“I’m the last person to make any sort of argument that the Choosing is somehow righteous, or fair,” said Ari. “But I think it will be okay this time. I have hope.”
“You do?” asked Kerys.
“Yeah,” he said.
It was true enough. He’d been working hard for the past year, even though his job as a disposalist was one of the most maligned in the community. Ari had faith that the Hollow Lord would pass him over in favor of some of the other boys, and he was sure that Kerys wouldn’t be picked.
“Promise me,” said Kerys.
“What?”
“Promise me that if you get picked for the Choosing, you won’t pull a black stone.”
“Kerys…”
Ari heard the sound of splashing water.
“Aristial Stoneblood!” shouted Kerys. “Look me in the eyes and promise me you won’t pull a black stone! Promise me on Dormiar’s hand!”
Ari rolled his eyes. He turned around and let his gaze find hers, feeling an exaggerated, persistent thumping in his heart. It was usually so easy for him to hide his feelings for her, but he could sense his mask crumbling under the weight of her intense, earnest stare. He didn’t just care for her. He loved her.
“I promise I won’t pull a black stone,” he said.
He saw Kerys let out a sigh of relief. Her golden blonde hair hung in soaked, tangled locks, and her entire body glistened with moisture. Including her breasts, which he found near impossible to draw his attention away from.
“You’re still naked, you know,” said Ari.
Kerys let out a small gasp, followed by an embarrassed squeal as she pulled her arms into place to cover herself.
Sword Sirens
Arcane Dropout 3 Page 27