ELRETH
Despite her elation, she knew this wasn't over. Now that they'd chosen each other, they had to prove that they were stronger together than apart. They had to fight their way out of the circling lines of the tribes.
Traditionally, this part of the Rite was little more than show. Often there was laughter and teasing as the couple pushed through the tribes to run away together.
But as the drums picked up their beat, and the shuffling thump of feet in the steps of the dance got louder and more insistent, Elreth turned her head to measure the people.
She found every kind of expression and gaze looking back at her—some excited, some relieved, some determined… and some angry.
So far, everyone had played by the rules of the Rite. So far there hadn't been injuries, or violations. But as she turned back to Aaryn, she wasn't confident that things would stay that way.
'Tension in the people,' she signed.
