I can’t cling to the memory of the boy who’d made me feel like the most important person in his world.
“I can only ever be myself. It’s nice to see that’s still not enough for you.”
“Ylva.” Fell reaches out to grab my wrists.
I step back. “I need to go.”
“You look beautiful in your clan’s garb.” We all have family colors, symbols, and preferred runes.
“Thank you.” Turning, I jog to catch up to my uncle and aunt.
I know where I stand with them. Which is better than the wild ride Fell put me on.
The sweet bookish boy with a sensitive soul had caught my eye from the time we were children devouring the required reading in class.
When they paired us for a science project in fifth grade we’d clicked. I thought he might be my mate, but that wasn’t to be.
Silly for me to expect a true match when it had become a rare connection. I hear the crackling of the fire before I see it.
Flames jump high, flickering in a wild dance. The seats are full of people as far as the eye can see.
Alpha sits in the place of honor beside the fire and his daughter sits behind him. Ignoring the whispers that include my name, I take my place beside my uncle and aunt on a log on the perimeters of the group.
The minutes creep by like sap dribbling from a tree in the dead of winter. Alpha stands and quiet falls. Even the animals sense his vast power.
“I thank you all for coming on such short notice. I received information from our Volva that
required quick action.”
Restless energy swells. People lean forward and murmurs spread through the crowd.
“I’ve uncovered the cause of our recent issues. The old gods are displeased with us.”
“No.” Gasps of disbelief and the pungent oniony fear perfume the air. Murmurs travel through the
Group apprehension becomes a weighted blanket pressing down on us.
“We’ve become soft, and it shows in the fruit we can no longer bear. When I lost my wife to the sickness that stalks our healthy females, stripping them of their ability to bear young or worse, killing them I did everything in my power to find a cure.” His voice cracks.
He turns away from the audience. The pain he’s putting on display appears raw and real. I’m not sure I buy it.
Those around me exude a mix of shock and sympathy that mirrors my own. It’s easy not to see our leader a regular person.
Tonight, it’s impossible to do anything else.
“This isn’t a matter of science or genetics. It’s a test we’ve been failing. No longer.”
Applause and wolf whistles deafen me.
“I have glimpsed the way ahead, and it starts with Ylva Eskildson.”
Heart palpitating, I struggle to breath. The oppressive stares full of accusation hit like a physical blow. Animosity flows around me, constricting my lungs like a boa.
A firm hand clamps down on my shoulder. I blink slowly and find Fell seated beside me.
I slump on the log, hiding behind Fell’s frame. Lemon floods my nose as his protective pheromones flare, providing me with comfort.
What is he thinking? Surely not her? Cruel words cut into my psyche as my ears twitch.
“Hey. You’re okay. I’m right here.” The rosemary, lemon, and salt scent comfort me.
“Please, tell me I just hallucinated that.” I lean into Fell’s hold, seeking the old familiarity and security he once gave me.
He shakes his head.
“She will forge a new path for our people. Her ancestors will help return us to our former
glory.” The Alpha continues on.
How am I supposed to do that?
“Tonight, for the first time in one hundred years, I invoke the Rite of Mating for Ylva.”
“No!” The word explodes from my throat. “This is not what I agreed to.”
I try to rise, and Fell
presses down, keeping me seated.
