The forest road lay quiet under the warm noon sun. Birds sang high in the trees, and the steady rhythm of hooves was the only sound beneath.
Lara rode beside Thornak and Dain, the wind teasing at her cloak as they made their way toward Ninzu's temple.
For a while, no one spoke. Then Dain cleared his throat.
"So, the festival's supposed to be in the second full moon?" he asked.
Lara turned to him. "What festival?"
"The Mating Ritual," Thornak replied, glancing her way. "It's a time when unmated males and females gather under the moon's light. The Goddess is said to bless the true bonds among them, fated mates or chosen mates."
Lara blinked, intrigued. "Is there truly such a thing?"
"Oh, there is," Dain said with a grin. "That's how I found my mate."
"You are mated to me, Lara. You won't be joining," Thornak said.
Lara laughed softly, shaking her head. "I wouldn't even dream of it."
Rogues.
Nymeria's voice echoed in Lara's mind.
