verve and Alem retreated to his cottage. Since she’d relinquished her loft to Usko and the other (former) Chosen, she’d taken to sleeping at Alem’s. While Alem stoked the coals glowing in the hearth, Verve unwrapped her scarf and shook out the cloud of her curls. Taking care not to damage or tangle the strands, she gently scraped her nails over her scalp, sighing in relief.
“You don’t want the braids anymore?” Alem asked, still kneeling by the hearth.
Verve skimmed her scalp again, savoring the feeling. “Maybe one day. They’re beautiful, but a lot of work. Besides, I have other ways I’d rather spend my time now.”
She gave him a knowing look and tugged off her tunic, tossing it by the door with her pants and boots. He’d shed his shoes and shirt already, and his muscled torso glowed almost golden in the growing firelight.
Over dinner, she’d told him of her conversation with Sohvi and Hasina, and since then he hadn’t stopped beaming. “Ah, yes,” he said. “Doting on your beloved anchor, right? Tell me, is that a meridian habit, or just a Verve one?”
“I’m still not sure I like the nautical term.” An image of the river of light came to Verve’s mind, and she shrugged. “But it fits.”
“Well, I’m as pleased as a racoon in a midden heap,” Alem said.
Verve rolled her eyes, fighting back a smile. “You would be.”
Grinning, Alem curled up on the soft, woven rug before his hearth and held out his hand. “Say it again?”
Verve came to him and he wrapped her in his arms, tucking her into the shelter of his body, enveloping her in love, comfort, safety. Once foreign, now the feelings were as familiar as the scent of jessamin blossoms, as the sound of rain, as the feel of her palm within his. She wriggled her body closer, pressing as much of herself against him as she could. A soft groan slipped from him, accompanied by an answering flare of desire that ran unchecked between them.
So settled, Verve leaned her head back into him. I love you, Alem.
