The Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove #1) - Kaitlyn Davis Page 0,72
know that one truth, but your mate will learn what’s important. The things that are far more connected to who you are. You’ll see.”
The words did little to ease Lyana's mood. Needing to keep busy, she reached for one of the brushes on the side table and motioned for Cassi to switch places. Her own hair did better with fingers and a comb, but her friend’s was different—wavy rather than coiled, flowing silk instead of fluffed tulle, slippery enough to never stay in one place for very long. A little unruly, Lyana thought, compared to her braids, which could last for a few weeks at a time. But she’d always enjoyed running her fingers through Cassi’s hair and brushing out the knots. She’d always found it soothing.
They were quiet for a little while, Cassi lost in her thoughts, Lyana thankfully lost in the movement of her fingers, in looping and twisting the smooth strands. She divided her friend’s hair into four sections, weaving four intricate braids that met at the crown of her head and then spun into a tightly cinched bun that would hopefully make it through at least the long flight to the edge of the House of Peace, if not the long journey to the House of Whispers the next day. The design was far more ornate than the hasty updos her friend normally preferred, as though she’d sensed that Lyana had needed the distraction. But when it was finished, Cassi turned and took her hands, silvery eyes bright against her tawny cheeks.
“Why don’t we try to remember what today is really about?”
Lyana frowned and tilted her head. “Huh?”
“Today isn’t about a man, or secrets, or lies, or worries about what the future might bring. Today—” Cassi paused as an excited grin widened her lips and she squeezed Lyana’s hands tightly as if trying to transfer some of her enthusiasm to her friend. “Today is the day our adventure begins, the one we’ve waited so long for, the one we’ve yearned for. Today, we travel to the edge of our isle, farther than we’ve ever been. And tomorrow? Even farther.”
A smile tugged at the corner of Lyana’s lips. “I guess…”
“You guess?” Cassi chided as she stood and pulled Lyana to her feet, toward the window and the city waiting outside. “Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted? To see someplace new. Someplace exciting. To explore the world. Or was that all talk?”
Lyana’s gaze skimmed the outskirts of Sphaira, past the crystal buildings to the tundra beyond, settling on that never-ending line where a snowy landscape stretched into a clear sky. But it did end. By nightfall, she’d be at the end, the spot where her isle gave way to air. After so many years of staring at a similar view, always wondering and questioning what lay beyond, she would finally have an answer. A bubble of joy spread across her chest, growing and growing, filled with light and hope and a sprinkle of something else, something that spilled out of her lips in the shape of quiet laughter.
“Fine.” Lyana turned back to Cassi, ignoring the smug expression on the owl’s face because her mood had finally lifted, and she didn’t want anything to shoot it back down. For now, the adventure was enough. The worry, the fears, the hurt, she could deal with them later. “Yes, that’s what I’ve always wanted. And you’re right, that’s what today should be about. You and me and the bridge that in these many years we’ve never dared cross. Well, the bridge you’ve never let me cross, because you were worried about the trouble I’d get into. Today, the sky bridge is ours, Cassi. We’re crossing that bridge, together. We’re going someplace new…” Lyana paused, but was unable to stop herself from playfully adding, “Whether you want to or not.”
“I volunteered for this, remember?”
“I know.” Lyana let her enthusiasm sweep her up like the winds of a great storm, ready to carry her away. “I must have finally rubbed off on you.”
Cassi snorted. “Maybe I just knew you would need someone around who wasn’t afraid to put you in your place, princess or not. From what I’ve seen so far of the ravens, they seem incapable of telling you no.”
Before Lyana had a chance to retort, a knock sounded at the door.
Cassi fluttered over to answer, in case it was a raven, but Luka forced the door open. He paused in the doorway, looking at her for a moment before nodding awkwardly