but as I open my eyes and meet hers in the mirror, I swear I can still see the question in them. If I broke down and told her I wasn’t ready, what would she say? Would she help me hide somewhere until this was all over?
No. This is what you’ve wanted for as long as you can remember, there is no backing down now. Gripping the arms of the chair hard enough that my nails dig into the wood, I take a few deep breaths, Vaeril’s scent still in my mind helping to calm me. My bond with my high mage mate pulses as he sends a wave of love to strengthen me. I may not be able to feel his thoughts behind it due to the distance separating us, but that does nothing to dampen the strength of his love for me. Nodding my head, I release my death grip on the chair and push to my feet. “I’m ready,” I confirm, although I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince, myself or her.
I’m just admiring myself in the mirror when the bright early morning light blinds us as Naril pushes his way into the tent without knocking. A flicker of annoyance crosses Vida’s features, and I know she deliberates throwing him out before she decides he’s not worth the effort. Not bothering to turn from my reflection, I watch with a smile as he prowls towards me, his eyebrows almost disappearing up into his golden hair as he takes in my outfit. The fact that he hasn’t already commented means I’ve shocked him, which can only be a good thing, right? My stomach flutters with nerves again. The woman in the mirror looks back at me coolly with her kohl lined eyes, her scars and tattoo telling a story. The sides of my hair have been left down, curling slightly where feathers have been woven in, whereas the top of my hair has been pulled back and braided with golden ribbons interwoven into the strands.
“You look…” Naril trails off as I look up at him. Turning from the mirror, I place my hands on my hips and raise an eyebrow as I wait for his response. My outfit is worlds away from the pretty, delicate wrap dresses the elves favour. The dark blue dress has been laced to actually give me a shape, making my breasts and waist look womanly despite years of starvation. With a sash across my stomach, the skirt falls to my knees where tight leggings and fur lined boots are on display. A dark, fur lined cape finishes the look with a golden brooch—which represents the wings of a bird of prey, a golden hawk—fixing it in place over my collarbone.
More people enter the tent behind Naril, and my smile widens despite the sudden lack of space. My bond pulses as Vaeril joins us, my eyes instantly going to him, but they’re soon pulled to the huge tribesman who’s grinning at me. In an outfit matching mine, even down to the feathers in our hair, we make a formidable couple. The right side of his head is freshly shaved to show his tribal tattoos, and the rest of his dark hair is braided like mine. He’s been growing out his beard, which is neatly trimmed and only makes him look more intense. His blue tunic is stretched across his broad chest, and I can see a flash of skin where he’s left the top of it unlaced. His cloak is identical to mine, except for the brooch which depicts two clasped fists which I know is to represent his tribe—the Eternal Brothers.
“Fierce.” The pride in his voice makes me smile and stand a little taller as we automatically step towards each other like two magnets. It’s impossible to stay away from him. His approving gaze roves my body. “She looks fierce.” Vaeril makes a low noise of agreement at the back of the tent, and I feel my arousal light within me, a blush colouring my cheeks. Will there ever be a time when I can be around these men without that happening? I can dress fierce and play the part, but my body will still give me away by blushing like a virgin.
“I was going to say feral,” Naril drawls, looking down at his nails with a shrug. “But fierce works.” Glancing up, he gives me a rare grin, but his expression soon changes as he scrunches his nose. “Although you smell