Their Wings

Chapter 23: Initiation

Breathe, just breathe Ella. I said to myself as I stood at the top of the marble staircase. There were two candles on either side of each step, flames casting shadows upon the walls. This whole heriainitiation thing was way overrated. I closed my eyes and breathed through my nose, trying to calm my racing heart. The open window behind me let in a gentle breeze. The folds of my dress rustled like autumn leaves on a tree. The black as midnight fabric reached down to the floor in a billowing princess skirt. The dress was strapless, which coupled with the black served to make my skin even more eerily pale. Silver vines ran from the top to the bottom of the dress. My hair was in loose curls and brushed over one shoulder. The black strands were threaded through with silver ribbon. I knew my eyes were lined in black, and my lips were a soft red. I also knew my eyes were glowing, I could almost feel them pulsing with light. Before I could contemplate my looks any further I heard footsteps pounding down the corridor towards me.

I opened my eyes and turned to see Luke running towards me. He stopped a few feet away, panting slightly. He looked even more handsome than usual. He wore a black three piece suit, with a gold waistcoat that matched his eyes perfectly. His hair was tousled and windswept from his sprint down the hall.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him.

“I’m supposed to escort you to the initiation. You know, Guardian. Didn’t my mom tell you?” he asked. I shook my head mutely. He let out a breathless chuckle and I felt my lips quirk up in response. He suddenly stood up straight and looked me up and down, a frown forming between his eyebrows.

“You look gorgeous Ella.” he said quietly, catching my eye.

“You don’t look too bad yourself.” I whispered as he moved closer to me. Just as he stopped in front of me violins began playing below us. It was a soft, beautiful melody that suddenly made me feel nostalgic for something I had never known. I turned to face the staircase and Luke stood next to me. I lifted up my right arm and he placed his under mine, so that we matched. Our fingers, wrists and elbows all sat on top of each other. The violins reached a crescendo, and Luke and I began walking. His solid presence beside me helped calm my racing heart.  All too soon we reached the bottom of the stairs and faced the corridor that led to the Council Chamber.

Lining the walls was practically every Angelus in Ahina. They stood in their dazzling finery, watching the two of us closely. I swallowed thickly at their silent judging. Luke gently nudged my forward and together we walked forward towards the huge double doors. As if it was rehearsed, as we passed the Angelus began dropping into deep bows. They didn’t seem to worry about their opulent clothing as they all sank to their knees with their arms outstretched. Soon Luke and I stood outside the double doors.

I froze, unable to move. This was terrifying. Luke leaned down and whispered into my ear, “Relax Ella.”

“I can’t, I can’t do this Luke.” I whispered.

“”You can. I know it. Just think about how much I love you.” he said into my hair. He placed a light kiss on my temple as the doors swung open. I let out a shaky breath and Luke guided me into the Chamber. The Council stood solemnly on the altar, their heads bowed. Luke remained in the doorway as I moved forward. The entire chamber was only lit by candlelight, making the whole thing seem even more sacred. I ascended the short staircase towards the altar. I stood at the edge of the circle, watching them warily.

“Evnia hasem Ella.” Mina said. I suddenly realised that I knew exactly what she was saying. Come forward Ella. I slowly advanced into the centre of the circle. Suddenly all the Council member’s heads snapped up and stared at me. I watched them as well, waiting for one of them to make a move. Softly they started chanting, an old song that I’d never heard before but recognized immediately.