24
ARIANA
Three days later I stood lost amongst the mass of my people, with a few Lysians lingering around me. It was the day either I or someone else became the new Leader Superior.
I felt foolish for believing that I could lead my people toward a brighter future. As I stood amongst them, doubt doused me in anxiety. What made me special enough to lead? Conjuring abilities did not make a good leader. Had the Spirit meant to choose me? It was as though I was an imposter.
I had been bathed and dressed up appropriately for the part. Edda made sure of that. I was swathed in a cream dress with whimsical patterns threaded throughout. The fabric hugged my body until it reached my hips, where it then flowed down the length of my legs. Several slits cut into the skirt of the gown, allowing for effortless movement. I was packaged as if I already was the Leader Superior, but I was not—at least not yet.
I stood before my people with Lysians at my back. In a way, I had welcomed their control. By giving them Fraser, I ensured my people had no choice but to bend to the Lysians. I betrayed theBavadrin oath and gave our leader to an enemy who invaded our homes, spreading fear and doubt. Before ever becoming a leader, my choices brought so much unease and turmoil to my city.
But what choice did I have? Fraser was the one who truly brought the destruction to our home. The decisions I made after were to keep things from completely falling apart, and to spare as many lives as I could.
And now, as I stood before my people, it was their choice whether to accept me. No matter what they decided, I would continue to fight for them. That realization brought me a sense of peace.
Familiar golden eyes found me from across the room while we waited for things to begin. Willis. We nodded to one another in recognition. I wanted to run to him, but the weight of what was about to happen kept my feet cemented to the ground. A handsome smile found its way to his lips, and he winked. People moved between us, and he disappeared into the crowd. I lost track of him just as quickly as I found him.
Edda clicked her tongue, and the room went silent. “I have news to share. The Spirit has chosen our very own Ariana to ascend to become the Leader Superior of our people.” Her voice floated through the space as if carried by the wind though there was absolutely no breeze.
“Why does everyone listen to her?” Erik bent down and whispered the question in my ear. His proximity warmed my skin.
“She was an adviser to the past Superior. And she is ancient, which equates to wisdom for some. So, the people listen,” I replied, trying to focus on anything but the feel of the Lysian King standing so close to me.
Edda’s black gaze snapped to me as if she heard my remark before she turned and addressed the room once more. “Is there anyone who opposes Ariana’s claim as the chosen Superior?”
“I do.” A male’s voice cut through the space. I immediately recognized it and cringed.Shal.
Of course, he was going to be the one to think he should rule. There was no wayhecould take our people anywhere good.
Erik and the entire Lysian party turned to look at the man who voiced his challenge. They looked out of pure curiosity, for there was no need to size him up. Any Lysian could crush him with little effort. No matter who became the next Leader Superior, the Lysians would remain in control. They had the power, the fire conjuring King.
The Lysians had no skin in what was about to happen. They would simply take whoever was chosen to lead next.
I thought back to what I knew of ascending and what happened when someone opposed a claim.
The Leader Superior is chosen by the blood of the Spirit’s choosing, and the opposed will fall by blood drawn.I needed something to draw blood.
Cursing under my breath, I turned to the Lysians near me.
“I need a dagger,” I whispered to Erik and Kole, my voice low. Bavadrins already did not like Lysian presence, let alone the fact that they were hovering around me. I did not need them seeing Lysians helping me too.
The two turned to me in unison.
“Why?” Erik asked, brows drawn. His jaw set tight, lips pressed into a displeased line.
“I don’t have time to explain.” I glanced to Edda, who was making her way toward Shal. “I swear I will not use it against any of you.” My attention shifted towards Erik’s narrowed gaze. Were they nervous I would somehow turn a dagger on them and be victorious with nothing more than a single blade? More likely, they were afraid of losing their prized Bavadrin, though it should not have mattered. No matter who won, the Lysians would keep their control, at least for the time being. “Please.”
Iver placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Awh, come on Erik, just let her have one. She clearly can never hope to defeat a Lysian with no more than a little dagger.”
Evidently, he and I agreed, though I was unsure if I liked that.
Across the room, Edda stepped in front of Shal, viewing him coldly. “Very well.” She turned. “Any others?”
The moment of silence fell thickly. The pressure of it weighed heavy on my chest.
“In that case, I ask that everyone clear the center of the room, and the two laying claim to please move into the opening. Shal and Ariana.”
Time was up.
