The palace’s doors had been thrown open so that all the citizens of Tenebris, great and small could wander through. The air was rich with the smell of exotic incense and roasting meat. Galia, who was fasting, felt starved, but that was good. It would keep her sharp in the hours to come. Mina had been unable to sneak away the night before, but she managed to drag Galia into an alcove before the ceremony. She smothered Galia’s mouth in a quick kiss before hugging her tight. “I love you,” Galia said, clutching her. “I love you so.” Mina’s smile was confident. “I love you to the end of the world and beyond it.” Mina separated from her, and held her at arm’s length. “Come back to me.” As quickly as Mina had found her, she was gone, losing herself in the crowd. Though it pained Galia’s heart, she knew Mina only meant to spare her a tortured goodbye.
