Page 6 of Rising Out of the Darkness
We’d had guards come through our town several times before, each time creating trouble. My father’s demeanor would always shift, but never to this extent. It made me wonder if there was more that he wasn’t telling me.
“I should have noticed that you had already had a rough morning and not pushed you so hard.” He smiled sadly. “Another attack?”
I nodded. “I let myself sleep for just a couple of hours, then the nightmare came and…” A heavy sigh rolled through me. “I broke all of the elixirs for Ophelia.”
“Oh Lena, you’ll make more tomorrow. It’ll be okay, you’ll see.”
I wished I could be as optimistic, but I truly couldn’t see the light at the end of this tunnel.
“You’re still worried about the Ascension ceremony, aren’t you?”
I groaned into his shoulder. “When do I not worry?”
A small laugh fled his lips, releasing some of the anxiousness inside my chest. Pushing myself back up, I tilted my head back against the bark of the tree trunk.
“Someone like me shouldn’t be allowed dynamis,” I breathed. “Maybe I should just stay home today?”
“Elena, I wish you could see how strong you truly are.” I scoffed at his words and gestured to the training ring.
“Strength comes in multiple forms, Elena. Everything we’ve been through, everything that life has thrown your way, you’ve always risen above it. Today will be no different. It’s true, I do worry about you…all the time.” His eyes flickered down for a second before returning to mine. “Sometimes so much that I’m hard on you.”
Silence passed between us for a few moments.
“I’m so proud of you, and I know your mother is looking down at you with a smile today as well. Remember, when you feel like the darkness is threatening to pull you under, just look for the light and hold onto it. The light will always find a way to guide you through.”
“Do you think I’ll end up with your Tempest dynamis, or Healing like Mother’s?” I said timidly.
Instead of answering, he stood and pulled me up to stand. “The gods will choose your fate by looking at what’s inside here.” He tapped my chest, just above my heart. “They know exactly what you can handle but will also push you to grow into the Elysian you were always meant to be. I’ll love you no matter what dynamis you come home with.”
A small smile grew on my lips. He reached down into his pocket and pulled out something I’d thought had been lost for four years.
Time stood still and words failed me as he placed the necklace over my head. The rough twine tickled the side of my neck. I traced over the smooth white stone and rubbed the wavy edges of the carved feather charm.
“Found it wedged between the floorboards after that night.” My father’s throat bobbed. “I knew she would have wanted you to have it one day, so I cleaned it up and saved it for today.” Our eyes glossed over with unshed tears.
“Let it give you some comfort during your ceremony today, a reminder that she will always be with you to light your path.”
Just as he pulled back, yells arose from behind me. I spun around to see what had caught my father’s eye.
One of the Royal Guards indulged in a fresh loaf of bread from a baker’s cart. The other soldier had his sword out, blocking the baker from interfering.
“You need to pay for that,” someone else shouted, as a few more voices rang out in agreement. The smile on my father’s lips vanished.
“I’ve got to?—”
“Go, it’s okay. They need your help. I’ll see you later tonight.” I pushed out my most convincing smile.
He hesitated, reading the anxiousness behind it.
“I’ll be okay, promise. Now, go.” I waved him away. He gave me a nod and jogged towards the commotion at the baker’s cart. Nerves swirled in the pit of my stomach as I watched him go. The weight of my worry for him was likely just as heavy as the one he held for me.
Closing my eyes, I exhaled a deep breath, forcing myself to turn in the opposite direction to meet Brietta in the temple.
Chapter 3
Elena
Children ran out into the street as I dodged out of their way while they played a game of chase around me. Ascension Day meant no school, so the streets were more lively than usual during this hour. Their laughter fluttered through the air, and it helped ease the tension that was building as I walked towards the Temple to meet Bri.
