Page 123 of Moon Chosen

“Thank you!” Sora said, obviously surprised by Mari’s compliment.

But Mari wasn’t through. “You’re going to make an excellent Moon Woman.”

Sora’s face flushed pink. “That—that means a lot to me—you saying that.” Then, almost shyly, she added, “You reminded me of Leda tonight. She would have been proud of you.”

Mari smiled. “She wouldn’t have let you kill Nik either.”

“I realize that. Still, I would have recommended that she slit his throat.”

“I’m sure you would have, and Mama would have given you a lecture on kindness and humanity that would have blistered your ears.”

Sora’s gaze drifted back to Nik. “I don’t doubt that at all.” She turned back to Mari. “It’ll never work.”

“It might work. If I can stay ahead of the infection I’m pretty sure he’ll heal. Well, that and if he doesn’t have a deadly internal injury that I’ve missed.”

“No, I don’t mean that. I mean Earth Walkers and Companions will never coexist in peace.Thatwill never work. There’s too much pain, too much violence between us. How could you ever trust them?”

“Mama and a Companion fell in love. They made me. They wanted to coexist in peace,” Mari said.

“And your father was killed for it. Mari, you can’t have both. You can’t be an Earth Walker and a Companion.”

Mari’s gaze went to Rigel, who was lying beside Nik’s pallet sleeping soundly.

“But that’s what I am—half one and half the other,” Mari said.

“You’re going to have to choose which world is yours,” Sora said.

Still looking at Rigel, Mari said, “I made my choice when Rigel found me.”

“No, just because you have a canine doesn’t mean you have to live like a Companion. You can be part of the Clan. Mari, I believe they’ll accept you—as you are—because of your talents.”

Mari snorted. “You’re going to be their Moon Woman, not me.”

“But you could be, too! I’m not just talking about your Moon Woman talents. If you don’t want to draw down the moon, then fine—don’t draw down the moon. There’s a lot more to you than that. Your sketches are beautiful. You’re a gifted Healer, really you are. And even though you can be grumpy, you’re an excellent teacher. The Clan values all of those talents. I think they’ll overlook the fact that you’re part Companion and you have that creature if you share your talents with them. It’s not like it’s your fault, and with both of your parents gone there really isn’t anyone left to banish.”

Mari sipped her tea, considering.

Nik moaned, and Mari was on her feet instantly. “Sora, strain that mixture I’ve been brewing and bring it to me as soon as it’s cooled down enough to drink.” She went to Nik’s bedside and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Nik, you have to try to be as still as possible. The spearhead is out, and I’ve sewed up your wounds, but you could break them open and restart the bleeding if you move too much.”

He turned his head and his bleary eyes met hers. “Hurts like a fire in my back.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” Sora hurried to her, handing her the wooden mug of pungent-smelling tea. “Drink this. It’ll help.”

Sora had to help Mari lift Nik, and he choked, coughing and sputtering, but he drank the entire mug. Then he collapsed back, moaning with pain.

“Thirsty,” Nik said weakly.

“I’ll refill this with water.” Sora took the mug and went to the drinking bucket, returning in a moment and handing it to Mari. Again, they held Nik so that he could drink. Afterward, they settled him as comfortably as possible.

Mari watched the herbs begin to take affect as the tension in his body relaxed. Just before his breathing deepened into sleep, Nik’s hand reached down to find Rigel. With a sigh of contentment, he fell asleep touching the pup.

“Does that bother you?” Sora spoke softly as she poured the fragrant chamomile and lavender tea she’d been brewing for them, and sat with her feet curled comfortably beneath her in what was becoming her usual place beside the hearth.

“Does what bother me?”

“That he’s obviously obsessed with your creature.”

“You know, you could call him Rigel. It is his name,” Mari said.