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The very air sparkled with anticipation.
And for the first time since Niya had found me by the river’s edge, I belonged just as much as them.
So why does it suddenly feel so wrong?
I shivered and swallowed hard, doing my best to stop my mind from spiralling yet again.
Darro, where are you?
My eyes searched quicker, anxiousness settling cold and heavy in my bones.
Where is he?
I spotted Natim happily curled up in Niya’s lap as she spoke to Hyath and Way beside her. The three women kept patting and cooing at the fawn, making my heart warm that he’d found yet another family who loved him.
I searched for the silver flash of Zetas or the glint of her spiral horns in the moonlight.
Nothing.
Both the wolf and Darro had vanished.
My heart pumped faster, longing and loneliness trickling over my ribs, playing havoc with my pulse.
I-I have to find him.
Stepping away from Tiptu’s side, I balled my hands unthinkingly. I hissed as fresh pain flared, courtesy of the two ash-tattoos on my palms.
Tiptu narrowed her eyes. “Are you uncomfortable?” Glancing at my bare feet that twitched to run and find Darro, she said kindly, “If you need more balm, I can get Pallen to make another batch once the ceremony is finished.” She smiled. “I still remember the pain when I received the mark when I mated Tral. The Nhil mark burned right through to my spirit as his father carved ash into my flesh.”
I paused my flight, unwilling to be rude. “You felt it too?”
“We all do. Some more than others.” She hitched Bon higher in her hold. “But it doesn’t last. Tomorrow morning the wounds will be mostly healed, and the pain just a memory.”
“Why does it hurt so much? It felt as if my entire blood was infected with flames.”
“It’s the fire’s magic,” Tiptu said, keeping her voice low as she cast a glance at Solin and Tral who reappeared from the lupic. “It has bound you to its will. It will lavish you with abundance and guidance, but it will also demand obedience and servitude.”
Licking her lips, she inched closer. Apprehension was back in her eyes as she tipped her head closer to mine. “Runa, I...” She inhaled and tried again. “I’m sure Solin told you what is about to happen, and I just wanted to say that I will always watch over you. You aren’t just Solin’s adoptive daughter, but you’re also mine now.” Shifting Bon to her hip, she reached out and squeezed my forearm. “Whatever misunderstanding was between you two is over. I swear to you, you’re safe.”
I stiffened in her hold. “Misunderstanding with who? Safe from what?”
Her eyebrows knitted together. “You mean, you don’t—?” She sucked in a breath and glowered at Solin as he came toward me and cupped my elbow, locking me between him and Tiptu.
“You didn’t tell her?” Tiptu hissed. “How could you? She has to agree—”
Solin’s shoulders pinned back. “She agreed the moment she remembered her name and her power started manifesting. It’s the only way I can keep her and everyone else safe.” Solin straightened until he was stiff as a statue. “Regardless of what I want or what you think is right, it’s not up to us.” His voice darkened. “So don’t meddle with things you don’t understand, chiefess. The fire decreed what needed to be done. I have merely obeyed.”
“But you can’t just—”
“I’m not doing anything,” Solin snapped. “The fire has seen what will come to pass. This is bigger than any of us.” His tone softened as his eyes met mine. “Runa, I promise you, I will always keep you safe. I vowed it in our lupic, and vow it again, here and now. Eventually, you will understand. One day, you will forgive me.”
I tried to free myself from his grip. “Forgive you? Forgive you for what?”
“Tell her.” Tiptu wrapped her arms around Bon, shooting a glance at Naben who watched us with wide eyes. “Tell her, right now. Or I will—”
“Tiptu.” Tral’s deep timbre echoed through my bones. “It’s time. Relinquish Runa to our Spirit Master, and allow the fire to guide us, like it always has.” His eyes locked on hers with unrefusable commands, his lips thin and nostrils flared.
Tiptu’s hand lashed on my arm again, squeezing fiercely. She pulled me toward her, as if deciding to go against her mate’s order. Only for her to release me, drop her chin, and refuse eye contact, stepping back to stand silently by her daughter.
She didn’t look at me again, and I wasn’t given the time to ask what she meant before Solin plastered on a Fire Reader’s smile and tugged me forward, taking me as close to the flames as he could without singeing the deerskin wrapped around my body.
A hush fell over the camp, feathering out to silent even the males and females drinking and laughing in the shadows. Niya and Hyath gave me a bright smile, picking up Natim and waggling his baby deer ears.
