ELIA

Aymora finally blinked and focused on her again.

"Within the pride there are females who do not deny their husband's dominance, and do not feel belittled by standing next to a strong, proud male. I am… was… one of those,

" Aymora said very quietly. Elia opened her mouth to ask, but Aymora shot her a look that warned against it.

"When a woman is strong enough to live alongside a strong male and she does not feel… made less by him… when she loves him completely—more than her desire for cubs, more than her desire for any achievement… she can offer her throat.

"It is a rare gesture, Elia, because, as I mentioned, to do so is to vow your life to your mate—whether your mate survives you, or not. But it is, in essence, a vow of singular loyalty. And it will be received with great celebration by both your mate, and the pride. Any Anima understands the significance of offering your throat. But in the Pride manner… when the Leonine see that, they will be deeply touched.

"

"So, how do I do it?

"

"Are you certain?

" Aymora asked worriedly.

"Absolutely. No question in my mind.

"

Aymora gave a small smile.

"When the scarf arrives we'll tie it around your neck. The proper manner is to wait until a moment when your mate is focused on you and other Leonine are not. To make it a gesture between the two of you, rather than an event, if that makes sense?

"

Elia nodded.

"Then, when the time is right, you will untie your scarf and give it to him. He then has a choice.

"

Elia blinked.

"To do what?

"

Aymora sighed.

"He can receive the scarf and make no gesture of his own, but merely keep it to return to you at another time. If he does this it is… it means he needs to consider further and no one will mention it. You need not fear shame. No Anima is ever shamed for giving her throat. Ever.

"

"Okay,

" Elia said, her nerves climbing.

"What's the other option?

"

"If he wishes to… return your favor, he will take the scarf and then… mark your throat. Then he will cover the mark by tying the scarf again with his own hands. It is a symbol that no male has a right to your throat except him. You will be referred to as a Pair from that day forward—and no one in the Pride will ever attempt to separate you. You will be viewed as a… unit.

"

Elia waited, but Aymora was watching for her reaction.

"That's all we have to do?

"

"Believe me, that is plenty,

" Aymora snorted.

"If you give your throat now, at this early day in your mating? You will be legendary among the Leonine. And if he returns it…

" she trailed off.

"What?

" Elia asked.

"What will they think of that?

"

Aymora's eyes teared up again and she smiled.

"Your love will be legendary, Elia. The young Leonine will pray to the Creator to have your courage, and to find their own mate who loves as Reth loves… it will be a story told for generations.

"

Elia pulled her head back.

"This is really that rare?

"

"Yes. I would have to check with Brant—he's a keeper of the histories also. But I cannot remember another Pair who made the declaration as young as you two are. It is a huge sacrifice if a mate is killed.

"

Elia swallowed at the thought of losing Reth and her eyes began to sting, but she shook the tears off and nodded.

"I want to do this,

" she said breathlessly.

"Please.

"

Aymora smiled and hugged her before taking a deep breath.

"Well, today is going to be even more eventful than I thought,

" she said, her voice overly light.

"We should—

"

But a knock at the door interrupted her.

When Aymora opened it, the other Leonine female was there, panting heavily—as hard as Elia had ever heard an Anima pant.

"Is she okay?

" Elia said, standing from the bed.

"She's fine. She just ran very quickly because we don't have much time,

" Aymora said, and ushered the others in. Candace followed the others, her eyes wide and curious. But all three women watched as Aymora urged Elia to stand before the mirror again, then tied the scarf around her throat, using a special bow at the back, then showing Elia how to untie it easily. They practiced several times, each time Aymora giving instruction on how to provide the scarf to Reth.

When they were done, Elia stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself.

She wore no make-up, but her hair was beautiful, twisted and pinned with wooden clips.

The scarf was mostly blue, and very similar in color to one of the blues in the dress.

"It matches!

" she said, smiling.

"A happy accident. Clearly the Creator wished for you to coordinate tonight,

" Aymora said, smiling.

Elia stood there another minute looking at herself, going over in her mind all the things she would do this evening, all the ways she would reach out, both to Reth, and to the people. And she sighed.

She prayed that this Creator, if he was real, would only intervene in love. That he would smooth the path between her and the Anima—let them see her heart, to know her intentions were good. And that Reth… that Reth would see that her love was real, and she never wished for another man. Ever.

Even when he was a stubborn prick. She snorted to herself, and Aymora gave her a knowing smile.

"You have chosen well, Elia,

" she murmured pretending to pick fuzz off of Elia's skirt.

"You are right to do this. And I haven't said that to any female since I gave my own throat.

"

Elias eyes flew wide.

"You—you have a mate?!

"

"Not anymore,

" Aymora said.

But when Elia opened her mouth, Aymora turned and called for Candace to check the plunging back of the dress to make sure there was no way the slip would shift and become visible later in the evening.

So, Elia was left wondering… and planning to get Aymora alone at another time to hear the story.

And she added another hasty prayer that that would never happen to her. That she and Reth would have many, many years together still to come.

*****

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