The Bone That Remained

When Ren stood before Gald, Uta could only watch his back. Gald's heavy hands tried to pry my fingers open, but Ren's words held him back. The cold shard of bone brought from the valley still remains in Uta's hand.

From outside the tent, the ragged breathing of the sick youth and the frightened whispers of the clan calling it a curse reach my ears on the wind. Gald spoke. If Uta cannot prove the voice to save him by tomorrow's night, Uta must leave this place.

Uta squeezes the bone.

This bone is the fang of a pure beast that once breathed the valley's wind and absorbed all sickness. If pressed to the sick one's forehead, the fever will break at once. ...or so the voice says.

The voice did not say it. Uta said it.

When tomorrow comes, everything will be laid bare. Clinging to this bone that Ren protected, Uta made up a lie.

Only one night remains until the Star Festival.