Page 26 of Unbetrothed

I peered up; the others fixed their stares in my direction.

Laude squeezed my hand. “Consider it a gift from the Ancient One.”

“I’ve neither prayed for help on this trip nor given him any reason to intervene in such a way.” I hadn’t even thought about him since the morning of my ceremonia. My mamá is the one who walked through the garden singing songs to him. She was the one who felt his presence like a tangible breeze that spoke to her inner soul, as she claimed. I was my papá’s child, lacking perhaps both the inclination and ability to cultivate such a relationship, though I had summoned the oath. Pain shot from my fingers to my elbows. Was this a sign? A nudge from the Ancient One?

Laude continued, “Either way, take this as a gift.”

That wordgift… it dangled before me and stung. That’s what this whole trip was about, a gift. My gift. These men weren’t meant to be here, but I could not admonish Laude in front of them.

I held up my hand. “Fine. We will neither verbally insist on parting ways nor escape in the night until we’ve reached our destination. You have my word.” I waited for Zichri’s nod of agreement before pressing our hands together.

The men applauded. Laude hopped up, pulling me in a tight, bouncy hug.

“That’s great. Yes, we have enemies for guards. Yes, yes.” I patted her back in dismissal and released her.

She squealed with delight while she skipped to Blas. He cleared his throat and puffed out his chest. Just when I thought he was about to sing, he winked at Laude. Hearty laughter burst from our circle.

Zichri stood. A hush fell over the campfire, and everyone around the fire leaned in. Anticipation built with each crackle while we waited. I expected him to give a toast or something to indicate his pleasure in our agreement. But instead,in a low, melodic voice, he sang:

“The heavens roared,

a fire to the ground

Escape to a place

A hope for better days

It would be so, if only …”

The way he sang reminded me of the calm surf of the sea at night. And the story, a beautiful rendition of the escape from the valley of old, now Valle de los Fantasmas. I’d always heard that the Ancient One expelled the people from the city, but the details remained a mystery. This version of the story still told of their hope.

The other men joined in for the chorus, serious—but with a twinkle of something heartfelt in their eyes. It reminded me of … I gasped … my new pocket watch, but that could not be possible.

Yet it had the same melancholy tune, and Myla had snatched the watch from me when she heard the song. And the mysterious woman at the garden party? Could she have been a Himzo spy? Those in Giddel did not trade with Himzos. Impossible. I tucked my trembling hands under my legs while the chorus mingled in the balmy breeze.

Zichri finished the last note, and I took a deep breath. The fire hissed. Laude tossed in another stick. We had enough fodder for the flames to continue all night.

How I wished Lux were here to point out the stories hidden in the starry sky. Only then would this be perfect.

Zichri’s gaze lingered in my direction.

I cast a sideways glance at him. “You should not stare. It’s improper.” I flicked my braid over a shoulder.

“You seem deep in thought.” Zichri drew near.

My pulse quickened under his scrutiny, tightening a ball of doubt in my stomach. Doubt about Himzo affairs in Giddel, and doubt about my disdain for Zichri. I didn’t want to stay among the Himzos. Tomorrow, Laude and I might happen towander. Nothing was promised against doing that. I smiled so as not to reveal my plan. “Laude and I should go to sleep soon.”

“You can take two of our hammocks.” Zichri dug through a satchel at his feet until he pulled out a wad of rope and netting. “Here you go.”

I took his hammocks, and Laude sided up next to me as I stood. She bounced on her toes, eyebrows arching high with glee. The Himzos said their goodnights.

“Don’t go too far into the forest!” Blas shouted across the growing space between us. “No ruffians will take you on our watch.”

Laude trudged behind me, looking over her shoulder, even as we crossed into the tree line.

“Come now, Laude. We haven’t all night.” I reached a finger in my opposite sleeve, scratching. “That’s enough fawning after those Himzos. We’ll figure out a means to part ways with them tomorrow.”

“But you promised them—”

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