Briar moved toward the entrance, needing to not be caught between them while they processed this impossible situation. The moment she stepped outside, she became aware of eyes on her.
Drak throughout the settlement were already engaged in their morning routines, and every single one seemed to look up when she exited from the dwelling. Some smiled knowingly, while others nodded respectfully, and a few of the younger ones whispered to each other in their own language. She caught the word "Shadow Walker" mixed in with terms she didn't understand.
They knew. Everyone knew what had happened at the celebration.
Groaning inwardly, Briar made her way quickly toward the housing she had shared with Sian, hoping to find her or literally anyone who could provide a distraction from the consequences of her wine-induced actions.
She finally found Sian at the communal water source, looking significantly worse for wear. Her friend's traditional garb was askew, paint smeared in ways that suggested her own celebration had been just as eventful.
"Don't," Sian said, not even looking up from where she was splashing water on her face. "Whatever you're about to say, just don't."
"I wasn't going to say anything."
"Good." Sian finally looked up, took in Briar's appearance and winced. "Though I will say, you're louder than you think."
Briar's face burned. "The drums were loud."
"Notthatloud."
Before Briar could die of embarrassment completely, Mor'va appeared, looking far too composed for someone who'd presumably celebrated as hard as everyone else.
"Shadow Walker," she greeted, then looked past Briar to where Eliam and Arion were emerging from the dwelling. "Forest Lord. Star Prince." Her ancient eyes gleamed with knowing amusement. "I trust you found our celebration... educational?"
"Thank you for your hospitality," Arion said diplomatically.
Mor'va grinned. "The Drak believe in celebrating life fully. Connection, pleasure, the joining of bodies—these are sacred things. Especially when fate has conspired to bring together what was separated."
The weight of her words made all three of them go still.
"You knew?" Eliam's voice was dangerously quiet.
"I am old, Forest Lord. I have seen much." She studied them with those ancient eyes. "The resonance between you two has always been visible to those who know how to look. And now with the Shadow Walker connecting you..." She trailed off, then became businesslike. "Your companions are gathering in the main hall. Supplies have been prepared for your journey to the seal."
"You're helping us?" Briar asked, surprised.
"You survived the cave. You honored our dead. And more importantly," Mor'va's gaze moved between the three of them, "what comes next requires you all to reach the seal. The corrupted lands grow worse each day. Whatever must be done, it must be done soon."
She turned to go, then paused. "Veroc and a dozen additional warriors will escort you to the border of the seal's territory. Beyond that, you go alone. The magic there is too unstable for those without protection."
"What kind of protection?" Arion asked.
Mor'va looked at Briar. "The kind she carries. The kind that recognizes both shadow and light and can bridge what was broken." Her expression grew serious. "Be careful, Shadow Walker. The seal was made with sacrifice. It may demand the same to be maintained."
She left them standing there, the weight of her words settling over them like a shroud.
"We should find the others," Briar said, unable to bear the silence.
They made their way to the main hall, where they found Thaine, Halian, and Karse already assembled. Thaine looked them over with a hunter's assessment, taking in every detail of their appearance. His expression gave away nothing, but Briar thought she saw his mouth twitch slightly.
Halian looked hollow-eyed and grief-worn, barely acknowledging their arrival. The celebration had clearly not eased his pain over Ferria's death. If anything, he looked worse.
Karse lounged against a wall, somehow managing to appear completely unaffected despite having celebrated as hard as any Drak would have.
"Finally," he drawled. "Thought we'd have to send a search party. Though from the sounds of things, we would have known where to find you."
Briar wanted to sink into the floor.
"Enough," Thaine said sharply. "We have more important things to discuss." He looked directly at Eliam and Arion. "Is it true? What Briar said last night?"
