" 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. "