“Invigorating.” Iver finished the sentence. “Perhaps our little Bavadrin is more Lysian than we ever knew.” He grinned, nudging me with an elbow.
“That was not Lysian,” I replied while scanning the crowd, catching sight of Ariana being whisked away by Edda.
It was something else entirely.
She was something else.
26
ARIANA
After extinguishing Shal’s claim to the Ascension, Edda had me taken away and prepared for the ceremonial party. I was swathed in a beautiful deep green dress with embroidered flowers and vines running the length of the skirt, along the edge of the bodice and down the sleeves. There was something whimsical about it. Even more of the stones Edda gave me were braided into one side of my head, creating various knots before flowing into the rest of my hair. The other side was left with soft waves that fell past my shoulders.
For a moment I was allowed to look at my reflection before being taken away for the celebration. In the mirror, I saw a woman, mature, brave, and fierce. My eyes were a reflection of my mother’s. I couldn’t help but reach out, touching the glass.
“I will never forget all that you sacrificed. I take these steps today for you,” I said to her.
A gentle knock on the door let me know it was time.
No one announced my presence when I entered the large room, but that did not stop them from noticing. A hush spread through the space and those closest to me all turned, viewing me.As I moved through the room, they parted to make way. With their eyes on me, I felt the weight of responsibility for each of them. They were mine to protect and lead.
Looking over the crowd as I passed, it was easy to spot the Lysians. Edda stood with them, likely keeping them contained. Erik watched me. His gaze unreadable. Iver stood beside him, his teeth flashing with a bright smile when my eyes connected with his. He nodded as a way of greeting across the sea of people between us. Kole stood scowling at Edda.
I focused my attention forward, making my way towards the dais as those who had helped me get ready instructed me to do.
I stepped up to the platform, where Edda greeted me. She managed to move incredibly fast from the Lysians’ sides to mine.
“Kneel,” she commanded, the word rolling over the crowd even though she did not raise her voice.
Without hesitation, I dropped to my knees on a small rectangular pillow.
A boy moved onto the dais, holding a bowl. His large brown eyes focused on what he held, careful not to drop the thing he carried. Once he stood beside us, he held out the bowl to Edda.
She glanced at it, giving the boy a nod of a job well done, and turned to continue addressing the room. “On this night, a new Leader Superior Ascends.” The entire room was hanging on every word. Like a crevice had opened up on the stage, and everyone was being pulled into it.
Edda stuck her thumbs into the bowl, coating them in white paint. Her dark eyes settled on me and softened just a touch. There was kindness in them, though I now hesitated to trust in it. “Tonight, you will reunite with the Spirit.” Taking my face in her hands, she pressed her thumbs under my eyes. Moving down, she painted lines underneath and over my cheeks. “May you see clearly in your journey.”
The boy provided a cloth which Edda took, wiping her hands.He then disappeared with the bowl of paint, and a girl stepped forward, taking his place, holding a golden goblet.
Accepting the goblet, Edda addressed the crowd. “May this flow through your veins, taking you from our world to the Spirit’s.” She then turned to me, holding it out.
The goblet was nearly overflowing. My stomach clenched at the sight.
“Drink the entire thing,” she instructed.
Without a second thought, I poured the concoction into my mouth. The consistency was nauseatingly thick, tasting of dirt, grass, and twigs. Despite its repulsiveness, I got it down in a few disgusting seconds.
“Good.” She took the goblet back before passing it along to the girl who then disappeared.
“In three hours, you will be taken to the temple where you will spend the night,” Edda informed me. “Until then, this ceremony is for you.” Though she only spoke to me, the entire room erupted in applause and cheers. “You may rise.” She smiled softly.
As soon as I got to my feet, silence spread once more. Hundreds of eyes viewed me, waiting to be addressed.
“On this day, I swear to you I will do everything in my power to protect you. Till my last breath, I will defend you. I will fight for you, and if need be, then I will die for you.” Murmurs went through the room. “You all have always been a shield for your Leader Superior, but I will not hide behind it. For I, too, am a shield. I am your shield, and I will stand side by side with you as we move forward into a new day.” The room erupted into cheers once more. It hummed with excitement. The energy was unlike anything I had felt before. A mixture of joy and hope lifted everyone, and for at least a night, worries appeared to melt away.
Once everyone settled once more, Edda stepped forward. “For the Ascension, Ariana will need someone to stand guard while sheis indisposed in the temple. This person will become her second-in-command.”
I couldn’t help but smile, for I knew who that person would be.
