“What is it, this process? What’s involved in it? Best you tell me now, yeah? Because I’m not fucking leaving.”
I swallowed and sat up against the fluffy headboard. “It involves binding… with chains. My hands being forced deep into stone and held there to withstand the intensity of the resonance that will surge through me when all that power first makes contact. And… pain. Pain that I may not be able to remain quiet through. I will also be severely weakened afterward as it acclimates to my body.”
“Fucking… shit, Vax.”
“You can’t interfere once it begins. Can’t assist me with your magic. It could harm all those imbuing me with their vibrational resonance.”
He grimaced and tugged at his hair.
I waited worriedly as it took him several moments before he managed to calm himself enough to tell me, “All right. I hear you.”
“Yes?”
“I promise. Just… you’ve gotta know what a big deal it is that you’re doing this for Win, for us. It’s really fucking heroic honestly.”
“It’s just what needs to be done. A means to see to this threat.”
“Nah,” he said, nuzzling against me. “It’s way more than that.”
8
~Vaxan~
“Holy shit. It’s packed like crazy,” Zayn whispered to me—for what good it did in a room full of Basilisks.
The Throne Room certainly was filled to the brim. So much so, there were even two lines flowing out the door and beyond, through the passageways. Rows upon rows of circular seating had been conjured specifically for this—three levels of the constructions—and still that hadn’t been enough to accommodate all those who’d taken the time to participate inExigent Plebiscite.
The votes were being analyzed now. Fortunately, by two Senior Aides, and not my parents. I had been keeping a watchful eye.
Attention kept flicking to Zayn and me. Often, even zeroing in on us with a mixture of assessing airs, sparks of curiosity and intrigue, and warm smiles of admiration.
Through the cacophony of chatter and movement, Norla’s voice reached me with a wisp of her magic carrying it to my ear. “Vaxan.”
I turned toward her throne, and she flicked a black scroll over to me.
I snatched it from the air, holding it between Zayn and me as I scanned the yellow script.
The vote hadn’t been unanimous, but I hadn’t expected that. Our people were in a state of flux, so they wouldn’t all be of one mind where something of this nature was concerned.
But one mammoth surprise greeted me as I took in what had actually been achieved.
More than I’d hoped for.
“Whoa,” Zayn exclaimed. “Ninety-two percent of these thousands here are in your corner, Vax! This is major.”
It certainly was.
There was a prominent mention of Syde not offering his support. Most likely because I’d pulled rank on him yesterday. When those with fragile egos were challenged, they often responded in petty ways.
Norla, though, she had pledged her support. Our discussion had clearly affected her.
“This means what I think, right?” Zayn asked me.
“Yes. The process will happen shortly.” I caught Norla’s eye, registering a signal she was sending my way. “Actually, immediately.”
He tensed.
“I will be well,” I assured him. “You have my word.”
