Page 112 of Ecliptic

Every muscle in my body rejected his words, and bile crept up my throat. I wished I could summon a lightning storm. Instead, I had to willingly approach the king like a gentle breeze.

What else could I do? I needed his help. Desperately. Countless lives depended on it. There was no way we could defeat Erovos and his army alone.

I took my first step toward the king, my bare leg slipping through the slit of my sheer dress. Rowen grabbed my hand from behind, offering a squeeze before our fingers trailed away with my next step.

“What is she doing?” Maddock asked, concern etched on his face. Rowen put a hand to his chest, warning him with a look. Madds stared at me questioningly, but I snapped my head to the gnomon. I couldn’t look back.

Rayal told me to keep the king intrigued, but I figured the dress and veil were doing most of the work.

I walked toward Aedris with determined steps, feeling like a bride at some fucked up wedding. He waited for me to approach, sitting far too comfortably on a throne that didn’t belong to him.

Dirt clawed at my throat, and the sun beat down on my brow. I’d had to stand and be judged by a council before. However, this time, I would be palpated and gutted like an animal.

At least now, I knew the power I carried within my veins, and I let it radiate through me like a crown of stardust and dignity.

The king rose to meet me, and though I could barely see him, his curiosity was palpable. My heartbeat pounded in my ears, and my breath came in short, shallow bursts. Was he going to cut me right now?

He raised his hands, and I braced myself, expecting to feel the cold sting of a blade against my neck. Instead, he merely grabbed the edges of my veil and pulled it back over my head, letting the fabric fall to my feet.

I lifted my gaze to one of the most striking men I’d ever seen. He was tall, muscular, and beautiful, with a golden crown resting atop his greying hair.

His tan skin glistened against his white-and-gold robes, and a well-kept beard framed his strong features. I was close enough now that I could see the pale blue color of his eyes dancing across my face.

His voice boomed and echoed across the courtyard. “So you are the prophesied one my niece speaks of.”

“I am,” I said, my voice low yet unshaken. “Funny though, I’ve never heard of you. It must be because you hide behind an arch while the rest of the world suffers.”

The king barked out a laugh, his near-translucent eyes trailing up every inch of my body. His gaze lingered on my ears where the Light peeked through like star-studded jewels.

I recognized the predatory stare. It was the same look Harlan, Demil, and Erovos had given me. Even Aliphoura and Maddock at times.

I was told that the Alcreon Light revealed one of two natures: one that sought to protect, while the other, to possess.

My senses sharpened on instinct because the king fell into the latter category. Though he would soon learn I was anything but prey.

“The world has taken many violent turns,” he finally answered. “We protect ourselves behind the arch to escape all that. What happens beyond its threshold is of little concern to us.”

“How can you say that?” I asked incredulously. “It has already affected you. Elves are suffering in your streets. You are running out of water.”

His posture didn’t flinch. “The water running a little low has been known to happen on occasion. It is no cause for concern.”

“It may seem like a small drought that will eventually pass, but can’t you feel the air? It’s different. No healing rain will come to save you, and your circumstances will only worsen.” My chest heaved as I tried to plead my case. “A world eater is slowly sucking Luneth dry, and it’s only a matter of time before he and his astral demons find you. No one is safe. Not even a king holed up in a palace.”

“What an imagination you have,” he said with a flippant chuckle.

“Erovos has an army ready to end this world. One bite from his demons will turn you into a Voro-Kai—a soulless monster out for blood and destruction.”

The crowd gasped and murmured amongst themselves.

The king’s stare snapped to his subjects and then back to me. “Is this what you came here for? To spread terror with your fearmongering? If that is all, you may go now. Your mission is accomplished.”

“That’s not all,” I replied, raising my chin. “I’ve come to ask for your army’s aid in battle.”

His stare regarded me with amusement and perhaps respect. “We’ve heard tales of the Marked Son. My niece made certainwe all knew the prophecy. But you are no son,” he said, his eyes roving over every inch of my skin. “And far from what anyone expected.”

“Expectations don’t matter now. I’m the one standing here,” I replied, reining in my breathing. “Your army must use the arch to reach the Wyn village. That’s where our forces are stationed and where skilled bladesmiths are forging the only weapons capable of defeating the Voro-Kai. If you won’t help us, at least take some blades and arrows to defend yourselves when they eventually come for you.”

Aedris was slow and deliberate with his words. “The former heir to the throne was quick to believe these fables. I, on the other hand, require more convincing. As I’m sure you understand.”

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