In the Rise

Chapter 2: The Inspection

The Inspection.

I hated it.

No one was allowed to say this out loud, however.

It was hard to describe what The Inspection actually was. It took me years to realize the truth of such a ritual that was performed four times every year.

I stared at the map up on our wall, taking in the small dots and scribbles that had been added in recent years as the Lands expanded. Each of those dots was going through something similar today, with sub-Alphas carrying them out.

But our pack.

Our pack contained the main Alpha.

"Nilsa, did you eat breakfast?"

Mother's worried face floats to me, dragging my attention away.

"No..." I turn to see her full anxiety.

"Eat it. Now."

"I don't think I can," I whisper, honesty opening me up as I stare at the food before me.

I can see the debate in her mind. Force me to eat, or let it go? To appease her I take a slice of bread, slowly chewing around the edges of it.

I see her shoulders visibly relax.

"It will be okay this time."

I don't answer her.

I had barely passed my last inspection. I avoided thinking about it this past week - avoided thinking about what would happen if I failed another one.

It was most likely why Jerome took the time out of his day to find me. Why he spent so long with me.

I knew it, but I did not want to think about it.

"They are lining up...Renna already left."

I sigh at the mention of Renna. My younger sister had no trouble in passing The Inspection. She had never failed and would most likely only stay to watch and make sure nothing happened in my own test.

"Hurry..." I leave the house even more anxious because of mother's nerves. Her emotions had washed into my nose, staining and leaking onto my skin to contaminate me of the calm I had desperately been clinging to.

I can already see the youth who are lining up.

Only those 18 years and younger were put under The Inspection. The only good thing I saw out of this was that I would only have to go through three more before my time was up.

Only three more.

But I only had to fail one more before...

I can see Jerome in the distance.

He is standing next to his father, dressed as if he is a miniature of the Alpha himself.

Both males are almost of the same height now. Jerome in the future might even grow to be taller than his own father.

Their dark hair is pulled back, styled in a similar way that makes me almost smile. Each wears black. Nothing but black.

I see Jerome's eyes searching. They finally rest on me, something close to relief and dread filling them.

I shrug at him, but my actions are not responded to. His father whispers something in his ear before he can.

He nods, and they move on to the next.

The Inspection takes the whole day.

Higher rank was inspected first, then the middle, lower and next...nothing. Those who held no occupation of mind.