RETH
As the men relaxed and began to socialize now that their traditions were done, Reth thanked each of them. But the hair on the back of his neck stayed at attention because his Second, his best friend, continued to stare at him with dark eyes.
When Reth had finally made it through the others, Behryn approached and asked him to go for a walk. They said farewell to the others, Reth weathered a couple more jokes about how long it had taken him to convince his wife to mate, then he and Behryn stepped out into the daylight scattered under the trees of the forest.
Reth didn't speak, waited for his friend to find the words he was searching for.
Finally, Behryn snorted and asked, "Were you honest back there? Did you choose her for the sacrifice—or lead someone to it?"
"No. I had no idea until I stepped into the clearing and recognized her."
