Book Four: Chapter 158

When the next group of dancers finished, three more stepped into the center of the ring, their hooves clattering against the packed earth. Kisa adjusted the hem of her green dress, feeling the silky fabric glide over her tail as she moved. She took a deep breath, letting the scent of smoke, sweat, and earth fill her nostrils, and stepped forward to join them. The centaurs went silent, their ears pricked and eyes fixed on her, as if they were assessing whether she belonged in their sacred circle. Kisa raised one eyebrow, returning their gaze with a mixture of amusement and determination, letting them know she was here to participate fully, not to be a passive observer.

She stomped her feet in time with the beat, letting the reverberations travel up through her legs and into her core. The rhythm pulsed through her, syncing with the pounding of her heart.

“She could get hurt!” a voice called fr