The Lost Piece

Chapter Eight

Although the air felt like daggers against their skin, it was a beautiful ceremony that many were smiling wide out through the crowd. After all, this was the best moment for the Shards. That's how the citizens saw it. What they didn't know was is that it was quickly headed downhill very fast.

Zanita Drago was next to step onto the platform, she bowed to Arabella before turning and smiling to the crowd as her cloak was removed. The crowd ogled over her as they normally did, but this time her smile wasn't a shy attempt to push them away. Today her smile was because she knew she was going to end up exactly where she was always meant to be.

"Drago, Zanita," Hasan spoke. "Death Shard."

Attia walked around with the black cloak and wrapped it around Zanita's shoulders. "I'm sorry that --"

"Don't apologize!" Zanita giggled. "I'm very pleased to join the Death Shards, and I promise not to let Aka down! Thank you very much Alpha Civilis!" Zanita took a step back so she could bow to Attia who smiled in response.

"If only ever Shard had the same mentality that you do, Shard Drago. You'll serve Aka well but more importantly, you'll serve your fellow Shards well." Attia said before dismissing Zanita off of the stage.

From the ground, Sloane groaned and rolled his eyes. "Such an idiot girl."

Velk, who was standing behind him poked his head around. "What makes her an idiot?"

"Just look at her, 'oh I got assigned to the Death Shards! This is so great!' Honestly it doesn't make any sense to be excited about it," Sloane shrugged. "After all, doesn't that just mean we die faster?"

"Her optimism is important," Velk countered. "It doesn't make her a fool, it only makes her more intelligent because it is more difficult to find a positive about something than it is to find a negative. You should reconsider how you examine people who have hopes for the future."

Sloane scoffed again, but didn't say anything else as Elias took the stage next, and seemed a little less than thrilled to be standing there at all. Not caring where he got assigned, rather he wished they would find a way to kick him out without his father getting made. "Glas, Elias. Death Shard."

Attia wrapped the cloak around his shoulders. "Please don't go and cause trouble just because you're don't want to be a Shard and someone told you it would be a way out."

"How do you..?"

"Your brother complains about it," Attia chuckled as she patted his cheek. "Serve us well, Shard Glas."

"Of course, Alpha Civilis."

Next to step up, was Jack Geyer. He knew that somewhere in the crowd of people was standing his younger brother. Probably biting his nails in anticipation to find out whether or not his brother would be in a safe group of Shards or not.

Attia smiled sadly when she saw him, she knew that she wanted more than anything for Jack to join among her Shards, but she knew that it was out of her hands now.

"Geyer, Jack." Hasan read. "Death Shard."

Jack nodded his head as Attia walked around him and secured the cloak around his front. "Hm, I think the red would have looked better on you." She said before she looked up and met his gaze. "I wanted more than anything for you to be able to be a Crimson Shard with us, Shard Geyer, you have to believe that."

"Jack is fine." Jack shrugged his shoulders. "And don't beat yourself up about it."

"I won't," Attia laughed. "I requested you but damn Ellen refused it. I have no idea why. So, I hope in the future I can ask for your transfer to the Crimson Shards. I would be more than happy to have someone with your resolve and skills among us."