Page 177 of Moon Chosen

And what did the Tribeswoman want? Mari glanced at Rigel. She didn’t need to be connected to the pup on a Companion level to see how relaxed and at home he was. Her gaze slid to Nik’s strong, broad back as he cradled his cousin in his arms and carried him so gently that it seemed Nik’s own life depended upon it.

The Tribeswoman wants to belong, Mari thought.And that, for a change, is exactly what the Clanswoman wants, too.

They reached Sol’s platform without crossing anyone’s path. The circular stairs were narrow and steep, but Nik’s steps were steady and his arms sure. Once on the upper deck, Mari moved to the railing, quickly orienting herself.

“Put him here, facing north,” she said.

Sol helped Nik lay O’Bryan carefully on the platform. The young man didn’t waken. Nor did he make any sound.

“You have to leave me alone now,” Mari told Nik and Sol. “What happens next is for the Clan’s eyes alone.”

“But we would not—” Sol began, but a touch from Nik stopped his words.

“We’ll be below. Send Rigel when you’re ready for us to come back,” Nik said.

Mari nodded. She caught Nik’s gaze and held it, hoping that he could see how much his trust meant to her, though she couldn’t seem to find the words then to tell him.

The two men were turning away when O’Bryan’s body began to writhe in a violent seizure. Mari ran to him, turning him on his side so that he wouldn’t choke if he vomited.

“I need a piece of wood for his teeth, so that he doesn’t bite off his tongue.” She shot out the command, her voice echoing through the night sky sounded eerily like Leda. Footsteps faded and then returned, and a stick was handed to her. She pried O’Bryan’s mouth open and placed it, just as she had watched Leda do, holding it in there while she supported his head and murmured soothingly to the unconscious, dying man.Mama, what would you do now? I need you! I need help!

“Whatever you need, I’ll do.” Nik was on his knees beside her.

She looked at him. “I need you to hold him like I am so he won’t injure himself, but you can’t be here, Nik. You can’t see what I’m going to do.”

Nik locked his gaze with hers. “Then I will stay here and hold him just like you are, and I won’t see anything you do. Mari, I swear on my love for my mother that I will not betray your secrets. Trust me. Please trust me.”

I know what Mama would do. Mama would save O’Bryan and trust this man.

“Sol has to go below,” she said.

“I’m going,” Sol said, his footsteps fading as he descended the staircase.

“You must never speak of this,” Mari told him. “The life of my Clan depends upon your silence.”

“You have my vow and you will always have my silence.”

“Hold O’Bryan, just like this. Be sure you keep him on his side. Talk softly to him. Soothe his fears. But don’t let him go. Tell him it isn’t time for him to transition yet.”

Nik nodded, and took her place.

Mari turned so that the silver light of the glowing crescent flushed her face. She tried to concentrate. Tried to sketch within her mind a scene that would draw down the life-giving power of the moon and channel it through her and into O’Bryan, but she felt utterly disconnected.

Mari closed her eyes, focusing, slowing and deepening her breathing in and out, in and out, and trying to reach for the earth to find her center—her grounding.

But the earth was too far below. It couldn’t find her, and Mari didn’t know how to reach it.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” Nik asked.

“This place is so strange to me, Nik. I can’t—I can’t find myself here! And if I can’t find myself, how will the moonlight know me?”

Nik put his hand over hers. “It’s the same you, Mari. Where you are doesn’t matter, and what you’re doing doesn’t matter—it’s who you are that matters. Know yourself, and I believe the Moon will know you, too.”

“Oh, Nik! That’s it! It is still me—all I have to do is reintroduce myself.” Moving with increasing confidence, Mari stood and spread wide her arms. She found her mama’s voice in the music that joined the wind blowing through the trees.Joy, sweet girl! Remember to be filled with joy! And tonight, Mari, you must save some of the Moon’s power for yourself.

Mari’s smile seemed to lift from her spirit to fill her body and spill over her face.I hear you, Mama. For once, I’ll do exactly as you say.

Filled with joy and starting with M, so that the Earth and the Moon would recognize her, Mari began to dance her name among the Tribe of the Trees.