Ellabeth and I laughed. He was funnyandcute. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. We turned back to Esau.
I was ready to Ascend.
I’d been trained my entire life for this moment. Manmi had Ascended all the way into the Order as a Farasee. So did Granmanmi. So did Great-Granmanmi. And my Manmi before her. I wouldnotbe the first of our bloodline to fail.
“Let us begin. When my apprentice, Apprenti Assefah, calls your name, enter the waterfall. He will only call you once. So pay attention!”
“Taraji Hoksa!” called Assefah, floating by Farasee Esau in his purple Apprenti robes.
I didn’t bother looking at who it was. I needed to concentrate. I took deep breaths, regulating my heartbeats. My hands pricked with needles, but I refused to give in to nerves. The time had come. IwouldAscend.
“Marai Vithoria.”
“Anida Melin.”
“Kyree Forrest.”
“Ellabeth Riventhelle.”
Ellabeth squealed quietly. “I love you. I’ll see you inside!”
Ellabeth squeezed me, and I squeezed back. “I love you, too. Show them how it’s done!”
She beamed, and released me, cutting through the thick crowd with the grace of a dancer. Her light blonde hair shone prettily beneath the sun as her wintry colored wings flapped behind her. Her flight robes were loose around her limbs but still hugged her slender frame in a flattering way.
I watched my best friend—for the entirety of my one thousand cycles—fly forward. Without hesitation, she spread all seven pairs of her wings and dove into the waterfall. Once she was fully submerged, I couldn’t see her any longer. I threw up a prayer to the Infinite, praying Ellabeth would be alright and make it successfully to the temple.
More names were called in rapid succession.
“Lavender eyes is all alone now.”
“Let’s see if she makes it like her weak Manmi.”
“Really. She died at the hands of Fallen. How pathetic.”
Jeers were hurled my way like bricks but I said nothing, ignoring them all. Manmi always said the biggest key to conquering entry into the temple was focus. Distraction meant death. These idiots would not be given the satisfaction.
“She’ll die before she makes it in.”
“I hope so. Tired of seeing these Anathelle bloodthorns among the Order.”
My cheeks flushed. I didn’t give in to the bait. I’d been called a whore before. I wouldn’t let it throw me off my game now.
Focus, Safah.
“Safah Anathelle.”
Finally.
I flew into the air, above the remaining Ascendants. I reached the waterfall, took one deep, steadying breath, and dove in.
Stars.
The water washeavy. At least it was as clear as the Ouanaviel Sea. I could see in front and above me, which was all that mattered. Every few strides there were pockets where I could duck my head in for air before I kept flying.
Bracing myself, I spread my wings and began cutting through the water after the angel above me. While pressing through the heavy peals of water, I heard the call for the next angel to begin the ascent after me. Bone chilling terror spilled into my blood.
“Next. Tharic Zamarien!”
