Fainia turned in a tight circle, taking in all the decorations strewn from the walls and ceiling of the ballroom. Saia fidgeted nervously with the stitching that ran down the side of her gown. “Yes, I love it.” While everyone noticed the smile she wore on her face, she was sure they didn’t see how her lips quivered. Or how she couldn’t keep her hands still. Or the beads of sweat that dripped slowly down her neck to her back. But she smiled on, rapidly blinking back tears, feigning interest in an event that would be the end of all her dreams. She didn’t know what she feared most, bonding with Ranuit Pi or having him refuse to bring Fainia with them after the ceremony. What if he made her mother stay behind? Fainia would have to go back to Olo, and if Saia wasn’t there to protect her and take her to the healing tanks, then what? Her knees knocked together. The room swam around her, darkening. She reached out, grabbing a table for support. “Oh my.” She used her free hand to wipe the mist from her forehead.
