Page 87 of Ascension

Itoss and turn for the millionth time before slapping my hands against the plush mattress in frustration, just in time for my alarm to go off. I groan, reaching out blindly to slap around the nightstand in hopes of stopping the incessant beeping. Reluctantly, I peel my eyes open, seeing the soft morning light filtering in through the sheer curtains, and my stomach twists, much like it had all night.

I glance at the time and hop out of bed. Apparently, half-asleep me had already pressed snooze at least twice, that bitch. I get ready, rushing through my steps and making sure to use plenty of concealer—my under-eyes making me look like a zombie from my lack of sleep.

There’s toast sitting on a plate when I leave the bathroom, along with some fresh fruit, so I sit and enjoy breakfast for a moment before turning to grab my outfit for the day. I pause, seeing a piece of fabric materializing on the chair across the room.

I lift the material up as it forms in a shimmering wave of gold. The cloth molds itself into a long, flowing burgundy gown. I hold it before me, admiring the soft feel of the fabric between my fingers. The dress has a wide slit up one leg, the interior is lined with golden silk, and there’s a revealing keyhole neckline, with the back exposed in the same way. The neckline fastens together at the top with black and gold embroidery.

I’m so enamored with the gorgeous gown, I almost overlook the small piece of parchment that accompanies it. I drape the dress over my arm, and pick up the paper. My breath catches in my throat at the words written there.

Angel,

I can’t wait to see you at the ceremony today.

I had to send you a dress just as gorgeous as you.

See you soon,

Adrian

I stare at the paper in my open palm, not knowing what to make of the thoughtful gesture. The paralyzing words Maximus spoke, ring through my ears. I close my palm around the note, letting it crumple in my fist and fall to the ground.

I take one last look at the dress cradled in my arm, deciding to wear it still. I mean, it’s not the dress’s fault the god that created it is an asshole. Looking fabulous is always the best revenge.

I descend the stairs, the long gown trailing down behind me in a cascade of burgundy fabric, accentuating the thigh-high slit up the side. My leg is almost fully visible. I lift my eyes from admiring the dress to Kyros and Maximus waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me. Their eyes are glued to me, running up and down my form.

I avoid meeting Kyros’ gaze, despite how difficult he makes it. His tan suit shows his defined corded muscles through the fabric, his ash brown curls artfully tousled. Instead, I pull my gaze to Maximus, the ordinarily stoic god surprisingly letting an emotion other than anger or disdain shine through. His emerald eyes are wide, mouth slightly agape in shock and awe. He gives me an appreciative look, running his hand back through his black hair. Not caring for the formal affair, he wears his usual black jeans and a tight leather jacket over his white shirt. His eyes meet mine for a moment before dipping back down, attempting to hide the emotions clear across his face.

Tough luck, asshat, I saw everything, and I will not be letting him live it down. I give him a wicked grin, stepping off the last stair. My mood sobering as Kyros steps forward, the grin slipping off my lips.

“You look beautiful, Olivia.” Kyros’ words are soft and probing, gauging my reaction. My lips part, finally meeting his eyes. Thankfully, Maximus speaks, breaking our eye contact before I can look too closely at the emotions playing across his face.

“You look fine, I guess,” Maximus mutters under his breath. I almost choke on the chuckle I fail to suppress. The slip causes him to narrow his eyes on me. “Let’s just go,” he grumbles, stalking to the door.

I follow closely behind, not wanting him to leave without me. He reaches out for my hand automatically, despite his grumpy mood, saving me from a possible awkward encounter with Kyros.

He dissipates us to the office from yesterday before walking with me in silence to the auditorium. The first semester students are already waiting inside for the Ascension ceremony to begin. He reaches out a hand, gently wrapping around my arm, and pulls me to a stop before spinning me to face him.

“I won’t be able to stay close to you in there,” Maximus warns. “Stay away from the headmaster for as long as you can.” His eyes are hard, no hint of a sarcastic remark.

I nod in understanding, not wanting to put myself anywhere near that man unnecessarily. His gaze is searching, assessing me before nodding. Apparently satisfied with my response. He turns to the door. Surprising me again by holding it open and gesturing me forward. I close my eyes, taking a deep calming breath before trudging along. I’m about to irrevocably accept my new position in this realm.

I step over the threshold, and the raucous noise of the chattering students quiets. Heads turning slowly in my direction, I glance around, seeing that I’m definitely over-dressed. I raise my head up high, locking onto my friends near the front and keep my stride calm and confident moving towards them, ignoring the growing whispers around me.

“Remind me to get a god for a girlfriend, who gets me dresses like that. You look gorgeous,” Kali tells me as I approach and take the seat next to her. Domenic and Zina nod in agreement, and Lucas awkwardly avoids direct eye contact while sitting on the end. A blush creeping across his cheeks.

“Don’t say that too loud. What about Stacia?” I whisper back to her, and her cheeks redden at my words.

“Welcome everyone.” Mavros’ booming voice cuts off her response. I jump back in my seat, internally scolding myself for not paying closer attention. He’s wearing his usual cloak, the hood pulled almost entirely over his face. His features are barely visible through the shadows it casts over him. A shiver runs up my spine at the sight, and I shift uncomfortably in my seat. I feel a bit more at ease seeing Kyros up on the stage already.

“Students will be called up one at a time to Ascend,” Mavros continues, a weathered scroll appearing in his hands. He scans the list before calling up the first name, Carissa Abrams. I recognize her immediately from our history class. My heart lurches in my chest at the memory of seeing her thrown like a rag doll by the demon. She walks to the stage cautiously, head darting side to side, as she climbs the stairs.

A white marble column is placed in the center of the stage—an antique leatherbound book sitting atop it. The front is gilded in gold lettering—the Tome of Agathos. My mind pulls at the knowledge from class, the book is used when a demigod is born and when their powers are unlocked at the academy. The ancient magic within its pages is the only way to lock away and release a demigod’s magic.

Mavros ushers her to the dais, motioning her to place her hand atop the tome. She does so warily, wincing as her hand touches the book. Kyros steps forward, speaking just to her before reaching for the bracelet. The thin gold chain slips from her wrist.

I see her face relax, slipping into a meditative state as Professor Pallas warned us to do. He instructed us to ground our energy when the bracelets are removed. Before the block is completely removed, the power available to us is raw magic and very dangerous.

Mavros begins chanting beside her, a warm yellow glow emanating from the tome and sinking into her skin. After a moment, the light starts to subside, and he instructs her to remove her hand. As she does so, the tome flies open, pages blowing past her. Eventually, they settle, emitting the glow once more before going still. Mavros steps forward to lift the book, eyes skimming the page.

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