* * *
The morning light streamed through the chapel windows,bathing the space in a pale early-morning glow.
I was already seated in the Seat of Light, hands resting on my knees, back straight, the cool stone pressing into me like a reminder to be still. My heart, though, didn’t seem to understand stillness. It beat far too quickly for morning prayers.
Father stood before the congregation, preaching as eloquently as he always did. I tried to listen—I really did—but my eyes kept drifting past him, to the rows of robed figures seated in the pews below.
And there he was.
Jace.
He sat near the back, his dark hair slightly messy in a low bun with a few strands hanging loose, his posture just a little too relaxed compared to the others. He looked good in the robe—too good, maybe. The simple white fabric should’ve made everyone look the same, but on him it somehow didn’t.
I quickly glanced away, pulse fluttering. I needed to focus.
But a moment later, curiosity won again, and my gaze slipped back.
Jace was looking right at me.
I froze. For a heartbeat, I couldn’t breathe. Then he smiled. Just a small one, the kind that barely curved his lips, but it felt like the whole room brightened.
Heat climbed up my neck so fast it made my ears burn. I looked down at my lap, pretending not to react. I hoped he couldn’t see the smile I tried to hide.
I told myself to be still, to be calm, to not move a muscle, but the giddiness buzzing under my skin made it feel impossible.
Father’s voice carried through the chamber, steady and sure, but his words blurred together. All I could think about was that Jace had seen me and smiled.
That meant he probably remembered me, right?!
That thought kept repeating in my mind like a secret hymn.
When Father raised his hands to conclude the prayer, everyone stood. Father surveyed the congregation briefly before turning to me. His expression softened when he looked at me, and I straightened my shoulders, channeling calm.
But inside, I was still glowing.
As everyone began to file out, I stole one last glance toward the back of the chapel. Jace was standing now, waiting for the aisle to clear. He caught my eye again, and this time, he gave me a small nod.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling too much. The Light must’ve been testing me, because I’d never felt such a strong pull toward something—or someone—so human.
Sighing, I got down from the Seat and started towards my rooms. Halfway there, I changed my mind, deciding that I needed a walk.
The air outside was cool and smelled of morning dew. The compound was usually pretty quiet after morning prayers—most of the congregation was busy with chores or work.
That made it the best time for me to walk.
Father called itcommuning with the Light, and that’s what I liked to think of it as. Sometimes I felt closer to the Light when I was alone out here—when I could listen to the wind through the corn and let my thoughts settle like dust after a storm.
My sandals scuffed softly against the packed dirt as I followed the edge of the field. The sun was climbing higher, gilding the stalks and fences in pale gold. I breathed in deeply, trying to focus on connecting with the Light.
I was halfway around the compound when I heard footsteps behind me. Heavier than mine.
I turned, half-expecting to see one of Father’s Inner Circle coming to fetch me.
But no. It was Jace.
He was walking up the path, his robe slightly open at the neck, one hand brushing back his hair as though he’d jogged to catch up.
“Hey,” he said. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”
