Page 5 of Wrapped in Their Arms

Even as he spoke, however,Noellestirred in his arms and moaned softly.

“She’s all right,”Brightsaid.“Look, our suite isn’t far from here at all.Let’sbring her there and we can talk to her when she wakes up.”Hemade a face.“Andboth of us can change our trousers.”

Burn had to agree that would be good—Kindredmales always made a lot of seed and his undergarments felt fucking sticky and uncomfortable right about now.

“All right,” he growled.“Butdon’t scare her with your wild talk.”

“I won’t scare her—I’mjust going toaskher,”Brighttold him.“Comeon—hurry.”

And he led the way out of the classroom, whileBurnfollowed, still cradlingNoellein his arms.

3

BRIGHT

Bright couldn’t understand why his best friend was so reluctant to believe in the prophecy they’d received back onTherimFive.TheSeerwho had given it to them was well known as a wise-woman and one who was touched by theGoddess.She’deven displayed the green-on-green eyes and had green streaks in her long gray hair, just like thePriestesseswho lived in theSacredGrove.

Neither of them had been looking for any kind of wisdom or seeking a reading of their future on the day of the prophecy.They’dsimply been in the remote mountain village on a distant planet, doing a job.Ithad been a little after noon and he andBurnwere going to find something to eat for theirMiddaymeal when she’d walked right up to them on the street and takenBrightby the hand.

“Excuse me, oldMother,” he’d said politely.“Doyou need some help?”

She’d shaken her head, her blind eyes staring over his shoulder.

“No—it isIwho must help you,” she’d said in a surprisingly strong voice.“ForIknow what you seek.”Herother hand—gnarled with age—had shot out and grabbedBurn, who was standing beside him.“Iknow whatbothof you seek!”

Bright had been surprised but intrigued.Hecould tell she couldn’t see—how did she know the two of them were there in the street in the first place?

Burn, who was naturally more suspicious thanBrightwas, had scowled.

“What kind of trick is this?”he growled.

But the oldSeeronly shook her head.

“No trick.Iknow the two of you are loners—twinless in a world where every other male has a twin.AndIknow you wish to be bound together by a bond stronger than friendship.”

Her words had rockedBrightto his core.

“How…how could you possibly know that?”he’d asked, feeling all the blood drain from his face.

“It’s some kind of trick,”Burnhad insisted.“Orsomebody told her about us.Comeon—let’s go.”

“No—not until we hear what she has to say,”Brighttold him.“Please, oldMother—what words of wisdom do you have for us?”he’d asked.

“Hear the words of theGoddess—and obey,” she said.Thenher eyes, which had been milky white up until then, suddenly turned green—both the whites and the irises,Brightsaw, as he stared at her in fascination—and she began to prophesy.

“Two who wish to live as one

Must find their center,

Find their sun

When at last they find their third

A bond will form

In soul and word.

Pleasure bright will show the way.