Gwen began to hum a haunting, wordless song. Scarlett closed her eyes as she breathed in the incense and tuned in to Brayden’s touch grounding her. Gwen rang the bell over her as Scarlett’s thoughts started to drift.
Visions of Parliament and snippets of her father’s most famous speeches flitted through her mind. Thenshewas the one in front of the podium speaking passionately and watching her colleagues stand and applaud. Scarlett radiated happiness as it played out in her mind’s eye: The border issues came to a vote and passed; her colleagues patted her on the back and shook her hand, congratulating her on making her father’s dreams come true. A sense of rightness rolled through her, and her father’s presence was there with her in her moment of triumph. Soleil’s future appeared in snippets as the country slowly opened to the outside world. Magic became more accessible. The world truly became a better place. She was full of bliss as it all unfolded.
Yes, this is what I want.
Lost as she was in her mind, the tingling just under her collarbone barely registered as Gwen continued to hum.
“There’s the valor,” whispered Brayden. “Below her clavicle. She’s a vox.”
Scarlett didn’t open her eyes—she was too comfortable—but she could hear him, even if he sounded far away.
“It’s beautiful,” said Brayden into Scarlett’s ear.
That’s good.
“Hmm,” said Gwen after some more time had passed. “I did wonder when you came with her—”
“What is it?” asked Brayden.
“A North Star wants to come through,” said Gwen. “Normally, we’d make a little bit more of a to-do about a North Starceremony, but we could do it today, given she’s leaving soon, as I understand. Do you want it now?”
“Goddess above,” said Brayden, tightening his grip on her hand. “It’s too soon. Scarlett doesn’t even know what that is—”
“Say no more. Perhaps the Goddess simply wanted you both to know of the possibility. You can explain it to her and come back another time.”
“Could they disappear if we don’t take the stars now?” asked Brayden, sounding tense.
“No, of course not,” said Gwen with a laugh. “You’re North Stars forever whether you manifest the runes or not.”
“Yeah, that makes sense,” said Brayden, sounding sheepish.
What are they talking about?
“Relax,” said Nori.“He’ll explain it later.”
Her light’s words soothed her, and Scarlett drifted deeper again—so deep she was on the verge of sleep, Gwen’s and Brayden’s words already forgotten.
A loudplunkcut off the soothing bells.
“We’re done. Scarlett, start wiggling your fingers and your toes. Open your eyes whenever you’re ready, dear. There’s some water and cookies on the table in the corner. Please help yourself.” The sound of footsteps was followed by a door closing.
Scarlett did as the priestess suggested and tried to move a little bit. After a moment she opened her eyes to find Brayden hovering over her. She looked up at him, marveling at the intent way he stared back.
He brushed his hand against her cheek, his gaze soft. “That was easy, right? Congratulations. You’re a vox.”
“The easiest. That was… incredible. I had the most amazing dreams.” Scarlett didn’t move. “I’ve got the same valor as James?”
Brayden pointed toward a mirror by the door. “Come look.”
He offered her his hand, and Scarlett took it, hopping off thetable. The effects of the trance hadn’t thoroughly worn off, and she moved slowly, her head foggy. She stood looking in the mirror, with Brayden behind her. Below her left clavicle was a delicate-looking sun made of thin lines and dots of golden ink. Little black stars freckled to the left and the right of it.
“It’s so small.” She traced the tattoo with her fingertip. “Is yours this small?”
“Mine is definitely not small.”
She snorted at his joke, glad of the levity.
His fingertips grazed her arm. “But seriously, don’t worry about the size. You make the valor special, not the other way around. You’re such an incredible person, so you’ll be an amazing vox. I have no doubt.”
