Chapter 6 Three days, and twenty-four hours, after turning twenty-two, Allison found herself in the quiet company of two young women. Wordlessly, they had helped her into a simple white gown with a fitted bodice, gently flared flowing skirt, and wide sleeves that hid her hands when her arms were down. Now they were twisting her hair into an elaborate braid that would be covered by an opaque white veil attached to a tiara sporting glittering clear jewels in the shape of a lily. At first, Allison had attempted to engage them in conversation, but both had only kept their eyes averted and lips shut. It had been awkward to…

Jonathan woke suddenly, thrashing his covers off and nearly falling the three feet to the carpeted floor. Heart pounding, he pushed the plush comforter and silken sheets from his body with shaking hands. Taking a deep breath of the ocean air wafting in through the open window, he pushed himself from the bed and silently walked over to it. His T-shirt was drenched in sweat, so the cool night breeze made him shiver. He didn’t know what had startled him out of sleep, but he had a terrible feeling Cass was in danger. His hands gripped the window frame and he leaned out slightly, his eyes focused on the waves…

They rode on in comfortable silence. Chely’s ears flicked at almost every sound, even the ones Cass couldn’t hear, while Cass closed her eyes and breathed in the dark earthen scent of the forest. The dirt was damp and the air felt humid, as though a rainstorm had just come through even though the night sky was clear. Abruptly, Chely picked up her pace and, startled, Cass’s eyes flew open, a bolt of alarm striking her. “Chely?” Cass whispered . The dhakyr didn’t answer; just flicked her tail sharply. Her heart beating madly and all of her senses fully awakened, Cass leaned forward and pressed herself against Chely’s neck. Her…

Chapter 5 Cass buried her face in Chely’s soft mane as the dhakyr sped towards the looming forest and whatever lay beyond. Chely hadn’t been pleased about being forced from her nice warm stable stall, but Cass offered a few sweetcrisp apples and promised more. She was also sure Chely could see the panic in her eyes so hadn’t argued as hard as she could have. After all, Cass had had the foresight to purchase food for both of them so they wouldn’t have to stop for a couple of days. “You said you could run like the wind,” Cass said, her voice muffled by the mane and the air…