By the time we passed through the storeroom and into the kitchen, those inside had heard the claim that I was alive and had begun to stand. The murmuring voices of dozens became louder. Patrei? The Patrei is here? But in the sea of faces, the first one I spotted was Samuel.
I crossed the room to him, maybe I ran, but I was holding him, squeezing him so tight he whispere
d, “Jase, I can’t breathe.”
I released my grip and held his face in my hands instead. “You’re alive. I got a message. I thought it was from Jalaine. I—”
At her mention, his expression changed.
“Jalaine,” I said, my eyes quickly scouring the room, my pulse speeding. “Where is she?”
His lips pressed together, and he shook his head. “She didn’t make it. Jalaine is dead.”
I blinked, the room going in and out of focus. My insides were suddenly weightless. And then my mind jumped to the only other face I hadn’t yet seen. “Mother?”
Priya had come up behind me. “Mother’s fine, Jase. We’ll take you to her.”
But first they sat me down at a table in the kitchen and told me about Jalaine and how she had died.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
KAZI
A ribbon.
I concentrated on that now, trying to stop the mad fear beating in my chest.
When they dragged me into the inn today, a red ribbon flashed past my vision. I realized now it was probably only one of the many festival decorations, but in the flash of that terrifying moment as I was pulled through the inn doors like a piece of live game, I had imagined the ribbon to be something else, tied there just for me. I allowed myself to slip back into that world, a world where there were breezes, promises, tomorrows, and Jase.
Cool air streamed over my cheeks.
Jase’s hair rippled in the wind.
What is this, Kazi? he asked, looking at the feastcake and ribbon in my hands.
They’re part of a Vendan ceremony.
What kind of ceremony?
Wedding. A wedding ceremony, I answered. Vendan ceremonies are simple. These, a moon, and witnesses are the only requirements. I guess Synové thought she had it all figured out. My cheeks warmed and I began to rewrap the package.
Jase put his hand out to stop me. Is it such a bad idea?
We stared at each other and I saw the inevitable in his eyes. What we both already knew in our hearts. No, I answered.
Our lips met, and he whispered words between them: Show me, Kazi. Show me what to do. I want you to be my wife.
With Mije and Tigone looking on as our witnesses, I took his hand and wrapped the ribbon around his wrist and he did the same with mine. We tied it off together. And now vows should be spoken, I told him.
What kind of vows?
Whatever is in your heart, Jase. That is all that matters. Tell me what is in your heart.
He took my free hand, held it to his lips, then nodded.
Kazi of Brightmist—
His voice caught, his emotion as near to the surface as mine. Then he began again, but he took his time, as if searching for the perfect words.