The wisps continue their antics flying up and down the aisles, gliding under the floating seats, shocking Fae as they pass between their legs. I briefly wonder how long the seats will remain suspended with the wind failing.
We all look up when a loud screech announces the arrival of a flock of dryrds. The colorful, scaled creatures dig their talons into perches around the space. Everyone watches the beautiful mini dragon hybrids in awe. Most have disappeared as their homelands have been destroyed. This is the most I’ve ever seen in one place.
Even Halcya, the High Priestess, seems distracted by the display of respect as the rare creatures peer down at all of us. After a moment, she recovers and begins the last rite. Praising my twin for her flawless life as the Daughter of Gaia, she lists off Nova’s positive attributes.
All the opposite of me.
I shift in my seat, my heart pounding in my ears, at the confirmation that I’m not cut out for this life.
Halcya’s voice drones in the background as I look down the aisle and find Cillian watching me. His face looks unexpectedly concerned when our gaze meets. He tilts his head in look of enquiry, as if asking if I’m okay.
Not long ago I thought I was. But now I truly don’t know. How in the worlds can I be expected to give up my whole life. My twin did just that for the Vaylors, and she’s dead. Those same royals banished me away, only to pull me back now when it benefits them.
Many of the red-rimmed eyes that stare up at the high priestess are those of the same Elite who drank and danced at last night’s gala without a care. The realization that my mother isn’t the only Fae putting on a show turns my stomach.
Is this what Nova’s life was reduced to?The selfless princess, who gave up her whole life,including the relationship with her twin sister,for these Fae, who never really cared about her.
If they can all be this selfish, why can’t I?
My chest tightens. My head is swimming with the realization that this will be my life. Or lack thereof. I won’t have a life. I will have to be who they want me to be.
Until they don’t need me. Yet again. What if Caspien doesn’t need me to become king? Or what if he falls in love with some other female when the bond isn’t there? Will they send me away again after they get what they need from me?
Movement around the room pulls my attention back to the ceremony. Everyone in the nave reaches for the symbols of their elements for the final ritual. We raise them into the air to represent Nova’s return to her element in death. There’s a mix of floating water droplets, feathers, leaves, and fire.
“Nova is at peace in her element, continuing to support the Fae through the wind. Just as she would wish.” Halcya raises her own white feather and looks to the sky. “In honor of Nova, we offer the Goddess these gifts.”
Quiet fills the room. Even the dryrds and wisps go unnaturally still. After multiple moments pass, with nothing, the whispering begins. The dryrds take flight. Some hands lower. Many Fae still hold up their element, waiting for Gaia to take them. Waiting for the memorial to be complete.
That ache in my chest shifts.No, it cracks in half. The guilt of not wanting this… the fear of only being wanted for my birthdate. The sadness from Nova’s life being cut so short… It all breaks apart, replaced with all out rage.
Not only did the Goddess allow this to happen, but now she disrespects Nova in the greatest way by not taking the memorial offerings!Her chosen!
How dare she not show up and show respect to the princess that she chose to rule this world! What, out of a temper tantrum? Gaia already howled and roared with that destructive storm when Nova was dying. Another attack on our world. But this is another level. Could the Goddess really be so selfish?
Nova didn’t choose to die—she chose to devote her life to Gaia’s calling. And Gaia can’t even show up now.
Well then, I don’t have to show up either. I’m done. I’m done with all of this. Forget talking to Caspien. If Gaia is all-powerful, then she doesn’t need me. The Goddess can make whoever she wants the king on her own.
Obviously, we’re all just interchangeable to her. And I won’t be another pawn that can be discarded at a moment's notice.
Through my anger, I see Halcya’s throat bob as she swallows and lowers her feather. Her eyes are wide, looking to the Vaylors for a breath, before her sultry calm returns. “Gaia does not follow our time andwillshow up according to her will. Please place your elemental component in the basin at the front of the dais.”
Two humans appear. They struggle to lift an engraved basin and place it at Halcya’s feet. Everyone stands. The Vaylors lead the way, depositing their elements.
When it’s my turn, I pause. “This is for Nova,” I whisper to the Goddess. “Not for you,” I add, eyes hard with my rage.
The moment the leaf enters the bowl, a low pulsing pain radiates through the back of my head. Cillian’s eyes track me as I make my way to my mother.
“I need a moment,” I lie. Then I walk straight out of the Skyborn Chapel, around a wall until I’m out of sight of the Guardian already on my heels.
Now is my only chance out. An instant later, I press my hand to a tree and disappear into the root system. It doesn’t take mefar before I hit dead roots, damaged in the storms. Forced to re-materialize, I find another system and rootwalk again.
Appear. Disappear.I rootwalk as fast as I can manage until I’m close to my flat.
I need to get to a portal.
Chapter
