by Sara Page
She looks off wistfully. “Perhaps this entire Beacon story is just that, a story. A Ravager fairy tale. Perhaps there isn’t any truth to it.”
I hope so. I hope the Beacon story is made up. I hope that all these expectations that I’ll have to lead the Ravagers out of the darkness and to the path that will lead them to their true selves is just something some old man made up to tell his children.
I’m no one’s savior, I’m no hero.
How can I save them when I can’t even seem to save myself?
Celeste looks back at me with her smile stretching wide across her lips.
I’ve waited so long for answers, I suppose one more day won’t make much more of a difference.
“I hope so.” I say and smile with my appreciation. “Thank you.”
My smile must be convincing enough because her bright eyes give me a once over before she says, “You look beautiful, my dear. Now shall we? I believe we’ve kept them waiting long enough.”
With the smile affixed to my lips, I nod my head in agreement. I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to get this ceremony—and hopefully the answers that come after it—over with.
Chapter Three
Stepping through the double the doors, the sound level in the main hall is nearly deafening. There must be hundreds packed into the hall, and more just outside, unable to squeeze in.
This is the event of the millennium… and apparently everyone wants to be a part of it.
For the moment, we’re shielded by a wall of guards and some strategically placed decorative columns.
Waiting for us, standing regally by the right spiraling golden column, is Beast’s father, King Ros. He’s dressed like Beast in a dark dress uniform that molds perfectly around his muscled shape. His chest, however, is decorated with twice the medals and honors I remember seeing on Beast, and a crown forged out of dark metal is perched on top of his head.
“Celeste,” he smiles, flashing a mouth full of bright white teeth that stand out against his purple skin. The resemblance to his son, Beast, is striking to say the least, and I still feel caught off-guard by it every time I meet with him.
“Ros,” Celeste beams back at him.
His posture relaxes at once as he steps forward to take her hand. First, he bends forward to kiss her hand and then he tucks it into the crook of his arm.
Celeste looks so tiny standing next to him. I wonder if I look the same when I’m surrounded by my guys.
The King nods towards me, his face still full of warmth. “Ameia.”
I hesitate before nodding back. I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable being so casual with him. Everything inside of me is screaming that it goes against protocol and I’m being a bad princess by not curtseying to him.
Technically he’s my father-in-law but he’s still the reigning king and outranks me. Naturally I feel like I should curtsey and address him as your highness. The last time I greeted him formally, though, he was quite upset and asked me to never curtsey to him again. I’m his daughter and the mother of his two grandchildren and thus he never wants me to bow to him.
It could just be out simple respect for me but honestly all the Ravagers I’ve met since arriving on Blackspire baffle me with the level of their reverence for us women. At first, I was afraid everyone was just treating me with kid-gloves because of what I experienced on the Other Side.
Afraid I would break or snap at any minute.
But as the days go by, and I’ve witnessed how the other women are treated, it’s obvious it’s not just me they’re treating this way—it’s all women.
I suppose on the ships the Ravagers were ordered to keep their distance and I wasn’t able to see it. But here on Blackspire some of the Ravagers are nearly falling over themselves to worship us like we’re literally goddesses or something. While others are protecting us to the point that I feel as if they look at us as if we’re children.
I know it’s because we are sacred to them, that without us they are the rejected—the damned—and will never reach their destiny without our acceptance. Their life would be pointless, meaningless without us, not worth living.
Still, I can’t help but feel weird and a little creeped out by the entire situation. Not to mention a big part of me seriously feels bad for them.
They ask us to accept them, but do they get a choice in accepting us?
The insecure girl inside me wonders sometimes if the guys resent being stuck with me, that if given the chance or the choice, they would have chosen another woman to spend the rest of their lives with.
“Are we ready?” King Ros asks and then bends his other arm, offering it to me.
Placing my hand on his arm, I take a deep breath before he leads us out from under the cover of the columns. He’s just as hard, just as strong as his son and I take comfort in it.
The entire palace goes silent as we step into view as if someone just turned the sound off.
I feel a thousand eyes falling upon me.
One foot in front of the other, Ameia, I remind myself.
I’m used to being in the public eye, after all I grew up in it, but this stuff is intense. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many people, so many aliens, holding their breath at once or looking at me at the same time.
Just how many Ravagers are in attendance? It must be at least thousands.
My eyes scan the crowd but I don’t see a single human woman out there. It’s a sea of purple and black.
The floor beneath my feet vibrates and my ears throb as the palace suddenly erupts into cheers and shouts so loud it feels like the palace is shaking on its foundation.
The main hall of the palace is vast with a domed ceiling that is several stories high. Tonight the dome is open and the polar lights—pink, purple, blue, and green—are glowing above us.
Normally the hall feels too big, too spread open but right now there are so many people crowded in here the space feels small and claustrophobic. Thank the stars the dome is open, allowing a cool breeze to flow in. Otherwise the air, as hot and thick as it is, would be too stifling without it.
Walking down the long glittering ruby carpet, hands reach out to touch me as we pass and cries go out, shouting, “The Beacon!”
The guards tightly surround us, crowding me into King Ros and Celeste.
“Do not be alarmed,” King Ros rumbles reassuringly. “They mean no harm.”
I try not to be disturbed by so many people trying to get to me but as they begin to shout out, “Mother! Mother!” my feet trip up and I’m stumbling.
Mother? Are they serious?
King Ros stops and steadies me by my elbow. With a scowl, he looks to the guards surrounding us and orders, “Push them back.”
The guards work to create more space around us and Celeste leans around the king with a worried frown on her lips. “Are you alright, Ameia?”
One hand still gripping the king’s arm, I use the other to smooth my dress and nod my head. “Yes.”
I force my lips to form a smile and lift my chin in the air. My smile has always been my shield in moments like this. We still have a great deal of glittering carpet to cover and I just want to get this over with.
Officially this is my first public appearance. My face, the news of my arrival, and of course the births of my daughters, have been broadcast all over the holovision, but otherwise I’ve been holed up in the safety of the palace.
This is the first time I’ve ventured outside our private apartments, and definitely the first time I’ve experienced anything like this. The entire population of this planet is going crazy for me.
Well, the male population.
Up ahead, beyond the heads and shoulders of the guards leading us, I can see Beast, Striker, Warrick, and Vis waiting for us. Beast and Striker are each cradling a daughter in their arms, lovingly protecting them. Beast holds a white gowned Ellany and Striker holds a white gowned Esha.
I resist the urge to scowl over the little outfits they’ve been dressed in. If I had
been around when they were dressing them I wouldn’t have allowed it. They remind too much of the little outfits that were folded up inside the cradles in the Black Palace.
“Ameia,” Warrick rumbles happily when we finally reach the end of the carpet.
Vis stands beside him but he’s frowning and looks pissed—but then again lately the guy always looks pissed.
Sometimes I fear bringing Vis to Blackspire was a mistake. I couldn’t have left him behind but he doesn’t seem to be happy here… and it doesn’t help that Beast and Striker don’t trust him. Ever since I cried out that first night back they haven’t allowed him to be alone with me, not even with Warrick.
I’ve claimed Vis—he is mine—but to Beast and Striker it’s just words in the wind. I didn’t call Vis, I didn’t accept him so in their eyes I can never truly be his.
The walk that should have taken us only a couple of minutes took us nearly ten, and my nerves are frayed by the end of it. This is going nothing like I imagined. I expected joyful, cheering crowds, not desperate men calling out for my attention.
I’m ready to call this whole thing off—especially when the crowd continues to press in closer, trying to get closer to Ellany and Esha.
King Ros turns to face the crowd and Celeste and I turn with him.
There are so many red eyes glowing back at me…
A shiver travels down my spine.
I’ve seen this before.
A sea of red stars representing all the monsters in the darkness.
“I am very sorry, Ameia,” King Ros apologizes. “But I’m afraid for your safety we’ll have to make this quick.”
“I understand,” I nod at the king and release his arm. I almost want to tell him we don’t have to do this at all but I know it’s important to them.
Yesterday, Beast took the time to explain the ceremony a little to me. The King will speak to the citizens, officially recognizing Esha and Ellany as part of his bloodline, and asking them all to rejoice in celebration with him.
He may add some stuff about them being the first females ever born but mostly he will be sticking with tradition. There will be a blessing then after the blessing we’ll pose for the holovids and retire to the royal apartments for our own private celebration.
The crowd continues to chant, calling me Beacon and Mother, and now that I’m standing near my daughters the sound only grows in intensity.
This is utter insanity. I’m actually a little afraid for my safety and the safety of my daughters. The gathered crowd is practically foaming at their mouths, calling out to me.
King Ros motions us forward, and with Beast and Striker flanking my sides, we ascend a short staircase that leads to a platform and a podium.
The King begins to speak, but the crowd is so loud I can’t hear him. I try to follow his lips but I’m pretty sure he’s speaking in the native tongue. I can only catch the occasional bark and click.
There’s a touch on my elbow and I look over to find Striker motioning for me to take a step back. I do so and then the space I was just standing on slides away, revealing a circular pool of liquid recessed below the platform.
For a moment the aurora above us reflects off of the liquid, giving it a dark, glimmering sheen that reminds me too much of the pit. I see myself reflected in the water, my eyes glowing red and my face shadowed with pink and purple.
I recoil away from the liquid, and from my freaky reflection, shaking my head.
Beast steps forward first and bends down, lowering Ellany towards the pool of liquid. I cry out and take a step forward to stop him but someone pulls me back.
Is he going to drop my baby into the pit?!
I didn’t think it was possible, but the crowd becomes even louder. A mix of cries, roars and thumping that assaults the ears.
Beast seems to be completely unaware of my distress, but as his father steps forward, the king hesitates, disturbed by my reaction.
I struggle against the person restraining me but their fingers dig into my arms and my back is slammed into a hard chest.
What the hell are they doing? Are they fucking serious? What kind of blessing is this?
The crowd roars louder, and the king looks towards them with alarm before turning his attention back to Beast and Ellany.
Bending down, King Ros holds out his hands and Beast moves Ellany until they’re both holding her, balancing her little body over the calm surface. The lights glow down from above, dancing across her skin and giving her an eerie appearance.
The King dips his hand into the liquid and I feel a scream bubbling up in my throat.
Doesn’t he know the danger he is in?
Hand cupped and full of liquid, he brings it back up and dumps the liquid on top of Ellany’s little head.
She immediately begins to squirm and cry.
Beast grins at his father and in return his father offers his own smile.
The blessing done, Beast begins to stand, carefully cradling Ellany in his hands.
Grin still in place, Beast turns towards me and his face falls instantly as he takes in my distressed state. I watch shock, confusion, then anger roll through his eyes.
That’s it? That was the blessing? They just dumped some unknown liquid on my baby’s head?
Slumping with relief, I feel a little silly now for not trusting Beast and freaking out.
Face darkening, Beast looks up and glares over my head while Ellany wails, pissed off that her little head is wet.
I want to go to her, to take her in my arms, but the hands that are holding me are tight and unforgiving.
Celeste rushes forward with a soft blanket and helps Beast wrap Ellany in the soft, fluffy white fabric.
Next, Striker steps forward with Esha.
Sensing I might try something to stop this, the grip of the person restraining me tightens. I tip my head back and peek up. Vis glares down at me.
Shit. That’s why Beast looked so pissed.
I wiggle in Vis’ hands and silently mouth he can release me. I’m cool now. But he just keeps staring me down.
Noticing movement out of the corner of my eyes, I sigh and turn my face away. I don’t want to miss Esha’s blessing because I’m having a staring a contest with him.
This time as the King joins Striker at the pool I can tell he’s purposely not looking at me. I can’t say I blame him, but I’m better now. I know what’s going on, and I swear Beast explained all of this to me earlier but I guess in the heat of the moment I got confused.
I just could have sworn that water changed…
The King’s hand disappears in the dark depths of the pool and once again I hold my breath.
It’s only seconds but by the time his hand lifts again it feels as if it’s been eons.
He dumps the water on Esha’s head and she takes it much better than Ellany did. She makes a face, her little features scrunching up but that’s about it.
Striker grins triumphantly, just like Beast did, and rises carefully from his crouched position.
Celeste rushes to Striker with another fluffy white blanket, helping him wrap up Esha until she’s no longer dripping all over him.
The hands restraining me relax their grip and I have to make the split decision and decide who to go to first. Beast is closer so I rush over to him.
Holding my arms out towards him, I ask him to, “Give her to me, please.”
I don’t think Beast can hear me but he gets my meaning. With a scowl he gently hands Ellany over. His mouth moves but I can’t hear him.
Ellany safe in my arms, I hug her protectively to my chest and step back. She’s warm and she squirms in my arms, probably uncomfortable with how tightly I’m holding her.
Peering down at Ellany, I pull the blanket back a little to look at her face. She’s flushed from her crying but otherwise seems unharmed, just a little damp. Her black curls cling to her sleepy purple face. With a yawn, she opens her big red eyes and blinks up curiously at me.
So innocent. So oblivious.
>
Thank the stars.
I don’t know what I would do if something happened to either one of them.
I rush over to Striker next. He gives me the same confused look Beast gave me but hands Esha over immediately.
Shifting Ellany into one arm, Striker gently places Esha into my other. I move away from him, giving him my back. I peer down at her. She’s wide awake and squirming crankily, her face rooting around for my breast.
“Ameia,” a whispered voice fills my ear. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I didn’t know this would cause you distress.”
Face bent down, I don’t have to look up to know it’s Beast apologizing. By now I just know him.
With my daughters safe in my arms, I can relax. I can take a moment to think about this. I take a long moment to really let his words sink in.
The fact that he’s even apologizing for what happened goes a long way to help me get over my distress.
Slowly, I drag my eyes up to look at him. He looks… sad, remorseful even. I feel a little guilty for causing that.
It’s still too loud to have any kind of conversation without screaming into his ear so I take a step forward and nod my head, letting him know all is well.
My daughters are safe in my arms and I feel a million times better knowing nothing can hurt them.
Beast’s arms wrap around me and a monstrous roar sounds out from somewhere too close. We both turn in surprise.
The crowd is pressing in and the guards are now having a hard time holding them back. A mass of purple bodies and glowing red eyes are gathered in a tight formation trying to break through the line of guards to reach us.
“Call me, Mother!” some of them shout out, and I turn into Beast, seeking his protection.
“Free us!”
Agitated, Warrick has joined the guards. Stretching out to his full black monstrous size, he is roaring at the crowd, causing the few unfortunate enough to be standing near him to stumble back in fear.
Striker, Vis, and King Ros close in around Beast and I, forming a protective circle around us. Any relief I was experiencing by having my daughters safely in my arms instantly vanishes.
