Sector 7

22:07

Sector 3 pictures:

Count Ternce:

Countess Vera:

Dariox Catling (Capital):

Seleucus Mevarco (Beryl):

Cymbeline DeAlna (Gem):

Dionyza Cassius (Clarity):

We entered the mansion seven minutes late, and I watched Thesel gasp in awe. A butler took our coats and we were directed to the ballroom. It was a massive room with a giant screen in the back where the Slate nominees would be announced. There were thousands of couples dancing on the dance floor and dozens more hugging the walls. Music was blasting from at least fifteen giant speakers.

"How are we going to find Myer in this crowd?" I yelled over the noise.

"I don't know. Just start searching and then wave me over when you find her." He responded and then dove into the crowd.

With a huge sigh and a string of swears, I slipped into the crowd to look for my cousin. I went from group to group, sometimes even getting pulled into conversations that didn't concern me. I also had to witness four other proposals, three accepts and one refusal until I finally found my target in a champagne-colored dress next to Thesel Delsin himself.

"Delphinium Pandulph? Is that you? Wow, you clean up nice. But not as good as Thes here." She giggled and that's when I noticed the red lipstick residue on his cheek.

"I'm going to assume the proposal was a smashing success?" I asked.

"Oh yes." Thesel sighed dreamily.

"Well, congratulations you two!" I squealed, ecstatic for their upcoming wedding. "I hope you both have a long and fulfilling life together."

Thesel stopped a passing waitress and champagne was passed around the little group we were standing in. "A toast."

"A toast," I repeated, a huge smile plastered on my face. "To the future Mr. and Mrs. Thesel Delsin."

"Cheers!" Myer laughed and everyone clinked their glasses together before taking a swig of the sparkling apple champagne.

The lights then darkened and a spotlight was aimed at the bottom of the screen. There stood Lenayla, in a yellow dress that made her tan skin look even more flawless. Her brother, Vylan, was standing next to her, looking as arrogant as ever. If I was closer, I would've thrown my champagne at him for all the stress he was going to cause my father.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the 72nd Slate announcement! I congratulate the four who will be representing our Sector." She said and instantly the screen illuminated with Sector one's logo. Lenayla flashed a sour look at being cut-off but traded it for a pleasant smile.

The image then switched to the face of a 66-year-old man. "Hello and welcome to the announcement ceremony of the 72nd Slate. This is Emperor Theophilus and I am here to announce the winners of our selection."

"In Sector 1, Prodigy will be Aeneas Page, Spirit will be Gallus Evans, Magpie will be Myrna Theobald, and Flower will be Alverta Rebeck." There was a small rumbling of applause throughout the crowd. I nodded at the four images on the screen. As the other candidates were announced, the anxiety in the room heightened. Everyone wanted to hear who would be chosen to represent Sector 7. I bit my lip as I glanced at Thes. He looked just as nervous and he gave me an understanding nod. I smiled weakly.

"In Sector 7," The whole room went still and my breath caught in my throat. "Gadget will be Thaliard Lepidus," Applause and a spotlight landed on Thaliard. "Circuit will be Ajax Bona," more applause greeted Ajax, "Ion will be Thaisia Glendower," a spotlight hit a young girl who blushed, "and Plasma will be Delphinium Pandulph."

My world stopped and I couldn't breathe. The spotlight blinded me and everyone cheered loudly. Soon the world started to spin and I couldn't stand anymore.

"Delphi? Are you okay?" Thesel asked though I couldn't see him.

I opened my mouth to say something, but instead, everything went black with a sickening thud.