Phoenix rising

Trials

**** Kayla*****

I know I made the choice to renounce my freedom for the Coven's benefit... but, I don't remember agreeing to having Nicholas on my case every damned second! He followed me around like a lost puppy! Okay, fine, I might just be overly pissed off and Nicholas was too close for his own good. What can I say? The mate bond situation got only worse with the King in close proximity and no tranquilizer in the world would make me forget what Nicholas did.

"Would you at least try to focus?!" Nicholas snapped that crane of his on the table while we were in my compound's library. The library was filled with children and adults of all ages in the Coven, all studying, holding their classes or whatnot. We might be in the furthest corner of the large room, but that didn't mean they hadn't heard the bang. The hit was strong enough to have the books drop back down as if to make a point.

Apparently, I had to pass some trials before I could marry the King. Among these trials, there was a test of knowledge which covered almost all aspects of today's society. Most of them I've learnt before, but truly, whatever didn't involved hunting Demons or leading my Coven, I never really cared for enough to pay any attention to. You can imagine there was a lot to cover in a very short time frame.

"Go on." I muttered glaring at the fool imagining all the ways in which I could kill him making it look like an accident. 

Couldn't help it, really... I hated him as much as he hated me. That much could be seen from the way he looked at me. Dude, still didn't get over the fact that soon enough I'll actually become his Queen. While that didn't mean much at this point, the title being more of an honor than anything, given Wrath's latest changes, I doubt that would be the case for very long.   

He bit down his snide comments, exercising his best neutral face as he went on with all the Court regulations, duties and whatnot. I had to know what each function in the Court, within the government did or stood for. I had to know all the relations between the Night Covens. I had to know how it all worked in the past and how it would work now with the changes Wrath and his new council brought.

Part of the reason why I was even more pissed off was that I couldn't physically attend any meetings. I had so much other s**t I had to do prior to the wedding that it was impossible for me to be there, though, I had a spot. At least Blackfire and Tris were there, holding our end. Each night before bed, Tris would come and go over whatever happened in these meetings and whatever else details I needed to know regarding the wedding planning and the Coven leading. 

I couldn't speak or meet with Blackfire... wedding tradition. The only exception was Nicholas, who was forced to be my mentor through all of this. Well, him and Jane, another noble cunt. This one was a vampire and she was even more plastered to me than Nicholas. At least Nicholas was around only when it came to the studying, which would be soon over. If I cram all this down, tomorrow should be over. Jane, on the other hand... If you found Nicholas annoying, he was actually an agreeable presence in comparison to Jane.

"Councilman Nicholas, the clergy is here." Jane made an appearance in the middle of my test. As always she had that Victorian black dress on her making her look even more of a stuck up b***h than she normally was. Her pale complexion bordered on sickly and anyone who knew anything about her would understand why. 

Her husband died a few years ago in a Demon attack. She called Blackfire and reported the attack to him. When Blackfire and I went to their home, we found Matthew Rite's lifeless body on the floor. The house was a mess, everything suggesting a Demon attack. While the Demon attack happened, nobody really knows how Matthew died. Here's the thing, Demons don't use poison when they kill. There's no point in them doing that. They take pleasure from devouring their prey. However, if one were to pay attention to the rumors about her late husband, I wouldn't be that surprised if Jane would've just slipped some poison in Matthew's blood supply.

Since then, the woman took to mourning her late husband. The ever grieving widow, even refusing to drink the blood she needed to survive directly from the vein. Now, everyone bought the act. No one so much as questioned her husband's suspicious death and even her Coven gave her the special title of advisor to the new male Leader, Krilin, the oldest vampire after Matthew. Still, no one could actually tell me Jane didn't took pleasure from his death. I'll never forget that pleased grin on her face that night as she looked at his corpse. Nor would I forget her whispered words to the man "Now you can't touch me." 

Anyway, I had more important matters to pay attention to. Like ignoring the hallucinations from the tranq and actually finishing the last small test. Man, I really f*****g hope I won't mess up any answers! If I do this right, tomorrow's final test would be right on schedule and I'll finally some hours to myself! 

"Let her finish her test." Nicholas spoke as he leafed through a thick volume. Maybe, in a different life, in a different world, I could've admired these people for their stubbornness to survive such a f****d up regime. Then again, it's not as if they didn't had a hand in building it.

Kayla, love, focus. The faster we do this, the faster we'll get married and have this damned ordeal over,  Phoenix called in my head, becoming more obedient in the past few days. At least it wasn't clawing at me to get out at every second. Meant I didn't had to add all those other drugs to the tranq just to prevent blowing up or carbonizing anyone or anything around me.     

I could use some help, you know? I'm not in this alone, I ended up snapping at Phoenix. What was the point of having a powerful reside inside you if it didn't help you one bit?! There's no point, is there?

Radio silence fell between us for quite some time, before flashes of the books and paragraphs with the answers came to my mind. All due to Phoenix's help! YASS! Finally, help! Thank you! That wasn't so bad, was it? Just like any other Demon hunt! We work together, we live together!

This is boring, Phoenix complained and I couldn't agree more.

"Done." I pushed the papers towards the witch, since I was now not allowed to go anywhere close to any male, three feet away at all times! Talk about f****d up rules.

"How many tests does she have left?" Jane asked not even minding my presence.

"One, tomorrow, should this one be complete." Nicholas answered picking up the papers, looking through them all judgy.

"And should she fail the test?" Jane asked.

"Two more days." he answered and Jane sighed deeply "Advisor Jane..." he said looking up at her "I need not remind you the importance of her knowing her duties, do I?" 

"Of course, Councilman Nicholas. However, should you have anymore delays with these tests of yours, we might need to postpone the wedding. There have to be three days of purifying and cleansing!" Jane insisted in that Dolores Umbridge tone of hers. Yes, I like Harry Potter. Sue me. She didn't look like that pink blob one bit. She looked younger than me if I'm to be honest. Then again, most vamps stopped aging at 20.

Their convo went on for a while, but no one really bothered to point out what a waste of precious time this was. Eventually, I had to follow Jane to this new bullshit they pulled out their asses. It seemed that any wife of the King, be it a simple consort or the actual Queen, had to undergo these spiritual cleansing rituals. Usually, these took months, as the clergy explained, but since the wedding was in a couple of nights, they'll have to cram it all in the remaining timespan. 

"You understand this would be extremely difficult and tiring for you?" Mage Goa explained. She was the Nightdweller equivalent of the Pope. 

Yes, despite this being a rather misogynistic society, a certain type of women could access higher ranking posts. You had to be born at a specific time, when the stars were perfectly aligned. You had to possess some attributes at birth, such as prophesy, benediction or healing. You also had to have a rather untainted liange. So, no Human descendance for you. You had to live the life of nun, no men, no children, your entire life being dedicated to serving the Moon Goddess. 

"Leader Kayla..." sister Tara begun eyeing me intently "... please try to understand that such an undertaking is extremely difficult and dangerous for a woman from a pure liange. For someone of your bloodline..." she really tried to be all empathetic and s**t, but honestly I had enough of their banter.

"You mean a Halfblood like me could easily die or fall into a deep comatose like sleep." I had to cut them off regardless of their reaction to my so called strong language. I'll just call it being direct. "Yes, I understand the dangers I'll be exposed to. You've done nothing but explain them to me in the past four hours. What I seem to fail to grasp is why haven't you lot understood that my answer remains the same. I am not changing my mind about the wedding. The event will happen in a matter of days and I will not have it postponed to Goddess knows when just because there's a chance the Moon Goddess would not accept me as the King's wife.

"Case in point being, dear clergy..." couldn't help my annoyed tone now. The drugs were wearing off. "... when we do this doesn't really matter. The effects can happen now or months later."

"Leader Kayla, with months of preparations you will have enough time to recuperate and pass through the trials safely." Mage Goa insisted.

"Safely?" I laughed now "Mage Goa, correct me if I'm wrong, but if the Goddess doesn't approve of this union, I will suffer the consequences either way." I pressed and she had to nod "There you go. So, why postpone the inevitable?"

"Because of your weak constitution..." Mage Goa nearly lost her s**t with me.

"Listen!" I had to snap at her and use my Leader tone "One, there's hardly anything weak about me. Not only am I a Warrior and a damn good one at it, for all intents and purposes I am a Phoenix, which should tell you that as long as I chose my nightdweller descendance I am as immortal as the King himself. If I die, I resurrect. There's literally no killing me! 

"Second, despite being born a Halfblood and raised as a Human in the first years of my life, when the Phoenix awakened it burnt whatever human DNA I had in me, otherwise it couldn't manifest. Phoenix and human DNA don't mix and I don't expect you to understand how it works, just take it as it is. Should be easy since your entire life is based on blind belief. 

"So, really, if I had any other nightdweller descendance, then yes, these trials would be extremely dangerous and could prove lethal. However, these are not normal circumstances and I am no ordinary nightdweller! And if I say I'll go through it, I will go through it! So, for the love of all that's holy, stop wasting everyone's time, time we do not have and do your jobs or let me catch some sleep!" I just couldn't deal with this crap anymore. Yes, I was getting extremely hungry. Might I add I haven't ate anything but drugs since yesterday morning? Or that I haven't slept more than 3 hours in 48 hours?!

They looked at each other whispering something between them. Things I wasn't supposed to hear, but last time I checked my hearing worked just fine in such close proximity, so naturally I've heard everything. Cheeky little assholes they were, but eventually they came to a satisfying conclusion.

"As you wish, Leader Kayla. Tomorrow we shall begin the trials." Mage Goa declared "Also, keep in mind that from tomorrow on, no males would be allowed you and even female contact would be reduced to a minimum." she added.

"Aye..." muttered irked "I imagine there's not much interaction to be had when you're spending your nights flat on your back on a stone altar under heavy sedation." 

"Whether you believe or not, you shall pass Her Holiness Moon Goddess's trials should this royal wedding happen and we shall witness it." Mage Goa looked all pompous and ready to exorcise me of all evil if I so much as raised another question regarding these positively barbaric practises. 

But, what do I know? I'm just a simple Halfblood which has no idea how to wield her magic or recognize the Goddess's presence...

Fucking idiots...

They never learn, do they?

"Thank you." I breathed out as I got up ready to skiddaddle all the way to the kitchens and get some grub before hitting the bed with the force of a thousand suns!

"Do you think we could find out which witch in her Coven made the altar for the late archduke?" one of the nuns asked another in a whisper as I found my way towards the exit.

"Not a witch, sister Faun, a Phoenix." I answered getting out hoping they finally got the idea that I could hear their whispers just fine.

*****Mage Goa***** 

"Mage Goa, at what stage are the preparations for my fiance's trials?" King Wrath asked as he paid attention to the three large screens before him. 

She tried to understand what were those words flowing into or what those images were telling or teaching his majesty, but she should've known better. Goa never managed to understand technology or its evolution. Witnessing his majesty becoming quite the adept in such a short time was truly magnificent. 

"Leader Kayla would be brought downstairs for the ceremonial trials as soon as my sisters are finished cleansing her body for the day." she announced. After all, they had to make sure the girl presented herself clean as one of the sisters before the Moon Goddess.

"Have you explained the dangers of the Trials to Kayla?" his majesty asked distracted, but when he hadn't heard her answer, he turned his eyes to her and Goa knew she had to find a suitable answer soon or she would inquire his anger.

"Indeed we had, your majesty and despite our warnings, Leader Kayla insisted to go through this schedule. This morning she even suggested we should have the trials more compacted. One trial a day and one by night, in her opinion is a waste of time." she decided to go with the truth. After all, it was said that the King could easily hear your inner most personal thoughts. There would be no point in trying to trick the King should this rumor be true, would it? Nor is there any logic to doubting such a rumor. Safety before all.

"I see and what was your answer?" he inquired, his face not betraying a single emotion.

"I've stressed the dangers she would exposing herself too, but she's far too stubborn to be reasoned with." the mage felt defeated. It was as if she was speaking to a wall. This girl had no regard to her own well being! 

She could understand why any woman would gladly accept such terrifying terms. After all, should they pass, they would have a chance at ruling beside the King, but then was it worth the risk? She wasn't just any other woman, she was the Warrior Coven's Leader. The largest, strongest and richest Coven of all Night Covens, be they loyal to the crown or otherwise. She was responsible for so many lives. Should she fail, should she fall ill or suffer permanent damage, all these lives would be without protection!

Such a foolish girl! Had her ambition no limit?!

"Its not her ambition which drives her, Mage Goa." the King spoke as silence fell in the control room the leaders of both Covens gathered. Poor Mage felt violated. The rumors must be true! She hadn't voiced her inner opinions! She was wiser than to antagonize the King in such a manner.

"It's her concern for her Coven's well-being which drives her choices." he clarified "Her behavior and wording might not be the most diplomatic of all, Mage, however, every choice that she made so far has been for her Coven. None of you should doubt as much."

"And yet, your majesty, you cannot deny Leader Kayla made a rash decision to propose this alliance." Mage Goa was there when this brazen girl made such an outrageous proposal! 

"If Kayla were to simply sign the original alliance, her Coven would've had no claim to my protection. Like the other Covens, she would've had to submit to my will whichever it may be. Which would've meant using every resource her Coven currently has to whatever decisions I would make. She would've had no control or say in my decisions. At best, she could've inquired to my reasoning behind the decisions, yet she would've had no power whatsoever to persuade me otherwise." the King felt like he should explain Kayla's choice "When she made the proposal, as outrageous as it may had seen, it was the best choice a Leader, any Leader could've made to ensure the Coven they lead would not just maintain their position, but she would retain a say in her Coven's fate."

"Your majesty, you've asked if she's prepared to relinquish all power over her Coven..." Mage Goa was confused.

"Aye, I did." Wrath breathed out amused "I was merely testing her resolve and how far was she willing to go for those sworn to serve her. She was demanding the highest position she could have. I had to see if she had what it took to lead by my side."

"Your majesty, she is a Halfblood..." Mage Goa went on and the King now looked annoyed.

"Mage Goa, Halfblood or not, when the vows would be made and the marriage consumed, she would be our new Queen." Wrath's tone took a rather strong turn there "We are at a turn, Mage Goa. Our society would evolve to greet these times and grow beyond them in due time. As such, what example would I, your King, set for you, my race, if I would not follow the very laws I've set upon my return?" he asked and Mage Goa finally understood as she bowed her head.

"I see, your majesty and I hope I haven't insulted, but these are the thoughts most of us have." she tried to explain as the King sighed.

"Put aside such foolish thoughts. Change does not come easy, but it shall come regardless of your doubts." Wrath declared as his eyes darted to the door. When Goa looked she saw sister Faun enter, her eyes lowered, avoiding any male gaze as one should. Only the Mage could make direct eye contact with a male or speak to one.

"Mage Goa, Leader Kayla is ready and waiting for you at the altar with the sisters." Faun announced her gaze obediently following their rules.

"Good. We should proceed." Mage Goa announced.

"Mage... before we depart, Leader Kayla has a request..." Faun announced.

"And what would it be this time?" she asked partly annoyed.

"Well..." Faun breathed out getting embarrassed.

"Speak, sister Faun! Time is of the essence!" Goa tried not to sound so harsh, but her patience was brought to the limit by Kayla this morning.

"She asked if you could perform a temporary Coven Leadership transfer to Lord Blackfire should anything befall her during the Trials." she spoke quickly. The name of a male passing her lips was as bad as speaking to the man directly! Goa almost berated the sister for such inadequacy, but then, she had to remind herself that Leader Kayla has only had the sisters as company since the morning.

"What?!" Lord Blackfire snapped and begun stomping towards the door "She needs reminding..." he muttered under his breath, however Goa flicked her wrist and had the door frozen shut before he would pass it.

"Lord Blackfire, need I remind you Leader Kayla would not have any male presence near her, let alone addressing her until the marriage ceremony!?" Goa boomed at the man. Were every nightdwellers of this Coven so bullheaded in disregarding any of their traditions?! The man bit down hard.

"Tell her there would be no Leadership transfer. She would pass the trials or the Coven will remain without a leader!" Blackfire boomed infuriated, however sister Faun peddled all the way to Goa and whispered in her ear quickly as the woman did her best not to lose her marbles before all!

"The temporary Coven Leadership transfer would happen should anything befall your Leader, Lord Blackfire. Such is my wish and as such the Moon Goddess's wish. Would you question our Goddess's decision?" Goa demanded of the man as he glared at her.

"No." he answered, though his eyes shone yellow, as if to emphasise his outrage.

"Good." Mage Goa said and looked at the King bowing her head again in respect, then she turned and went towards the door with Faun after her "Girl, you should learn not to speak a male's name in public places. Remember your vows!" 

"I will, Mage Goa." she promised obedient and Goa doubted they'll succeed with Kayla around. The girl was determined to test the strength of their oaths!

*****Sister Faun*****

As their custom was, the Covens which were about to be united by the couple's marriage, had to be present, witnessing the Moon Trials the bride would be subjected to. They were all seated in the monastery's backyard, now arraigned for the event. Before them, stood the clergy, all with black cloaks covering them from head to toe, barefooted on the grass. Standing in a semicircle around the long stone altar they've brought here from their monastery in Norway, they all waited patiently for Mage Goa to begin the ceremony.

However, sister Faun, couldn't help her curiosity. Her biggest sin, her wondering eyes darting around, staling a glance or two at the audience before them. She hadn't heard a male in decades, let alone lay her eyes on one! She knew it was wrong, but maybe Leader Kayla, the devil incarnate, had some truth in her words. What was so wrong in looking if you had no ill intent? She wasn't going to break her celibacy oath by looking at someone. She was simply... refreshing her memory.

Dear Goddess, that thought alone brought so much shame and guilt! Oh, this Kayla brought all the wrong thoughts to her and her sisters! Mage Goa was right, they couldn't part faster with her bad influence! And as if Leader Kayla could hear her thoughts, she ended up muffling a laughter under her black cloak.

"You should keep quiet." Faun whispered to her alarmed. They weren't supposed to utter a word.

"I can basically smell your curiosity, sisters. Good thing we're downwind and Goa can't sniff it or hear the whispers from all that noise in the front." Kayla, also known among them as the Devil, brought even more temptation among them.

"You think she can't hear?" young Violet asked in her innocence.

"Sister Violet!" Faun spoke alarmed and now Kayla coughed to mask her laughter. "Goddess, you only saw doubt among us!" she hissed at the sinful Leader.

"Careful there, sister, someone might think you're bringing the Goddess's name in vain." Kayla just couldn't help herself and yes, her words marked Faun's silence "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." she added whispering like the devil she was.

"Your secrets won't be kept to yourself long enough!" sister Gale whispered venomous.

"Ouch, weren't you sisters supposed to be the pinnacle of temperance and kindness?" Kayla asked turning her head towards sister Gale.

"Enough, Leader Kayla. You've teased my sisters too much for one day." Mage Goa finally came to save them, speaking in a hushed tone.

"Aye, aye..." Kayla sighed deeply "Don't take it to heart, I am getting rather bored. Promise there's no ill intent behind it." she added as Mage Goa sighed deeply and stopped before the leader. Faun could see the worry in their Mage's eyes.

"I have to ask you again, are you sure you want to go through this, Leader Kayla?" she asked and Faun could see the deep frown set in Kayla as her gaze grew weary.

"Yes, I am." she answered stubborn as ever.

"Leader Kayla, it came to my understanding that I've been wrong to judge you and for this I do apologize. It was wrong of me to assume you've claimed this opportunity to reach a higher status by using your Coven's position. I believed the rumors which say that Lord Blackfire and Lady Patricia are the ones who had brought your Coven in this position.

"The truth is, it was your hard work and clever decisions which had brought glory to your Coven. Just as you've chosen this rash decision to protect your Coven and all those sworn to serve you. Your intentions are not wrong, they're noble..." Mage Goa surprised them all by saying, but this was why all the sisters loved Mage Goa so. She was not so petty as to not accept or own to her mistakes.

"And who, might I ask, Mage Goa, made these statements?" Kayla asked all suspicious "I certainly made no such claims. Maybe, I really do want that crown and seized the opportunity." she said and now Mage Goa smiled at her as she would at a naughty child. Amused by the shenanigans more than upset by the result.

"His majesty the King, whom I might add, believes you'll make a good Queen for these trying times of our Race." Mage Goa answered and Faun found the surprise in Kayla's eyes as sincere as her lack of snide comments, so Goa's tone became much warmer and kinder as she spoke next "May the Goddess find you suitable and may you wear the crown proudly, Leader Kayla." Goa blessed Kayla with a kiss on her forehead before she turned and despite the hood hiding the future Queen, Faun could see the deep blush and worry. 

Faun now understood that Kayla's attitude was nothing but a strong front before all. She was in fact more worried and concerned of her fate and that of her Coven than any around her. 

"Nightdwellers..." Mage Goa's voice carried all the way to the forest having the audience quiet down and listen as she begun her speech. 

Faun didn't much pay attention to the words as she focused on Leader Kayla, wondering how the woman felt. She needed to know. If she were to be their new Queen, she had to know if she was the right one for their race. These were trying times and she had been so busy rejecting the idea of a Halfblood marrying their King that she had almost missed the opportunity she had to know the woman!

At first Faun barely felt anything from her, but the more she focused, the more she realized there was something wrong with Kayla. She begun feeling extremely uncomfortable, almost like she was in heat! How could this be?! Faun used her Sight to see which was Kayla's Mate, but then she couldn't much focus as Kayla's thoughts came flooding as if her dam broke and Faun was but a stone facing the giant waves of sheer emotion! 

Kayla was terribly conflicted. One one side, the Leader in her fought for reason, for logic, for calculated choices which would benefit her Coven and all the souls she was responsible for. Kayla truly felt protective of her people, she truly loved all of them! Fiercely loyal to her Coven, this side of her was the loudest, the most determined and her main drive. 

On the other though, the smaller voice, spoke of her own fears, doubts, her concerns. Part of her was worried that she might not survive the Trials and that Blackfire might never accept the responsibility of leading the Coven once again. Even if she truly believed Blackfire was the Coven's best choice in leading the Coven from now on, for she knew that even if the King would somehow find it in him to leave her coven to herself, she couldn't possibly be partial to her coven, while being the King's wife. She had to be impartial and view all of them equally.

This seemed daunting to her, but it wasn't fear which made her doubt her ability to perform her duties... but the patience and temperance she lacked. Kayla knew she was rash and quick to anger. She had no patience and she always chose action over negotiations. This is why she refused to deal with the political life of the Coven leaving it to Tris's capable hands. She no longer had such luxury. She had to learn how to become a skilled politician. She was marrying the King, her duties would lay within these boundaries and she would have to put her sword and guns away. 

She would need to put her vengeance to bed and forget about it completely. She would be forced to renounce her Warrior ways to the politician she knew next to nothing about. This thought alone enraged Kayla in such a way, Faun wondered what could've possibly made Kayla so determined to vanquish the Demons she battled. It was more than a war to protect the race to her, it was personal, intimate almost! Sacred, like any other Warrior's creed. Just as sacred and powerful as their Oaths... and she was willing to forgo her Oaths to perform the duties the King would have her perform, all for the sake of her Coven.

The smallest voice in her had the concerns of any woman out there. What if the marriage was a loveless one? What if she'll be persecuted by her husband for being born a Halfblood? What if Wrath would wake up one day and decide to rid of her? Or worse change the laws, revert them to what they were a mere few days ago? It was all well within his power to do so... and she would just give him the means to do so without any repercussions?! Worse still, what if she'll birth a child? Not that she won't love the child to bits, but what if that poor soul would be persecuted as she had been all her life because of her human lineage?! What if that child would grow to loathe her in time for the Human DNA?!

Hell, what if she won't love Wrath?! What if she won't be able to take the insults of all the pure bloodlines around her? Insults, mind you, she'll have to hear, face and deal with on a daily basis, since she'll be surrounded by them! What if her temper would get the better of her and she'll just blow up one day and Wrath would have no other choice than to have her head on a platter?

What if the Leaders up and decide they won't stand for this marriage and unite against them?! How much blood would she have on her hands for making this decision? Blood she was directly responsible for and what had the normal nightdweller ever did to deserve being a pawn in another senseless war between the Covens? Yes, they will win, eventually. But... at what cost?!

Goddess, Faun's head was spinning with all those emotions and storm of thoughts! She almost regretted ever wondering about Kayla's true colors, but then the loudest voice of all won and her mind was set as Mage Goa called out her name! Kayla's thoughts settled and the cold determination of a Night Warrior steeled her final decision!

I will pass these damned Trials with flying colors and I will marry the King! Crown or no crown, my Coven will be protected and I'll be damned if I'll allow a single drop of innocent blood would be spilled in the process! I don't care what I have to do, what rule I have to break or what great sin I have to make, I will not allow my race to suffer any longer at the hands of these selfish idiots who never had to work or starve a single day in their lives! 

Whether they like it or not, change will come and as long as my interests align with Wrath's, this alliance would work. If love is to come, I'll thank the Goddess for the blessings she bestowed on me and if it doesn't, I'll thank the Goddess for the opportunity she gave me to make the changes I've fought for my entire life come to pass for the entire race! 

Either way, I will win. Alive or dead, at this point, all I've built and worked for would endure. Why?  Because the King has seen what I've prayed he would. He has seen the change and how he would bring it. The people have seen the change and they will bring it. 

What better way to go than knowing your work, your ambition has not gone to waste? Sure, I could've used more time and freedom to end those damned Demons and have them suffer as they made us suffer, but then, the life and the future of my race is by far more important than a vendetta. Now, if I only learn to live by this creed it would be amazing, but then, I only have time to get used to my new life...

Faun couldn't believe the force of her determination! She had seen a number of nightdweller minds and souls in her time, but she had yet to encounter one nearly as strong and determined as hers! She wasn't going to marriage, she was going to war and as amusing as that thought was, Faun saw why the Goddess chose a woman like her to Mate their King now... After all, they didn't need another politician, they needed a survivor, a Warrior, one that could win against the Demons, one that could protect them as fiercely as she protects her Coven.

At the same time, Faun found it hard to believe she didn't carry any ill intent towards all those who judged and wronged her. She could be plotting their demise, using the King or the influence a Mate would have over him to exact her vengeance, yet... that was one thought she had yet to hear form in Kayla's mind. Her concerns revolved around their survival, their evolution, the changes... her revenge over the Demons, not anyone else... A revenge she was preparing herself to forgo! 

*****Sister Violet*****

"Come, Leader Kayla! Let us witness your Moon Trials!" Mage Goa called out to Kayla and Violet forgot she had Kayla's hand in hers, until the Leader let go of her hand and walked forward. Relief washed over her as she realized that yet again, Kayla, the woman she grew to admire so much in almost two decades, has once again made sure Violet kept her reputation as one of sisters unstained. 

None of the sisters understood and Violet didn't expect them to understand anytime soon. Kayla was a daredevil, sure. She had her sinful ways, but she had one of the most honorable and just hearts of them all. Her bravery could rival that of the King's himself, her sharp wit too and she had a feeling her ferocity topped that of her father's. 

Almost two decades ago, sister Violet was not a part of the clergy. She was but a child in a small Coven. A coven which was attacked and decimated by the Demons. She had been taken a prisoner. The Warrior Academy sent their troops to release the children taken that day. That's when she saw Kayla first. She wasn't much older than her, but the magic Kayla wielded and the ferocity of her attacks had put the other much older and skilled Warriors to shame.

She may be just a Halfblood, but her magic, the Phoenix's magic was by far superior to any pure bloodline! The other Warriors in the Academy never viewed Kayla with good eyes, but she hardly let any of it touch her. Until the day she quit the path of the Academy and declared herself in Lord Blackfire's service. However, until that point, Violet has seen Kayla quite a lot. She was always present in their monastery, enjoying Mage's Goa's ceremonies. And yet none of the other sisters bothered to meet the Halfbloods. Thankfully, Violet was not like them and so she had all the time in the world to spend with Kayla and befriend her. 

Even Mage Goa allowed Violet more freedom while Kayla was around, since Kayla agreed to accompany the sisters on their shopping trips. As always, Kayla didn't agree to anything without getting something out of it and each trip they had, Violet had to be there. Kayla wouldn't have it any other way. Naturally, Violet missed Kayla after she left the Academy in a disgrace. Mage Goa forbade them to ever contact Kayla as a result, but Violet never stopped keeping an eye and ear open for news of her! She couldn't be prouder when she took the mantle of the Warrior Coven Leader a decade ago and of all her achievements! 

When Mage Goa announced she was going to marry the King, Violet jumped in happiness! It was a fitting happy end for someone like Kayla, but then she had wonder how would such a fiercely independent Warrior like her would take married life. Especially married to King... Kayla was not one for gilded cages. Even if they came with crowns. She was too free of a spirit. However, she placed her faith in the Moon Goddess and kept on praying for Kayla to succeed and receive all the blessings she deserved. She prayed the King would love Kayla and see her for who she was, this wonderfully strong woman, filled with life and determination to change the entire world one day to a place in which all could fit. Big dreams for such a big personality!

Violet smiled confidently believing in Kayla as she watched her lay down on the cold sacrificial stone altar. When Goa finished blessing Kayla, they all had to begin the ritual with a prayer to protect Kayla and a spell to have her fall asleep as her Soul would travel to the Moon Goddess's garden. It was there in Her Temple that Kayla shall begin her first Trial. Goa performed the Spell to show them all Kayla's trial, uniting the sister's magic in one, having the Spells sustained. When the Mage finished they all felt a surge of magic, a hot air which was Kayla's energy, the Phoenix within her was now connected and they were all to witness something the race hasn't seen in centuries!

The audience gasped as the hot energy wave touched them and Violet smiled brightly. There you go Covens, that's Kayla's magic! That's her soul! The heart you've judged for so long! You would soon see naked before your eyes and you would all know how wrong you were to judge all Halfbloods as useless!

Above Kayla's sleeping body a large ball of red energy vibrated. When Goa touched it, it turned into a mirror of where Kayla's Soul traveled. As all Souls, Kayla's looked a tad bit different in the Moon Goddess's Garden. A place the sisters knew all too well. The Phoenix's tail and wings emerged from the mark on her back as her feet and hands had flames burning and she wore a dress made out of the hottest inferno.  

For a moment there, Kayla looked at her reflexion in the lake before her all curios and surprised. She no longer had that violet, cosmic hair of hers, she had her natural flaming red color and even her eyes gleamed golden in the night. Her skin had a golden glow to it. She looked positively surreal, but her beauty only intensified.

"Looking good, huh?" her reflection asked as Kayla looked at it startled.

"How modest of you, Phoenix..." Kayla commented half amused, but the reflection rolled her eyes.

"As if I'll ever be modest." the Phoenix commented back at her and most witnessing were startled. a Halfblood shouldn't be able to communicate with the magic inside them. They shouldn't be able to hear it or feel it for that matter. And yet, Kayla looked extremely familiar with her magic.

"Mhm, that's one trait that managed to evade both of us unfortunately..." Kayla commented as she turned around and looked towards the large temple "Any idea what we're supposed to do next?"

"Do you at least know where we are?" the Phoenix asked amused and Kayla sighed.

"Well, last time I've heard of a place looking like this it was Mage Goa describing the Moon Goddess's Garden..." Kayla answered and got up taking a look at her surroundings. 

"Kayla..." a spectre formed at the giant tree which was once bostering with life. The tree symbolized the faith of the race, but whom was the spectre? A male's voice which made Kayla turn around like burnt.

"Father..." she breathed out in utter disbelief, but now the spectre took a form, that of her father, Archduke Seether was now walking towards her. "What is this? Why are you here?"

"Your faith in the Goddess allowed me to manifest here, before you. We haven't much longer, my dear." he said stopping before her as she stared at the man utterly baffled "There's something you must know."

"What?" she asked shocked as she was, barely breathing. 

"This won't be too comfortable..." her father smiled saddened as he touched her temples with his hands. Kayla's head went backwards, her eyes flaming and she looked as if she was in pain, but she made no sounds. Her entire body caught on fire and when Seether released her she fell as the ground parted. She fell and fell to where her Trial begun... Memories of shame... the first part of what would be quite the journey.