The Choosing

Prologue

Paige de Septingentorum Tredecim Libra ascended the spiral staircase. Her hand trailed along the rail, fingers tapping against the smooth ebony wood. She stepped onto the landing and stopped before a pair of elaborately engraved double doors. On either side stood two ivory statues shaped as guards.

From behind the closed doors, a voice spoke. "Enter."

Paige bowed respectfully before approaching the entrance. The doors opened, and Paige entered the office of Honorable Constell Libra.

Libra stood a few feet away, facing away from Paige. She looked as elegant as always. Today, she had chosen a lavender robe to match her long dark hair. This had been one of her favorite appearances lately, and Paige was not surprised to see it today. Nor was she surprised that Libra had her back to her; it was often how such meetings in Libra's office started.

"I presume this is about your sister?" Libra's voice was even as she spoke. It was neither soft nor hard, but somewhere in the middle.

Paige bowed again. "Yes. The Choosing is in two weeks, and I was hoping-."

"Hoping?" Libra was now facing Paige. There was no sign of anger in her gaze, but Paige had learned that one could never be sure with Libra.

She kept her head low as she spoke. "Yes."

Libra laughed. It was not a cold laugh. "Do not worry about your sister. Her chances are high. Unless you do not wish her to be chosen?"

Paige shook her head quickly. "It has been an honor she has always spoken of. It's her dream to be chosen. And if it were to be by you... " At this, Paige trailed off, glancing at Libra tentatively.

Libra smiled. "I can promise you nothing, but trust that your sister is high on my list. She is in her examination at the moment. I look forward to seeing her results."

Paige let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

Lyra raised her hand, closed it briefly, and opened it again. In it was a carved ivory emblem in the shape of her symbol. She held it out to Paige."Give this to your sister. You may speak with her after her exam today. I'll have someone prepare the portal for you. "

Paige took it, almost in disbelief. "Thank you," she said again.

Libra handed her another object, a medallion with her mark on it. "Be sure to take this with you. A few of Gemini's honored families were ruled against by some of my apprentices. I'm sure he would gladly get back at me for it by accusing one of mine for breaking the rules. Don't give him that opportunity."

"I understand. I will be careful."

"If there is nothing more to discuss, you may return to your studies."

"Yes." Paige bowed, turned, and walked out of the room. There was a soft sound as the doors closed behind her.

✲ - ✲ - ✲

All around Oroskopia, millions of students were bent over their desks, scribbling furiously as they completed the examination. All of them knew that this examination would decide their future. All of them knew that the results of The Choosing were dependent on the results of the exam. And all of them knew that The Choosing was a great honor. But all of them also knew something else - once one is chosen, they can never return.