All Darkness Dies in Light

In the Right Light, at the Right Time, Everything is Extraordinary

         Caspian awoke the next day, exactly when he said he would. Everyone stood around, watching, waiting, to see. Viskey was in the same place as before. I don't think he moved an inch.

I could feel the hatred and disgust rolling off Greyson like a stench. He truly loathed everything about Caspian. I knew if he had been able to, he would have found a way to ensure that Caspian never woke again.

Caspian's eyes opened. He didn't move right away. He just laid there, breathing deeply as his eyes stared at nothing. Then, very calmly, he pushed himself up into a sitting position. His eyes roamed the room, looking at the audience surrounding him. He looked, as always, very casual. As if coming back from the brink of death meant nothing to him.

"Prince Caspian?" Lord Blaize of the Autumn Coven said quietly. I had decided it was time I learned all these people while I had free time. "Are you well?"

Caspian rose to his feet. The candles that had been burning bright suddenly went out. He stepped away from the pentagram which seemed to fizzle out once he was gone.

"I perfectly fine." He declared. There was a round of thunderous applause from both the Dark Coven and the Blood Coven. Other Covens murmured amongst themselves. Even with the chaos, I could hear the admiration and amazement amongst the hushed whispers. From the corner of my eye, I could see that I wans't the only one listening. Greyson's jaw clenched.

Most of the Covens were speaking of Caspian.

"More power than I expected."

"Finally, a proper king."

"A surprising turn of events."

There were a handful talking about Greyson.

"I thought he would so more."

"A disappointment."

And then I heard my name.

"Maybe we should see what the true firstborn does."

I felt two sets of eyes on me. Greyson and Caspian. I tried avoiding both, staring straight ahead, pretending desperately that I didn't hear the whispers.

Lord Jacek of the Sun Coven stepped forward. "I think we have reached an agreement. All those in favor of Prince Caspian?"

Every member of the Covens raised their hands. Greyson's face was turning red with rage. Callie kept murmuring to him but he shook her off. It was unanimous. If Greyson hoped to win, he would have to win both of the next challenges. Caspian, only one more.

Lord Xenos spoke up next. High Lord of the Blood Coven. I reached for Tayla, keeping her close to me.

"The second challenge," he said, "will focus on life. It will test you abilities. Spells of confidence, success, fortune, memory, they're all allowed. The same rules apply. You are not allowed any help from anyone else. This is just a test of your power. Remember to come prepared."

I knew the last sentence was directed at Greyson. He huffed in annoyance and Callie rubbed his arm gently. Great, if he's king and in a mood, Callie will do her best to comfort him. They would make quite the power couple. I could see it already. Greyson ordering the deaths of hundreds for insulting him. Callie would be there, dressed in pretty silks, justifying his reasonings. She was so much like Enna. Always finding excuses for Greyson, never letting him feel any guilt for what he has done. A king who suffers no consequences for his actions.