The day of the Bonding ritual began like any other. Semylyn rose early and dressed quickly. Staring out her window at the dark ocean beyond, she pondered her future. 

this day had come like a thief in the night to steal her dreams, a betrayal in itself. Could one be betrayed by their own destiny? It seemed so. Today would be her funeral, of sorts. Certainly, the end of the life she'd anticipated with youthful joy. 

She pressed her fingers against her throbbing temples. In the last few days, she'd spent all her time at Troyak's side. She'd wiped his forehead, respectfully turned her eyes when they changed his bandages, and when he'd awoken from surgery, she had been right there, the first person he saw.

He'd been different since the hunting accident, distant and tense, not at all the boyhood friend he'd always been. Yesterday, the medical team pronounced him strong enough for the bonding ritual. They could no longer prolong the inevitable, their day had come. The presence of the Sun-Dweller pair who were sedated and unawareness hung over them like shadows of death.

A soft knock sounded on her door.

They came single file, older women of Sitnalta, four in all, to help her prepare for the Bonding ritual. They were meant to represent the four aspects of successful bonding. 

Honor, the oldest woman, bent nearly double in her long silver shift, carried Semylyn's Bonding garment folded delicately over her arm.

Knowledge carried a black basket full of tools to arrange Semylyn's hair.

Peace was a tall woman, her long hair like spun silver twirled around itself down her back. She carried Semylyn's skin products, creams, and scented oils.

Last of all came, Love, a moon-faced woman with a broad smile. They were all many years her seniors and Semylyn struggled to give them a warm smile.

"We will begin," Honor said with a little hesitance. 

Semylyn nodded. She knew the routine and submitted herself to the gentle leadings of her attendants, allowing her mind to go blank.

*   *   *   *   

The walk to the Lifecycle lab resembled a nightmarish parade. Traditionally, the bonded female walked through all the levels of Sitnalta, meeting her intended partner at the athenaeum of Warder Hall, where Omree performed the Bonding ritual before an assembly of guests.

This time though, there would be no assembly, no warm handclasps of congratulations. The Bonding, of necessity, would take place in the lifecycle lab, and Semylyn's intended partner would be unconscious.

Her steps faltered. This was all wrong.

She met Troyak as they descended the ramp into the Courtyard. He looked regal in his white tunic, his sunken eyes and pale skin making Semylyn glance away in trepidation.

Both his attendants and hers led them towards the Channel. She found herself out-striding him, he walked like a man to his death, each step measured and regretted.

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