“Because you’re glowing.”
He said it with such nonchalance that she almost stumbled.
Rowan offered his arm, and she hooked her hand into the crook of his elbow to regain her balance. “Many here can’t recollect the last time they felt the warmth of the sun upon their face. They don’t remember the vivid colors of the sunrise or the longing one feels at sunset. You don’t see it because it’s inside of you. But to everyone here, you’re the dawn. You remind them of home.”
It was rare for Maeve to be rendered speechless, but to Rowan’s remarks, she found herself with nothing of worth to say.
“Have you ever been to a theater before?” he asked, quietly redirecting the conversation.
“No.”
They entered through a set of carved hardwood doors and passed through a black velvet curtain. When Maeve stepped out onto the balcony seating, her heart rate spiked. Sweeping views of the theater spread before her. Below, row after row of svelte black seats stretched from the very back all the way to where the orchestra hummed, readying for their performance. A gleaming stage stood at the front of the theater and soft, silvery faerie light washed the entire space in a moonlit glow. There were small alcoves for mingling, upper and lower decks filled with more seating, and vases blooming with midnight roses, their delicate scent filling the air.
All Maeve could focus on, however, was the absurd height of the balcony. The rest of the theater seemed so far away, and a tiny needle of dread pierced her spine.
The memory of churning waves and angry cliffs flooded her mind. She clutched Rowan’s arm.
He bent towards her. “Are you alright?”
Maeve inhaled sharply. “I just…I wasn’t expecting us to be so high up.”
As if in understanding, Rowan guided her to the seats furthest away from the balcony’s edge. “You’re safe.” He lowered her to a chair and took the seat beside her. “I’ll be here the whole time.”
Maeve could only nod, her mouth dry. She wouldn’t be able to form any words if she tried.
Aed and Laurel took the seats opposite them, one row closer, and when the lights dimmed to an all-encompassing darkness, Maeve let her body relax.
A singular glow fell upon the stage like a halo, cueing the orchestra. Music sounded all around her, echoing up into the cavernous ceiling of the great theater, its evocative melody stirring something to life inside of her. Wistful yearning coursed through her as she was carried away to another time, when the old gods ruled the heavens, lands, and seas. A male and female took to the massive stage in an intimate dance, their voices lilting as they sang about legends from the before. Tales of lore unraveled before her, and the air throbbed with magic.
Wonderful. Powerful.
Entranced, Maeve watched as the story of an ancient god and goddess unfolded. Over the course of hundreds of years, they were constantly ripped away from one another. Through wars and endless trials, their timeless love for each other remained resolute. When the dancers embraced, an explosion of color engulfed the stage, a harmonious meshing of golden sunlight and inky night, of dazzling rainbows and incandescent stars.
Her breath hitched as the god and goddess were finally reunited, their bond a magnificent display of twirling lights and magic. A crescendo of sound rose around them, the music building, surging in a rhapsodic refrain. Her blood thrummed, her heart hammered, and she clutched her hands together in her lap.
Maeve scooted forward, pinned to the edge of her seat, unable to look away from the story unfolding before her eyes.
But their moment of bliss was stolen away, the binding of their devotion giving life to a new world full of mountains, forests, seas, and flora. In the end, the god and goddess were separated for all eternity. For what was love, but a sacrifice?
Maeve sat there, stunned, as silent tears slid down her cheeks.
Her heart had been splintered open, fractured by the crush of such a devastating ending.
As the orchestra strummed their final note and the lights slowly burned to life, Maeve whispered, “I think my heart is broken.”
She glanced over to ensure he’d heard her, but Rowan was gone.
ChapterNine
Maeve stood, hastily swiping away the tears she’d cried, and approached Aed. “Have you seen Rowan?”
The god of death looked around, stealing a glance over the edge of the balcony. “It would appear he left early.”
He’d abandoned her. Again.
She knew he couldn’tfade, but she hadn’t even heard him get up. “Do you know where I can find him?”
Aed eyed her, his dark brows knitting together. “Are you certain that’s a good idea?”
