Niche sighed. “You can leave tomorrow. Tonight there is something you must prepare yourself to do.”
“What’s that?” My body thrummed with emotion. I needed to walk away from him. I needed to breathe.
“At midnight, you will ascend…Prepare yourself, Zinnia. This day is going to be trying.”
Chapter 17
Zinnia
The white dress Niche gave me for my Ascending ceremony hung loose around my body and fell at my feet in a pool of soft material. The material was so light the breeze drifting through my tent went through the material of my dress just as easily. Goosebumps broke out over my skin. Nervous sweat formed in the palms of my shaking hands. I’d taken the time to bathe and let my hair dry into soft curls around my face. Now I stood, looking at myself in the mirror wishing for the first time in days that my mother was here. I didn’t know what was going to happen or if it was going to hurt. The other queens were vague on the details. I knew there would be an altar and the Elder Witches would wear silver robes in honor of the siphon cast. According to Nova, each time a witch Ascended the elders honored them by wearing their cast colors. Death wore purple, Elements yellow, Desires red, Spells blue, and today they would wear silver for the Siphon cast.
“Knock, knock, knock.”
I turned toward the voice I’d recognize even in a room full of people. “Come in.”
Tucker stepped through, and I’d nearly forgotten why I was upset with him in the first place. His hair was brushed back from his face, and his honey eyes stood out against the silver material of his button-down shirt. The buttons were opened to halfway down his chest, giving me a glimpse of the tattoo that ran over his right peck. He wore black tailored pants and no shoes. “I would’ve knocked but you don’t have a door.”
It was true. All of us were staying in oversized canvas tents, which felt more like a tiny living home than a camping tent.
A light giggle escaped my lips. “Oh, um, yeah, all the spare rooms in Hexia are taken by people who really need them.” I shrugged. “I didn’t know you would be attending the Ascending.”
He looked down at himself. “Yes, all the knights will be there as well as the other queens.”
“Oh.” Awkward silence hung between us.
Tuck shoved his hands in his pockets. “About earlier today, I wanted to clarify something.”
I waved him away. “You really don’t need to. I heard you.”
“You only heard half the conversation, Zinnia. The reason I said you could not set out on a dangerous journey was because I thought you’d already been through too much. Not because you aren’t capable of it.”
I pressed my hand to my stomach, trying to hold in my surprise. I’d been feeling down and hurt all day long. Now a flutter of hope moved through my chest. “You sure?”
His tongue darted out of his mouth, wetting his bottoms lip. “I’m sure.”
He stepped in closer, letting the flap of the tent fall shut behind him. Outside, people moved around, either repairing the kingdom or readying to attend my Ascending. Inside, it was warm and quiet. There was only a single mirror for me to use to get ready and a small cot with wool blankets on top of it. If ever I joined the army, I suspected this is what it would look like if I was camped out somewhere. The electric pulse between us flared to life, and it felt almost tangible.
He pulled a small silver box from his pocket with a red ribbon wrapped around it. He held it out to me. “Happy birthday, Zinnia.”
I bit my bottom lip, then smiled. “You’re the only one who got me a birthday present.”
“Well, everyone should have something for their birthday, don’t you think?” He took another step closer to me. “Take it.”
When I plucked it from his hand, my fingers brushed against his. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to the heat his body threw off. As I pulled the box closer to my chest, his warm scent surrounded me, lulling me into a sense of calm. I grabbed one corner of the ribbon and tugged it lightly, then let it flutter to the ground. When I opened the box, I sucked in a shocked breath. “Wow.”
Inside the box was a thin silver necklace with a delicate silver phoenix with a large sapphire seated in the center of its chest. Below that was a matching bracelet. The chain was much thicker with a larger sapphire. “Oh, Tuck, they’re beautiful.”
“The jewels remind me of your eyes.” He plucked the bracelet from the box. “May I?”
“Of course.” I offered him my left hand, but he shook his head and gently took my right hand in his.
“I want you to wear this all the time. I had it made for you.” He pushed the billowy sleeve of my dress back off my wrist, exposing the tattoo I’d gotten only days before.
When he ran his thumb over the swirling mark, I nearly blushed. “I have no idea when I got that tattoo. It just showed up one day. I swear if my mom ever saw it, she’d kill me.”
He lifted my wrist to his lips and pressed a light kiss to it. “Then let’s keep it our little secret, shall we?”
I nodded. “Yes, let’s.”
After he clicked the bracelet into place, I could no longer see the thin swirling mark on my wrist. Then he took the necklace from the box and held it up. “Would you wear this one, too?”
I spun around and lifted the hair from my neck. “Absolutely.”
The chain was cool again my skin and ticked when he dropped it into place. Then I felt his breath on the back of my neck a moment before he pressed his lips to my skin. “Good luck tonight, Zinnia.”
Before I could turn around, he was gone and I was once again alone in the large tent, waiting until it was time…
Chapter 18
Zinnia
Large pillars lined the circular room and at its center stood an altar surrounded by dozens of wildflowers. Their scent clung to the air and mixed in with the cool stone musk. Above the room was a large stained-glass skylight with all the colors of the five casts swirling together to form a ball of silver at the center of it. Torches were stationed around the room, giving it a warm glowing effect, even though it was built of traditional cobblestones.
When I walked into the room, it grew silent, and everyone turned to openly stare at me. A slight tremble ran over my body, and the fabric of my dress quivered as I did, giving away my nerves. I swallowed the ball in my throat and waited at the entrance. This must be what brides feel like when they stand at the back of a room full of people, waiting to watch them go through a ceremony that would change the rest of their lives. Ashryn was the only knight I spotted. She was planted right next to me. Her silver dress reminded me of a kimono with its high stiff collar, swirling silver embroidery and straight lines down to her knees.
She turned and inclined her head toward me. “My queen.”
I gave her a little wave. “Hi. You look nice.”
“As do you.” She turned her head, scrutinizing the room. Her sandy blond hair was pinned high on her head, revealing her tiny pointed ears. There was a coldness about Ashryn that I didn’t quiet understand.
I canted my head to the side. “Are you a fairy?”
Her eyes flared for a moment before she calmly answered. “No, my queen, I am what Evermore refers to as the Noble Elf. The fairy, or Fae to be exact, are forbidden here on earth.”
Everyone began to take their places. The robed figures blended in with each other as they formed rows of circles going from the altar out toward the very edges of the room. I swallowed, searching for anything to distract me from what I was about to do. “Oh, really? Why is that?”
“They are a traitorous group of beings. They would wreak havoc on the earth in a way I cannot even begin to explain.” When she turned to look at me, her forest green eyes seems to cut right through me. “In the future, I would recommend you stay as far away from the Fae as possible.”
I nodded my head. “Noted.”
On the opposite side of the room, a door slid open and Tuck walked in. My breath caught in my throat, and I couldn’t stop staring at him. H
e stalked through the area like a predator on the hunt. Behind him, Beautiful Beckett sailed through. He was dressed much the same as Tuck, but where Tuck wore a long-sleeved shirt, Beck’s shirt was completely sleeveless. The star tattoo on his neck was never so evident as it was on him now.
When he entered, one of the Elder Witches walked up to him and pulled him down into a hug. A wide smile spread across his face as she kissed his cheek and pinched it, much like a grandmother would. Beckett was the only male witch guardian. It would stand to reason he had family in Hexia. Watching him with people he knew made me miss my mother even more. Yes, she’d kept my entire life a secret, but I still needed her standing next to me. Tears prickled the back of my eyes, and I sniffled.
Ashryn leaned in. “Are you well?”
I nodded. “I’m fine.” I’m not fine. My mom was my only family, and she should be here with me now. As if he sensed my turmoil, Tuck locked eyes with me and mouthed the words you okay?
I nodded and dabbled at my eyes then mouthed the words I’m good. Who was I kidding? I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I missed my mom, and I was alone for a ceremony that was about to change my life.
Just when I thought I’d break down, Grayson walked in shortly after Beckett, smiling and waving like he owned the place. The witches closest to him flinched back and drew their hoods tighter over their faces. “Aw, come now, I’m not all that bad.” When they turned away from him, he shrugged. “You lot have got to get out more.”
I felt a small smile tug at my lips. Gray didn’t blend in with the others, and he made no attempt to do so. He wore a simple black suit and pressed pants. His show of silver was an understated silver v-neck shirt. When he caught my eye, he winked and gave me that toothy smile he loved to flash to make others uncomfortable. Brax followed him next, and though he was hulking in all ways, he kept his head down and simply took his place beside Tuck. Brax was the only person in the room not wearing a shirt. Instead, he wore loose silvery pajama pants that pooled around his feet. This was the first time I’d seen the full tiger mark that ran down the side of his neck and shoulder then ended over his peck muscle the way Tuck’s did.
Some of the robed figures sighed when he walked into the room. If he heard them, he didn’t seem affected. A light drumming began, and my heart sped up to match its beat. The witches of Hexia took their places around the altar, each of them pulling their hoods down over their faces and kneeling with bowed heads. Nova entered through the door opposite me. She wore a shimmering deep purple ball gown that had a high stiff collar, no sleeves and a black corset wrapped around her waist. Her signature gloves were missing from this outfit. She smiled at me and took her place standing at one corner of the altar.
Next, Serrina walked in wearing a strapless crimson dress that was cut tight to her body and flared out in piles of tulle. Her streaked blond hair was half pinned up and half streaming down her back. She stood at another corner of the altar. Tabitha came in after Serrina wearing a bright yellow A-line gown with intricate beading sewn into it. The dress looked like it belonged in the 1920s rather than today, but it didn’t make it any less beautiful. She took her place at the third corner. Lastly, Adrienne walked in with her head down, looking just as uncomfortable as I felt. She bit her bottom lip and tugged at the navy-blue shift dress. In the days I’d spent with Adrienne, there was not one time I’d seen her wear a dress.
When she climbed the stairs to the altar, her hands shook so badly I could see them from the back of the room. I couldn’t imagine what it felt like to step into a role I wasn’t born to do. When she took her place at the fourth and final corner, she swayed on her feet. I clasped my hands in front of me and sucked in a deep calming breath.
“Psst, Zinnia.”
I turned to the side to face the robed figure who called my name. When she stepped forward, I leaned away, not knowing what to expect. When she threw her hood back, my heart nearly exploded then and there.
“Mom!” I dove at her and threw my arms around her neck. “What are you doing here?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she smiled at me. “Oh, honey, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
“Mom, I have so many questions.” I pressed my fingers into her arms, pulling her closer.
She brushed the hair back from my face. “I know you do, baby. And I’ll answer them, but right now you have to focus on the Ascending. And I have to remain hidden for just a little while longer. I’ll explain later. There is one thing you need to know.”
“What’s that?” I glanced toward the altar where one of the Elder Witches took her place front and center.
“When it comes time, don’t fight it, just let the power flow through you. It won’t hurt as much if you accept it and let it happen.” She grabbed my shoulders and twisted me to face the aisle leading toward the steps.
Panic sent my pulse racing in my veins. I began to wring my hands in front of me. “Hurt? This is going to hurt?”
She brushed her hand over my shoulder. “You’ll be okay. I promise.”
The Elder Witch held her hands over her head. “Bring forth the Ascendant.”
My mom pulled her silver hood over her head then patted my shoulder. “I’ll be right here, honey. You can do this.”
I can do this. I can do this, I chanted over and over again in my head. With each step I took, my body quaked and shook. The cold of the floor seeped into my bare feet, cooling me from the ground up.
When I finally reached the Elder Witch, she smiled up at me. “Kneel.”
I dropped to my knees before her, and she placed her hand on my head. “Do you, Zinnia Heart, come here to offer yourself up to the powers that be, to become a vessel for the blessed power destiny and Mother Earth have bestowed upon you?”
I nodded my head. “Yes.”
She motioned to the altar. “Then take your place upon this sacred ground.”
I rose from my knees, climbed the three steps leading up to the stone table. I turned and hopped up. I paused, placing my hand on the stone and glancing out over the crowd. At the back of the room, Tuck stood with his shoulders square. He gave me the slightest nod, and it was all I needed to lie back and face this. The cold of the stone seeped into my body, and I shivered from both the chill and fear coursing through me.
The Elder Witch’s voice boomed over the audience. “Open to the sky.”
Above me, the stained-glass skylight slid back, and the gears cracked and groaned as it revealed the star-studded night sky. The fresh scent of fall filled the room, chasing away the thick floral smell of the wild flowers. Stars called to me in the darkness, soothing my nerves if only for a moment. The queens approach the altar and, one by one, they cuffed my wrists to my sides and my ankles to the table.
I pulled at the bindings, but I couldn’t move. “What’s going on?”
“Shh, it’ll be okay. We’ve all done this, Zin,” Serrina whispered.
Though I wanted to fight against them, I forced my body to be still.
Nova was the first to step back. She held her hands with her palms facing up. Her eyes drifted shut. “Hear now the words of the witches. The secrets we hide in the night must come to light. The powers of death I invoke thee here. In this night and in this hour, we call upon the ancient power.” A ball of purple light floated in from the opening in the ceiling to hover just in front of her.
Serrina cleared her throat. “Hear now the words of the witches. The secrets we hide in the night must come to light. The powers of desire I invoke you here and now. In this night and in this hour, we call upon the ancient power.” Again, a ball of red shot down from the sky, hovering just in front of her. I stared, transfixed at their sparkling beauty.
Tabi reached out and patted my hand before she raised her face to the night sky. “Hear now the words of the witches. The secrets we hide in the night must come to light. The power of elements, I invoke you now. In this night and in this hour, we call upon the ancient power.” Yellow magic streamed from the sky to si
t just in front of her.
Sweat ran down Adrienne’s face, and she wavered before my eyes. “Hear now the words of the witches.” She swayed on her feet. Her normally vibrant ebony skin was ashen with nerves. “The secrets we hide in the night must come to light. The power of spells I invoke you now. In this night and in this hour, we call upon the ancient power.” Nothing happened.
“Try again.” Serrina whispered in encouragement.
Adrienne raised her hands higher and yelled. “In this night and in this hour, we call upon the ancient power!” A small blue ball of light sputtered and fell from the skylight. A wide smile spread across her face, and I could almost hear her screaming I did it in her mind.
I gazed up at the sky, watching for the moon to be directly above us. The Queens joined hands and began to chant. “In this night and in the hour, we bestow the ancient power.”
The rest of the witches kneeling around me followed in the chant. The power seeped into the room like a heavy fog. Overhead, the moon moved front and center. The night rays shown down on my face. The balls of magic shot out into lines intersecting in an X over my torso. My body quaked. At the center of the X, a beam shot out and smacked me square in the chest. My back arched up off the alert. I ground my teeth together to stop from screaming. Energy poured into me, filling me to the point of pain. It burned through my veins like acid. Tears leaked from the corners of my eyes, yet still I fought to keep my mouth closed. And then it happened…the power doubled, and I could no longer hold it in. I tilted my head back and screamed…
Oh god, I’m going to die.
Chapter 19
Wicked Witch (The Royals: Witch Court Book 1) Page 13
