Chatoyant

Chapter 1

Today's the day. The day I choose the rest of my life. Today's the day of the Moon Ceremony.

Every year, every 14 year old in Alenia chooses the kingdom they show their allegiance to. There are 6 kingdoms; Aurora, Anodyne, Eudaimonia, Apricity, Ethereal, and then The Council. Most people choose the kingdom that they were born in or at least a kingdom under the same moon. I'm currently in The Council's kingdom. That, along with Eudaimonia have the ruling moon of Creda. The small white gemstone dangling from my wrist signifies my current ruling moon. I'll get a necklace with my kingdom's moonstone after I choose today. Those are taken more seriously.

I'll also figure out which element I identify with. I'll figure out how to shift, and the color of my wings will show it. Some people pick the kingdom with the queen that matches their element. I have no idea where I belong, so I might just do that.

Without a moment's notice, my little sister, Octavia, runs in. "Ara! Ara!" she exclaims. "You should be awake by now!"

"I'm awake," I say.

"Good." she says. She's just 6, yet she obligates herself to looking after me. "You need to leave soon if you're going to make it to Psyche on time."

"I know," I say

"Really?" she crosses her arms. "Why aren't you dressed?" I glance over at my iridescent black dress. Black isn't a color of an element, so that's what everyone wears to the ceremony. "If I had a dress like that, I'd wear it every single day. It's really pretty, and you know it."

"You're right," I say, hoisting myself out of bed.

"Great. Now, the next time I see you, you better be wearing that dress." She exits and closes the door. I go over to where my ceremonial dress is hanging. I admit that it is really pretty. I put it on. It was knee-length and had ¾ sleeves. I paired it with some silver heels. They're only about two inches. I go over to the mirror. I think the dress makes my bright blue eyes and freckles stand out. I brush out my brown hair. We're not supposed to do anything with it, so I simply leave it at that.

I go downstairs, and as expected, Octavia awaits. "See? I told you it looked pretty."

"I see your point," said a particular male voice from the other side of the room. I look over and see my neighbor, Apollo. I smile. Both of my parents are part of The Council's guard. They're away doing guard work. I was supposed to watch Octavia, but I don't know if I'll be back after I choose, so Apollo was supposed to take over for me. His birthday is in two weeks, so he gets to choose next year. Apollo walks over and hands me a muffin. It was still warm. "I made them this morning." I take a bite.

"Peach, my favorite." I say. "Thanks, Apollo,"

"Anything for you," he says with a smile. I blush.

"You need to leave before you miss your train." Octavia says. She's right. I go over to her and pull her into a hug. "Whatever you choose, you better visit."

"I will," I say.

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"I'll miss you." She squeezes me tighter.

"I'll miss you too, Octavia." We pull apart. I look over at Apollo. I put my arms around him. He was surprised by how tight of a hug it was. I give him a quick peck on the cheek. "And I'll miss you as well."

"I think that goes likewise." he says. I walk towards the door. "Goodbye, Ara." He turns towards Octavia. "I'll take good care of her."