Page 101 of Winds of Ruin
“Lark,” Dritan interjected. I couldn’t look at him while his panic mounted—the salty zing of uncertainty hit my palate. His fear centered on my family’s perception of him and his own family’s acceptance.
“This is Dritan,” I said. “Yes. We are to be wed, and I didn’t trust anyone else. So, do not prove me wrong, cousin. I want you here.”
We didn’t need a witness.
In the eyes of a Divine, we could wed on our own.
Yet having no family there would feel wrong. I knew in my heart that of all people, Hurley would understand. His fate had been decided for him, too, as a boy when my mother found him in the Sahlmsara town square and pulled him into the courts.
Hurley gawked, stunned into silence. His arms fell to his sides, and he paced forward and then retreated. I’d shocked him thoroughly.
“Lark...” Hurley pleaded.
“Both of you stop ‘Larking’ me,” I scolded. “Dritan and I have known one another since we were children. We are Source Matched, and nothing will stop this. Soplease, Hurley. Be here for me.”
Hurley’s shoulders slackened. With widened brown eyes, he nodded. “Your parents are going tokillme,” he grumbled. But he stepped aside and allowed us to approach the Divine. “Lark?”
I looked over my shoulder at my cousin, waiting for him to throw a fit or tell me how foolish this all was.
His gaze softened, and instead he said, “I’m happy you called me here. And you deserve all the happiness this world has to offer.”
“Thank you,” I whispered and then returned to the spot next to Dritan. We gave our attention to the Divine, who cleared his throat.
“I have long awaited you both here in the Temple of Light,” he began. “The Last Daughter of Isleen, Origin of Shadows. And the lost Origin of Light—flame and sun guide you. You both are what the realm has long awaited. Please, kneel.”
Why did Divines always speak so damned cryptically? And how did he know so much?
Dritan and I knelt before the sunstone. A long pause passed and the air went still and stale. My mounting excitement made my hands shake as they lay on my knees.
The Divine smiled down at us. “I am the Source of the Sun—I visit here only to complete this task.”
“Youare Astros? That is impossible, isn’t it?” I asked.
The Divine chuckled. “What you deem possible or not possible only exists in your heart, child of Isleen.”
Straightening, I blurted out, “I have so many questions.” When I opened my mouth to rattle them off, Astros raised his hand and shook his head.
“Your path awaits, Princess. No answer today will help you. Do you wish to be wed, or do you not?” he asked us.
Dritan glanced over at me, the whites around his blue irises showing. He nodded firmly. “Of course we do.”
“Then, let us continue without further discussion.”
Dritan’s knees shifted on the stool below him.
“I have one more request,” I chimed in, hoping not to anger the Sun Origin.
His brow rose. “And what is that, Princess?”
“You will bind our powers too. Link our lives and abilities. We shall never live apart.”
“I hope this man knows how many people will kill him if he so much as harms a hair on your head.”Hurley’s words echoed through my mind. I wouldn’t let a soul hurt my husband.
Dritan’s gaze found mine; it searched me, inspecting for any uncertainty or doubt. I swallowed hard and placed a hand on his cheek.
“Are you sure that is wise, child of Isleen? You would sacrifice your life if his was to end?” Concern etched into the deep lines of Astros’ mouth. “I do not recommend that course for you.”
“Me neither,” Hurley growled from the corner, but I shot him a cutting look.
