30
Bailey
When I walked into the temple, there were candles all around with a pool of water in the center. Dressed in a white robe, my mother stood off to the side with a sad smile on her face and a washcloth in her hands. There was an opening in the ceiling allowing the moon to shine through.
“I need you to drop the blanket and get in the water,” Maret commanded, flourishing her hand toward the shimmering pool.
I peered down at the water. “What’s in it?” I could smell various herbs and perfumes wafting off the steam.
Maret put her hands on my shoulders and I jerked away. “It’s all natural ingredients from the earth. It’ll cleanse you before the bonding and prepare your body for mating. It’s also been known to help with bearing a child.”
Scowling, I stepped away from the water. “Why
