A quiet beat passed as they wound further down the path, carved directly into the mountain wall. Below, the sounds of morning drifted up—conversation, clanking tools, laughter.
From ahead, Ben darted back to Mira’s side, rummaged into the bag slung over her shoulder, and snatched up an armful of wrapped food bundles. Then, with exaggerated flourish, he bounded forward again, handing them out to passersby like a noble distributing alms—head held high, grin wide.
Mira glanced sideways, her mouth tugging in something close to amusement. “You might be interested in what the Grannies have planned for the Hollow-born today.”
Rynna stepped faster, catching up. “Please tell me it’s torturous.”
Mira exhaled a long-suffering sigh, but Rynna caught the glint in her eye before she did it.
“I suppose that depends on your definition.”
Rynna fought the grin bubbling in her throat, waving her hand in a go-on motion. “I’m listening.”
“They need to replenish their clean water supply.”
Rynna blinked. “Sounds annoying, but not exactly cruel.” Her mind flicked back to the man with the buckets. “Heavy, maybe.”
Mira’s smile turned razor-thin. “The water can only be transported with a sanctified stone bowl.”
Rynna narrowed her eyes. “Okay…really annoying.”
“And,” Mira continued smoothly, “the sacred water must be collected from the spring at the top of the mountain.”
Rynna tilted her head back, following Mira’s upward glance. The sun had risen higher now, streaking gold along the jagged ridgelines above. She squinted, calculating the hike, the elevation, the terrain.
Laughter bubbled within her. “And how many trips would you say are required?”
“Many.” Mira’s voice was flat, but her eyes sparkled. “Many, many trips. With a single, palm-sized stone bowl.”
Rynna stopped in her tracks, mouth slack as she stared at the woman who turned back just long enough to toss her long red hair over one shoulder and flash her a smug, absolutely unrepentant smile..
“He is going to hate that,” Rynna whispered, eyes wide.
“I know,” Mira said sweetly, cocking a hip before resuming her casual descent.
“Oh, my stars.” Rynna burst into laughter, one hand bracing on her knee as she bent slightly forward, the other wiping at tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. “You’re positively evil, woman.” She tilted her head back, cackling. “I fucking love it.”
Mira chuckled, her steps slow but sure as she continued down the path.
“Now.” She glanced back over her shoulder, tone returning to something measured and expectant. “Tell me how my son has been progressing.”
Rynna straightened, her smile lingering as the laughter faded Then, she fell into step beside Mira, knowing the real tests of the day were only just beginning. At least for Kaelith.
Chapter nine
“Pivot,”Rynnainstructed.“Hingeat the waist, as if someone is tugging a string from the crown of your head.”
She ducked under Kaelith’s outstretched arm, her body flowing low and sinuous, circling around him in a wide sweep of steps.
“Then twist,” she continued, demonstrating as her front knee lifted, hands drawing together at her chest in a mock prayer. “Centering your energy here.”
Kaelith stayed frozen mid-motion, his fist extended as if he had only just missed connecting with her.
“Pivot. Turn the hips. Attack.”
Her body snapped with the motion, air rushing from her lungs in a pointed exhale as she spun. Both palms shot forward, striking lightly against Kaelith’s back, just hard enough to show the placement.
She held the position for a beat, her arms extended, chin angled toward him. Then she looked sideways to the rows of young faces gathered around them.
