Page 5 of Siriarna
Why are they still here?
“Last to class, last to leave.” Alexandraya says haughtily.
“Ignore her,” Roman says, linking his arm through mine and steering me out the Facility’s double entrance doors.
A final backward glance reveals Alexandraya following Roman with watchful eyes.
No one except Roman knows it’s my birthday today. And High Power Omnisensus. The Authority called me into his office at mid break and presented me with Evolirium’s signature crest lapel pin. The gold pin is shaped in a six point star, each point representing a Propensity, with an embossed “E” in its centre. It’s given to students on their eighteenth birthday signifying eligibility to showcase at Propensity Selections. My birthday falls at the end of first quarter, therefore, I just scrape into this year’s selections.
I was too nervous to pin it into place in front of the Authority. I pull it out now while we’re walking and turn in over in my hand, admiring the way the gold sparkles in the sun, before attempting to fasten it into place. I can’t help but remember Alexandraya’s terse warning when we first met—that as a late realm starter, I had little chance of qualifying for a Propensity. The thought causes my eye to twitch, and I puncture my finger with the pin. “Ouch.”
“Give it here,” Roman says snatching the pin and expertlysecuring it on my training shirt collar. “There, perfect.”
“What would I do without you?”
“Gods knows!”
We have reached the meadow and instead of proceeding along the pathway, Roman leads me into the field.
“Hey, where are we going?” I say puzzled. “I thought we were going to hang out at yours?”
“Small detour,” he says with a cheeky glint in his pale blue eyes.
Roman takes my hand and starts running toward the little rock cluster we call ‘our spot’, dragging me with him.
My breath catches in my throat as a dining al fresco comes into view. As we get closer, I see dozens of tiny candles dotted throughout the rocks and a luxurious feathery blanket positioned on the ground in front. A jug of spiced elixir is sitting on a tray surrounded by tiny spherical delicacies dipped in chocolate and flecked with gold dust.
“Well, what do you think?” Roman asks.
“It’s perfect,” my voice croaks, and I bow my head as I lower myself onto the blanket, attempting to conceal the well of emotion building up inside.
Once seated, Roman expertly casts a spell and the candles flicker to light.
“Show off,” I chastise through choked back sobs of delight.
“Friends First Always,” he says grinning while pouring me a glass of elixir. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” I repeat, delighted by this afternoon’s surprise.
The last rays of sunlight disappear behind the realm and the soft glowing beams from the rising moon shimmer across the meadow. In response to the reflected light cast, moonflowers and evening primrose burst into flower. Roman’s flickering candles add to the ambiance, creating a flawless backdrop.
“Close your eyes and hold out your hand.”
I giggle but do as I’m asked. A cool object is pressed into my palm.
“Open your eyes.”
In my hand is a glass bookmark with multiple strands of light suspended within it. Varying shades of purple from lilac to aubergine are dancing between the transparent layers, made more brilliant when they catch the reflection of the moonlight.
“Happy Birthday, Siriarna.”
“It’s so beautiful, I absolutely love it.” I whisper, turning the bookmark over and letting the colours swirl before my eyes. It really is the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. “How did you make it?” I ask in awe.
“Magic,” he winks.
Chapter4
Siriarna