The acceptance of these people melted the last sheet of ice protecting her heart, this community that embraced her with open arms.
Another dancer took the floor, and this time, people began joining in around the edges, attempting Highland steps with varying degrees of success. Jasmine pulled Ell-rom into the mix, laughing as he tried to follow her movements. Even some of Kyra's sisters were drawn in.
"Dance with me," Fenella said to Din.
"I don't really know how?—"
"You're a Scot. It's genetic."
"That's not how genetics work."
"Din." She took his hand. "Just move your feet and make your woman happy."
His resistance crumbled at that. "How can I refuse when you put it like that?"
They joined the dancing, and Din's movements were not at all awkward or amateurish. Instead of her guiding him, he guided her through the steps, patient when she stumbled, delighted when she got it right.
When they took a break from the dancing, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. "Thank you."
"For dancing? You forced me."
"For this." She gestured at the people around them. "I know you had something to do with organizing it."
"I may have mentioned to Atzil that you deserved a send-off. The rest was all him and your admirers."
"My admirers?"
"Love, half of this village adores you, and the other half just hasn't met you yet."
