MATURE FANTASY** slow burn* 🔥 He is a predator who thought he captured an ordinary girl... but her mind is sharper than any of his claws.
Ariana lives in the shadow of her monstrous father in a world barely held together by a treaty. Until her l...
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After extinguishing Arie's claim to the ascension, Edda had me whisked away and prepared for the ceremonial party. I was dressed in a beautiful cream dress with various layers and intricacies. The dress was not much different from the original one I wore, so I did not know why there was a need to change at all. Even more of the stones Edda had given 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.
When those helping me prepare finally finished, they allowed me to look at my reflection for a brief private moment before I was taken away again for the celebration. In the mirror, I saw a woman, mature, brave, and fierce. My eyes were a reflection of those which belonged to my mother. I couldn't help but reach out, touching the mirror.
"I will never forget all that you sacrificed. I take these steps today for you," I said to her.
There was a gentle knock on the door, letting 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 the Bavadrins closest to me all turned, watching me. As I moved through the room, they parted to make way. With their eyes on me, I felt the weight of the responsibility for each of them. They were mine to protect and lead now.
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 was unreadable. Iver stood beside him, flashing his teeth with a bright smile when my eyes connected with his. He nodded as a way of greeting across the sea of people between us.
Turning, I focused my attention forward, making my way towards the dais as those who had helped me get ready instructed me to do.
Stepping up to the platform, I was greeted by Edda. She managed to move incredibly fast from the Lysian's side to mine.
"Kneel." She commanded, the word rolling over the crowd even though her voice was not raised.
Without hesitation, I did as instructed, falling to my knees on a small rectangular pillow.
A boy moved onto the Dias, 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 off of every word she said. Like a vortex had opened up on the stage, and everyone was being pulled into it.
She stuck her thumbs into the bowl, painting them white. Her dark eyes finally settled on me and softened just a touch. There was kindness in them, though a part of me was now hesitant 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 over my cheeks. "May you see clearly in your journey."
