Back the way we came, it’s light from the glow of the Day Realm. Ahead, it’s dark where the Night Realm is located. But in the middle? There’s a strip filled with colorful rainbows where Night and Day clash. It’s like a constantly flowing river, the way the prisms sway back and forth.

“We’re almost there,” Keryth tells me, his warm breath tickling the tip of my ear.

We’re soaring over a thick forest. Most of the trees are green but some have white and pink flowers blooming on them.

This is a section of Dawn and Dusk I’ve never seen before.

I gawk at a tall waterfall. The mist at the bottom hovers above the pond below it, creating a heavy fog.

“Waterfall mist.” I glance at Keryth’s crystal eyes. “Have you ever had it?”

A small smile plays on his lips. “Of course. It’s the most refreshing drink I’ve ever tasted.”

I nod in agreement, although I wouldn’t know from personal experience. When the treaty was made, certain resources from Dawn and Dusk were claimed by Day and Night. We got the gozzels and a few medicinal plants, but Night got the waterfall mist.

Sudden sadness pummels me, because the peace everyone worked so hard for is ruined.

“Such turmoil in your mind,” Keryth comments.

I quirk an eyebrow at him. “Since when can you read my thoughts?”

“I can’t, but I feel your emotions as if they’re mine. It’ll all be okay.”

“How do you know?”

“Because we’ll be together.” He swoops down to a clearing where little blue flowers are scattered everywhere and cryptically adds, “Maybe this will make you feel better.”

I give him a questioning look as he takes my hand. He says nothing as he leads me down a dirt path lined by trees.

Something about this moment feels important. I can’t quite figure out what it is, but I bask in the quiet sounds of nature around us. Birds occasionally chirp, the breeze rustles the leaves and branches, and I can hear the far-off rush of the waterfall.

When I see what we’re approaching, I almost trip over my own two feet.

Pointing straight ahead, I stutter, “The-the staircase? Is that—?”

My question gets cut short because Keryth is nodding, a huge grin on his handsome face. “This is the path all fated mates take together. These stairs are sacred. Can you feel it?”

“Yes.” There’s a buzz in the air. The hairs on my arm stand up and my neck prickles. “But we’re not getting married right now.” I frown, halting in front of the first stone step.

According to ancient tradition, we’re supposed to walk up these stairs together on our wedding day, right before we say our vows in front of our guests.

“Yes, we are,” Keryth claims, his bossy tone leaving no room for argument.