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Panic raced across their bloodline’s petal of the Firstblood Rose. Zoe’s fear tore at Lio’s senses. White rimmed her eyes, and she looked to and fro, like a wild thing lost in the emptiness that surrounded her and hung over her. Their parents must seem miles away. The sky must seem enormous. Lio started from the podium, ready to step to her and scoop her into his arms.
But then Zoe’s gaze fixed on him. His little sister broke out of her paralysis and marched forward beside his Grace.
As soon as they were in reach, Lio knelt and hugged Zoe close. “You are so brave. I am so proud of you.”
“I told you I’d turn into a gargoyle to protect you.”
Lio kissed the top of her head, holding her tight. “You have my gratitude.”
Zoe’s distress must have awoken all Knight’s protective instincts, for he sniffed Lio’s sister all over, closing her in on her other side with his furry bulk.
Her trembling gave way to an uneasy little laugh. “I’m not done yet.”
Reluctantly, Lio released her. Cassia gave Zoe an encouraging nod. Zoe took a deep breath.
Then she lifted her mantle from her head.
Lio gathered his power to conjure an illusion of reassuring stone above them.
Zoe reached up and laid her mantle upon the podium with the Akron’s Torch.
Lio released his half-formed spell. Zoe had finally found the courage to face her fears. He would not temper the beauty of her sky.
Konstantina turned her face away. That hand she lifted to her eye…did she wipe away tears?
Zoe gave Lio a smile as he had never seen on her face. Then she turned around and ran all on her own toward Anastasios’s statue. Their father was waiting for her and leaned down over the rail to scoop her up in his arms. He settled her on his lap, while their mother, with tears in her eyes, showered her with affection and praise.
Cassia turned and embraced Lio in front of the entire Firstblood Circle.
He enfolded her in his arms, sheltering her, leaning on her. Goddess, it felt so good to hold her. No more secrets. No more doubts.
Not even Konstantina told the crowd to stop cheering.
Cassia looked up at him. “Is this what you needed me to do, Lio?”
“This was exactly what I needed.”
The motion of Cassia’s hand riveted Lio’s attention on her. She lifted the glyph shard from around her neck. Stone clicked softly on stone as she set her pendant on the podium. The sweet, dark power of Sanctuary magic mingled with the sun-warm aura of the Torch.
Surprise and wonder filled the Union. Many Hesperines blinked, shook their heads, and peered at the glyph shard as if seeing it for the first time.
Konstantina’s eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to speak. Queen Soteira rested a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.
Queen Alea looked around the amphitheater. “Cassia rescued the mage Makaria’s ancient Sanctuary ward from Hespera’s abandoned shrine at Solorum. That power hides and reveals itself according to need. Behold it now in the Firstblood Circle of Orthros. Will we allow the bearer of the Akron’s Torch to speak, but not the bearer of a Sanctuary ward?”
Konstantina shut her eyes, then nodded.
Cassia addressed the crowd, one arm around Lio. “Annassa, Firstbloods, and heirs of the blood, thank you for hearing me under the Goddess’s Eyes. By the light you have shined into my life, I shall strive to speak only truth, according to my conscience.
“Fourteen and a half years ago, Pherenike Argyra saved my life. With Alkaios and Nephalea, she gave the Mercy to my sister. I am living proof of how much Tenebra needs Hesperines. My life shows that our people can change the world for the better.
“My love for our people knows no limits. My bond of gratitude with Nike, Alkaios, and Nephalea knows no end. Tonight, I ask you not to dishonor their sacrifices with a hasty decision motivated by fear.
“I of all people am aware of the grave dangers we face. I have lived my life amid the threats that prompt the Circle to consider the Departure.
“That is why tonight, I beseech you to make a compassionate and wise compromise. I do not ask you to rule out the possibility of the Departure. I ask only that you delay the vote until a later time. Know that when that night comes, whatever your decision about the border, I will be on this side of it with you.”
Lio hugged her closer, and her arm tightened around him.
