That’s easy. The thunder of its thumps is muffling my hearing. I take a few measured breaths, attempting to slow the erratic beat.
“Now, if you will for me, embed your essence into the object in your hand. It’s the same thing as wrapping your essence, but instead of surrounding it, you push it in. Remember, keep your heartbeat at the forefront.”
I can do that.
You can do it.
For him.
I exhale slowly.
The object in my hand vibrates as my essence flows from me and into it. Once that long pulse stops, I give Kyzen a nod.
“Thank you,” he says as he removes the item from my hand.
My lids flutter open, and he smiles tenderly at whatever it is.
“What is it?”
“A mortal timepiece.”
“Where in the realm did you get that?”
“I asked for some help from our friend Doren. Surprisingly, there was one tucked away in the Sanctum and another in a shop in Godsden. They had to have some work done on them to get them going, but nothing’s impossible with a little time and power.”
From his back pocket, he pulls out another one. The two pieces are slightly different colors, but the shape and size are the same.
“This one’s mine,” he says as he wiggles the one I was just holding. “This one is yours.”
My fingers rub the glass plate that protects the inner workings of the timepiece. There are two large pegs and a single, thinner one that constantly moves.
I don’t take my eyes off the piece even as Kyzen grips my wrist and lifts my hand to his chest. His finger taps my knuckles repeatedly.
My brows pinch together the longer he does that and the longer I watch that thin peg move.
Oh my gods.
I whip my head up, eyes wide as I stare at where he placed my hand.
“The timepiece moves with the beat of your heart.”
He nods. “And the one you embedded moves in sync with yours. For me.”
My mouth opens and closes repeatedly as I search for something to say.
“Didn’t know we could get ourselves presents for the occasion,” Riven grumbles and I pivot my head toward him, then back to Kyzen.
“I’m so grateful for everything you all gave me, but…why…what is the occasion?”
He too takes my gift away from me and slips it back into his pocket.
I don’t know how to even express that I truly am so appreciative for everything they just presented me, but I’m also so lost.
What are they doing this for?
Amick clears his throat and my gaze meets his.
“Why do beings bring offerings to temples?”
