Page 59 of Daughter of the Serpent

Sylvie’s eyes raked over the woman’s hardened expression, swallowing the lump in her throat as she took her seat.

Despite whatever good she had tried to do that day, she expected no special treatment, nor did she dare hope for leniency. Though Runa was said to be a fair and just woman, Sylvie knew better than to assume fairness would beget kindness. She had long since learned not to look for favor from the elders, nor trust a hope that anything would change.

Runa’s stern blue eyes carved into her, as if trying to draw blood from stone. “You made quite the spectacle of yourself today.”

Sylvie stayed silent, her eyes dipping down to avoid her fervent gaze.

“Speak girl,” Her voice lashed, impatiently. “Tell me exactly what happened.”

“I didn’t plan any of it - ” Sylvie’s voice broke. Weariness was quick to inhabit her bones, her heart thumping against her chest.

What other harm or punishment was to befall her now?

In what other ways would she be found guilty for simply being who she was, acting on the magic she drew?

“It felt like I had no control. I was…”

“Being guided?” Runa finished.

“Yes.” She shifted uncomfortably, her eyes daring to look up.

“That is exactly what it feels like when you surrender to the gods and the high power.” Runa still eyed her carefully, as if she was some sort of puzzle and she had yet to figure out.

“Is that why I just knew what to do?” She asked finally, shifting uncomfortably in her seat as Runa’s eye bore into her.

Runa nodded, though the severity of her features had failed to soften. “Though, what you did out there…” her voice trailed, her eyes shifting as she searched her thoughts. “Wasn’t like anything I’ve ever seen.”

“What do you mean?”

“Thyra. That girl was not healed by the gods or the power.”

Sylvie’s eyes snapped up, taking in Runa’s words.

“Then how?”

“Your magic.” She admitted, something ominous stirring in her stark blue eyes. “But, the gods deemed her unworthy, and it was clear she was not chosen to channel. She would not have been given an ounce of mercy…and neither should have you.”

Sylvie hesitated, gathering her thoughts, the information swirling in her mind, unable to land.

“Like her, you were also not found worthy.”

“I heard the declaration.” Sylvie said after a moment, her eyes casting downward. “But I still don’t understand. How could I cast without being found worthy? How could there be no punishment, no broken bone, no flesh torn from limb? How could I heal that girl if the gods did not approve?”

“I have never heard of it ever being done before. When magic deems one worthy, the gods have never not agreed.” Runa’s voice was laced with a certain intensity that set Sylvie on edge. “The runes, refusing to reveal their faces, withholding their answers...it is a sign, Sylvie. A sign that the gods have yet to decide your fate.”

Sylvie’s eyes grew wide.

Runa leaned back in her chair, taking an indrawn breath.

“Tell me,” she asked, “What was it you asked the runes?”

Sylvie rose from her chair to pace the room, her hands twisting into the fabric of her robes. “I asked about my future…about my destiny.”

Runa's brow furrowed, as she considered. “Then they granted you no clarity.”

“But...what does it mean? Am I truly unworthy?” Sylvie asked, a certain defeat rising to her chest.

Could she be doing all of this for nothing?