Page 51 of Synodic

The labyrinthine artistry wasn’t only used in creating vessels for harvested food but also for fashioning carriers, mats, furniture, and cooking implements.

“Take only what is needed and nothing more so the growth may continue to protect the land and provide homes for small creatures,” Nyvari, the older sister, instructed as we found a thick patch of vines and willows growing from the soil.

“You must imbue your song with the earth as you weave,” Quiya said, her wide heart-shaped face kind and similar to that of her older sister. Then she sang with a voice so enchanting it raised goosebumps along my arms as her tone and nimble fingers directed the vines into intricate flowing shapes.

I attempted to mimic her weaving patterns, but it was more complicated than it looked. This craft involved quite a bit of geometry, patience, and finesse, not to mention a beautiful voice.

Wrap, coil, sing, repeat, all while thinking ten steps ahead.

The pliable strands slipped in my hands, and my fingertips were clumsy with the patterns. My teachers insisted singing helped guide the design, but with my tone-deaf self, I found that not to be the case. My reeds still wouldn’t cooperate, and I kept losing count of where I was, but both sisters kindly encouraged me as I worked the threads into a somewhat decent shape.

My first attempt at a small basket turned out to be a twisted mess of a thing, but still, I was immensely proud of it.

“The materials are getting scarcer to locate as the land around us dries up and dies,” Nyvari said solemnly, taking a break from her melodic singing to cut her creation at the base, thanking the land as she did so. “It is said the false queen Aliphoura did not honor her land. Taking and depleting until there was nothing left. Only death. And such a darkness grows nearer.”

The dead forest was spreading closer to their home. This was the despair I had seen in the villagers’ eyes on my first day here. I wished there was more I could do, but I needed to get my own body together before I could truly be of help to anyone. Every day I woke weaker than the last.

Holding their stunning pieces of art, the sisters praised me again on my small achievement before we parted ways, and I made my way back to the village feeling tired and defeated.

Suddenly, Rowen appeared out of nowhere like an apparition come to life by the glint of the moon. He had been doing that a lot lately—providing me space during the day, never too far off, only to greet me along with the fire of dusk in the sky.

Startled, I jumped and quickly hid the basket behind my back. I loved it, but I doubted Rowen would be as impartial.

He stood before me, his skin and clothing gleaming with a sheen of exertion, most likely from hours spent at the training grounds. His wide, corrugated shoulders slimmed to a narrow waist, and his freshly worked muscles surged with an energy that had my legs shifting uncomfortably beneath me.

“What’s that you’re hiding, Copeland?” he asked with humored intrigue.

“Nothing,” I quickly chirped, noting his impressive body that demanded my attention.

“Come on, show me,” he coaxed smoothly, but I shook my head no.

He chuckled and tried to skirt around me, but I twisted just in time, keeping him from seeing the protruding sticks of my jumbled creation.

“Show me,” he said with a devilish grin, and his voice lowered to a velvet threat, “or I’ll make you show me.”

“Fine,” I scoffed, knowing resisting him was useless. “But don’t you dare laugh.”

He took the basket from behind my back and inspected my handiwork. One dark eyebrow arched up skeptically as he tried to bite back a laugh. “It’s not the most elegant thing I’ve ever seen. I can see why you were hesitant to give it to me.”

“You think this is for you?” I asked incredulously, snatching it back from his hands, but then I remembered he was used to being showered with gifts and tokens of affection. “I am way too proud of it to give it away. Especially to someone who doesn’t appreciate her unique beauty,” I said, giving the basket a gentle pat.

A laugh finally broke from his lips, and the rich sound roused a golden warmth throughout my middle. Him laughing this freely was beautiful to witness,andfeel, because I knew just how rare it was.

“No, you’re right. What is unique deserves to be admired,” he said as his deep green eyes captured mine. For a moment it seemed like he meant it for more than just my abysmal creation, but before I could decode his gaze, I stopped in my tracks, unable to catch my breath, and my basket tumbled to the ground as I clutched my pounding chest.

My random bouts of exhaustion were becoming quite the nuisance, even Rowen’s playful face slackened into worry. “You grow weaker by the day. Don’t think I haven’t seen it, Keira. Let me take you to Takoda.”

“It’ll pass,” I breathed, batting away Rowen’s suggestion. There was no need to bother Takoda with this.

“Have you been able to return home?”

“No, and I don’t know why. I’ve been trying but it appears I’m stuck here.” The mere thought of never seeing my home or family again shot a terrifying jolt down my spine. In all the days that had passed, I failed to make it back even once. Every night I went to sleep with the hope of waking up in my bed, back in my room, yet here I remained.

My heart ferociously beat against my ribcage.

“Tell me something from your life,” Rowen said, trying to distract me from my evident and building panic attack. “Maybe recalling a good memory from home will help you find your way back.”

If Rowen wanted to know more about me, he would have to give up something as well.

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