Page 69 of Spirit Rites
The man in the center of the group is not the biggest, nor is he the tallest. Yet, I know he’s the one in charge. I’m not sure how I know that, but I do. It’s probably the same way I know that he can’t stand me. He hasn’t met me yet, and he already hates me. I can practically feel the hatred coming off of him in waves. He locks eyes with mine, and I shiver at the darkness there. His eyes are darker than any I’ve ever seen before, and I fight the urge to take a step back. But I know not to step away from something or someone that’s dangerous, and that’s exactly what this man is. “We came to talk to you.”
I eye the five of them again, while also taking in Taren’s stance. He hasn’t relaxed yet. His hands are not on his weapons, but they’re close. Whoever these people are, he doesn’t trust them. I walk over and stand next to Taren. “Okay. I’m here. What do you want to talk about?”
The man gives me an obvious once-over. “You are perfectly healthy.” Before I can say anything, he continues. “Sources tell me you were out and about yesterday in perfect health.” Not sure what he’s getting at, I don’t respond in any way. “So, are you rejecting King Kaldar as your mate?”
His words shock the answer from my lips. “No.”
He cocks his head to the side slowly, and it unnerves me. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Yes.”
“And you’re perfectly healthy?”
“Yes, but I don’t see—”
“Good,” he says, cutting me off. “Then the Jade Ceremony will begin in one hour.” Shock ripples through me. The five of them start to walk away.
“Wait,” I call out. Taren steps closer to me, and I don’t miss it.
The creepy man who’s done all the talking turns back to me with a smile on his face. I’ve never seen a smile quite like his; it makes a shiver run down my spine. “The countdown has already begun. If I were you, I’d get ready.” He turns away, and I watch him go, feeling sick to my stomach. Only when they’re out of sight do I turn to Taren.
“What was that?”
He shakes his head and motions to the house. I step inside, and he follows. I’m surprised to see Rakel inside. “I thought you left.”
Her wide eyes meet mine. “I heard the Council. I’ll help you get ready.” Her face is pale, and I get a bad feeling about all this.
I turn to Taren and take a deep breath. “What was all that?”
He looks just as mad as he did when I first saw him talking to the five people in robes. “Thatwas Vaelor, Kaldar’s uncle, and the other members on the council.”
Everything Kaldar has told me about his uncle comes rushing back. “Oh boy.” I walk over to the couch and sit down.
“Oh boy is right,” Taren says, sounding angry. He runs a hand over the top of his head. “The Jade Ceremony is in one hour, and Kal’s not here for it.”
“Is that a bad thing?” I can’t help but ask. When he doesn’t answer, I figure that’s my answer. “Can’t we just postpone it or something?”
“No. Kal already did when he told them you were injured. Once it’s set in motion, it can’t be stopped. The council is really particular in things like this.”
“Well, that’s kind of dumb. We don’t have to follow their rules, do we? Can’t I just not show up?”
I hear a little gasp from Rakel, reminding me she’s still here. “No.” Taren’s voice is firm. “These rituals are tied to old magic and are binding; you can’t mess with it.”
I stare at him, trying to understand. “So, if I didn’t go...”
“I don’t know exactly what would happen, and I don’t want to find out. Neither do you.”
“But,” I start.
“Kinsley, it’s old magic. If it didn’t kill you outright, it would certainly do some serious damage. It could take away your bond with your jaguar, or it could kill her.” My eyes widen in horror, but he’s not done. “Or it could strip you and Kaldar of the mate bond, or even—”
“Okay, I get it.” I’m already moving towards the bedroom. “I’ll prepare for the Jade Ceremony.”
“I’ll send someone after Kaldar,” he says in return.
Once I’m in the bedroom, I close the door and lean my forehead against it. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. A knock at the door startles me. I open it a crack and see Rakel standing there, looking nervous.
“It’s me. I thought maybe I could help you get ready.” I open the door all the way, allowing her access. “Thank you.”
