Hybrid: The Mark

The Proficiency

The next day, Sirah woke up with sweat on her forehead. She couldn't think that she could make it but the thought of finally being away from everyone raised mixed feelings beneath her. She didn't know how much she had craved for that freedom.

She changed into her gown, braided her hair and occasionally touched the knife for comfort. She grabbed the knife hanging on the wall and hurried for breakfast.

Her father had just entered the dining room and for once Sirah thought about finally getting a meal after a very long time.

She couldn't survive just on berries so she made the exception of getting up early.

Her father pushed the bowl towards her, soup dripping on the table as usual. He eyed her once with distaste and continued to eat his meal. Sirah felt the urge to play a smile over the thought of surviving her father for the very last time but she fought it because she didn't want him to yell at her and ruin her thoughts for freedom by stating that how she would be able to save the town if she failed the proficiency test.

Sirah silently blamed Mikaela for arising the forgotten emotions she could think of. After cleaning the table, Sirah gripping her bow followed her father out to the clan ground. On the way few families joined with them to the grounds. Sirah eyed the families smiling and whispering encouragement to their children of her age. The last thing Sirah wanted was another conclusion how she should go to the other side from her father. Her jaws clenched on the word 'father'.

They reached the clan ground with Andervain, Matthew and Fereinia before the united werewolves, witches and fellow vampire members in a circle.

"I'd like to adjourn the members of the seven spheres to come forward and position themselves in their respective spheres."

Sirah inhaled a deep breath and walked to her sphere. Most of them were all of Sirah's age, 20. Leaving few elders.

Mikaela who stood a further away shuffled her way to stand beside her.

"Let's show them what we have got?" Her smile gleamed in mischief.

Sirah had trouble resisting her smile while her father from the farther end eyed her and her bow with the same expression he had got for her. Distaste.

She forced herself to focus on Fereinia plotting the regulations but her eyes glanced at her father wearing the same expression.

Sirah's mind geared to focus when she heard loud cheers. The proficiency had started. Her heart began racing and she felt her hands shivering. She watched as her father making his way with others, watching her all the time and warning her with those eyes to play it careful.

"Let us do it, shall we?" Mikaela grinned cheerfully.

Sirah snapped to focus and glanced at her friend jumping in excitement. Her eyebrows shot up.

"It is not a game of death. Believe me, we both will make it." Mikaela squeezed Sirah's hand in assurance.

Sirah smiled at her and walked with the others to mark the beginning of the proficiency.