Teya wondered if she would be allowed to go too. She was desperate to get out, and the thought of spending another day in darkness filled her with a sudden panic. And perhaps she would catch a glimpse of Mateo somewhere outside? She decided to say nothing, to pretend to assume she was going as well.
They were all given llama skin sandals, and outer cloaks. They had to cover their hair and shield their faces, in case they were to come across any men who might tempt them or steal their virtue.
Teya caught her breath when she emerged into the light. It was a beautiful, clear blue day, alive with the thrum of insects. Her eyes were dazzled by the blueness, and each stone and leaf and branch seemed to shimmer inside a halo of iridescence. Her senses, starved of light and colour, drank it all
