“You will rue this day, child. I would have spared you this.” Lifting his head and sweeping his eyes around the gathered crowd, he raised his voice. “I would have spared all of you this! But fine! Have your celebrations and bonfires. Welcome the coming days when our world falls. Fools.”
Releasing me, but not unkindly, he spun on his heel and threw a hand at the fire as he marched away.
The fire roared to life again, but our joy had been stolen.
Until the moment I had mounted the review platform for the first of the parades and celebrations that Danai and I—mostly Danai—had planned.
Elex stood across from me. I could scarcely believe how handsome he looked in the formal dress. Seeing him on the other platform, smiling, his place among the Guilds assured now, allowed relief to flow through me.
He’d been so angry with Dorian. I was afraid he’d do something foolish. Elex’s magic was strong, but not as strong as the oldest of the Temple Masters.
I didn’t want Dorian pissed off at him.
I didn’t trust Dorian.
The thoughts about the master slipped away as the parade began to file by.
The ribbons intrigued me, shining in the midmorning sun. These twirlers must have practiced for dozens if not hundreds of hours, and it would be a good bet most of that had been since the announcement.
Floats, bands, troupes of dancers, entertainers, gymnasts—they all moved by us, showing off and showing each other up.
There was laughter and bubbling joy all around. Magic was abundant, and to my delight, wound through the crowds, both in the parades and in the spectators, indulging in the happiness.
I learned magic loved life. It loved joy, laughter, friendship.
It loved love.
It thrived on love.
It glowed with love.
It bubbled and danced around Elex, beckoning me over.
Danai’s voice, however, sliced into my pining. This is all so wonderful, Kimber. So wonderful. Everything is going off without a hitch. Have you decided where you are going to go this evening? There are so many different celebrations. There’s the temple, the city square, the mountain, several smaller ones. Wherever you go, make sure you let the guards know.”
She scrutinized me for a moment, and I tipped my head to look up at her. A slow smile spread across her face.
“You know exactly where you’re going after the feasts, and it has nothing to do with another celebration.”
I felt my own slow smile show. “Maybe.”
Her words were close to my ear. “Whoever it is—make sure there are guards at the door. Your place or his.”
The bright red blush heated my cheeks.
Catching my eye, she followed my gaze.
“It’s that handsome Elex, isn’t it?”
There was nothing shy about my smile. “Perhaps.”
“He’s a good choice, my dear. Handsome, loyal, and clearly keen on you. I am sorry that we haven’t left you two alone long enough to… get acquainted.”
“Elex has been my best friend for years. I didn’t realize there was or even could be anything between us.”
“And now you can’t wait to find out.”
My nod was short and sharp.
