Ouroboros Spine iiklaaygis ⪁

kukutux felt her eyes fill with saltwater.

but she remained strong as sialuk spoke in their words, and nodded. "i meant for you to have the same path of all the daughters before you. a boy you chose. a courtship. a marriage. and you will have these things, but —"

she shut her eyes, and sought to draw sialuk closer. 

"the spirits have called to you. they sent a bird of black feathers to you when you were only a child."

she has been a woman since she stood at your side the first time as star.

she is no longer a girl, wary duck in snow. you must let her go.

"you must listen to what they say. they will show you how to be free."

i cannot.