“But we can’t remain in that enclosed space forever,” Sky said, turning her head as if speaking directly to Izzy. “If we never leave the womb, it becomes a tomb.”

Is that what I had with Cyrus? Was our relationship a tomb?

“Only after our surrender to chaos can we be reborn, anointed with wine, water, and salt, reassembled and fully reunited with the Beloved. And in this way, the world can also be reborn.” Sky paused as if for effect. “We need to wander actively out into the world, out of the womb, to search for ourselves. We must embrace and accept our shadow selves.”

Izzy thought, Yes, yes, this is right. But how does one do that? What exactly does it even mean? And why am I agreeing with her?

“But to wander out into the world and find ourselves, we need first to attach securely to the source. So tonight, in order to heal, we will pick a partner and try to create an attachment.”

What if that man with the tattoo, that Jeb, approached her, Izzy thought? Horrible. She had to leave. But she couldn’t get up right now with everyone watching. Maybe she could slip out in a moment.

“Look around the room and pick the person with whom you have the most karma to clear,” Sky said. “It will be apparent to both of you, trust me. Gender, age, nothing should be an impediment. It might be the person who turns away from you. In fact, that might be the clearest sign you should partner up.”

Oh, just fucking great.

Some chuckles from the group. “If you are the one turning away, take a breath, turn around, and confront your truth.”

Grinning wolfishly, the tan man with the camera went and took Amanda’s hand. She gazed starrily up at him in a way that gave Izzy the creeps almost as much as the man himself did.

Sky’s voice assumed a more business-like tone.

“However, both partners must agree to work together. Please do not feel obligated to say yes to someone just because they ask. We want you all to feel completely comfortable!”

Izzy jumped when someone brushed against her, and a man’s voice said, “Sorry.”

Not Jeb, thank God.

It was the man who looked like Cyrus.

The man let Dog sniff his hand, then crouched to pat the animal’s head firmly but gently.

“Is this your dog?”

She nodded.

“Of course he is. Beautiful dog.”

Dog nosed the man’s leg. Izzy hadn’t seen Dog do that with anyone but her. She just stared at the two of them. When the man stood up again, his jeans slid down so she could see the elastic waistband of his boxers.

Sky came over and put her hand on the man’s arm. “Have you two met? Ever, this is Aurora. Aurora, Ever.”

He took Izzy’s hand, engulfing it in his own warm hand, meeting her eyes.

Sky walked away. “Please sit on a mat facing your partner,” she announced.