21. Jessa
21
JESSA
T here is little thought in my head as I storm outside. It’s still early in the morning, though the sun has already risen. Morning sermon will happen soon, and the courtyard is bustling.
“I’m a fucking idiot,” I mumble under my breath as I trudge into my room, relieved to find it empty.
Quickly, I shower and dress, trying to keep my mind off Nikolai the whole time. It’s hard to when my body is still deliciously sore, though. I’m partly disappointed by the way my bite marks are already healed, though I shove that away as soon as I register it.
Slipping out of my room, I try to decide what I’m going to do. I want to be a vrakken, to have a place, and I will be damned if I let Nikolai stop me. I refuse to be treated as weak and unimportant any longer.
And if it’s the Council that makes all the decisions…
“Then I go before them,” I murmur under my breath as I dart outside.
I skirt along the edge of the base, keeping to the early morning shadows. Most are gathered for the daily sermon, leaving the grounds largely deserted. Perfect cover for me.
Voices carry to me from near the tree line and I spot a group of leather-clad scouts checking their weapons and packs. I slide behind a wagon, peering between the slats.
"...time we checked in with the Council," one says gruffly, strapping a shortsword to his belt. "It's been nearly a full cycle since the last report."
Another nods, frowning. "Things are changing rapidly up here. The Council will want a full update before deciding our next steps against the dark elves."
My eyes widen and pulse quickens. They're venturing below to meet with this mysterious Council! This is my chance to plead my case.
I trail the scouts through the shadowy woods, keeping a cautious distance. They move swiftly and soundlessly, long accustomed to these covert journeys underground. I have to push myself to keep up while remaining unseen, gritting my teeth against the ache in my legs.
Up ahead, I watch as they each slink into a cave mouth, seemingly blending in with the surroundings. I’d consider it nothing special from the outward looks,
I trail close behind the last scout into the yawning cave mouth, pausing in awe as the tunnel opens up into a vast underground cavern.
I pause as I stare at the opening, partly to let the scouts get farther ahead, but also because doubt is leaking into my veins. Is this the best idea? Or am I rushing this because of last night and this morning?
I do want to be a vrakken, but maybe going behind Nikolai’s back isn’t in my best interest. What if the Council just agrees with him? I doubt they would treat me the same way he has if they consider me not worth their time.
No, I tell myself. I’m meant for this. I force down my nerves, determined not to lose my resolve now that I'm so close.
Sucking in a deep breath, I edge into the cavern. I can’t see anything once I pass over the threshold. It’s completely pitch black. Something tingles across my skin, so potent that it feels like a tangible thing is being dragged across my flesh.
I feel forward a few more steps, and then there is a massive downsloping tunnel before me. It’s like I’ve been transported somewhere else – one of the wildspont’s tricks.
As I walk down into the caverns, I search for any sign of the departed scouts, wondering which of the many twisting passages might lead me to the Council. But before I can decide my next move, a bruising grip snatches my arm from behind.
I whip around with a gasp to see one of the scouts, his eyes narrowed dangerously. "What are you doing down here, girl?" he growls. I open my mouth to explain but he's already dragging me roughly down a wide corridor. "The Council will deal with you."
My pulse thunders in my ears but I keep my chin high. I wanted to find the Council, after all. Now I'll plead my case whether they want to hear it or not.
He pulls me deep into the caverns until we reach a massive area with high ceilings with vrakken lounging about. Some are flying, though the space is limited, while others play with magic. It’s like an underground courtyard.
He jerks me just past it and into a tunnel I hadn’t seen before. The door is already open, and I immediately see the raised platform running along one wall. A handful of vrakken are gathered there in their seats with a fiery redheaded woman seated in the middle.
“Matriarch,” the scout grunts as he shoves me forward. “I found a little treat for you wandering about down here.”
With the way she sizes me up, I realize that she must not interact with a lot of humans, an oversight on my part. I had assumed that there were humans down here to blend in with like there are above ground. But Nikolai did mention all the humans on the surface were what encouraged the bases so why would there be any down here?
The redheaded woman arches an eyebrow, regarding me imperiously. "You have courage wandering so freely in our sacred halls, human.” She shakes her head. “You’re lucky we don’t just drain you now, aren’t I right.”
The vrakken next to her nods. “Yes, Matriarch.” His eyes land on me. “You are lucky that Brinda is so forgiving.”
I haven’t taken my eyes off the redheaded woman. Her piercing gaze bores into me, as though attempting to peel back my layers and expose my soul. The weight of her scrutiny makes me want to shrink back, but I force myself to stand tall.
"I know you must not take kindly to trespassers," I say, hoping my voice doesn't shake. "But I come with a request, not ill intent."
Murmurs ripple among the Council. Brinda silences them with a sharp gesture.
"Speak then, girl. What desperate need drives you to risk your life by coming here uninvited?" Though her tone is bored, interest glints in her eyes.
Heart pounding, I gather my courage. "I wish to become vrakken. I have served the temple for these last few months, and I want to honor the First by fighting the dark elves alongside you." I take a deep breath. “In her name, I should be Made.”
Shocked exclamations echo off the stone walls at my audacity. Brinda's eyebrows raise higher but she does not reprimand my bluntness.
"Boldness is valued among our kind," she muses after a thoughtful pause. "But desire alone does not equate worthiness. The gift of our blood and magic is not given lightly, especially to your kind."
I bite my tongue to keep from arguing. Pleading won't sway her. I can already tell that. I must prove my determination.
Brinda studies me intently for long moments. Just as impatience gnaws at me, she smiles slowly, fangs glinting.
"However, rare instances have shown that certain driven individuals can earn a place at our side." She leans forward. "But the trials are not for the weak. If you believe yourself capable, we shall test your mettle."
"I'll do anything to prove myself," I state without hesitation.
Brinda's smile widens, intrigued. "Anything?" She ponders a moment before continuing. "Very well. A battalion of dark elves camps not far from here. Infiltrate their ranks and return with intelligence on their plans and numbers, and you will be rewarded for your usefulness."
“If I fail?” I ask.
Her lips curl. “You’ll be at the mercy of the dark elves. You are to go in alone, no help from anyone else.”
Brinda's words spark a blaze of hope and hunger within me. A chance to finally prove myself, to earn the strength and magic of the vrakken. To stand as Nikolai's equal rather than remain the weak human.
The thrill of possibility quickly wars with flutters of doubt. Infiltrating a dark elf camp alone? It could easily mean death if I'm caught.
I wrestle down the hesitation, clutching tightly to my yearning. What are the risks compared to the rewards of belonging? I've endured a life on the fringes for too long – I won't squander this opportunity.
"I accept your trial," I declare firmly before Brinda finishes laying out the details.
Triumph flashes in her eyes. "Excellent. A scout will take you to the camp tonight, but from there and back, you’ll be on your own."
I incline my head respectfully, pulse racing with anticipation. I cannot let Nikolai stop me from seizing this opportunity. As soon as night falls, I will slip away and earn my right as a vrakken.
As I walk away, though, my steps are leaden as I make my way back through the winding tunnels. The farther I get from Brinda's imposing presence, the more space my doubts have to swarm. This challenge clearly wasn't meant for a mere human to accomplish alone.
I don’t go back to the base. I don’t want to chance seeing Nikolai. Instead, I walk the paths of the woods just outside it so the scout can find me.
The trees are alive today, brushing me encouraging me. They will be on my side tonight, of that I am sure.
By the time the sun sets into a fading twilight, nerves and anticipation are churning sickly in my stomach. But as the sliver of the moons rise high overhead, fiery purpose burns brighter than my doubts.
It’s only when full dark blankets the base does the scout come and find me. He takes one look at me and grunts, “Let’s go, human.”
I hurry after him, hoping it’s the last time I’ll be called that…
And not because I’m dead after tonight.