CHAPTER THREE - Even Light Must Bow To Dusk
Elara's POV
A week slipped by in a blur and now I sat in the Valen carriage taking me to the royal palace. The wheels hummed against the rocky road, steady and relentless.
Elias sat across from me, my father beside him. Two figures of strength, silent in thought. The silence between us was weighted but calm.
At dawn, the leaders of House Valen, including my father, gathered to bless me. Warm hands, whispered prayers and candles flickering like tiny stars. Their voices rose like a hymn as they prayed that the Flame Star herself would light my path.
I traced the Valen crest on my ring while watching the horizon roll by. Each representative was to dress elegantly for the welcoming ceremony, followed by a royal ball.
I chose a soft crimson fabric, light enough to move in. It clung gently to my frame. The bodice was embroidered with golden threads that shimmered like embers in the sunlight. The fabric folded like the tongues of a resting flame on my shoulders. I refused to wear heels and wore a pair of boots my father got me on my nineteenth birthday.
I loved the dress, it was simple yet so honorary to the House of flame wielders.
We reached the palace in no time. This wasn't my first time to the royal palace but I was awestruck every time.
The royal palace of Eridoria was the heart of the kingdom. It rose from the horizon, every stone pulsing with the echoes of magic. It was beautiful in the way a blade was, polished, sharp and dangerous.
White marble walls veined with gold stretched wide and high. Towers spiraled towards the clouds, their tips glinting under the afternoon sun. Soldiers lined their path, their armor gleaming like mirrors.
Banners of every noble house fluttered across the courtyard but my eyes sought for only one, the crimson crest of House Valen, stitched with a burning star. It waved proudly beside others, unyielding against the wind.
I'd heard stories about this place, that its halls listened, and its shadows remembered. As the carriage rattled over the bridge, I caught my breath.
I watched Elias do the same and I chucked. He realized what happened and smiled.
The air itself felt charged, humming with old magic and expectation. The guards at the gate looked at my father and let us in. As we passed through the gates, I swear I could feel the warmth of the torches dim, as if fire bowed to royalty here.
We weren't late but multiple carriages were here already.
The three of us stepped out and were led by a guard to the royal hall for the beginning of the selection ceremony.
"House Blackwood. The royal family of Eridoria. All rise," a herald called. Everyone stood, heads bowed as only the king entered, his presence calm yet commanding.
"Shall we begin?" He said with a faint smile.
One by one, I saw glimpses of the other Houses' abilities.
House Solen was represented by a girl with hair spinning like gold, drew water from the cup of a guest, enlarging it before crystallizing it mid-air to form five serpents which landed softly.
One of the twins from House Merath controlled the wind so sharply it cut clean through a stone.
I looked out for Lira and caught her by the doorway, I winked at her. She smiled back before disappearing with the Seers.
Apparently, the second part of the welcoming ceremony is later in the evening.
I turned to see the heir of House Dravo. Kael, brown hair and piercing blue eyes. I'd heard the rumors, all charm and recklessness, leaving a trail of broken hearts wherever he went.
In a heartbeat, his shadows bloomed across the hall and devoured light itself. The sound vanished. The hall fell into silent dusk, the air thick with unease. When the darkness lifted, silence lingered, like the echo of something dangerous.
Some were shocked, others afraid while the ones like myself were just in awe.
We connected eyes for a split second before he looked at my crest and looked away. Classic Valen and Dravo rivalry.
Many performed and showcased their powers. A certain man, not from a house but representing the Northern Wastes.
"Kaz AshBourne." I heard the herald say. He had platinum blonde hair, a contrast to his dark eyes.
I looked to my right and saw my younger self, sitting in a garden with my mother. We were laughing and smiling together. A laughter that seemed to echo from another lifetime.
It was a fond memory until both of them turned toward me. Their smiles faded, tears flooded their eyes. I tried to touch them but the scene shifted.
Mother lay pale and still upon her bed, her breaths shallow. A girl with puffy eyes sat on the floor, clutching her hand. That girl was me.
Tears stung my eyes as I stared at my mothers face. So heartbreakingly beautiful, even in death.
I blinked and the world snapped back into place. The hall, the audience, the hush.
I didn't understand what happened, it felt real. I looked at the man at the center of the room. The realization struck like lightning, an illusionist.
Around me, gasps filled the air. Some people were smiling softly, others trembled, pale with fear. Whatever we had just seen, it had been different for everyone.
Several minutes passed by with several performances. I was getting bored and tired.
"Elara Valen." I heard my name echo in the hall and stood up. I had planned and rehearsed this in my room. I took a deep breath before standing.
In a quick moment, a spark ignited at my fingertips, growing into a living flame that spread until it envelopes me completely. It didn't burn me, just like I practiced.
Then I start moving with it, weaving it into shapes that obey my will, letting it form golden wings around me.
I could hear gasps and cheers but I remained focused as one moment of distraction could cost me my entire body.
I spun once, releasing the fire outward. It surged into a cage of flame that encircled the hall, glowing with fierce uncontrolled beauty.
In a split second, I snuffed it all out, leaving no smoke or ash. There was a long silence afterwards before the crowd erupted.
My fathers face was bright with pride, my brother's with awe and disbelief. I took a bow and returned to my seat, my pulse racing.
"I didn't know you could do that, how did you do that?" Elias whispered when I caught my breath and steadied myself.
"It's something I realized I could do for a while, I just got creative with it. One can always bend fire to their will." I said with a wink as my twin looked at me confused and awestruck.
He shook his head, still wide eyed. "You're terrifying."
I was certain it would leave the guests dumbfounded and impressed.
Across the room, his blue eyes caught mine, curious and maybe impressed.
I met his gaze with a smirk, satisfied.
The Dravos believe light must bow to dusk but tonight, dusk bowed first.