Prologue of "Hollow Skies"

Prologue
  Amun sat beside the fire, sharpening his knife on a flat, angled stone. It was a hot day, a few months before midyear, and he was sweating. Glancing up, he saw Jimuli striding towards him, her short, dark hair swaying in the light breeze. He set down the stone, retuned the knife to its sheath, and stood up, wiping the sweat from his brow.
  “Hey, Jimi,” he greeted her, pulling her in for a hug. She leaned away, which was odd.
  “What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned.
  “Amun, I have something to tell you, and you’re not going to like it." She announced, and then went on, without waiting for his reply,
  “My father has arranged my betrothal. Don’t give me that look, we both knew it was coming.” He felt as if his stomach had dropped to his feet. Her face was like stone; it betrayed no emotion.
  “Who?” he barely had the strength to ask.
  “Takun.” Her mouth twisted into a grimace as she said the name. Amun swore under his breath. He knew the man. Takun was arrogant, handsome, and thought he was better than anyone and everyone.
  “Why him, Jimi? Aren’t there quite a few other men in the village?” he asked desperately.
  “Amun, he’s the best hunter in the tribe, and he’s one of the warriors. His father was important in the tribe, too. He was the second-in-command, remember?” she tried to console him.
  “I don’t like this either, he’s an arrogant, obnoxious bastard.” she said, glaring at the fire.
  “When’s the ceremony going to be?” he questioned her with a sigh.
  "Midyear, supposedly the best day of all." she said darkly.
  "At sundown?" he asked.
  "Of course, that's when all the betrothal ceremonies are. Oh, and I talked Father out of making me take his hut, so at least we're keeping mine." she replied, starting to ramble to herself. She kneeled by the crackling fire. He sat with her, and together they stared blindly into the flames.