Boe’s voice was an airy whisper. “No mistress, I’ll just… drift.”
Rogue met Sage’s eyes, and shared pain passed between them. Rogue gestured that Sage should try talking to him.
Sage gathered her courage and took Boeson’s hand. He opened his eyes and looked at Sage, gasping. “Afoxenhas come to see me.”
Sage nodded. “Yes, Elder. My grandmother is Abigail.” She remembered the name the pendant had spoken to her and repeated it. “Adil.”
Boeson smiled an innocent smile. “My sister.”
He motioned her closer. She leaned in and Boeson whispered, “I have many secrets hidden in the library. You must only open the right book."
Sage nodded, looking up to see if anyone else had heard. Boe closed his eyes and withdrew his hand, but then he extended it to her again. Sage took it gently.
He squeezed her hand. “And you’re a Citlali.”
“No, Elder,” Sage whispered, smiling. “Myrenquais a flower with a crooked stem.”
“It’s not,vixie,” Canyon said confidently, his proud voice ringing through the room. He moved her hair off her left shoulder and tugged her shirt away. “Yourrenquais astarwith three tails.”
Sage couldn’t believe it. She tried to see over her shoulder. People in the room moved around to see her back, murmuring.
“Itisa star,” a male said.
“AfoxenCitlali,” another male said, his voice semi-disbelieving.
“And the mate of awolven,” Canyon growled.
“I need a mirror,” Sage said, feeling like she was overheating. Someone produced a compact and Canyon held it for her. Sage twisted to see.
Her beautiful flower she’d loved so much was gone, and in its place was a bold star with three lines streaking away from it, just like Canyon’s comet’s tail. Her mate mark had formed as well but was paler than therenqua. The mark drew a circle around the star and added another three lines streaking away. Sage shared a soft look with her mate.
He grinned and cocked his head, mouthing, “Mymate.”
On the bed, Boeson spoke, his voice light and free from all concern.“A star with three tails appears to light the way.”
Sage covered her mouth, feeling carried away with emotion. She’d heard the prophecy before, years ago, but had thought it meant a literal star in the sky.
She looked at Canyon again. He was grinning. “Nice,” he said, winking, and heat flushed through her.
Boeson lifted his hands, grasping at things that weren’t there with vacant eyes. Sage knew the end was close.
“There's 10,000 people,” Boe whispered. “Maybe more. They're assembled and waiting for something. Aren't they a fine-looking crowd? So strong and dignified.”
He gasped and reached his arms out. Both Rogue and Sage took his hands. Everyone in the room was silently staring at him.
“They'refoxen,” Boe said. “All of them” His voice wavered. “Oh. I ah… I better go somewhere else.”
He looked around wildly, his head thrashing, his eyes half-closed.
“You're okay, Boe, it’s ok,” Rogue said, grasping his hand with both of hers.
“They know who I am!”
Sage grasped his shoulder and spoke softly. “Elder, shhh—”
“They know me!” His feet kicked under the blankets. Scared keening noises came from his throat.
“They think… they think…”
