ILLUSION || Jason Todd

FIFTY-SEVEN

❝TURNED HER TEARS TO DIAMONDS IN HER CROWN❞

MOLLY KATE KESTNER, PROM QUEEN

Today was the day as Lorelei stood in front of the stone throne that remained the only thing untouched. The old crowning hall, the place rested on a hill not far from the castle, was subjected to a disaster resulting in the grand building crumbling to ruins. The one throne left untouched with its magical possession bringing it to flourish to this day.

The entire realm stood within the streets and surrounding areas or watched the event live from home. It was the event of a lifetime for most citizens; for all, really. It was a special circumstance to have such celebrations and a party in honour of a new Archmage coming forth.

It wasn't necessary to have the party, Lorelei would have much preferred for the ceremony to remain private. If not for the tradition the festivals held, uniting all of Centia together for those few hours before sunrise, Lorelei would have refused. But this was her duty, this was her life.

Her father stood proudly beside her, a smile impossibly big ruling his face. Whether fake or not, the young mage couldn't bring herself to care. There was no stopping the inevitable - the time had come and that was it.

Dylan stood closeby, a respectable distance from the stone throne with Anastasia by his side. It was at Lorelei's request, a demand he could not refuse, that he spent the festive activities with his family. His gratitude paid in constant nods to ensure she was okay and remaining closeby for both appearances and as a friend.

Tonight is the night Lorelei Hansworth had been waiting for. A year had officially passed since her return to Centia. This event was to be a happy moment, spent with excitement bubbling within her bones and a freeing flutter to her heart. Reality was not so sweet.

Her heart weighed heavy with sorrow and bones hollow. Today only reminded Lorelei of what she was missing, of what today should have been. A disturbing reminder of Jason and how she would have been, finally, returning to his arms with the newfound freedom she so desperately clawed to win.

"Cenita, we welcome you!" Her father shouted, his voice blaring into the crowd as it erupts into a cheer. The night wind blows against Lorelei's white dress and bare feet. The outfit was boring, an outfit connecting her with the commoners of Centia. She liked this tradition, she felt normal for a second. "The moon will reach its peak in mere minutes and beneath your eyes history will be made as my daughter, Princess Lorelei, takes her rightful role as your Archmage."

More cheers came from the large crowd, music and food covering miles of streets as everyone came together. Her stomach churned with the rapid beating of her heart, her mind unable to differentiate between the anxieties and excitement she felt. A genuine smile overcame Lorelei's lips as the excitement for freedom and a life of her own battered through her soul.

"This is a night never to be forgotten as I, your King, unleashes the power within me to the new holder chosen by the Heavens above. Tonight you will experience magnificence, power, a rebirth." The tyrant ruler spoke, his voice commanding through screens and speakers alike. No ear left without the sound of his voice.

With his sentence ending, Lorelei took her cue with her spine straightening before gently placing herself onto the stone throne. It was the one place an Archmage could be born, a connection to mother nature that provided them the gifts of magic. The night chill spread through her body as she settled into the throne, arms resting on the stone armrests.