* * *
I am not having fun.
“You look lovely.” Arc lowers his head briefly and a glimpse of heat flares in his eyes, turning them more purple.
“Thank you.” My cheeks heat. Both of them—Arc and Bow, stand in front of me, massive and strong.
Bow smiles. “We are honored to escort you to the crystal viewing ceremony.” He offers me his arm. As I take it, Arc is right there for my other one.
It shouldn’t be a hardship to have two of Zandia’s most handsome eligible males at my side, but instead of focusing on these two beings, I glance around the Royal Falls grotto and caves area surreptitiously, checking to see who’s present. And who’s not.
“This is one of the most beautiful and sacred places on Zandia, the same location that will be the epicenter of the upcoming solstice.” Bow acts like he’s a tour guide, and I stifle my irritation because I already know these facts.
“Yes, I’m aware.” I smile at him.
Arc continues as if I haven’t spoken, taking over seamlessly for his friend. “This solar rotation, the sun will hit the very edge of the massive crystal formation at the top opening of the largest cave, sending a spike of light partway down into the grottos, illuminating ancient carvings on the wall.”
“So it shall.” I bite my cheek. Look around once more. Arc has a chiseled jaw and strongly muscled arms, but Mother Earth, he’s sort of… boring.
The things he speaks of fascinate me, though. In just a few more solar cycles, the sun will hit the crystal formation head on, and the resulting light will diffract and diffuse along the crystal grid all through the caves and all across Zandia.
I don’t understand the physics of it, and I’m not sure our scientists do, either. All we know is that this thing happens once a solar cycle; when the sun hits the main crystal, the entire planet is bathed in a healing, empowering light. And this is the 1000th anniversary; the light will be extra strong at this solstice.
“Kianna. Let’s get a spot in front.” Mirelle comes up, her two mates behind her. She gives me a quick hug.
Relieved to see her, I squeeze her tightly. “That’s why we’re early, right?” I smile at how her two powerful warriors let her lead the way. When I see the expressions on their faces, besotted infatuation, I roll my eyes and smile. Then I bite my lip. Glance around again.
“Are you looking for someone?” Arc raises a brow. “I can summon anyone you wish.” He taps his wrist band.
“No. Thank you. I’m just examining the crowd.”
“So many beings here. It’s amazing.” Arc puts his arm around my shoulder, lightly, but the touch—deliberate—makes me anxious.
I feel eyes on me and turn, hoping it’s—“Oh, hey, Cressa.” I wrinkle my nose.
I don’t know her well, but Cressa is a recent addition to Zandia. She’s a few years younger than I am, and she works in the med area with Dr. Daneth and his mate, learning to be a physician.
“Oh. Kianna.” Her voice is flat, like mine. I notice that she’s dressed as if ready for a coronation—her dress fits her perfectly, and it’s even fancier than Mirelle’s. She’s so pretty—her skin is flawless, her eyes so wide and clear that she looks unreal. Her hair is a tumult of curls, all blond and red and brown mixed together. A rare combination.
She looks at Arc and Bow on either side of me, and her face tightens. “Arc. Bow.” She nods her head.
When she doesn’t step away, I realize I’m going to have to converse. “So. Cressa. How are things in the medical world?”
“Fine.” She blinks at me.
“Um, that’s great.” I glance to the side for Mirelle, but she’s darted away to chat with someone else. I hear her light laughter floating over.
“So.” I tap my foot.
“What are, ah, you up to these solar cycles?” She swallows.
Why is she bothering to chit chat? This is awkward at best. “Yeah, things. The solar cap banks, stuff like that.” I nod longer than necessary.
When she doesn’t answer, I start to say, “Well, I think we’ll head over—” just as she turns to Arc and says with a smile, “So Arc! I heard you’re going for lieutenant next month. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with that.”
“Thanks, Cressa.” Arc takes his arm off my shoulder and steps forward. He’s so polite. I really should try to appreciate him more. “I’m the youngest recruit ever, but I’m working hard and I’m confident I can do it.”