“When the time is right, we show the petals to our One, proving we’ve been waiting for him. Only him. We’re supposed to sprinkle the petals on our bed tonight.” A shadow crossed her face.

“Still have wedding-night jitters?” I teased.

“No,” Calla said. “I mean yes.” She blushed deeply. “But now I’m worried about you. How will you show Cole that you’ve been waiting for him?”

“I guess that’s on him, since he forgot to get petals for me,” I said. My laughter subsided when I saw the worried expression return to Calla’s eyes. “Sorry,” I said.

“It’s okay,” Calla said. “I have extra.” She handed me several petals. “Put these in the pocket of your Joining gown.”

It felt wrong, fraudulently participating in this manner, taking flowers meant for another boy’s mate. But Calla was right. Everything needed to go perfectly. When I spoke to the Elders, I’d use the petals as further proof I was supposed to be here. No one, except Calla, would know these petals came from Haden instead of James, and I knew she wouldn’t tell anyone. I tucked the petals into the hidden pocket of my white gown.

Calla’s expression softened. “You know we really will be sisters tonight. Just like all the boys are brothers. Once we complete The Joining, we’ll all have the same last name.”

“Turner,” I said. It made my skin crawl. The whole we’re-a-big-happy-family thing was just another way to deter boys and girls from becoming interested in someone other than their designated, assigned, mate.

The rest of the afternoon moved quickly. Calla and I helped each other with our gowns and adding final, final touches to our makeup and hair. By the time we were ready to go, we had finished every bit of the food that had been left for us. I was grateful to have been able to nibble on small amounts throughout the day. I didn’t know how well a full meal would have settled on my stomach. We donned our costume masks, and headed toward The Promise Ball.

As I’d expected, the ball was held in the dining room. The single table where we’d shared every meal since my arrival had been removed, set aside somewhere, and in its place were two round ones. Seeing those already seated, it was easy to tell where we would sit. One table was for the boys, the other for the girls. The open area at the back of the room was a pitiful excuse for a dance floor in this makeshift ballroom.

There were no decorations indicating a dance was being held. No flowers indicating a wedding would soon be performed. We all looked like what we were. Overdressed kids playing grown-up.