Page 64 of The Throne Seeker

Her breath caught. To be a part of phoenix’s rebirth was a privilege only given to individuals like Ingrid, who were sworn to protect them.

She spoke back with her thoughts.I don’t understand. How can I do that?

You see, during my last rebirth, I was caught in a trap and injured during the transformation. Ingrid saved me, but my wing has never fully recovered.He lifted his wing to reveal a crooked bone that had healed incorrectly.I’ve been unable to fly ever since. We are incredibly vulnerable during the rebirth, and if I am to emerge healed and stronger, I will need more than Ingrid’s help. I would ask you to sing as I am reborn.

Rose’s joints locked. She stared into the phoenix’s yellow eyes as if sensing he knew what he asked of her. She hadn’t sung a note since… since her father died. She had promised she’d never do it again. Her voice felt tainted and ugly. Misused and evil.

You want me to sing?How would that help mend your wing? I don’t possess the power you seek.

Sing and find out, was all the phoenix said.

She lowered her gaze. She didn’t know how her voice could make a difference, but it was a simple request, and if singing alone could save Roman, how could she refuse?

The creature awaited her answer with bright eyes. She simply replied,Okay.

Then it is agreed. Tears for a song,the phoenix said.

“He’s agreed, but he’s asked for something in return,” Rose said, summarizing the conversation to Tristan.

Tristan’s face contorted, glancing at the phoenix and then back to her. “What does he want?”

“He wants me to sing,” she replied simply.

The phoenix turned to Ingrid, lowered its head, and blinked. Ingrid nodded, going to a large oak chest sitting on one ofthe tables. She pulled out what appeared to be a nest made of various twigs and materials. Ingrid placed the nest gently on the table and then took a small jar containing what she assumed were ashes. Ingrid opened the jar and sprinkled the dust over the nest.

Come, the phoenix commanded.

With steady steps, she left Tristan’s side and approached the bird. He gazed at her, prompting her to extend her right arm. Slowly, the phoenix perched upon it, its talons gripping gently but with a strength that she knew could rip off her arm if he wanted to. It took the whole strength of her arm to bear his weight, but she held firm. His vivid-yellow eyes watched her closely as he blinked expectantly.

What should I sing?she asked.

Something from your heart.

She stopped wracking her brain and took a deep mental breath, closing her eyes to search in her heart instead. The phoenix raised his wings up, revealing his beautiful ombré plumage, while he closed his eyes.

And then she sang a poem she’d read years ago.

In the depths of night,

darkness reigns supreme,

lost in the shadows of a

long-forgotten dream.

But within the quiet whispers of the night,

an ember starts to glow,

from the ashes of the past,

a new life begins to grow.

A radiant glow surrounded the phoenix, becoming brighter with every word she sang.

Rise from the ashes,

phoenix in the sky.