"Listen closely," I say again in the human tongue. "This is the stone of yourmamá.”
I point to the gem, almost like an old friend. And then I strike with my hammer. The jewel comes loose immediately, but the second it falls into my palm, the song blows back my hair. It glows bright as its music and rhythm blow over me with the force of autumn winds.
Thea and Wren, delighted, run away from me and deeper into the cavern. Ra’Sa and I watch, corralling when necessary until both stand near their Fuegorras.
Once all the stones are selected, Ra'Sa and I help our children break them off the wall, and then, at last, the moment we have been waiting for comes.
"Approach, friends," Estela says, her face beaming in the red light.
We do.
I present myself first, waiting with sweaty palms as the gem is placed in my chest. A flash of light pain skitters across my skin as it bonds with my soul, and then... everything blacks out. I feel myself stumble into solid arms. And then, the world comes back into focus with dazzling light and sound.
The cave looks less dark, and the song between my mate and me makes tears well in my eyes. I look at him, utterly helpless as a world of magic blooms across all five of my senses.
He smiles at me with such love.
"Look at you, blossoming like the prettiest of cave flowers," he says softly. I push onto my toes and kiss him before ushering the children forward.
Neither of them cry; they are strong and brave. Much more so than I would've been at their age.
For a second, we take in the new world.
And then Liana raises her hands again.
"Now, it is time to bind this fine family together!" she calls.
King Teo has retrieved a small, cushioned bench from gods know where and places it in front of her.
"Approach, Lady Melisa and Lord Ra'Salore. Kneel before your gods," she commands.
We move slowly, but we kneel. My heart races as Ra’Sa squeezes my hand.
"Do you accept your matehood?" Liana asks me directly. Her voice echoes through the cavern, and the words sink into my skin.
A choice.
I swallow hard, looking at Ra’Sa, and then nod. "Yes."
A knife is produced and then handed to me.
"You'll need to cut my palm," my mate explains gently.
My heart races. I think of the last time I used the knife. It had been the right choice then, too. But for a very different reason.
“I don't think I can,” I say breathlessly.
Ra’Sa smiles and nods encouragingly. "You can. You are fierce,Ruh’flor."
He’s right. I am.
I can make new memories. New meanings.
Bravely, I press the blade to his palm. I suck in a sharp breath and slice shallowly.
Perfect, my love,Ra'Sa purrs.
I smile, and he cradles my hand, only pricking my palm instead of slicing. My blood wells.