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We stood near the edge of a great lake not far outside the Bavadrin city gates. The area was hidden in their forest. Incredibly tall trees reached towards the clouds, greedy for warmth and light. The sun was still low in the sky, causing the foliage to cast long shadows. Natural mist curled around the bases of the trees and over the lake. The world felt gray and dreary. It was as if that place was made for mourning the dead.
Four Bavadrin men carried a pallet with Landin's body wrapped in fabric. The mist appeared to part for them, and I couldn't help but wonder whether it was Ariana's doing. They lowered the pallet onto the lake's edge, partially in the water.
The sound of a single violin moved through the forest and over the lake. It surrounded us as if it were a living thing. The tune whispered of loneliness. A song, deeply sorrowful, set the tone of the entire space. The otherworldly music paired with the shadows and mist created a heavy atmosphere.
Ariana approached from behind us with Willis at her side. He wore a simple thin cotton shirt and pants, though it covered most of his skin. On the other hand, Ariana wore a simple white dress, shoulders bare. She must have been freezing, for the morning was kissed by winter, which lurked just around the corner. Everyone around wore cloaks with all buttons fastened to protect from the chill in the air. To her credit, she did not show how completely freezing she must have felt. When Ariana and Willis reached the pallet, they bent down, pushing it further into the lake.
They then continued, moving into the water, and that was when I noticed that both of them were barefoot.
"How is she not painfully cold?" Kole asked from beside me.
Kiora, who stood to Kole's other side, answered. "She is, but I am afraid it is greatly overshadowed by another pain."
My attention drifted to my right, where Edda stood silently, sorrow evident in her eyes.
"I never knew you cared for him," I whispered to her, for she never seemed to favor anyone except for Ariana.
"He was a decent boy and a good friend to Ariana," Edda stated. There was a long pause before she continued. "But my heart does not mourn for him. It is for her I mourn. She will continue to feel pain like this. It will not end here. I wonder if I have made the right choices."
"What do you mean?"
"You will soon understand, Lysian." Edda ended the conversation.
Ariana and Willis continued into the lake, undoubtedly freezing cold to the touch. Yet there was no hesitation in their steps as they continued moving with the pallet till the water reached Ariana's upper thigh. Only then did they finally stop. The pallet floated out into the water with a gentle push, drifting further and further away.
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Heart of Torment (Breath of Mist Book 2)
FantasyThe continuation of Erik and Arianas story.