Page 23 of Red and the Alpha
“It is time, Your Grace,” Azin’s voice rang out.
Kamila faced the council leader who stood next to Hazel with two members of the coven. Irish and Omari were longtime members and were dedicated to Hazel and Eternal flame. Their arms were full of branches of trees.
Mave and Wendal walked to Irish and Omari and took some of the branches from them.
The moon was high, not quite full, but it gave off enough light that complemented the lit torches.
Hazel’s body had been placed on top of the hearth where kindling was located beneath her.
“Tonight, we will cremate the body of a great woman, a leader, a powerful witch who was like a mother to us all.” Azin’s voice was loud and powerful, carrying out for all to hear. As the council leader, it was his duty to perform the cremation and ascension ceremonies.
Murmurs went around the crowd.
Kamila stood straighter and took them in. The masses were focused on Azin and her mom and aunt as they positioned the branches around Hazel’s body.
“The tree branches are a symbol of fertility, birth, and death. Our beloved priestess birthed two women who in turn bore two children. The future of Eternal Flame. Now these limbs will help send Hazel’s soul on to the afterlife.” Azin paused, motioning for Kadir to step forward.
Her cousin stood before the concrete hearth and took the larger logs that sat on the ground and inserted them under Hazel’s body.
“For this occasion, we chose no other tree but the hazel tree. It is the tree of wisdom, learning, and will add its strength to send our priestess’ spirit to the Underworld.” Azin paused again to wait for Kadir to finish.
Hazel’s body was no longer able to be seen by the branches that covered it.
“We shall give a moment of silence before the lighting of the pyre.”
Kamila closed her eyes and bowed her head. She breathed in the cold air, and a calmness came over her. She smiled, sensing her grandmother’s presence. Her heart slowed to a steady beat while a gentle breeze blew.
Hazel was there in spirit.
“Now for the lighting of the fire. May the new flame that will guide our coven be strong and wise. As a descendant of Hazel Winters’, it is her birthright to lead us. Kamila Stone, come forward.”
Kamila’s eyes flashed open, and she let her ward down to allow her full powers to flow freely from her. She was so used to holding back that it actually felt good to just be herself.
She was sure they all felt her powers radiating through the air.
“The goddess above has granted you powers of the element of fire, Kamila. The council and this coven will be your flock. You shall lead us and forever protect Eternal Flame for as long as you have breath. Do you honor this promise?” Azin asked.
“I do,” Kamila responded.
Her skin tingled while the heat rushed through her body. Strands of her hair lifted from her, floating in the air. Her sight brightened from the flames she was sure were apparent in her irises. It was almost as if she had on night-vision goggles. Her focus was sharp, and she had no issues seeing.
Walking forward, she came to stand before her coven and turned to them. She met the eyes of her people who watched her with awe.
She had never displayed her full powers. It wasn’t to be done until she had ascended.
Tonight was her night.
Kamila lifted her hand. She focused on it, consumed by a blue flame. Gasps went around the crowd. Both hands were soon consumed by fire.
Turning to face the pyre, she tossed the flames to the logs beneath the hearth, lighting the dried-out wood.
The fire spread quickly underneath. The sound of crackling grew as the blaze spread.
Kamila kept a hand raised, controlling the flames. They grew brighter, and higher. The heat intensified.
The council members and her family had returned to stand with the rest of the coven. Kamila stood before them, showcasing her powers by sending them into the sky.
Fire was her element, and she loved it.
