Life of a Light

Chapter 6 - The Child They Claimed ☑️

Morning light slipped through the curtains in thin, pale lines. Etzia blinked awake, the ribbon still tied neatly on her shoulder from last night's Juvenitte. It felt heavier today—not physically, but in meaning. Her last birthday was behind her. 

Today was the test.

The one that would decide her role. The one she had been preparing for since she could read. The one the Council expected her to take without question.

Etzia dressed slowly, smoothing her uniform.

Her mother placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment longer than usual.

Mother "You're ready."

It wasn't encouragement. It was expectation.

The table was already set, her siblings already seated, breakfast already portioned with the same measured order as every morning.

No one lingered. No one spoke unless necessary.

When the last dish was placed in the drying rack, a firm knock sounded at the door—three short taps, one long. Official rhythm.

Her father didn't flinch. "Who are they?"

Her mother wiped her hands on a cloth, movements crisp. "Open it."

She did.

Two men stood on the threshold, both in the muted gray of Astraeus field officers. Not soldiers—evaluators. The kind who arrived only when the day mattered.

The taller one nodded once. "Sedna Quijada."

Her family didn't look at her; they didn't need to. Their stillness was its own instruction.

Sedna stepped forward. "Present."

The men gestured toward the living room. Everyone moved there without discussion, the way they always did when something official entered the house.

Her mother's voice cut through the tension. "Veerk, can you help Kalise in the kitchen."

Veerk didn't question it. "Sure." He disappeared toward the clatter of dishes, leaving the room quieter than before.

Her mother faced the two men, posture polite but guarded. "What brings you here? This is quite a visit I didn't expect... Why didn't you say a word you were coming? I could've made something nice for you both."

Liam—tall, expression unreadable—answered flatly. "I appreciate it, but we're here on duty."

Her mother gestured toward the chairs. "Please. Sit. Tell me what brings you here."

The men sat.

"I don't know what to say," she continued, voice tightening. "You said you're here because of a chosen one."

Liam exhaled once, slow. "One of our drones captured footage of a girl punching through a wall. Exceptional speed. Exceptional force." He lifted a small GGS device, its screen already glowing. "I'll show you."

The image flickered into view.

Her mother's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my... that's Etzia. But that's impossible. When she was born, she didn't have Brio. She's never had it."

Finn, the younger officer, leaned forward slightly. "I know it sounds hard to believe. But she has Brio now."

Silence settled—thick, heavy, almost physical.

Finn (soft, steady) "We're here to take her where she'll be with others like her. This will help her aim for prosperity—for all communities."