Page 53 of Tiger's Destiny
The Phoenix raised its wings and called out a mournful cry. Kishan pleaded with me not to do this and threw thechakramat the bird, but the weapon simply circled around the Phoenix and returned to him.
Ren trembled next to me and tried to barter with the immortal guardian. The anguish he felt was obvious in his voice. “Please, I beg you to reconsider. Take me instead. There is precedent.”
The Phoenix replied, “You are correct that the sacrifice was not always the Sati wife. Loved ones of all ages, both male and female, have given their lives in grief and suffering, but your heart has already been given.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
The wise Phoenix explained, “The white tiger was given a choice to forget his love in order to save her. His heart is pure. His love, certain.”
“Then take me,” Kishan offered.
The fiery bird considered Kishan for a moment. “I cannot. Your time for sacrifice has not yet come, but rest assured, you will be tested as well, though not by me. Come forth, young woman.”
I took a hesitant step forward, which was pretty courageous, all things considered, but stopped to face Kishan.
He wrapped his arms around me and whispered, “The second it hurts you, its head comes off.”
“I’ll remember to duck,” I teased and kissed him quickly.
I heard a sob of protest behind me. Ren had fallen to his knees. He locked his arms around my waist and pressed his cheek against my belly.
“Please don’t go through with this, Kelsey. I’m begging you,” Ren pleaded.
“I have to do it.” I stroked his hair and kissed the top of his head.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I know,” I answered simply.
Reluctantly, he let me go. He stood, angrily wiped away the tears that had turned his blue eyes even brighter and picked up his weapons with renewed determination. I stepped away from him and faced the Phoenix.
“I’m ready.”
The great bird unfurled and flapped its wings, which sent billows of warm air swirling around my body. My hands shook so I pressed them to my sides and waited for the pain.
Dancing on taloned feet, the Phoenix opened its beak and sang. The notes were beautiful and sweet. When the song was finished, it said, “Now they cannot stop you.”
“What?” I asked, spinning around.
Ren and Kishan were encased in a box of sparkling glass. They pounded and threw themselves at the clear walls in a futile effort to shatter the glass. I could see but not hear them.
“Can they breathe in there?” I asked.
“The diamond cage allows them to breathe. They will not be hurt but, more importantly, they will not disturb the sacrifice. Now, I must ask you to remove your amulet.”
My hand darted to my throat. “Why?”
“The fire amulet protects you in this realm. If you keep it on, all the creatures of the forest, including the trees, will share your pain.”
Immediately I reached behind my neck to unhook the clasp. “Will you promise to leave it here for Ren and Kishan? They’ll need it.”
“I have no interest in your amulet. It will not be disturbed if you set it aside.”
I removed the amulet and Fanindra to protect both of them. The heat of the fire world immediately enveloped me. Sweat trickled down my face, and I licked my suddenly dry lips.
I attempted to ignore Ren and Kishan, who clearly thought that this was a bad idea, but as I turned to face the Phoenix, I knew I’d made the right choice.
Then the Phoenix sang again, and the ground peeled back, separating me from the fiery bird. Between us lay a burning bridge of rock and gravel.
