(Book 3 in the #dawnseries)
*COMPLETED*
The time for the ascension is near...
After months of tireless training, a handful of harrowing experiences and quite a number of unexpected surprises, Aurora Venerelli is finally reaching the end of her time...
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"Aurora," Apollo positioned himself in front of the young girl's view, breaking off her vision from the polished dagger on the altar. "Shall we start?"
I'd tried to get her to stop looking at it a while ago, but she couldn't seem to keep her eyes off the weapon. Or should I rather say- the 'ceremonial tool'. Either way, it was terrifying to look at; long, sharp and wiped clean, ready for use.
I made no attempt to show her that I was nervous, even when it felt like my own heart was about to jump through my chest and into her hands.
The circle of mages Apollo had asked for gathered around the room in a crescent shape. They were the devoted followers of an infamous Greek witch, Circe, who lived a very long time ago. Apollo knew them well, having had them perform many tasks for him over the years. Every king had to have his allies, and these witches, no matter how old and vile, were some of the best.
I knew they'd be able to perform the ceremony without fault, but what did worry me were my own shaky hands.
I was the one who had to plunge a dagger through the love of my life's heart, then suck up her soul and the worst of all, wait for her to reawaken. My hand shook and I tried to still it by forming a fist around my belt.
Apollo tried again to get her attention; "Aurora-"
"I can hear you." She sighed and breathed in shakily. Her hand tightened around mine. "Let's get this over with."
I swallowed hard. Apollo caught my eye, his filling with the question of permission. I nodded.
Apollo and I had asked everyone to leave- only Aurora, Apollo and I, in the company of the seven mages, were in the large chamber on the most upper level of the palace. The sun was setting already, indicating for us to get a move on.
Time was wasting away.
So was Aurora. She looked even paler today than she had yesterday, or the day before. Her strength was fading as the magic ate at her, sucking up all her energy. Her mortal body wouldn't sustain the strain much longer. Blood would not hold her together anymore- she needed Ichor running through her veins.
I led Aurora towards the altar; "The cleansing ritual will start now." I beckoned the mages closer with my one hand, Aurora still clutching onto the other. She might look like she was ready and composed, but I could feel the sweat in her palm slide down mine.
Apollo stood back and allowed me to do the talking. I spoke in Latin to them, keeping my face stern; "You may begin. Be careful; no mistakes. She's extremely valuable. You know exactly how valuable."
I didn't really have to tell them how important Aurora was. After Hecate was murdered, the mage's community was up in arms and angry. Now that they would soon have a replacement to guide and protect them, they were all too eager to get involved and secure the ascension. These mages knew what was at stake.
