One Dark Destiny

Queen Calliope Chapter 2 - Beltane

Rolanth

Calliope's eyes narrow, leaning out of her window over her city. Lights are strung everywhere, the streets are filled with glittering candles. She can almost smell the smoke.
She turns to her mirror, examining her appearance. Nova has done a good job with her hair. She has a plaited bun pinned at the top of her head, and the rest of her hair hangs over her shoulders. Evangeline will not be too upset.
Calliope's eyes are framed in dark mascara, and soft black eyeshadow. She is getting accustomed to breathing in her black dress, the sharp jewels reaching up to her throat. She curls and flexes her fingers, fingernails digging into her skin.
There is a knock on her door and a maid tells her that Evangeline wants to see her.
It is time.
Calliope follows the girl down the stairs, and through the many halls of Westwood house. In the entrance hall, Evangeline waits for her.
"Calliope," she says, tucking a strand of black hair behind the Queen's ear. Calliope is careful not to flinch at her cold touch.
"Must you wear this necklace?" Evangeline asks, glancing disapprovingly at Calliope's neck. Calliope touches the star pendant protectively, replying:
"I like it. Is it not regal enough for you, Evangeline?"
Evangeline straightens out Calliope's skirt.
"Hm. I shall get you a new one for your birthday."
She stands a little straighter.
"It will have to do for now. Calliope, how is your gift tonight?"
"My gift is fine, Evangeline.
Evangeline turns to the serving girls by the doors.
"Open them."

The doors draw open and Calliope moves to pass through them. Evangeline catches her arm.
"Calliope. Do not fail."
Calliope's breath almost stops in her throat, and she nods. Evangeline releases her, and Calliope strides through the doors.
Despite the time, it does not seem dark at all to her, given all of the candles lit in the streets. Evangeline has prepared a stage for her to perform from, but Calliope doubts that anyone will see her, as it is not very high.
Oh well. She will not need it. Breathing in, breathing out, Calliope freezes the ground beneath her feet, and creates an ice platform to stand on, pushing herself higher and higher into the air. The wind ruffles her skirt, swishing her hair. It flows through her body like adrenaline, and she forgets about Evangeline and her sharp words, her freezing touch. She forgets about her sisters. All that matters is the glittering city below her and the Rolanth people screaming for their elemental Queen. Calliope feels the droplets of water in the air, her gift tugging at her inside. She shoots spirals of ice into the sky, in sparkling white patterns, like jewels. She throws her arms wide and sees frost spread like wildfire across the ground. She hears gasps and oohs and ahhs, and smiles confidently. Leaning forwards, Calliope allows herself to fall from her ice tower, feeling the wind around her. The crowd holds its breath. She gathers her gift and shoots ice out of her hands at the ground, making a slide that she can slip down and step into the stone of the courtyard.
Inhaling, she looks up. Drawing her hand in spiral motions around her, she feels the tension in the air increase. The temperature drops and she stretches her fingers, pale ice crystals spinning around her like a mist. And now time for the storm. Dark clouds crash into the sky, and the air is charged with something... Calliope doesn't know what, but it makes her gift surge forwards. She stretches her fingers out and thrusts her hand straight out in front of her, feeling that charge rush through her blood and out of her fingertips. The spark explodes and lightning strikes in front of her face, almost blinding her. The crack splits the air, and Calliope reaches to touch the glowing, crackling lightning. Power shoots through her like an electric shock, and she struggles to stay in control. Lightning is unpredictable like none of the other elements.
Calliope draws her hand around in circles, lightning spraying from her fingers as she spins. The storm above her rumbles, and the crowd cheers. She melts the ice tower that she built before, creating a wave that towers behind her. Finally, the energy starts to drain out of her. She holds the wave, but he energy is draining rapidly. Gritting her teeth, she throws her arms up and the water freezes.
The crowd screams. Calliope's breaths come fast and short. Her chest aches. The lightning was in her body for no more than five seconds, but still this is what she gets. She stands taller and curtsies, but stumbles backwards. She will not fall. She must not.
Someone catches her arms and she is lead away, back towards Westwood Manor. She lets out a shaky breath. Surely Evangeline must be pleased with her.