Divinus Petram

Chapter One

Korra POV

My palms were clammy as they reached into the velvet bag, holding a stone tightly in my palm, as if letting go would kill me when really it was the action of picking it up in the first place that might be the death of me. Your first drawing ceremony was supposed to be special. Something you'd never forget. I was sure that was true, this day will haunt my nightmares, if I get the chance to have any nightmares. Seamus, the man to my left patted my shoulder gently, trying to calm my nerves. It was rare that a first-timer ever got chosen. That's what he told me. As wise as he was I didn't know if he was right.

Seamus was one of the oldest men here.

It was my brother Griffin's first time last year, and now he's not here to see mine. The library was old and somber looking, covered in wood panelling filled with books dating back all the way to the discovery of Divinus Petram.

The stone I had chosen fit perfectly in my palm, and I tried to focus more on it's cool feeling against my skin and less on the death sentence it might bring. I hated this. I hated everything about this. I didn't believe that someone had to die to make room in Heaven, I didn't even believe in Heaven, but once you're apart of this there's no escape.

I never thought I'd die to celebrate my birthday.

"Now, open your palms." The leader, Owen McCormick spoke, followed by an audible gasp.

Four

The letter four was boldly painted on my stone like a death sentence.

Arms, more than I can count and stronger than I can overpower, grasp my body and pull me away as someone, my mother, screams out in emotional agony. They drag my body away, but I feel as if it's an empty shell, as my soul follows close behind. The room I'm thrown into now has concrete walls and padded floors, there's a singular bed with no blankets in the corner, and no way to see outside. My back hits the wall and I slide, burying my face in my knees. The room is so silent it's impossible not to think, about school, I was the only Diviner there, meaning no one else could know about this. I think about the bonfire last week where I encouraged my friend Melissa to talk to the guy she liked. She asked me to talk to his friend, but I said no. I had bigger things to worry about than boys, and Mel would never know. I realize now that everything I was worried about has happened. I wondered what the leaders would tell our school. Car accident most likely. Wrapped our car around a tree. They'd punch and beat my parents so they'd look the part. My parents were salvageable, and I was not. It'd be a tragic accident and nobody would be any wiser.

The idea that I won't see my family again is comforted by the thought that I am following my brother. It doesn't matter if I don't believe in Heaven. This has to be Hell.

I spend the rest of the night thinking. I think so much that when morning comes, I almost don't hear the footsteps.

Sam POV

My feet almost catch on a rock as I lower myself down. Rock climbing at dusk may not have been the smartest idea, but it wasn't like I had a choice. When Dr. Simon sets his mind to something he'll either do it, or die trying. And I'd really prefer he be living. "How's it going down there Sammy?" He calls out, and I stop myself from cringing at the nickname. Dr. Simon is an eclectic supporter of science and the truth, it's hard to hold his attention with something as silly as a preference on my nickname.

"Pretty good, just climbing down a rock toward some crashing waves, in dim sunlight." I respond sarcastically. Really I don't mind being here. Being Dr. Simon's assistant is a privilege and an honor, especially when you're only sixteen. If I have to do a little grunt work for it, I will. But there isn't a universe in which I don't respond sarcastically to that question.