REVOLUTION: A Rebel Among Monsters ✔

Forty-One••Night Returns

In the elevator, Lexa detailed how all recruits were to stand before the fire, their backs to the public. And after the Attendants' signal, they were to toss their masks into the flames, then turn around to show their faces to all of Cerule.

Upstairs, the Attendants had prepared a massive bonfire, located in front of the Lift doors. The flickering flames made it difficult for Valnia to see, but she heard movement from below the dais. Inhabitants were gathering, taking their places. Had her parents arrived yet? Or had they chosen not to come, too angry at the Monsters who had taken both their daughters?

As they lined up, in order, Wylan squeezed her hand. He was a few numbers down from her, but whispered in her ear before taking his place. "It'll all be fine. This is a good thing, Val."

Valnia recognized her sister's slumping steps as she arranged herself at the end of the line-up. "But will they be mad at me?" She gripped Wylan's hand, preventing others from settling into their spots. "And..." She leaned close to his ear, "I'm afraid she won't drink the Impian blood. She'll... stay eternally youthful. And you and I, we'll grow old, and I'll—"

"—Val," he let go of her hand to grasp her shoulder, "stop worrying. We'll figure this out later. For now... you're about to reunite with your parents! How could you think it won't please them to see you alive?"

She gulped and nodded, permitting him to slide into his space. Others did the same, groaning at the delay. How eager she was to no longer deal with all their scrutiny and jealousy.

Focus on the present; the future can wait.

The noise from the Plaza intensified. Footsteps of those navigating to find seats, or seeking a safe spot to stand. But a sloshing sound, coming from behind her and the bonfire, silenced them all—the Eldians were arriving.

To her far left, an identical squelch came. There, she noticed the light-skinned Impians popping up from the ground, their eyes wary, their faces folded and somber. They kept off to the side of the soil podium, somewhat out of view of the Ceruleans. A handful of Attendants surrounded them, acting like guards in case anything were to happen. All other Attendants marched to stand before the citizens, near the Eldians.

"Greetings, good people of Cerule," said one of the male Monsters, his voice magically amplified. "Thank you for traveling so quickly and from so far, in the grueling sun and with no clue why you've been summoned. We will not waste your time—we plan to restore the planet's rotation today."

Gasps came from the crowd, but no claps, no cheers.

They doubt. It's been two-hundred years... they've lost hope.

"This is not a joke, my friends. We have known for a while who the culprits were, but could not apprehend them. Most of you... will be unaware of their existence, as we erased most mentions of them from history books. The ones who trifled with our planet... were our siblings, the Impians." More gasps, shuffling bodies, muted mutterings. Valnia swore she heard a few people cursing. "They manipulated our planet for their selfish needs and desires. Once, they ruled from the Monster Island on the Forbidden Side, and were our equals in every way. We maintained balance, and will do so again... soon."

There were hisses, growls, yells for justice and blood. For the Impians to be locked up, punished, killed. Such reactions were unlike Ceruleans; but no one knew of the sibling's existence. None present there today had been alive when the Impians ruled the Forbidden Side. No one knew the damage they'd done, and now that they were informed... an unfamiliar rage brewed in the belly of every inhabitant of Cerule.

The fire's heat created a sheen of sweat over Valnia's forehead.

"Silence, silence," the male continued, and Attendants blew whistles to quiet the crowd. "You're wondering why we would forgive such a crime. The Impians have been punished, and will continue to be. But they will return to their side of the planet, where they are needed. They will oversee restorations, provide for their people, and remain peaceful. Because unfortunately... our planet cannot function without them."