Page 86 of Ransomed to the World
“They wouldn’t dare.” Elaina glared at Rowena, the two squabbling much like sisters. “Power is acquired through decades of experience. Most don’t become elites until well into their midlife. You won’t find those people strolling on the streets or shopping. They have people in their families to do that for them.”
Eliana’s eyes darkened, and she looked off into the distance. “Those are the people you’re meeting with today. They will decide your future, child. They don’t want things to change. Tread carefully, little bridge. They’re ruthless and will gladly do whatever it takes to maintain their reign of terror over Central City, even destroy the city itself to make sure it never happens.”
The woman blinked away the darkness and turned toward Annora, a sad smile on her face. “You need to go. They’re waiting for you. Be smart and be safe. The future of the phantom realm rests in your hands.”
As quickly as they arrived, Elaina and Rowena were swallowed by the darkness and vanished. Or to be more precise, the darkness spit Annora back out into the real world still wearing the altered dress.
“Where the hell have you been?” Sadie snapped, fury radiating from her, but the stink of fear clung to her. Then her eyes landed on the dress and her mouth dropped open. “What—”
“The women in the wards said the other outfit wasn’t appropriate.” Annora smoothed her hands down the front of her dress, watching it shimmer as it caught the light. It was fancier than anything she’d ever owned, and she was afraid if she even moved, she might wreck it.
Sadie’s eyes widened, her gaze flashing toward the wards, and she shook her head before she could ask any questions. “We don’t have time. The council will shut down the sessions in a few minutes. If we’re late and he discovers you waiting—”
“I’ll find myself disappeared down some dark, deep hole.” She scurried after Sadie, both of them dashing down the now nearly empty hallways.
“I’m not sure how much Edgar has told you, but things have changed a bit since he was last on the island.” Sadie had the grace to wince. “Whatever you do, don’t use your powers in front of the council. No matter what happens, they mustn’t learn of your abilities. If they believe you have any power, they’ll either try to claim you for their own or destroy you. If they think you’re weak, they’ll dismiss you.”
Before Annora had a chance to ask any questions, they came to a stop in front of a set of huge gilded doors. Two soldiers stood at attention, eying both of them suspiciously. Thankfully, Sadie took the lead.
“We’re reporting to the session as ordered.” Her tone was no-nonsense, her shoulders back, her expression blank.
The guard on the right frowned, clearly not pleased at the unexpected interruption. He eyed them up and down, lingered on Annora’s dress long enough for her to become uncomfortable, then ultimately reached for the door.
Sadie stepped aside and Annora realized that she was going to have to face Daxion and the council alone. She clenched her fists, bearing down hard on the darkness that tried to seep out between her fingers.
Memories of the demands her uncle pounded into her when he used to parade her in front of prospective buyers came back in a rush. Her shoulders went back, her chin up, and every emotion was bottled up tight. She wasn’t to speak or react unless directed. It seemed appropriate to fall back on the old training.
She glided into the room, her slippers a silent whisper across the floor. The chamber was set up like a courtroom, a giant, curved bench with six large, throne-like chairs behind it, every chair occupied by an elegantly dressed elder, although not all of them were really old enough to be considered elders. Annora was actually surprised to see two women seated on the council.
Everything was dark wood and light granite, bright lights streaming in from massive windows near the ceiling. Majestic was the only description that fit. The air in the room was cool with magic, and static tingled against her skin, seeking entrance.
One of the guards entered with her, matching her step for step, every bit of him on alert, as if ready to tackle her if she dared approach the council.
The discussion died off at their entrance, and Annora halted with the guard, standing front and center of the bench.
She knew the instant Daxion recognized her—he stiffened almost imperceptibly, thunder darkening his eyes before he blinked it away, but the surge of emotions was telling.
He never had any intention of going through with his part of the bargain and claiming her.
Bastard.
Now it was time to see if the gamble paid off—whether Daxion would claim her or not. Without her, he’d lose his only chance to finish off his dead wife.
“What is this abomination doing here?” the woman on the end of the bench snapped, looking her up and down before giving her a moue of distaste. Two other men sneered, leaning back as if repulsed by her very presence. The two other people, while curious, keep their thoughts to themselves and their faces blank.
Daxion gritted his teeth, seething as he glared at her, then put on a strained smile and rose to his feet. “I asked her to attend so I may officially claim my long-lost daughter and heir.”
A fart could be heard after his announcement. One of the men and one woman seemed amused, but the other woman and two men were aghast. One of the older men who appeared amused leaned forward in his seat and surveyed her from head to foot. “Are you sure you want to claim it for your heir?”
“Of course.” Daxion’s grin was more of a gritting of teeth. “With your approval, we’ll make things official with a claiming ceremony tomorrow evening.”
Six sets of eyes fell on to her, dissecting her. Magic tickled against her skin, but she was careful not to claim it for her own, keeping her own powers locked down tight, even though it wanted to lash back. Silence lasted another minute when the older gentleman finally nodded. “Very well.”
Once his approval had been given, the rest quickly agreed. Some seemed pleased in a malicious sort of way, while others just shook their heads, but they all dismissed her.
Except Daxion.
Fury radiated from him even across the room. He addressed the guard, “Please seemy daughterhome.”
