Beneath Dark Skies

Meddle About

"Prepare yourselves for a transformative experience. Embrace the darkness, and let it guide you to the greatness,,

-Guild Master Vespian Black,year 2895

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. "There, there," a calming voice said, and a soothing energy washed over me. All my senses jolted to life. I could smell blood and dust, the sharp tang of both filling my nostrils. My head spun as I glanced around, only to realize I was standing on the dais with the host, a knife gripped tightly in my hand. I was alive. I couldn’t believe it.

Images of a phoenix with sharp, glistening teeth and the cold touch of its tongue wrapping around me—its fangs sinking into my skin—flashed through my mind. I shivered, my body trembling uncontrollably.

"Compose yourself, Skyleen," the Master of Ceremonies whispered, his voice steady and authoritative. "You are now a guild member."

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t breathe. My chest tightened, and my heart thundered in my ears, drowning out everything around me. What had happened… it would haunt my nightmares for years to come. I could already feel the dread tightening its grip.

I smoothed my dress with shaky hands, the fabric slipping under my fingers like water, and forced myself to meet his gaze. I nodded, trying to steady my breath, but every inhale felt shallow, every exhale like an effort of will.

A fiery sensation burned my left arm. When I looked at it, I saw shadow-like tendrils embedded in my skin, pulsating and consuming. I winced at the sight, feeling the tendrils' cold, invasive presence.It was guild rune marking me for life.

"Skyleen Winters," the host boomed, his voice echoing through the hall, "the Dark Science Guild welcomes you."

The guild master strode toward me, his steps sure, almost arrogant. "Congratulations, Miss Winters. I trust you will prove to be a valuable addition to our conclave. I am Vespian Black."

I nodded, my lips barely parting as I muttered, "Thank you, sir." The words tasted strange on my tongue, unfamiliar and foreign. He extended his hand, holding out a pin—a phoenix, its wings unfurled in a fierce, almost mocking display. Its eyes gleamed, shimmering with an unsettling light.

Valerian. The name surged through my mind like a tidal wave, icy and sharp. The memory of him made my blood run cold.

"Please meet your new classmates. At the end of the ceremony, you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you to your accommodations."

I nodded again, feeling completely out of it, as I turned around and descended the stone steps. Each step echoed in the vast, silent hall. At least I hadn't broken family tradition. Hopefully, my dad would be proud of me. Yeah, right. I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. Why did I care so much about his approval? It was honestly ridiculous.

I stepped into the main hall, my heart still hammering from the Choosing ceremony. My hands were shaky as I fumbled with the phoenix pin, trying to attach it to my dress. I needed to calm down. Focus. But no matter how deep I breathed, the adrenaline still buzzed under my skin, making my pulse quicken.

A short girl with dark hair approached me, her steps confident and her eyes alight with curiosity. She looked like someone who'd lived through her own share of awkward moments—maybe even enjoyed them.

"Hey," she said, her voice warm, inviting, and just the right amount of friendly.

I forced a smile, trying to bury the anxiety still twisting in my chest. "Hey," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt. I recognized her—she was the girl who looked completely unfazed after the trial. Well, good for her. Send me your therapist's number, now, I thought wryly, silently envying her calm.