Chapter 6

As everyone at the wedding scrambled to flee from the stifling smoke, chaos ensued around us. Others, like my mother, who were in command of their magic were able to clear the billows around them, allowing them to breathe from a bubble of fresh air.

I gathered my thoughts in the way I had been instructed and concentrated on building my own oxygen cage. As the oxygen returned to my brain, I looked around the audience, initially searching for my family. My mother had managed to wrangle the Chief away from the throngs of people and was now attempting to assist those around her with their own bubbles of cleared air. Those who were unable to concentrate had fallen to the ground as the smoke climbed above their heads.

Immediately next to me, Ahiga was resting on his stomach, struggling for air. As a result of the spiritual man's dismissal, the wedding came to an end. Having realized that I would not be getting married on this particular day, I felt a surge of