The morning sun had climbed higher since the assembly began, casting long shadows across the eastern field. Iva stood among the first-year students, her gray uniform blending with the sea of gray around her. But her mind was not on Headmaster Attia's words.
Her mind was on the thread.
The red thread glowed before her eyes—impossible and brilliant, visible only to her as the Goddess Messenger. It stretched from Lori's chest, pulsing with warm light, weaving through the crowd like a river of destiny.
Iva's heart beat loud in her ears.
*Today,* she thought. *Today I find him.*
She had promised Lori. Sworn on their friendship. She would not rest until she pinpointed her best friend's fated mate. The Goddess had given her this gift for a reason, and she would use it.
She already imagined
