Page 13 of Dark Princess Ascending (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance #91)

13

MORELLE

" D oes the induction ceremony always take place so late at night?" Morelle asked as she and Brandon walked with Jasmine and Ell-rom toward the glass pavilion, where Rob was about to wrestle Arwel and get bitten.

"That's the custom," Brandon said. "The idea is that the Dormant enters the ring before midnight and emerges on the other side on a new day, but the truth is that the transition itself doesn't happen right away. It usually starts a day or two later."

"For males," Jasmine said. "For females, it's less predictable than that."

Brandon had explained to her the differences between male and female Dormants and their transitions, and in Morelle's opinion, the females got the better deal because they got induced through pleasure, but if the results were less predictable, then maybe they didn't.

Morelle still hadn't experienced those kinds of pleasures, and she was impatient. She felt much better today, stronger, and she'd taken a nap in the afternoon deliberately so she wouldn't be too tired after the ceremony to follow up with her seduction plan.

"Look," Jasmine said. "Syssi and Kian are right in front of us. Let's catch up to them."

As their group hastened their steps, Amanda and Dalhu walked out of their home and joined them.

"Good evening," Amanda said. "We have quite a turnout for Rob's ceremony tonight."

As more people kept walking out of the homes they were passing by, Morelle had to agree with that assessment. It seemed like the entire clan was heading to the gym.

"We do," Jasmine said. "Margo will be thrilled, but I'm not sure about Rob."

"Is Rob really this popular?" Morelle asked Brandon. "He's only been in the village a short time."

"Usually, these ceremonies are more intimate," Syssi said. "Just close family and friends. I'm not sure why the turnout is so large tonight."

Jasmine brightened. "I'm glad Rob is getting such a big audience. Brandon, do you think I should sing something for him before the ceremony begins?"

Brandon's eyebrows rose. "That's never been done before, but it's not a bad idea. Do you know any songs about friendship? The ceremony does cement a lifelong bond between inducer and inductee, so that would be appropriate."

"How about 'Bridge over Troubled Water'?" Amanda suggested. "Or is that too dramatic?"

"'Lean on Me' might be more appropriate," Syssi offered.

Jasmine hummed a few bars of each, her voice clear and melodious in the evening air, and Morelle found herself enchanted by the talent of her brother's mate.

"You should definitely sing," she encouraged. "Your voice is beautiful."

They had to pause their discussion as they reached the glass pavilion, where a crowd had gathered waiting for the elevators.

Being surrounded by so many people, Morelle felt the energy thrumming through her. She wasn't actively drawing on it, but it was somehow seeping into her, and she wanted it to stop. Remembering how she'd pulled power from everyone in Syssi's living room, she forced herself to focus on Brandon's solid presence beside her to ground herself against the temptation to reach for that power and pull .

When they finally made it to the gym, Morelle's focus turned to the colorful decorations hanging everywhere. The gym had been transformed, and in the middle of it, Rob stood inside a roped-off area, looking like he might be sick.

Her heart went out to him. She wished she had some way to ease his fear, but that wasn't one of her abilities. Though...her eyes drifted to the decorations bobbing against the ceiling.

Could she pop a few of those inflated containers?

She hadn't tried to use her newly discovered power again, and she was curious to see if it would be available to her without pulling energy from people around her, using only what was inside of her.

Would it amuse Rob if she managed to pop those decorations? Or would it just scare him more?

"Don't even think about it," Brandon murmured in her ear.

She turned to him. "Think about what?"

"Whatever mischief you're plotting." His eyes crinkled with amusement. "I saw that look."

"I just thought that a little innocent distraction might help Rob relax, and I'd get to test my ability on something harmless." She pointed at the ceiling and made a popping sound with her mouth.

He chuckled. "Exploding decorations might have the opposite effect on poor Rob. Jasmine singing him a song is a much better idea."

She couldn't argue with that. "Does every male Dormant look so scared before his induction?"

"Most do," Brandon said. "It's a big moment even without taking into account having to fight a much stronger opponent. It's a life-changing event."

Beside them, Jasmine was still quietly singing, her voice barely above a whisper as she tested different lyrics. The sound provided a pleasant counterpoint to the nervous energy filling the room.

"What happens if he doesn't transition?" Morelle asked.

"Then he tries again another time," Brandon explained. "Some need multiple attempts."

More people continued to file into the gym until Morelle felt almost claustrophobic with the press of bodies. She breathed in and out steadily, reminding herself that these people were her community, and she had nothing to fear from them.

"Are you okay?" Ell-rom asked from her other side.

She nodded. "Are you okay with so many people around?"

He shrugged. "Not really, but with you and Jasmine beside me, I feel safe. "

"Oh, sweetheart." Jasmine leaned her head on his shoulder.

"We can move toward the back if you'd prefer," Brandon offered.

"No," Morelle said quickly. "I want to be close to the stage where this will play out."

This was her clan now, her community, and she wanted to learn their traditions and their ceremonies because they were hers now.

"I think I know what song would be perfect," Jasmine said. "'With a Little Help from my Friends.' It's about friendship and support, and it's also upbeat."

"That's perfect," Amanda agreed. "But we should check with Kian first. He's the master of ceremonies, and he might object to deviating from tradition."

"I'm all for it," Kian said. "I'll introduce you." He walked over to where Rob was standing and lifted his hand high in the air to get everyone's attention.

"Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming to witness Rob's induction ceremony. I'm thrilled to introduce a new tradition to our ceremony tonight. Jasmine is going to sing a song about friendship, and everyone who knows the words to 'With a Little Help from my Friends' is welcome to sing along." He turned to Jasmine and waved her over. "Next time, we will have a stage ready for you, but tonight, the best I can offer you is a chair to stand on. "

She laughed as she made her way over to him. "No need. Thanks to the significant height increase following my transition and a pair of high heels, I will be seen by most even without standing on a chair."

She ducked under the rope to where Rob was standing and put her hand on his shoulder. "You are also welcome to sing along, my friend."