I wasn't sure why I had been called to the Main House. Usually Akito left me alone. He knew he wouldn't need me until the time for the ritual.
I entered the room quietly. I recognized Hatsuharu standing by Yuki's bed.
"Is there anything you can do, Priestess?" Haru asked me.
He had always called me priestess, always been so respectful to me. He knew my position as did many of those in the Zodiac, that I alone would be the one to solidify the curse.
But still, Haru spoke to me in a gentle tone. He was kind to me. He had every right to be angry and hostile, but he was not.
"I can ease his pain for now." I replied. "I can't heal a chronic condition like this at my current power."
Haru's hand was suddenly on my shoulder. "Do the best you can, Priestess."
The silver light flowed from my fingers, as it had done once for Hatori's eye, once for Kisa...so many times for my family. After a beat, Yuki's breathing eased.
Xxx
Haru knew he shouldn't be so attached to the Priestess.
She was a member of the Main Family, but she was...forbidden to them.
It was similar in a way to Akito's position. Though she had no authority over them, Kuri was like God's mouthpiece. If Akito had something to say or that needed done, Kuri would carry it out.
Kuri was also easily the most beautiful woman Haru had ever seen. Her waistlength thick dark hair. Those starry blue eyes. Her sparkly cheeks—spreckles, she called them—where she had applied sparkly freckles every morning.
Though he watched her, Haru had never needed her for anything. He wondered why he longed for it so much.
How he wanted to get hurt just so he could feel her silver light; her spirit touching his.
The way Yuki spoke of a healing seemed so wonderful.
Haru let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding, as the Priestess passed him, preparing to exit.
Without meaning to, he caught her arm.
A lifetime must have passed locked in her gaze.
Then she was gone again.
Like chasing after the wind.