“Let’s hear it,” I said. “I know you have something on your mind.”

“You can always tell, huh,” she said. “You’re my best friend, more like a sister, and I want you with me, of course I do, but are you all right going to the Court?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out. “Ave,” Kris continued, “I know it takes so much for you to change your mind once you’ve set it on something. I understand your feelings about the soul-mate thing. You know, after what happened to Bryan’s parents, not to mention Adrian.”

Adrian Ambrosia was her cousin, who had also suffered heartbreak because of this stupid “gift.”

“Kris—”

“And I’ve never asked you to change your view, and I’m not going to do that now. But how are you feeling, Ave? If you don’t want to go, we can call this trip off. We can postpone our first Gathering until you’re ready.”

I knew how much the Gathering meant to Kris. She had been looking forward to her first Gathering since the day I’d first met her. There was no way I’d let her sit this out just for me. “No, Kris, I can’t do that. I’d never do that to you. You’ve wanted this for so long.”

“I don’t mind delaying it a year or two for you.”

I shook my head, about to tell her that I had already made up my mind, when we heard a knock on the door. “Are you girls done?” Vlad’s voice echoed in the hallway in front of Kris’s bedroom. “The driver is ready and waiting for you downstairs.” He pushed the door open and stuck his head in. “Kris, do you need help with your bags?”

I mouthed I’m fine, and that seemed to erase at least some of her worries. “Sure,” she replied.

Vlad’s gaze lingered on me for a few seconds before he broke it off and reached for Kris’s suitcase. “Only one?”

“Nope.” My best friend grinned mischievously. “Two more.” Kris and I broke into peals of laughter.

An hour later, I found myself relaxed alongside Kris in the back seat of one of the Ambrosias’ fleets of cars. My dad was riding shotgun. People attending their first Gathering had to have an adult present to help with the check-in process, so there was no getting away from him for the time being. My mom was still mad about our last fight, so she refused to come. I wasn’t sure if she’d even bother to show up for the Awakening Ceremony. But at least I didn’t have to worry about her for now.