Chapter 162: Elia's Story - Part 2
RETH
His heart was in his throat as she stood and walked to the front of the stage to face the people. He knew—he had checked this ti—that Aymora and the others had covered very possible obstacle or pitfall that could co from her Reading tonight.
They'd all—including Elia and Reth—had a lengthy debate about whether she should reveal the relationship she'd had with him as a child. It explained much that the Anima would understand. But also raised questions they would require answers for—and not just from Elia.
In the end, they had decided not to do it, but the decision suddenly sat uneasily for Reth. Should he have encouraged her to get it all out in the open? He knew it would cause great disruption because of the possible roles of the wolves—he'd wanted them to asure her on herself and heart, not these circumstances she had nothing to do with. But now…
If it ever ca out, would they think she lied tonight?
He shook his head at himself. He did not know what was best. The wolves had reason to keep hiding their motives in bringing her here. The risk to them was perhaps greater. But… he didn't know.
As Elia greeted the people, and the entire market was so quiet the buzzjumpers in the forest could be heard singing, he prayed they had not made a fatal error.
Then, she took a deep breath and began.
She told them of her world—describing the boxes they lived in, the boxes they drove in, the tar and cent, the lack of air, and the focus on the mind, over the body."
"In my world, while there are so very strong humans who make great achievents and prove themselves superior, our earth is… sick compared to Anima. Even the most successful among us hold those positions only for a short ti. Our bodies do not have your… resilience. We cannot generally sustain physical achievent for more than a decade.
"Instead, my people hold a focus on the mind, and in so cases, the soul. Success, status among my forr people is most normally achieved through becoming learned and experienced in a trade, or art, and growing your knowledge until others can learn from you, and achieve under your instruction."
She paused and her face beca serious. "There are many things in my world which, by contrast with Anima, I know to be weak. There are attitudes and priorities that, were I ever to go back, I would change to reflect the Anima way. But not everything the humans do is weak—and not every priority they hold is poor.
She told them then, of her childhood, growing up. The love in her ho, and her love and loyalty for her family. It was sothing her Cohorts had emphasized was needed. The Anima lived in family groups, and among their tribes. They not only understood the bonds, but appreciated them in others.
Elia described her parents joy at her birth, their commitnt to raising her. Their grief at not being able to have more children. And their focus on helping her to grow and succeed.
"And then, without my knowledge, I have learned that I was touched by the Anima."
Lightning shot through Reth's veins. What was she doing?
There was a sharp inhale among the people—shock and curiosity and a strong scent of caution rose in the room.
Reth stared at Elia, her, silently begging her to step so, so carefully.
"I didn't know it at the ti," Elia went on, "but since coming here, through mutual friends, I have learned that an older couple who lived during my years as a child were Anima. Their interactions with my family—even the challenges we faced in that—were very instruntal in my life. And I wonder if that is what lead to the choice of the tribes to bring here?" She didn't flinch, didn't look away from any of them as she said, "I do not know the minds of those who selected for the Rite. At that ti in my life I was… lost. And I remained that way for a ti after coming here. But I stand before you today grateful for that experience. I stand before you today thanking the Creator that I was chosen—no matter what the reasons why. Because, had the tribes not selected , I would not have found my true mate. And I would not have found you."
Tears made her eyes shine, but she didn't give in to them. Reth ached and wanted to cheer in the sa mont. Her scent was clean, pure. She spoke truth, and they would all know it.
Gripping his hands on the table, he turned his head quickly to look at the others—
Aymora caught his eye first and shook her head. She hadn't known Elia was going to do this. But she also didn't sll displeased. Gahrye and Candace glanced at him and hastily ducked their chins, but both of them returned to watching her imdiately.
She'd done this without telling them. What a reckless, independent, and clever, clever girl his mate was. His groin twitched and he shifted himself. Aymora gave a little cough, and he ignored her, turning back to Elia who stood, facing the people, daring them to challenge her.
His every sense told him, she truly didn't know why she'd been chosen, but she was genuinely grateful. He knew everyone one present could see it, and sll it in her.
And their testimony to any who weren't present would have the sa affirmation of truth.
Reth wanted to victory roar.
"Thank you, Anima, for choosing ," she said breathlessly. "Thank you. I know I have not brought to you what was expected of a Queen. I pray the day cos that I will no longer step off the path in ways that cause discomfort. But however long it might take for my life to blend with yours, know this: I do not regret a single mont of my life since waking up in Anima. If I could go back and receive the choice, I would have co. Willingly. You have… you have won , heart and soul since that night. I do not stand here rely accepting the path I was forced to walk. I stand here embracing it. If you leave here tonight knowing nothing else, know that."
She stopped again, and gripped her skirts. Reth's heart, still celebrating, went out to her. He knew this part was difficult for her.
"With all of that before you, I wish to explain why you have seen make such mistakes since I arrived. And I remind you: I do not ask for rcy. Only for consideration."
Then she took a deep breath, while Reth held his.
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