He smiles sadly. "Now I know my destiny."
"What is it?"
"This."
He draws me in to him in a kiss. His lips are warm. He pulls me tighter in his embrace. The roots sigh and release their hold on my waist and the wound in my side is healed. "Kartik," I cry, kissing his cheeks. "It's let me go."
"That's good," he says. He makes a small cry. His back arches, and every muscle in his body tightens.

Auteur: Libba Bray