Page 10 of Stars in Umbra
Sante. For everything. You saved me. I’ll remember. Always.
He left it by her hand, patted the nearest horse’s warm flank, and stepped barefoot into the early light of morning.
Vanishing like a ghost into the mist beyond the paddocks.
3
A Coupling So Divine
RINA, present day
It was a sun-drenched day, with rays of pure gold illuminating the staggering beauty of the Alsanac Alps in North Dunia.
A lush cacophony of birds and whispering wind danced through an enchanting setting on a verdant farm.
Under billowing, cloud-like white tents, the melodies from a celestial harp blended with the hushed tones of guests and the expectation in the air.
Dr Issa Elari’s parents’ highland property had been transformed into a magical escape for her and Ki’Remi Sable’s fairy-tale nuptials in the Highlands.
This was not just another destination wedding.
The choice of location was personal: This was where Issa’s family had found refuge in the stunning vista after their exile from Sacra.
This alpine landscape was their sanctuary.
Now, with the wedding, they were keen to make new, cherished memories, beneath the canopy of swirling canvas, soft lanterns, and trailing vines, satin-draped tables shimmering with gold-threaded linen.
Rina Mendi stepped into the scene, her lithe body wrapped in bronze silk.
The dress clung to her long legs and teased the swell of her hips, slitted high and cinched just under her breasts.
Her coils were piled on her head in a crown of just tamed rebellion.
Golden beads nestled between the dark strands, as her hazel-brown doe-like eyes scanned the setting before her.
Her close friend, Sheba, sashayed beside her.
She, too, was radiant in deep forest green, her dreadlocks twisted with emerald cords, one brow cocked in subtle delight as she looped their arms together.
Sheba winked at Rina ‘We both look hot, honey. I think we’re equally stunning enough to break some hearts tonight.’
Rina smiled. ‘Problem is, Ki’Remi is the last of the Riders I know of that was single, so I’ll have to look elsewhere for a mate. On that note, why didn’t you ever get in on Ki’Remi action?’
‘What makes you think I didn’t?’ Sheba said with a coy smile.
Rina’s brows shot up. ‘Woman, did you two -?’
Sheba laughed, lowering her voice into a whisper. ‘It’s rude to be discussing what we were athiswedding. All you need to know is that we are better off as friends.’
‘Well, I for one, I’m happy for him,’ Rina said with a quirk to her mouth. ‘Issa is my kinda girl; strong, badass, a warrior, and they deserve every happiness.’
‘Hell yeah, I’m over the moon for them.’
The two women glided together into the wonderland, surrounded by laughter and lilting music.
Past laughing groups and flitting servers, toward a table already thrumming with the heavy scent of love.
The Riders were all here.
