could possibly be living.
The next morning, I silently thanked Ryland for canceling training. My head was pounding, and my body felt like I’d run a dozen marathons. When I stumbled into the kitchen for some sort of soothing tea, Jordan didn’t look like she was faring much better than me.
“I hate you,” I mumbled.
“I warned you, and you can’t hate me. We’re soul sisters. Agreed upon it less than twelve hours ago. Even if you don’t remember in your hungover state, you’re still stuck with me for life. Plus, you’ll love me forever once you taste this concoction.” She slid a mug across the counter to me.
Lifting it up, I could see a clear liquid in the cup that was steaming and smelled like mint chocolate. Without hesitating, I took a long pull, then immediately spit it out. “That’s the most deceitful drink I’ve ever had. It smells delicious yet tastes like death.”
Jordan smirked. “If you can choke down a few gulps of that, the hangover will be gone. I promise, it’s worth it.”
Ugh. She better be right, or I was going to pay her back. Trying once more, I plugged my nose and took two small yet quick drinks while attempting to swallow the warm liquid before tasting it.
“Now go get ready. You’ve got a date with the council, and I don’t think your Meraki would appreciate it if you were late.”
My eyes widened and pulse quickened. Holy Fates. I was tying myself to a stranger later that day. What had I been thinking?
“Oh, calm your tits. You’re going to be fine. It’s not like you have to have—”
“Do not finish that sentence. I’m getting ready now.” I stormed off, slammed my door shut, then stared at my closest.
What does one wear to their not-wedding?
An hour later, I’d yet to come out of my room, and Jordan was throwing a fit because I wouldn’t let her help me. Finally, a softer knock sounded, and I heard my mom’s voice.
“Kaliah, can I come in?” she asked sweetly.
Of course, I wasn’t going to tell her no, but as I went to open the door, I realized I’d never told my parents what was happening. I was supposed to be officially tying myself to someone this afternoon and I’d never told them. I was the worst daughter ever.
When I opened the door, I instantly wrapped my arms around my mom. “I’m so sorry I didn’t come see you guys last night. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
She laughed and pulled back. “It’s okay, sweet girl. Ryland came to see us before finding you, and we knew if you needed anything, you’d come to us. Your dad and I knew you’d need space to grow on your own if we truly wanted to see you succeed in Arvayta. It’s why we’ve been a little distant lately. This is your time to shine on your own while making mistakes and becoming your own person.
“You didn’t and still don’t need your parents hovering over your every move, making you more nervous than necessary. We have faith we raised you well enough to know that if there is something important, you can make the right decision on your own and know that we will be there to support you no matter what. You don’t need any pressure from us.”
I snorted. “Yeah, just pressure from my grandmother.”
She gasped. “Taliah visited you?”
I nodded and once again explained everything from the night before. I was beginning to think I should just write it down, so I didn’t have to repeat myself.
“Wow. I wish I had been there. I was young when she passed, but nobody I’ve ever known had a bigger heart than hers. I’m glad she was able to help you and you met her. It is my greatest regret not allowing you to know your heritage before it was time, but keeping you safe was more important.”
“What does Dad think of me pretty much getting married today?” I asked, hoping he wasn’t going to go all papa bear on Ryland and me.
“Your father is very familiar with how the Meraki bond works. He knows there is nothing he can do to stop it, so while he wishes you didn’t have to grow up so fast, he’s happy it’s Ryland. We’ve known that boy his whole life, and the Fates couldn’t have chosen a better equal for you.”
My cheeks flushed, and I turned away. Then, I remembered that I still wasn’t ready, and we needed to leave