Games of Ambrosia {Book I}

7. The Selection (Part III)

    I watched at how my immaculate white combat suit hugged my body tightly, yet again surprising me with my hourglass-like curves. My blonde hair was securely braided into an intricate and clean hairstyle, every hair in the right place.

Rosa analyzed the outfit and nodded approvingly.

"The combat suit is very fitted. Now, all that's missing is for you to know how to use it."

She indicated me all the different buttons to my suit and I came to know that it was very well made. It had so many useful proprieties: it could adjust to the temperature, it was completely waterproof and the fabric intensifies your sense of touch.

      There was also a button on my chest for a technological aspect I couldn't wait to discover: they called it "GB", which stood for "Game Board". It helped with figuring your location, receiving messages from the Game Masters, stocking up or requesting your inventory, and communicating with your teammates. When you pressed the button, a holographic and tactile command screen appeared before your eyes. It was truly amazing. Though, one of the challenges you'd have to face was that the combat suit was purposefully made to not function and be deactivated in certain areas in the Game. That's why at school they taught us survival skills and such. Also, it was the main reason why it was wise to keep some material things at hand and not solely rely on our inventory.

      It was almost time for the Selection and the Numbering. Of course, I was excited but also extremely anxious. For one, I was afraid that the Angel would not select me. It would be the worst that could happen, it would be terribly humiliating. What if He doesn't? Not to forget the Numbering. Who was I going to be paired with? Who will be my teammates?

I wished I had an answer to all those questions so I could ease my worries.

Telling myself that there was no use in dwelling on those thoughts, I decided to take a deep breath and stay calm.

"Do not fear, my dear girl," Rosa said.
"I'm not afraid Rosa, just nervous but I'll be fine."


I take one last look at myself in the mirror and sigh lightly.

"I'll be fine."

*****

"Dear Chosen! We are gathered here tonight as we celebrate first the Selection and second, the Numbering. As you may all know, this is a crucial part of the Games. You will know which god will keep you under his protection, it may be your first ever and only encounter with the gods. Regarding this, we will then proceed with the Numbering. This will decide whom your teammates will be. I will start by calling your names for the Selection. Please come forward when I do," Witch Sylvester instructed with his usual solemn manner.


"First up, Pete Archer!"


A tall dark-haired and fair-skinned boy walked confidently towards the pedestal next to the Consul's Witch.

Witch Sylvester laid his callused hand on top of the teenager's head and started chanting. He opened his eyes and they became a bright purple colour. 


"Gods, please let us feel your presence!"


      After a few long seconds of everyone sucking in their breath, the verdict came: Werewolf. The boy lifted up into the air, an intense silver aura surrounding him. It was truly beautiful and captivatingly hypnotic. He landed on one knee with his head bowed with strength and fierceness. When the Werewolf lifted his head, sharp canines formed an ugly rictus and his golden eyes glowed, meeting with the audience's shocked looks. We applauded.

"Next up, Abigail Armstrong!" Angel.


I tried memorising everyone's names and their gods. The ceremony was long, he called about thirty more people. 

"Alina Roland!"


The redhead who had held my hand on the first day of the Games walked and seemed like a leaf in the wind by her shaky appearance. Faery.

"Beatrix Syleph!" It was finally my turn.

I raised from my chair and headed towards the pedestal. My breath was shallow and unsure but I kept my expression neutral and walked gracefully.

      Taking a deep breath when I'm under Witch Sylvester's hand, I try to keep out any of my negative thoughts. Starting to chant his magical spell, I started to feel myself drift from reality and flip over to an alternate world.

With one released breath I didn't know I was holding, I opened my eyes and adjusted to the harsh sudden brightness. Wincing, I covered my eyes with the back of my hand.

      I was found in a mass of immaculate snow— actually I was the middle of clouds in front of a grand glowing figure. Gigantic wings flapped gracefully, causing a slight breeze that reeked of sunshine. I gaped at such beauty. An angelic face that spoke of wisdom and peace looked at me with a tender smile.

I bowed before my God, stunned.

"Beatrix Syleph, my child."

His voice resonated loudly, it was the most melodic sound I'd ever heard I almost teared up.

"My Angel," I still bowed.

"Rise, my child."

I obliged.

"I have been waiting for you ever since you were born. Usually, during the Selection, you have to go through an aptitude test that determines from which faction you are. All though, I've known you as The Child of Fire ever since you were born."

"The 'Child of Fire'? I'm sorry, I don't under—"

"You are special, Beatrix. You have a unique power, a rare one that I hadn't seen in ages."

I understood that he was referring to Princess Corona; she was the first to have had such a power.

"You need to protect it at all costs. This power is as much a benediction than it is a curse."

I was so confused.

"Use it wisely, only when you truly need it. If others knew, your life would be at risk."

"My Angel, I don't— I've never even used it before—"

"Simply believe in me."

And with that, he disappeared into thin air, swooshing into infinity.