Although I’ve never felt particularly drawn to the temple’s prayer room, whenever I step inside, I’m enveloped by an overwhelming sense of rightness. I often ponder what it would have been like to walk alongside the gods, to converse with them, and learn from them.
As we make our way through the crowd, the sea of faces erupts in cheers, their voices blending into a symphony of excitement. Hands stretch out, reaching for my parents as we pass, seeking just a moment, or a single touch of their beloved rulers.
As I look out among the masses roped off on either side of us, the crowd is clothed in robes of shimmering golds, each intricately embroidered with various designs. Calia was beautiful, and her mind and creativity, even more so. Without her vision, who knows what our planets would look like? Would our economy and kingdoms thrive if she hadn’t created them as they are? It’s said that she meticulously designed every planet and moon, breathing her very essence into them. Among the gold are robes and tunics of deep indigo, a tribute to Astor, the god of wisdom and knowledge.
As we near the temple, I take in its beauty. The temple is shrouded in moss and vines, as though nature has claimed it as its own, despite its location in the city. I can hardly see the ivory sandstone beneath the lush greenery. Two intricate columns stand guard on either side of the grand arched entrance. They reach skyward, supporting the domed roof that appears to be draped in similar layers of green flora.
The frenzied energy of the crowd calling out for my parents and the chatter crescendos to a deafening level as we approach the temple, where a large podium has been set up for my father’s speech. Kuron guides me up the wide stone steps, Ezra directly behind me, as we find a place behind my parents. My heart beats in rhythm to the excited crowd, and the smile on my face is not forced, but genuine. I love our people, and seeing them happy and celebrating together brings a warmth to my chest I’m not familiar with.
Growing up, knowing I would one day be responsible for trillions of lives was just a task for me. However, as I grow older and approach the age of maturity, the enormity of this role resonates more deeply within my soul. I have become increasingly aware of the significance of my duty and the true value of each individual’s life. Their status, occupations, skin colors, and titles all fade into irrelevance—not that each shouldn’t be celebrated, but because they’reallmy people to protect. The gravity of my future title hangs heavy on my shoulders.
Aside from my temple trips twice a year, I hardly ever visit the capital city. I’ve always found it a little overwhelming. I never know where to settle my eyes. Should I look at the towering stone buildings, the holographic signs, and advertisements? Or maybe the crowds always walking to work or out to run their errands?
Though our palace is only a thirty-minute flight from here, it’s a world away. The palace island is peaceful and quiet, suspended above and surrounded by waterfalls and forests below. It’s definitely a stark contrast to the hundreds of thousands gathered here. Standing here now, with our people gathered before us, I find myself longing to come more often.
“Thank you, citizens of Treon,” my father starts, the crowd growing silent as his voice echoes off the tall buildings. “Today, we celebrate the nine hundred and ninety-ninth year of the protection given to us by Astor and Calia. We have gathered here to give thanks and offerings as we conclude the celebrations here in the capital on Origin Day.”
The sun beats down on us from above in the light blue, cloudless sky, wrapping me in a heat that feels almost suffocating. My outfit doesn’t help. My gown is an exquisite creation of indigo silk that cascades in sumptuous layers, each fold intricately designed to catch the light. The golden trains drape elegantly from my shoulders. My designer outdid herself yet again.
My diadem, a circlet of delicate jewels and metalwork, rests atop my head. It feels oddly foreign and somewhat uncomfortable, only made worse by the fact that I’ve been away at school.
Having been briefed on the day’s movements and the sacred rituals we are to partake in, a sense of anticipation thrums within me. It won’t be long before we are ushered into the temple, where we will present our offerings to the gods, honoring the traditions of generations of royals who have come before us. I slide my hand into the pocket of my dress, finding that my offering is still there.
“I first want to quote our dear goddess, Calia, if I may.” My father clears his throat before continuing. “It is with unfailing love that we must take our leave from you, but with our departure, our hope is thatmany generations shall live on until the end of the age. May you never stop dreaming, and may you always see the good in those around you. Remember to love your differences and uniqueness, and know that together, you are stronger.”
My mother bows her head, bringing her fingertips to her forehead, to the statue of Calia that stands stoically to the left of our group. As my mother does this, the crowd follows suit, solemnity passing through those gathered in a moment of respect.
Meanwhile, my father’s voice resonates through the square, commanding attention as he continues his speech. He highlights Astor’s profound knowledge and emphasizes our commitment to protecting our kingdom. He speaks of our family’s promise for a better future as we endeavor to learn from our people and meet their needs.
“Citizens, let us put aside our differences and embrace the beauty of our neighbors and all that they are. Let this new year be a fresh start as we aim to be more compassionate and loving.” My father’s arm stretches out, embracing my mother in a side hug.
“And we hope the celebrations this week have filled your hearts and minds. We wish you all safe travels home.” The crowd erupts in joyful cheers as launchers fill the air with sparkling confetti that falls over the crowd. Music starts up just as the Regils guide us into the temple.
The carved temple doors open, exposing the dark interior, while a cool breeze flows out, carrying the faint scent of incense and age-old stone. A long, tiled walkway stretches before us, flanked by towering columns that rise like sentinels to the gilded dome above us.
At the base of each column, a single flame flickers in a bowl, casting a warm glow that dances over the intricate carvings of Astor and Calia’s life. The soft candlelight adds to the ethereal ambiance. Each step we take echoes softly, disrupting the stillness as we progress toward the altar.
Standing on either side of the wine-colored marble altar adorned with golden bowls and candles, soft-white holograms of Astor and Caliaopen their arms in a welcoming greeting. A resounding thud reverberates through the air as the heavy doors seal shut behind us, muffling the sound of the crowd and plunging us into a realm of reverence.
My thoughts return to the temple in Ista, but I push them away. I can’t think about it right now—especially not here. There’s no secret chamber here hiding more artifacts and ancient texts. I know because I’ve been given a tour by the head priestess herself.
My parents take the lead, kneeling before the altar, and I follow suit, feeling the cool, dark, polished marble graze my knee. Something similar to a hum resonates through my core—a sensation so powerful that I almost gasp. It’s as if the very essence of the temple itself is drawing me in. And maybe it is. I don’t know anymore.
Warmth washes over me, accompanied by an unexplainable tingling sensation that spreads through my whole body, blurring the line between past and present. It isn’t until the priestess glides through a doorway to my left, her flowing white robes sweeping softly across the ground, that I regain my focus. She stands before us, her face set in a serene expression as she closes her eyes and begins to chant her prayers. Her voice is a beautiful melody that weaves through the space and wraps around me.
With her arms outstretched above, her melody lifts like a spring breeze as she thanks the gods for their martyrdom and unwavering protection. I find myself caught between the ethereal melody and the vibrant energy enveloping me, feeling as if I am levitating behind my parents instead of kneeling on the hard marble.
The song shifts seamlessly from the common tongue to an ancient dialect I feel like I’ve heard whispered before.Elvisiah.Though the words are unknown to me—I can read them, but not speak them—they bring forth something within my soul. Tears cascade down my cheeks as I sink further into the unfamiliar words.
Suddenly, visions explode in my mind—a clash of ethereal light and cold, empty darkness sweeps through me, followed by a sensation of being ripped in two. The feeling is washed away by a warmth and love, knitting me back together. Once again, I’m a baby cradled in mymother’s arms, her gaze filled with hope and a love so deep my chest feels like it might crack open from the intensity.
Images flash by with dizzying speed. I see my young self asleep in a dimly lit room, cocooned in warmth by another child asleep beside me, whose face remains obscured by shadows. Around us, a shield of familiar iridescent colors swirls with a blinding white light that resembles pure starlight, embodying the very essence of the melody, as if the colors are dancing in harmony with the priestess’ song. More memories, each confusing and cloaked in shadow, but I feel the love—the safety of those moments.
As the last notes resonate, I’m jolted back to the present. I find myself hunched over on all fours, my hands pressing against the cool, glowing marble as tears splash onto its reflective surface. An ancient voice, neither male nor female, rich in wisdom and filled with the echoes of creation, pierces my mind as the rest of the world falls away once again.
“Daughter of the Forest. Harbinger of light. Gift of the forgotten line and balancer of evil. The time draws near when the barrier is shattered, and the scales tilted. Embrace the truth, and all will be revealed.” My skin prickles as the voice fades, and I’m back beside my parents.
What the heck just happened?
