TEMPLE OF THE MOON GODDESS
River ran through white stone columns that caught the late afternoon light.
The priestess looked up.
She was standing at the altar, her silver eyes open, her white robes still, her posture carrying the particular quality of a woman who had been waiting rather than praying.
"I know why you are here, child."
River crossed the temple floor, her breathing ragged. Her eyes were red.
"The chosen bond between Tristan and I," River said. "Can you sever it without him being present?"
The priestess studied her. The study lasted three seconds.
"Yes."
"If I am the only one present, what happens?"
The priestess walked towards her.
"A chosen bond is built by two. It can be dissolved by one, but the cost is asymmetric. The one who chooses to break the tie takes the responsibility." She paused. "The damage falls upon you, child. All of it lands on the one who lets go. The other feels the absence, but the wound belongs to the hand that released."
