“We are headed back to war soon. Who knows where we’ll be for next year’s Awakening, or when we’ll be back here. I am not letting you miss this.”
She dodged the pillow I chucked at her face and crossed her legs beneath her as she plopped onto my bed. “Wake up. We have twenty-four hours to get utterly smashed. And drunk Lyvi is my favorite.” She winked.
I rolled my eyes and flipped her a vulgar gesture, murmuring, “Happy Awakening to you, too, Isles.”
“We leave all our worries behind today. Celebrating only.” She waggled her eyebrows. I let out a tight chuckle, nodding before reluctantly climbing out of bed.
“Oh! And something came for you. Maybe a surprise from Bayne?” She led me through the twining halls of her tree and stone house.
A large red box with white ribbon gleamed in the sun on the table in the kitchen. Butterflies danced in my stomach. I openedthat channel to him to send a little sprinkle of feeling his way.Love. Longing. Happiness.
That familiar sense of him returned, faster than expected.Anticipation. Determination.
I loosened the velvety ribbon and lifted the lid to the box. A small square paper lay in the center, and my stomach dipped as I glanced at the signature.
“This isn’t from Bayne,” I murmured.
Isla peered over my shoulder and let out a sound of disgust.
Happy Awakening, Bonder.
We all must look our best on the brightest day.
—Queen Antares
I crumpled the paper and tossed it aside. My fingers slid over the slippery material as I held up two pieces. The top was a skimpy, corset-like vest with lacy sleeves that hung over the shoulders. The billowy pants came together at my ankles in thick cuffs with golden thread.
Isla let out a low whistle.
Itwasbeautiful. And in the appropriate fashion for the Awakening, according to Isla. But this was from the queen. And black as night. I knew from conversations with the others that everyone would be in bright colors for this event. This was a beacon for me, a way to distinguish myself from the others, to make me easily identifiable. As if Tiberius’s presence wasn’t enough to do that already.
Isla pinched the fabric between her fingers.
“Agh, slippery. It’s meant to keep thenebulisoff you.” I raised my eyebrows in question. She returned it with a grin. “Nothing to worry about. We can work around that,” she added, her grin turning wicked.
