Book 3: Support

Candace

At the tree line where the half-destroyed woods give way to the large, open area full of all the various delegations’ colorful tents, someone laid out piles of clothes for anyone drawn into the Haze. I hover nearby, waiting for a moment when no one is looking.

I can’t let them see the burning mark on my collarbone. If someone asks me anything, I’m going to lose the shreds of composure I gained sitting alone after Hollis left and break down, which I absolutely can’t right now. The rejuvenation ritual starts in—I glance at the sky—less than an hour, when the sun fully crests the horizon. Raven and Estrella need me. I can worry about the fact that my mate thinks I’m a cruel joke after that.

Mother’s voice echoes in my head. “A daughter is an alliance. Your only job, when your Haze comes, is to convince the Goddess to make you a good one.”

If my mate doesn’t want me, what am I then? Nothing at all?

My lower lip wobbles, and I sink m