Book V Part I The Alkebulan Chronicles

The car rattles to a gentle stop, dust swirling in the late-day sun. Beyond the windshield: the barren edge of the border crossing, a horizon line between worlds. Karim turns to me, expression suddenly serious.

“Elena. From here on, you’ll need to pose as my wife.”

I arch an eyebrow. “And where exactly are we supposed to have gotten married? There aren’t any jewellery shops out here.”

Wordless, he reaches into the glove compartment and withdraws a small cloth pouch. Two simple amethyst bands, luminous even in the flat border light.

“Where —?”

“Lalla gave them to me before we left. She said they’d bring luck.” He pauses. “May I put it on your finger?”

I extend my hand. He takes it with deliberate solemnity, slides the band over my finger — his touch reverent, unhurried. Then he slides the second onto his own hand, eyes never leaving mine.

“May I kiss you?” he asks.

Without waiting for my answer — sensing permission in the set of my mouth — he leans in and kisses me. Deep, wordless: a promise, an admission, and some quiet reassurance all at once.

When we part I sit back, the world subtly altered.

Bloody hell, I think. Never wanted marriage, never wanted children — and here I am, pregnant by two different men, and married, miraculously, to a third.

A small smile as I wrap the scarf around my head and step into the role destiny has tossed in my lap.

Karim starts the engine. “Now,” he says, almost formal, “please put on your required clothes.”

I exhale, pull the robe from my bag, and meet his eyes in the mirror. A shared understanding, more profound than any ceremony.

Together we ready ourselves for the crossing.

The Alkebulan Chronicles, Part I · The Memory Cartographer Book V Available Thursday 22 May on Kobo Writing Life.

© 2026 I.Ph. de Lange · Published by CYcrds OÜ