18
BAVALLAThe Colonel gently ran his trunk along Tilly's shoulder as if trying to reassure her. I could have used the same reassurance. My hearts were beating faster than ever and my ceremonial dress suddenly felt too tight.
"Breathe, Valla," Sahra whispered and took my hand. I squeezed it tightly until my sister chuckled. "That hurts. Everything will be alright, you'll see. Once the ceremony is over, you can relax. And after you've been in the Pool of Life, I guarantee you'll be very relaxed."
She shot me a saucy grin. It wasn't like my sister had actually been there herself. Both her and Tamsia were single, still looking for their mates. I'd never thought I'd be the first in my family to do the Ba'ta'k ritual, but here I was, scared to death, emotional beyond words.
Tamsia stood at t
