The rite officially began.
According to ancient custom, Fiona had to enter the Shifter God's Shrine alone with one of her mates to receive the god's blessing.
Before stepping inside, she looked at Cedric for a long moment. His expression was as gentle as ever, calm and mild and impossible to read.
Then Fiona pushed the door open. She did not look back. She only said, very softly, "You know, Cedric, for a very long time, I truly liked you."
Behind her, she felt Cedric flinch, but he did not say a word.
The doors of the Wild God's Shrine closed behind them, sealing them inside.
Fiona stood with her back to Cedric and faced the statue of the Shifter God. She brought her hands together, lowered her lashes, and bowed her head as if in prayer.
At the same time, she counted silently in he
