Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Three - The Omega Ceremony

Alex followed a line of Arcs as they squeezed into their seats. It didn't take long to spot Jade. His gaze swept over her, noting the dirt staining the hem of her dress, the bright red scrapes on her legs, and the bruises darkening her wrists. What had happened in those few hours to transform her from polished to this? He sighed, turning his head, knowing the answer wouldn't be pleasant.

Alex toyed with the ring, reading and re-reading the inscription: My oh my, Alex. It was a line from the song he had dedicated to her. Jade loved him wholeheartedly, devoting herself to the life he had promised. Now, the girl who once held his heart suffered a loneliness Alex could never understand. Every fiber of his being urged him to run to her, to apologize and give her the world, but the impulse faded as quickly as it had come. The next chapter in their story would be their breakup. After benefiting from her unconditional love, Alex would explain that the distance between them had become too much. A lie that would only wound her, especially when his agent forced him to perform songs of heartbreak. The Serfs around her turned in their seats, unwilling to face her. Her once-captivating eyes, blue and green, now seemed to fade. The Omega Ceremony offered her a chance to become a nurse—the only dream left to her. Despite Jade's knowledge and capability, they knew her chances of being accepted into Omega 3 were slim. Today's ceremony would determine her future, and Omega 2 seemed the most likely outcome. A year of studying farming and trading—occupations she knew well—would lead her to a miserable life Jade had expected to avoid when he had promised her a different future.

A tap on the microphone broke his thoughts. Clarke Stardrop smiled as cheers erupted, signaling the start of the ceremony. He wore a glitzy purple suit and a ridiculous matching top hat—an allure he claimed added excitement to the event. The ceremony brought eighteen-year-olds from across the kingdom, allowing a screen to dictate their futures. The Arcs, who attended Omega 5, were the only ones with real choices. Omega 5, where all ability-wielders, regardless of background, attended. Thanks to his hydrokinesis, Alex qualified for it the day he was born. His gaze returned to the ring. How had Jade earned enough money for this? There was no way the farm had made that kind of money.

A tap on his shoulder startled Alex, pulling him from his thoughts. James Courton smiled and gestured at the ring. "Jade worked hard to get this for you. She was a great model."

"What are you talking about?"

"Jade modeled for me. You'd be surprised what people will pay for a half-dressed Serf covered in scars. But you know that, don't you? Something is alluring about the way she's given up on life. I can see the appeal you had—the way her eyes hold so much loneliness, the feel of her lips against yours, the touch of her skin."

Alex raised his hands, baring his teeth. "Ah, ah, ah. It wouldn't look good for your image if you hurt me, would it? Besides, then I'd have to explain why. I can only imagine how that would go for her." James glanced at Jade. "You've done quite a number on her. I've never seen her so far gone. The way she cried in my arms earlier..."

Alex turned his head, trying to dismiss James's claims. "How much do you want to burn the rest of them?"

"Unfortunately, I sold the last four to a distinguished Enlightened office member. How's your father, anyway?" Alex's eyes widened as James chuckled. "Since you let her go, I'll take her for myself. The money I'd make from her alone would be worth it."

Alex gritted his teeth, ready to teach James a lesson, but his name cut through his rage. "Caldwell, Alexandrite."

Alex crossed to the podium, moving as instructed. No surprise—Omega 5 appeared on the screen. Cheers and chants erupted, the crowd celebrating something beyond his control.

Meanwhile, the girl who had worked so hard would be discarded. Alex crossed the stage to join the other Arcs, his stomach churning at the thought of her posing for that monster. James must have been lying. Alex's father hated Jade too much to pay for such paintings. James probably lied about everything. But how else could Jade afford a ring like this? As much as he wanted not to believe it, he knew Jade would do anything for him—even at her own expense, especially at her own expense.

His heart skipped when they called her name. Jade struggled to navigate the rows as no one adjusted their seats for her. When she reached the end of the row, another Serf tripped her, and laughter erupted as she hit the ground. Amorio stood to help, but it was too late. Jade pushed herself up and made her way to the podium, her expression unphased. Craig pulled Amorio back into his seat. Jade proceeded as if nothing unusual had happened. Her hands shook as they lowered to the screen on the podium. This moment defined her future—every book she had read, every long night and early morning spent tending fragile plants, every word of abuse and cruelty. It all came down to this. She placed her hands on the screen, and the entire town erupted into chaos with the unexpected result.