"Drastic change always is. This is an end of a lifestyle for you. You'll continue to practice of course, but you'll move out of here and away from us. Your first priority will be Likor for awhile, at least until the intensity of The Wanting decreases." Each word of encouragement she spoke twisted a knife deeper into her heart. When will someone be giving me this advice? Drusi took a deep breath and nodded.
"You're right. I just need to take this one step at a time."
"Exactly and enjoy this moment! You've waited thirty-one years for it."
"I have, haven't I?" Drusi said. A shaky smile spread across her lips. "My time has finally come, Rivka." Fear turned into joy as the small woman turned to face her in the chair. "You'll oversee the ceremony, won't you?"
"Of course I will." ‘Cause there's nothing else that will make me happier or more upset at the same time. The bitter thoughts shamed her. She had to change, or she was going to end up a twisted, shell of a woman.
"Thank you, Riv. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Get through it, the same as always. You're made of sterner stuff. I think right now you're just in a bit of shock."
"I am—to be honest I started to think it might not happen for me. I was even considering the Shar Connection."
"Shar Connection?" Rivka asked.
"It's a dating service for our people aimed at those who haven't experienced The Wanting. Whether you're looking for some fun, or finding the one, this site will match you with humans and Shar alike. A lot of chatter has been rising up in the community since Phelan mated with the human, Zasha. What if our bond mate is a human? How will we ever find them unless we immerse ourselves in their culture and venture out from our friends and family?"
Rivka nodded. It was a thought that'd crossed her mind more than once, but she knew her mate was Shar, a strong man with a sense of honor, duty, and family. The memory seemed like the whimsical dreams of youth, but she'd never forget the reading given to her when she was just a young woman in training with the Star Maiden.
****
Fifteen Years Earlier
Rivka went stock still and set down her text as Estria froze in mid-sentence. Her eyes went glassy, and her breathing slowed. Estria was going into a trance! Incenses burned around them, releasing their sweet smell as the smoke made the air hazy. She’d been trying to teach Rivka how to fall into a meditative state to see how it could be when you were the one in control. It looked like that had backfired. Rivka held her breath as she watched the slender woman rock back and forth. Her hair flashed from emerald, to cyan, and then red. Her amethyst eyes glowed, and she hummed. It was like nothing Rivka had ever witnessed. When her visions came they were sporadic, unexpected, and not in the least bit controlled. Admiration filled her. If she could one day be half the Priestess Estria was, she'd be blessed by the stars that provided them with their powers. The high-pitched noise stopped, and Estria fixed her jewel-like gaze on her. Rivka’s muscles tensed. Goose bumps broke out on her arms.
"Your mate will be a great man." Estria's voice was not her normal light lilt. There was an otherworldly power unleashed that made her tone deep and compelling. "Loyal, strong, and family orientated, he will serve you well once you've overcome the many obstacles that lie between you. Yours will not be an easy road. But if you triumph in the end you will know a love not seen many times in history. Your souls have done this dance time and time again. Each time ending in great tragedy. This time I am hopeful. You have both paid the debt for the choices you once made."
"Wait—? What did we do to deserve such a dark mark?"
"It is not my story to tell. But when you learn of it—I beseech you, forgive and move forward. Do not let the weight of a life lived long ago ruin the happiness offered."
The words may have been meant to comfort, but they alarmed. What could I have done that was so heinous? Fear spread through her body like an inky blackness. Her blood ran cold in her veins. She wrapped her arms around her waist. Dread encompassed her. Some part of her remembered the events Estria spoke of. Devastation was the only word to describe the despair that welled inside, d
rawing tears from her eyes. A sharp intake of breath drew her attention back to Estria. Her hair had returned to its normal dark brown, and her eyes no longer held the strange glow.
"Did I say something?" she asked.
"Yes, about my bond mate," Rivka said. She relayed the story, and Estria listened, a serious expression masked her face.
When Rivka was finished Estria placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"You must tell no one, expect your bond mate when the time is right. When linked souls find one another like this, others are usually not far behind and not all of the souls mean well."
"Do you know who I was?"
"I think I so, but now isn’t the time to focus on that. You must be vigilant in your studies. Be true to our creeds, and love as hard, and as much as you can. That is the key, Rivka, love and happiness."
****
Present
She'd nodded and agreed then, not knowing how difficult that request would grow to be.
"You should try it, Riv." Drusi's eyes lit with excitement.
"I-I don’t know."