chosen | yves

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐱

"Let us begin."

It all happens like clockwork, like an orchestrated chain of events as the overseer raises his arms above his head. The candles flames all blew out simultaneously however I pay it no further mind as my eyes widen, mouth falling agape. From the mans hands came bright bursts of light, a mixture of blues and reds coming together and dancing up into the air. For a moment I thought I was daydreaming, that I was imagining it. But there was no mistaking the sudden warmness which hits my face as the orbs of light get higher and higher-- consuming the room. It looked like millions of stars in a galaxy of vibrant hues, the temple lighting up in its enigmatic glow. 

It was breathtaking.

"You are in Eden. Many moons ago the gods bestowed upon us the resources to thrive. They gave us food, they gave us water, they gave us knowledge... They gave us power."

Goosebumps, all I felt as he accentuates his words with a flick of his hand. The motion has the galaxy-like-scene shifting, changing shape as if they were sentient and reorganising themselves. But somehow I just knew he was controlling it. The orbs start creating images which morph to fit every word that leaves his mouth. First it shows what looks like giants, their faces indecipherable. But if his words meant anything-- they were gods.  In this moment as I watch the scene unfold I find it hard trying to keep up. It was beautiful.

"But with power comes greed."

War. The image fades into what looks like people charging into battle. 

"We were split into two factions, a war dividing us after treason plagued the minds of many. Today they are called-"

Before he can finish it's like a light bulb goes off in my head.

"The North." 

Heejin and Chuu. The stories they told me.

The minute the two words slip from my lips I find the atmosphere changing instantly. I tear my gaze away from the wondrous magic as multiple faces snap in my direction, staring me down in surprise. Hushed murmurs break out among the council which has me swallowing the lump which forms in my throat, mouth suddenly dry.

 The overseer pays no mind and nods his head, levelling me with a curious gaze. But before he can respond and affirm it with words, a completely new voice beats him to it. I knew who it was immediately.

"How do you kn-- this is absurd! She knows too much, she's probably with them!" The guard from the day before stands abruptly and slams his hands on the oval table. He spits out his words, accusations hot on the tip of his tongue. The male at his side jumps, beret slipping off his head as he scrambles to hold his quill once more.  I almost forgot he was here, to be honest. He hadn't spoke a word at all.

 But before I can dwell on it for much longer, what happens next takes me by instant surprise.

"Sit."

The mans voice is deep and demanding. I trail my gaze away from the guard and am met with the King, his hand raised in the air. The guard looks at him for a moment with wide eyes, shock apparent on his face.

"My lord, you can't possibly think this-"

"I said sit."

Tension. The guard instantly quiets at the Kings demand and takes his seat, not saying anything else. I don't miss the way he shoots a hard glare in my direction but I will myself to look away. Instead I find myself meeting the eyes of the King. 

The King stares at me for several seconds as if searching my face, his hand raising to rub at the stubble on his chin. I could tell he was observing me, that he was waiting. Waiting for a reaction, waiting with genuine interest. I fight the urge of cringing into myself at his hard stare and tear my gaze back to the overseer.