Page 7 of Fire & Ice

The melody began to slow, and I felt my chest tighten in anticipation. I could tell he wanted to say something. His face was so close to mine that I could feel his cool breath on my cheek as he whispered, "I know we've just met, but there's something about you that I can't ignore."

My heart was pounding in my chest. What was this feeling? It was foolishness to be drawn to someone in his position, but I couldn't deny the attraction. I even thought maybe he was feeling something too.

"Will you..." His words were cut short, and it seemed he had been perfectly poised to ask me something important when suddenly the snow falling inside the palace caught our attention and the chimes of a royal announcement rang out. Beau quickly pulled back and turned to walk away with a low growl.

I watched him leave, still feeling captivated by him while trying to process what had just happened between us. It felt like something out of a fairy tale.

As Charlie walked over, he looked at me knowingly. His voice—laced with laughter and a hint of disappointment, “I told you that you were enchanting Tempest…now come on let’s go get some bloodwine. You'll need it to ease your nerves for this ceremony!”

Chapter 8

Tempest

The ancient banners of the royal family hung from the walls of Palace Fernet, a grand and majestic fortress that had been in their lineage for generations. The sun had set, giving way to a dark night sky filled with stars and a blood moon that lit the sky red and pink.

King Lucas's voice rang out over the thousands present. "Welcome all. Today we are here to celebrate another generation of ours reaching their twenty-fifth moon day and on the night of the blood moon. With the longevity that we are blessed to have—to see our offspring reach the age that will determine their place in life can be a moment filled with many emotions. That is why it is my pleasure to hold this year's first quarter Moonday Ball here at Palace Fernet."

"Tonight, my dear Queen and I will be the ones to bestow the blessings that will shine upon these gifted to determine if they will become halflings." King Lucas spoke as he held out his hand toward his wife Queen Tatiana who joined his side.

As the king's words echoed through the halls of the palace, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. The queen lifted her hands and began to chant ancient words of divine influence. "As we bless you tonight from our loving kingdom, may you be ever faithful and true. May your life shine bright like the moon in the sky, guiding you through whatever comes your way."

The quarter Blood Moon Ball was one of the most anticipated seasonal events, a night of ascension and revelry for the young gifted of the kingdom. It was a magical event, and the atmosphere even more enchanting. Sparks of light floated across the hall from all directions while minstrels played gentle music, filling the air with a melodic sound that was in harmony with the evening. The scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the event. The young men and women were dressed in their finest attire, with shimmering gowns and elegant suits.

The anticipation had been building all night, and finally my moment had come. I stood in line, surrounded by other gifted like me, all awaiting our moment to stand before the king and queen. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched them approach. I fidgeted with the delicate lace of my dress, trying to steady my nerves. This was it—the moment that would determine whether I remained a gifted or became a Halfling like the elite few.

King Lucas stopped in front of me, his piercing blue eyes scanning me from head to toe. I felt exposed under his gaze. He then raised his hands above me as he began speaking an ancient blessing in a language that I did not understand. Queen Tatiana joined in, their voices echoing around us as they spoke in perfect harmony.

"Tempest," the king said suddenly, his voice booming. "You have reached your twenty-fifth Blood Moon, and tonight we will bestow upon you the blessings that will determine if you become a Halfling. Are you ready?"

Nerves nearly overtook me, but I managed to nod my head. Queen Tatiana stepped forward and touched my forehead. The energy surged through me, leaving an ice-cold chill in its wake.

As I opened my eyes, a sense of clarity washed over me. I knew what my destiny was, and it was a destiny that I had secretly longed for ever since I was a little girl. I looked up at the queen and smiled, feeling an immense gratitude towards her.

"I am ready, Your Majesty," I said, my voice strong and confident.

Queen Tatiana smiled at me, her eyes brimming with pride. "Then let it be so," she said, and with a flick of her wrist, a burst of bright light surrounded me.

My body quivered as the light engulfed me, like a veil being lifted from my eyes. I looked around the ballroom and it glowed with an otherworldly radiance. As the light faded, I knew something had changed inside of me. I could feel power coursing through my veins, a mixture of exhilaration and terror. My fangs longed to extend from my gums, and a faint glow emanated from my hands.

The King nodded in satisfaction, his eyes gleaming. "Tempest, you have been chosen to become a Halfling," he declared for all to hear. The crowd roared with joy and excitement, as pride swelled through me. My mother always said I was destined for greatness, but even she couldn't have predicted what was happening now.

As they finished their ritual, King Lucas stepped away and moved on to the next person in line. Queen Tatiana stayed behind for a moment longer and looked me directly in my eyes before speaking softly yet firmly, “Remember Tempest, your destiny lies within you!”

Her words filled me with warmth and hope as she moved away to join her husband. I was stunned--in a trance--my body trying to adjust to the new power that was now coursing inside of me. I almost didn't notice when they had blessed the last gifted. After giving their farewell speech, they turned away from us all.

Not many of us had been blessed with elevation from gifted to Halfling, and as I looked around at the other few, I saw the same look of awe and wonder on their faces. We were all changed now, and nothing would ever be the same again.

The festivities resumed, but the attention of the room was now turned to me. Everyone seemed to be searching for a glimpse of my newfound power and influence, but all I could feel was the piercing gaze of one man—Prince Beauregard.

My newfound status had attracted the attention of all these gifted and halflings, but somehow, he'd known before them that I was special. He emerged from the shadows of the ballroom and stepped into the light, his deep blue eyes fixed on mine, and he asked in a tone laden with awe, "It's you, isn't it?"

Chapter 9

Tempest

I looked up at Beau, my pulse racing, confusion swirling in my mind as something dark and wanting pulsed deep inside of me—seeking a deeper connection to him. "What do you mean?" I asked, completely bewildered.

"You're the one from my dreams," he said, his voice low and husky. His eyes sparkled in the dimly lit ballroom, and I felt an icy warmth radiate throughout my body. My heart beat wildly in anticipation for what he might say next. "I couldn't see you fully until you became a Halfling. The pull to you was strong even before that moment, but now it is unbearable."

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