The Rising

by Terra Harmony

Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Even before they leave the corridors that connect the main networks of Society, Serena and Kai hear that a new mating is to take place on the next full moon. The news spreads like an oil slick—a pairing between the Temporal Caste and the King's Guard.

  Serena follows Kai, well aware that they will each take part in The Selection—the actual ceremony where couples are paired. A small group of maidens huddled together grow quiet when Serena and Kai pass, but when she steals a glance, Serena can see small jewels passed amongst the group. They are actually betting on The Selection.

  Serena and Kai reach the archives and dress in robes, their back to one another, saying nothing. Mariam meets them at the entrance.

  "More training?" Her lips are pressed tight together.

  "As you say," Kai says, slipping past her.

  "Excuse me," Mariam turns, following him in. "But I very well do not say. I never agreed to it."

  Kai heads for the training tridents, picking one up and testing the balance in the palm of his hand.

  "I apologize, Serena dear," Mariam says.

  Serena shrugs, attempting a smile—very little of what transpires these days are in her control.

  Mariam turns back to Kai. "Perhaps you can train in the Great Hall, or one of the guards training rooms…"

  Her voice becomes background noise as Serena steps up to the table by the catalogues, still piled with werewolf books. One lies open, to the picture of the dead maiden with the wolf standing over her. Though her first reaction is to slam the book shut, Serena forces herself to look. She brushes her fingertips over the pool of the maiden's blood, remembering her dream and remembering the decision the king will have to make.

  The pages are thick with deep red.

  Serena feels Mariam's hand on her shoulder and she realizes the arguing pair have long since grown quiet. The Records Keeper leans around Serena, looking down at the picture. Kai approaches on the other side.

  "I need a place to train, Mariam," Serena says softly. For now, she will do all she can to protect herself from the wolves.

  Mariam's hand tightens on Serena's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Serena—of course. You are welcome here anytime."

  Serena nods, taking a deep breath. She turns to Kai, meeting his steady gaze. "I am ready."

  He nods, turning back to the tridents.

  Behind them, Mariam begins to close the book.

  "Leave it," says Serena.

  Mariam pauses, looking up at her.

  "It is a good reminder," Serena explains.

  Mariam opens her mouth, as if she is about to say something, but then thinks better of it and moves to the catalogues to keep busy.

  The training session is rough, and growing more so by the moment. They seem to be feeding off each other's intensity. Each time it grows to be too hard, Serena puts her hand to her shoulder, right where Liam's hand rested. She doesn't know if it is to remind her there are worse things out there, or better. Either way, she can't stop doing it.

  After several hours of physical work, Kai tries teaching Serena how to come out of a roll with a wolf. Each time, she manages to get her feet tucked in, placing them right at his abdomen for the kick.

  "Higher up on my chest," Kai instructs, picking himself up off the ground, trying to catch the breath Serena knocked out of him. "Otherwise fangs can still reach you."

  Serena nods. "Again."

  Kai lunges into her and they both go to the ground, rolling. This time, she manages to do it right.

  "Good," says Kai, breathing hard.

  Serena pushes herself to her feet. Her legs are trembling with exhaustion, so she leans against the cave wall for support. "Again," she says.

  Kai picks himself up too, shaking his head. "No—the session is over. You need rest for The Selection tonight."

  Serena almost snorts. "The Selection? I stand in line—how hard could that be?" She asks this despite the fact she is having trouble standing right now.

  "I wasn't referring the actual ceremony, I was referring to after."

  "Oh," Serena's cheeks go hot. She is trying not to think about what will happen after, if she is selected.

  She looks over at Kai. His robe has become somewhat dislodged at his chest and the smooth skin underneath gleams with sweat. Green eyes under thick brows stare back at her. Serena bites her lip. Though most of the middle-aged maidens might look to Murphy as the prime matching partner, Serena knows the eyes of the Temporal Caste are all on Kai.

  Soon, Kai will be on the beach with another maiden. Serena has trouble imaging the moment as magical. More than likely, they will be staring at the forest line, watching for werewolves, rather than getting lost in each other's eyes. They are going to need protection.

  "No rest," says Serena, pushing herself away from the wall. "I need to go to The Dry."

  Kai's eyes snap to hers. "Okay," he says. "I'll escort you."

  Serena recalls what happened with Ervin. "I don't think that is a good idea."

  He crosses his arms, staring her down.

  Mariam has disappeared among the shelves. The silence in the archives becomes apparent, as if the books themselves are holding their breath.

  Finally, the corners of Kai's mouth turn up in a smile. "I'm not sure the Werewolf Liaison has the authority to dictate where the King's Guard does and doesn't go." He straightens his robe, untying and retying the sash that holds it closed. "So if I happen to be in The Dry the same time and place as you, you can't stop me."

  Resigning, Serena looks at the floor. "Fine—but can you at least wait in the breakers?"

  He nods. "I'll stay until you call for me."