I enter the moonlit clearing and my heart pumps, hard enough to fill my throat. Torches snap on the boundaries, throwing arms' length shadows upon the faces of every warrior, elder, and scout assembled tonight. The full moon is up and bright above us, a silver witness to the rite we have waited for so long. Three large circles are scribed in white clay around the clearing—inside, the couple, with a second circle for our nearest allies and an outer circle for every Alliance who has sworn to rally beside us.
I grip Kael's hand in mine, then I twine my fingers with his. The skin against his palm is warm, firm, and known, and I take strength from the hold. I can feel my nerves vibrate with anticipation, and though I am nervous, below it all is something that burns more fiercely: excitement, pride, and a certain knowledge that tonight I fasten my soul to his forever.
The Gathering
