Page 184 of A Baron of Bonds
Revich pulled me around the dance floor, and I hung on for dear life as both of us had no talent for dancing, though I whispered in his ear how much talent our bodies had for other things.
“Are you trying to get me to throw you over my shoulder and leave this party?” He pushed my long, white-streaked hair behind my ear, leaning down to whisper there, “You look at me like that one more time and it’s done.”
I laughed, twirling around so he could catch me again. “Like what? This is just how I look.”
His eyes glistened and his lips curled to one side as I lived for. “That’s the problem, Karus. I’m always wanting to throw you over my shoulder.”
I fell into his chest, stifling my chortles into him, my body shaking in laughter.
“It’s about time to go anyway.” He kissed my forehead. “Say goodbye and I’ll work on the portals.”
He left and I sighed.
The few weeks we’d had didn’t feel like enough.
I wanted more of my friends, more laughter, more sneaking away for the thirty minutes I could spare to the field of yellow blossoms.
“Do not cry, Karus, I cannot keep myself together if you do.” Clairannia already had a tear rolling down her round cheeks, her hands in mine as her lips trembled.
“It’s the best party I’ve ever been to. You make everything you touch more beautiful than it could have been without you.” I pulled her in, kissing her thick black hair. I squeezed her so tightly, I tried to hold that moment in time and keep it with me.
Figuerah’s arms wrapped around us both as she rested her head of thick braids on mine. “We love you, we miss you, we’ll see you in the Attatock Mountains in a few weeks.”
I nodded, pulling away and wiping my tears, blowing them a kiss as I backed away to where two similar-sized portals glowed at the edge of the celebration clearing.
Revich was addressing the channelers, hugging each one, taking Philius’s hand instead. We’d be gone for a few months, but to them, it would feel like only two weeks or so.
I waved goodbye and held out my hands to talk to Moira.
“I’ll see you soon. No stealing bread, no forcing Lia to quit. We need her to keep making cinnamon buns because honestly, Moira, you aren’t very good at it.” I laughed as she narrowed her eyes.
“At least I didn’t shatter Lia’s favorite stone slab andpretendit slipped.” She grabbed my face with her long green fingers. “Are you sure you should go, Karus?” She shook her head. “Something’s not right. I don’t know enough about humans and Baron magic to know exactly what.”
“I’m fine, Moira. Revich and I have enough power between us to stay safe. We’ll be back before you know it with morehumansto train.”
She grimaced, sticking out her tongue, and fluttered out of my hands.
I waved and headed over to Rev.
“Ready?” he asked, taking my hand and leading me to my portal. They’d both lead to Geyrand’s farm, where they knew we’d arrive within the hour.
“Ready.” I kissed him and let go, gathering my black skirts to step into the portal.
My head cracked against the hard, green surface, sending me sprawling to the ground in front of it.
“Karus!” Revich yelled, pulling me up. His fingers brushed my head and came away with a smear of red.
I rubbed my nose, following his hands to feel the gash at my brow. “That really hurt.” I peered behind him. “That portal you made is defective.”
“She’s okay,” he called out to the embarrassingly large number of people who had witnessed me falling on my backside.
He turned to the portal, refusing to let go of my hand, placing his over the surface. His palm fell through before he pulled it back out and cocked his head at me.
“That’s strange.” I stepped forward again, this time with more caution and placed my own hand at its surface. I pushed with no give, placing the other on the surface as well, all my weight going into the press of my palms against the solid shine of light.
“I don’t understand. Try this one.” Revich led me to his, and I pressed with the same result.
“Maybe something’s wrong with my magic? But I’ve gone through your portals before during the trials.” I shook my head, biting my lip. “The power of the Baron and my other…”
