82 The Feast

READER SHOUT OUT: Thank you, to my OG-Readers (you know who you are!) for all the fun this week, and your support and encouragement. BEAST wouldn't be here without you!

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ELIA

They found her a dress—an actual dress—made from a shimmering white linen and embroidered in golds and browns in a starburst around her shoulders, falling like a cloud against her skin to sweep her ankles.

She felt pretty for the first time since she'd arrived in Anima.

The females from the council wove flowers and leaves into her hair, and gave her necklaces—bone, teeth, and colored beads. When she was ready, they all walked with her, and as they approached the market, other females from all of the tribes began to gather around them, some singing, some stomping their feet, others clapping. By the time they made it to the Market, they were a crowd and Elia was overwhelmed. She couldn't understand the words they sang and wondered what they said.