the Rarity

Chapter 3

The awaiting eyes of my family and the families of the other future trainees' sears into my skull. I feel all eyes on the group of us in front of the crowd, the pressure and tension in the large room strong enough to strangle you.

"Now that all of our trainees have successfully been tested and have made their decision, the sorting will now begin. As your name is called, please come forth and pronounce your ability, you will then be injected with the enhancement serum. From there you may go to sit with your new family for the next year." The Queen stated at the microphone podium, eyeing her son who stood not far from me.

The Ashford Royal Family is infamously known for their continued dynasty for the past decades and their ruthlessness and mercilessness towards Rarities. Prince Caleb, King Jacob, and Queen Juliet Ashford all had distinct features of bright green eyes and strong regal jaws showing the clenching fierceness. I had always had respect for the Dominion Leader or the Royal Family and the government but seeing them up close with the way they hold themselves – so sure and powerful, above all others – they bring a disgusting feeling to my stomach.

I look over to see Prince Caleb's strong jawline clenched and tense, showing the anxiety and nervousness he felt. I wonder if I look like that when I am stressed? I ask myself as it is noticeable on his face, his nerves freaking out through him like a rushing river of anxiousness flowing throughout him. I then look back over to the Dominion side of the platform, where the dark-haired King is seated beside his Queen and wife.

He walks up elegantly towards the podium for his piece of the ceremony. "We are gathered to not only celebrate the new trainees for their journey to come but to celebrate all abilities as a whole, cherishing each special gift each has to offer. The Elementals. The Herculeans. The Veiled. And the Jumpers. Each one's ability is special in their own way." He finishes, stating and acknowledging all of the abilities.

The Queen's appearance is what seems to catch my attention as Caleb is called forth the speak his choice. Queen Juliet's face looked more rigid than before as the Prince walked forward with hesitance. He seems to be almost ... afraid. But with the entire city watching your every move, including the most important day of your life, who wouldn't be nervous. He finally reaches the podium after about 5 or 6 people had already been sorted.

"E-Elemental." He states with a voice laced in a facade of confidence. He slowly walks over to the man to the right holding a small injection gun, inserting it into the Prince's neck, and quickly injecting the serum enhancing the new trainees' powers. Prince Caleb winces from the sting of the serum and walks over to where the rest of the new Elementals have been seated.

After watching a few more people go forward and making their pick of ability, a few going to Herculean, about three or four to Veiled, and two to Jumper, I realized my name would soon be called and panic filled me all over again. I can feel my heart thumping loudly in my chest and my palms growing sweaty. My breathing begins to shallow, and I feel as though all eyes have begun to fall on me.

Before I allow my panic attack to continue any further, I do all I can to slow my breathing and calm myself down. Just as I do so, the man at the podium calling out names speaks out, "Raven Hartly." My name echoes in my head but I am glued to my seat, fear filling me again. My eyes instinctively fall to the large crowd of people, find my brother's caring eye. With a simple nod of encouragement and another call of "Raven Hartly?" I slowly stand out of my seat and walk over to the podium, trying everything I can to prevent my mouth from being as dry so I can speak.

Reaching the podium, I take a subtle, deep breath and – with all the sureness I can muster – say "Elemental." All eyes of the arena watching my every move. With great satisfaction of the closeness of being out of the eyesight of the entire city, I move to the right of the podium, preparing to feel the new sense of power and ability. In an instant, I endure the stream of pain expanding across the right side of my neck as the serum flows into my veins.