Born of Water by Autumn M. Birt

Author:Autumn M. Birt [Birt, Autumn M.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Autumn M. Birt
Published: 2012-02-17T04:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

CHOICES

“I thought you liked my brother?”

Beite had been silent on the walk back to her gently swaying home. Deep evening filled the forest, hiding the massive trunks so that only portions were visible like misplaced towering walls. The darkness was alive with flickering light and rustling leaves.

Lavinia’s gait approached a dance despite the late hour. Her soul was alive, lit up like it held all the luminescent creatures within Lus na Sithchaine. Beite was by contrast quiet, her thoughtful gaze on the ground ahead.

Lavinia glanced over at her young hostess. “I do.”

“But then why . . . Laireag?” Beite looked at her with delicate brows furrowed.

Lavinia smiled warmly at the girl. “I don’t have to choose anyone.”

The words made Lavinia want to twirl. She crossed her arms over her chest to hold herself back. Beite looked at her like she had announced she wanted to marry a dragon.

“Don’t you see? That is what Laith Lus meant, I think. I’m only here for a week more, Beite. I don’t have to choose anyone. It isn’t just about being the right age, but it has to be the right time too.”

Beite’s eyes widened slightly. Her lower lip trembled and she glanced away. “Yes, I suppose. I forgot you were leaving, or maybe it just didn’t seem so real.” She paused, glancing over at Lavinia. “You’ll come back, won’t you?”

“Oh yes, I’ll come back. I promise.”

None of the Kith had known what to make of her and Darag when they had come back from sword practicing side by side, both sweaty and laughing. Knowing looks had been passed over their heads with quiet smiles. Then Lavinia had chosen to sit across from Cuileann and next to Beite at dinner. After a brief moment, Darag asked if he could join her. Lavinia had barely flicked him a look as she nodded. The whispering had started and had not stopped.

Cuileann had glanced at them both with an easy smile of greeting, his look lingering slightly longer on Lavinia.

“How goes the lessons?”

“Good, she beat me today too.”

Cuileann had grinned. “Good, I think it is time someone bested you.”

Darag had grinned back, laughing softly as his gaze fell to the table. He had glanced at Lavinia as a few other Kith had laughed at Cuileann’s jest. She had raised an eyebrow, pretending to lord the victory over him. The look and Darag’s blush had won a few more laughs. Looking up, Lavinia had crossed her gaze with Laith Lus’ warm smile. He had winked at her. The night had spun off quickly form there.

Lavinia had not ignored Darag, but she had not ignored anyone else either. Though her heart had pounded so hard she thought her hands would shake, she had turned from Darag’s green eyes to take a plate from Cuileann. Someone else gave her steaming cider. It took a moment, but Darag had leaned close to her. His breath had brushed her cheek as he whispered, “I see you’ve become quite popular.”

She had meant

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