Page 47 of Sanctuary and Spices
“We fixed the containment field,” I said, though uncertainty crept into my voice. I turned to Ronhar, searching his expression. “Didn’t we?”
“You did considerably more than that,” Lyrian said, gesturing toward the garden. “Your combined resonance affected this entire section. Look at the plants.”
I followed his gaze, and my breath caught.
The garden had transformed. Jhyra bloomed in radiant clusters that hadn’t existed moments ago, their petals glowing with an otherworldly light. Vines stretched higher, curling around the crystal formations that chimed softly in harmony. Even the preserved ingredients on the cooking station gleamed with a faint, enhanced luminescence.
“Is that... bad?” I asked, my exhilaration giving way to worry. Were we damaging something? Causing problems for the other vendors?
“I wouldn’t say so,” another voice cut in. Malik appeared through the crowd, a datapad clutched in one clawed hand. His sharp eyes scanned the garden, then flicked toward me and Ronhar. “The station’s responding to you. Both of you. Like it recognizes something...”
“The mate-bond,” Ronhar said quietly.
I froze, turning to face him. “What?”
He caught my hand, the warmth of his palm pressing against mine sending a shiver through me. His other hand settled over mine, pressing it flat against his chest. Beneath the fabric, I could feel his heart racing.
“I need to explain,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotion in his eyes. “About Devaali bonding. About what happens when we find our true mate.”
The world seemed to hold its breath.
“Then explain,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Now.”
RONHAR
The festival’s noise faded to a distant murmur. Jani’s words hung in the air between us: “Then explain.”
My markings flickered with an erratic pulse that matched my heartbeat. Around us, the Jhyra glowed softly, their petals stretching toward Jani as if drawn by the same force that pulled me to her.
“Not here.” I gestured toward a quieter corner of our booth, away from curious onlookers. The vines parted as we passed, creating a natural alcove.
“The containment field failure wasn’t random,” I started, watching her face. “Our energies are... trying to align. But they can’t, not fully, not yet.”
“Because of this mate-bond you mentioned?” She crossed her arms, but her fingers tapped against her sleeve - a nervous habit I’d noticed when she tested new recipes.
“Yes.” I touched one of my markings, tracing its path up my arm. “These aren’t just decoration. They’re conduits for energy, tied to everything we are. Our emotions, our purpose...” I swallowed hard. “Our connections to others.”
A group of festival-goers passed nearby, their chatter drifting over.
“Did you see those plants? They’re practically dancing?—”
“Never seen Jhyra act like that?—”
“Almost like they’re responding to something?—”
Jani’s eyes narrowed. “The plants. They’ve been reaching for us both, haven’t they? Growing faster than normal?”
I nodded. “They sense the partial bond forming. Like the crystals do.” I gestured to where the formations chimed softly. “Everything with Leyline sensitivity responds to it.”
“What exactly is ‘it’?” She stepped closer, and my markings brightened instinctively. “This bond you keep mentioning?”
“For most Devaali, markings stay constant throughout our lives. But sometimes...” I struggled to find the right words. “Sometimes we meet someone whose energy matches ours perfectly. Complements it. When that happens, the markings change. They start responding to that person’s presence.”
“Like they’re doing with me.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.” I fought the urge to reach for her. “It’s rare. Most Devaali never experience it. I never thought...” I broke off, remembering countless cycles spent convinced I’d never find this.
“So, what happens now?” Her voice was steady, but her fingers still tapped against her arm.
