Lost Identity: Eloria Series Book 1 | ✓

35: Identifying Ellis

7/23/3028

At my request, Drea placed a full-length mirror in my room. I'd had enough of not being able to see my outfits before stepping out, but that wouldn't matter for this occasion.

I wasn't given a choice of what to wear for the dahii. The see-through white gown had a plunging neckline and a low scoop at the back with high slits on both sides of the dress. I was glad that I was also permitted to wear a white robe over the gown before the procession began. The dress obviously wasn't intended to cover me up. It was a stark contrast from the long-sleeved dresses, gloves, and veils I'd worn.

Drea instructed me not to wear my wig, veil, or any other jewelry for the confirmation. I spent the last few minutes fiddling around with the locket I had easily been able to conceal around my neck under the layers of clothing. I'd have to leave it behind now.

I tugged on the chain and locket as I observed myself in my reflection then flipped the locket open and analyzed the compass and key for the hundredth time, hoping perhaps that I would discover something new. No such luck.

"This is it—the moment everyone's been waiting for," I said, taking off the locket.

When I heard the knock at my door, I put my robe on—ready to go. Drea greeted me with her usual bow, as did Elossai. Elossai wore a green robe that looked similar to mine.

"Elossai requested that she also escort you. Is that alright?" Drea asked.

"I couldn't be happier," I replied. Elossai smiled, but she appeared to be a little tired—or stressed; I wasn't sure which one. "Is Martin coming with us?"

"He should already be there," Drea answered before she gave the command to the lift. We descended to T-Floor, which I thought was odd given how technologically barren the floor appeared to me. How do these confirmations work?

"Are we going to the cave?" I asked.

"Yes—to the corin pond," Elossai said.

As the doors opened, I saw that there was a neat row of hovering carts lined up in a row before us. We all clambered in, one by one. When Drea started the vehicle, my stomach began to churn.

This is actually happening—I'm about to find out if I'm Sye-Liene.

I glanced over at Elossai. Her gaze was downcastm and she clasped her hands together tightly.

"Hey, it's going to be okay," I whispered. "No matter what the outcome."

She glanced up at me and forced a halfhearted smile.

We arrived sooner than I expected—the ride only took a fraction of the time it would have taken had we walked. Drea stopped at the vine curtains briefly before parting them for me and Elossai to pass through.

I was surprised that the alcove had been heavily remodeled. The ground that was once dirt was now paved with stone slates. A transparent dome now enclosed the corin pond, much like a huge fishbowl. This dome seemed to contain the mysterious humming sound the corin stone would normally emit.

Already seated around the pond were Tor-Kenner, King Rit and his advisor, and King Udi's advisor. Behind the advisors were Jarek, Ilta, and Martin. I noticed that King Udi wasn't present. It did not surprise me that he sent one of his representatives instead. Given his furor at my accidental face reveal, someone must have had to persuade Udi's advisor that this was worth attending. Dunek was also absent, which was a little surprising to me.

Keiran and Stanjah stood facing the gathered party as they explained the process of confirmation. Stanjah signaled for us to approach.

She was even kind enough to flash me a smile—for the benefit of the audience, I bet.

"As we have promised," she said, "we are identifying Sye-Liene Anmyn with all of you present so that you may witness this event for yourselves. Dunek Anmus was so confident of a favorable result that he insisted you all be invited to this unveiling." Stanjah made wide, rounded gestures with her hands.

Dunek Anmus. Confident? I doubt that.

Keiran stepped forward. "On behalf of my father, I welcome all of you to this event. Unfortunately, he is unable to attend as he is occupied with pressing matters in Incus that he could not abandon."

The endless formalities made me feel nauseated. Still, I maintained a plastered smile on my face for show.

Drea finally led me and Elossai to the side of the dome, then touched the glass. A small, indiscernible opening appeared where she placed her hand.

"You may enter, but do not stand in the water until you see the Sorceress instruct you to do so," said Drea.

Once Elossai and I stepped through the opening, it sealed up behind us and left no trace that it existed.

I turned around to face my audience and could see Stanjah's lips moving but was unable to hear what she was saying.

"Why can't I hear them?" I asked.

"The dome is sound-proofed," Elossai replied as she helped me remove my robe and sandals before removing her own.

Elossai's expression was so dismal that I couldn't ignore it any longer. "Elossai, what's wrong?" Elossai opened her mouth to speak but she was interrupted.

"Prepare yourself, Elossai." Stanjah's voice was now inside the dome.

"I thought this was a sound-proofed dome?" I asked.

"There's a sound amplifier installed in the dome." Elossai replied. She then held my hand. "Ellis Ann, follow me. I will give you instructions on what we must do." We walked into the pond until the water was up to Elossai's waist. I glanced at Stanjah and saw her hands gesturing and her mouth still moving while facing the audience.

Elossai gave my hand a firm squeeze. I nodded, understanding that she wanted me to stay focused. "The connection between an Elos and her human is unlike any other. There is an inseparable and sacred bond between the two, so a positive identification can be made." She held both my hands now. Her hands were warm and soft. "You will need to cup your hands together as if you were going to scoop water up to drink. You will make the action but not actually scoop any water into your palms. I will collect water in my hands and hold it underneath yours. When I activate my crystal and the corin stone, the water in my palms will rise into yours and the water will change color—both in the pond and in your hands. The water will turn green if we are a match or black if we are not."

"What's the chance of an error?"

"Zero."

"Then let's hope that it turns green," I joked.

Elossai still looked so broken and I could sense that something was really disturbing her.

"Elossai?" I squeezed her hand.

"Please forgive me." She glanced nervously toward the leaders from the corner of her eye.

"For what, Elossai?"

"The Sorceress instructed me not to inform you, but I feel... I feel greatly conflicted."

"Not to inform me about what?"

"Please do not display any sign of alarm as I tell you this."

I gave a single nod.

Elossai exhaled. "They will have the water turn green regardless."