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Like perfection incarnate. Evoleen wishes she were as beautiful as you. The twin goddesses would rage from jealousy if they beheld you.

“Beautiful,” she said instead, her voice cracking slightly from the unsaid words.

Avenay smiled sheepishly and Enid came near, planting a kiss on her forehead, then her lips. She’d kissed Avenay plenty of times now and it still wasn’t enough. She wanted to drink her mouth to the dreg.

“I take it you like the dress?” Enid asked.

Avenay nodded, then brushed her nose against Enid’s. The familiar gesture wasn’t something Avenay had done before and Enid savored it, pressing her nose to hers and drinking in the moment. “It’s lovely. I assume I have you to thank for it?”

Enid kissed her nose, then cheek, then neck. “Yes.”

She’d gone back to the textile shop and asked Laurel if she could make a dress for Avenay in a short time. Laurel had been honored to accommodate the request and the flawless quality impressed Enid.

“Shall we head to the festival?” Avenay asked.

Enid nodded, slipping her hand into Avenay’s as they made their way to the celebration. Music and laughter floated from outside, the beat of the drums vibrating along the ground as they made their way into the streets.

Banners, strung between buildings, drifted in the breeze. The smell of baked bread and sweet candies greeted them. They grabbed a sweet bun filled with jam, sharing it as they took in the sights. People laughed and danced, playing music, each one carefree and overflowing with joy.

“I wonder if all the children are already in bed?” Enid said, taking another bite of her roll.

Avenay hummed an assent. “I haven’t seen any while being here. I assumed they were in school.”

Enid’s thoughts slipped away with the beat of the music as they came close to the town square where others were already dancing. She pulled Avenay to the center, drifting to the music.

“The night is so beautiful,” Avenay said, breathless as she gazed up at the moon.

It was only one more day until the ceremony. One more day until they would leave here with the cure for Seraphina and free the people of Evolis.

“We’re so close, Avie,” Enid said.

Avenay stopped walking, hand gripping Enid’s tight. “You don’t have to do this.”

Enid shifted on her feet. Avenay’s gaze swam with an emotion that made Enid’s chest constrict, made her hand reach out to brush Avenay’s cheek. “I want to.”

“We can wait,” Avenay said, voice breathless.

Enid shook her head, pulling Avenay into an embrace and kissing her forehead. “I can do it, Little Bird, I know I can.”

Even if it killed her. She would do it for her mate, for Kaemon to see Melina and his baby, for Dryston to rule The Darkened City, and for the people of Evolis, to free them. What had been fear before now melted in the face of her resolve. She felt confidence, joy even.

And now she knew who she was. Someone who didn’t back down in the face of danger, but would stand between it and those she loved.

Avenay looked up at Enid, her eyes grateful and a little less worried. It felt as if her whole world, everything of any importance, existed behind those two eyes. She bent and kissed her, Avenay clinging desperately. The kiss held all Enid’s emotions in it, every unsaid word, every bit of passion that coursed through her when she saw Avenay. When they pulled back, the seraphe was breathless, lips swollen, and Enid smiled smugly.

“Let’s enjoy tonight.”

Avenay nodded, twining her fingers with Enid’s again as they continued on. The streets were unbelievably crowded. Enid didn’t realize how many people lived in Evolis until this moment. Some touched them reverently as they passed, a few bowing and thanking her. They grabbed sweet flatbread and wine, splitting it with each other and the music started again, distracting the people from staring, though a few still did, their intent more sultry, curious.

She leaned close to Avenay and whispered, “Have you noticed how flirtatious everyone here is? I’m convinced this is about to turn into an orgy.”

Avenay looked at Enid in surprise, who only laughed, shoulders shaking. “Surely not.”

Enid shrugged, taking another sip, and letting her eyes dart around to take it in. “All eyes are on the new people, and I’ve seen enough lust to know that isn’t just a friendly curiosity.”

“Oh?” Avenay asked, a sly and questioning look in her eyes. “Have you taken part in the moon rites I’ve heard of?”

Enid raised a brow as she looked at Avenay, her mouth quirking up. “I have. Do you want me to tell you all about them?”