Page 82 of Damned and Broken Gods
Bhartina took a breath. “We’ve received a message by sylph. The Authority has ruled that, as Leela has already bonded with a thunderbird, she should forgo the air trial.”
“Which is good news,” Araz said, “so why do I sense something more?”
“Because there is,” Bhatina said. “They want her to take the fire trial instead.”
Beside me Araz stills, which can only mean that this is bad news.
“What is that?” Dharma asked before I could.
“And why does she have to take it?” Priti demanded.
“Bhartina, this can’t happen,” Araz said.
Ramashi answered, “If she doesn’t take the trial, then she won’t qualify for the labyrinth.”
“The trial is for gods,” Araz said. “Gods who wanted to awaken the hidden flame inside them.”
“I know,” Ramashi said. “I know…”
But I had no clue what was truly happening. “Can someone please explain what the heck is going on?”
“The trial of fire is an ancient rite of passage,” Bhartina said. “It has only ever been taken by gods who wished to awaken their inner flame. As I’m sure you’re aware, the deva have an affinity to fire, which they passed on to one Asura bloodline—the one that became royal. The flame burns in them. A higher enlightenment that is sewn into the fabric of their being waiting to be unlocked. And the trial by fire allowed them to do that. Every royal has taken it. Not all have survived.” She pressed her lips together. “I’m sorry, Leela.”
It took a moment for her words to sink in, and when they did, fire licked at my chest. “I’m a demigod. They know there’s no chance I’ll pass.”
“We need to speak to Chandra,” Araz said.
“The message came with Chandra’s seal,” Ramashi said. “And this…” He stepped forward and handed me a tiny scroll with my name on it.
I unfurled it and read.
Leela,
I did my best to prevent this motion from passing. But you do not have to comply. With time we can convince the Authority to allow you to take the test once you have ascended. I have hope.
Chandra.
I handed the note to Araz. “What does the order from the Authority say? What does it sayexactly?”
Ramashi pulled another scroll from his pocket and read.
“By order of the Authority,
Leela Vijayroodra must undertake trial by fire. If she refuses to do so, then her ascension and subsequent claim to the throne will be forfeit.”
Araz looked down at me, his expression filled with emotions that I felt as a storm beneath my ribs.
Everything we’d planned hinged on my ascension. His freedom, the liberation of the enslaved drohi, pari, and rakshasa. Everything depended on me being queen.
Chandra’s promise to change their minds might never come to fruition. He could fail—heck, it was obvious theywantedhim to fail.
What use was I to anyone if I didn’t ascend?
“No,” Araz said softly, reading the thoughts on my face.
I ignored him and looked at Bhartina. “Where does the test take place?”
Bhartina blinked sharply. “On Jvalantar Island. The volcano…”
