CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN: THE CROWNING

I stared at my hand, remembering the first time Selena tried to teach me how to create a portal. She made it look easy—effortless, even—while I struggled just to keep the damn thing from collapsing. "Focus, Liam. Feel the shadows bend to your will," she had said, standing beside me with that self-assured look of hers.

I had scoffed at her back then, frustrated by her confidence. "Easy for you to say. You're basically a prodigy."

"And you're supposed to be my cousin, which means you should be at least half as good as me," she had teased, smirking. "Unless, of course, you're just bad at this?"

I had nearly punched her for that. Instead, I doubled down, pouring my energy into the shadows, forcing them to shift the way I wanted. The result? A jagged, unstable rift that lasted all of five seconds before sputtering out.

Selena had only sighed. "You're forcing it. Shadows don't work that way. You need to guide them, not strangle them into submission."

Even now, the memory irritated me. She had always been ahead, always a step beyond my reach.

And now… she was a Sage.

I clenched my fists, but another memory surfaced—one from years ago.

Seth stood before us in the training grounds, spinning his scythe lazily as he grinned. "Alright, you brats. Let's see what you've got."

Selena and I exchanged glances before charging.

Selena and I charged at Seth, moving in sync without needing words. I went low, sweeping toward his legs, while she struck high, aiming for his shoulder.

Seth twisted like a shadow, slipping between us effortlessly. "Come on, you two can do better than that." His voice was full of amusement, like we were nothing more than children trying to swat at a storm.

I gritted my teeth, pushing my shadows outward, aiming to restrict his movement. At the same time, Selena's own shadows darted in from above, forming jagged spears meant to pin him down.

Seth smirked, spinning his scythe. With a single movement, he dispersed my shadows and dodged Selena's attack. He landed a sharp tap on my back with the blunt side of his weapon, making me stumble forward.

"Too slow," he taunted.

Selena clicked her tongue, her stance shifting. I didn't need to see her face to know what she was thinking. Now.

I moved immediately, shifting behind Seth as Selena went for his front. He caught her wrist as she struck, but that was what we wanted.

With a sharp exhale, I sent my shadows snaking up from beneath him, wrapping around his legs and locking him in place. Selena followed up instantly, twisting her body and flipping over him, using his own grip on her wrist to send him flying forward.

Seth landed hard on his back.

For a moment, there was only silence.

Then, he let out a laugh. "Well, damn. You two actually got me."

I smirked, catching my breath. Selena flicked her hair back, satisfied.

But before we could celebrate, Seth sat up and grinned at us. "Alright, new challenge." He pointed between us. "Now, fight each other."

I froze, glancing at Selena. She blinked, confused for a second, before narrowing her eyes.

"Why?" she asked.

Seth stretched, standing up. "Because I want to see how strong you are against each other. You two fight well together, but strength isn't just about teamwork. It's about knowing your own limits—and surpassing them."

I rolled my shoulders, cracking my neck. "Fine by me."

Selena exhaled, steadying herself.

The playful atmosphere shifted.

We weren't partners anymore.

We were opponents.

A grin tugged at my lips as I faced Selena. I had always been curious—who was stronger between us?

Selena spun her dagger between her fingers before flipping it into a reverse grip. She was ready.

I bent my knees slightly, spreading my fingers. Shadows curled around me like living smoke.

Seth raised his hand. "Begin."

Selena moved first, darting in with her dagger aimed for my side. I met her attack head-on, blocking with a blade of my own shadow. Sparks flew as our weapons clashed, the force of the impact pushing us both back.

Without hesitation, she twisted her body, sending a crescent arc of darkness toward me. I countered with my own, the two attacks colliding in midair and canceling each other out.

"Not bad," I muttered, barely dodging a shadow spike that shot up from beneath my feet.

Selena was fast, unpredictable, her movements fluid as she weaved between offense and defense. I could tell she was holding nothing back.

We circled each other, exchanging blows. Every time I struck, she dodged. Every time she attacked, I parried. It was even.

At first.

Then, I started pushing harder.

I sharpened my strikes, put more weight behind my blows. Selena's reaction time faltered, her blocks slower, her dodges less precise.

I could see it—the gap between us.

"You're hesitating," I taunted, stepping into her space and forcing her on the defensive.

Selena gritted her teeth, summoning a dozen shadow blades around her before launching them at me. I didn't move. My own shadows erupted from the ground, swallowing them whole before they could reach me.

Then I closed the distance.

Before she could react, I grabbed her wrist, twisting her dagger out of her grip. My other hand pressed against her shoulder, and with one swift motion, I flipped her onto her back.

Selena gasped as the wind was knocked out of her.

I knelt over her, my shadow blade hovering just inches from her throat.

"Yield," I said, my voice low.

For a moment, she just stared at me, her crimson eyes burning with frustration. Then, reluctantly, she sighed.

"I yield."

Seth clapped from the sidelines, stepping forward with an approving nod. "Impressive. Both of you."

Selena turned her head away, clearly annoyed. I smirked, standing up and offering her a hand.

She ignored it, pushing herself up instead.

I didn't miss the way her fingers curled into fists.

She hated losing.

And I loved winning.

I clenched my fists, the memory still fresh in my mind. I could see it clearly—Selena, frustrated, her stance tightening after I dominated the fight. That was the last time we truly clashed, and now…

"Liam."

Nicole's voice snapped me back to reality. I blinked, the memory dissolving like mist.

She stood beside me, arms crossed, studying my face.

"We've been summoned," she said.

I exhaled through my nose, rolling my shoulders as I pushed the past aside. Whatever Helen wanted, it better be worth my time.

"Lead the way, then," I muttered.

Nicole gave me a look—one I ignored—before turning on her heel, guiding me toward whatever awaited us.

In the Shadow Realm, Selena stirred awake, stretching her limbs as the lingering comfort of deep sleep wrapped around her. It had been a while since she'd slept this well. For once, there were no nightmares—just pure, undisturbed rest.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes, only to be greeted by the familiar scent of crushed herbs. Her gaze landed on Sophia, who was seated at the table, methodically grinding a mixture in a stone mortar.

Selena sighed, already knowing what was coming.

"You're making that tea again, aren't you?" she muttered, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed.

Sophia didn't look up. "Your body is still recovering. You need it."

Selena groaned, running a hand through her hair. "I've had enough of that bitter stuff to last me a lifetime."

Sophia finally glanced at her, arching a brow. "And yet, you keep healing quickly. Coincidence?"

Selena folded her arms, scowling at the herbs. "I'd rather take my chances."

Sophia chuckled as she continued crushing the herbs. "You know, Sage Henri used to love my tea," she said with a nostalgic smile. "He always said it rejuvenated him, made him feel young again."

Selena scoffed, leaning back on her hands. "Henri would say anything if it meant getting free stuff."

Sophia laughed. "True, but he never once refused a cup. He claimed it was his secret to staying energetic enough to pester everyone."

Selena's scowl softened as she shook her head. "Sounds like him."

Sophia poured the mixture into a small pot, the familiar earthy aroma filling the room. "You don't have to like it, but I promise, it helps."

Selena sighed in defeat. "Fine. But if I start acting like Henri, I'm blaming you."

Sophia handed Selena a cup of the tea with a knowing smile. "I'll take full responsibility," she said playfully.

Selena took a hesitant sip, wrinkling her nose at the bitter taste but drinking it anyway. The warmth spread through her, easing the lingering fatigue from her body. She set the cup down and leaned forward. "So… when's the announcement?"

Sophia's hands stilled over her herbs. She looked up at Selena, her expression shifting to something more serious. "Soon. The King and the Elders are finalizing the details."

Selena frowned. "And what exactly are they finalizing? Either I'm the Sage, or I'm not."

Sophia sighed. "It's not that simple, Selena. Some of the Elders are… hesitant."

Selena scoffed. "Let me guess—because I'm young? Because I don't have years of wisdom and experience?"

"Because you're Seth's daughter," Sophia corrected, her tone calm but firm. "And because you were trained by Henri. Some see that as a strength, others…" She trailed off, shaking her head.

Selena clenched her jaw. "They think I'll be reckless."

"They think you'll be like him," Sophia said carefully.

Selena's fingers tightened around her cup. "Good."

Sophia gave her a long, unreadable look before shaking her head with a sigh. "You don't need to prove anything to them, Selena. Your strength speaks for itself."

Selena scoffed, leaning back. "Tell that to the Elders."

"They'll come around," Sophia assured her. "Besides, it doesn't change the fact that you're the Sage now. Their approval won't undo what Henri already decided."

Selena exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "So, when exactly am I supposed to make my grand debut?"

Sophia smirked. "Soon."

Selena's eyes narrowed. "How soon?"

Sophia simply shrugged. "When the Elders are ready."

Sophia and Selena turned toward the door as the firm knock echoed through the room. Exchanging a glance, Sophia set down the herbs and walked over, opening the door to reveal a young Tenebri woman dressed in the royal envoy's attire.

The messenger bowed slightly before stepping inside, holding out a neatly folded parchment. "A message from the King," she announced.

Selena's eyes narrowed as she took the paper from the messenger's hands. The royal seal was pressed into the wax, unbroken. Whatever this was, it had been delivered with utmost importance.

Sophia wiped her hands on a cloth and crossed her arms. "What does the King want now?"

Selena broke the seal and unfolded the paper, scanning its contents. Her expression remained unreadable, but her grip on the parchment tightened slightly.

Selena's eyes flickered across the neatly written words, her grip unconsciously tightening on the parchment. Written on it was the date of her official announcement as Sage—tomorrow evening, when the Shadows were at their strongest.

Sophia, noticing the shift in Selena's expression, leaned in slightly. "Well?"

Selena exhaled, lowering the paper. "It's tomorrow."

Sophia arched a brow. "That soon?"

The messenger gave a respectful nod. "The King and the Elders agreed that the timing must align with the Shadows at their peak. It is tradition."

Selena rolled her shoulders, feeling the weight of the moment settle over her. There was no turning back now.

Sophia's eyes scanned the last few lines of the message, and a small smirk played on her lips. "Oh, look at this," she mused. "The announcement will be public, and you'll have to give a speech."

Selena groaned, rubbing her forehead. "Of course it is. Because being declared Sage wasn't pressure enough, now I have to stand in front of everyone and talk."

Sophia chuckled, setting her herbs aside. "You'll be fine. Just don't overthink it. Speak from the heart."

Selena shot her a dry look. "That advice doesn't help when the heart just wants to skip the whole damn thing."

Sophia shook her head with amusement. "It's part of the role, Selena. They need to hear from their new Sage. And besides, you've always had a way with words when it mattered."

Selena sighed, knowing there was no way out of it. "Remind me again why I didn't just stay unconscious a little longer?"

Sophia chuckled at Selena's grumbling but didn't push further. Instead, she handed her a cup of freshly brewed tea with an expectant look. Selena sighed in defeat and took a reluctant sip, grimacing at the bitter taste.

The hours passed in a blur. Between last-minute preparations, conversations she barely remembered, and the ever-growing weight of responsibility pressing on her shoulders, time slipped away faster than she expected.

Before she knew it, evening had arrived. The sky darkened, and the shadows stretched long and deep across the land. It was time.

Selena stood before the grand hall, her heart pounding as she faced the gathering crowd. She adjusted the ceremonial robe draped over her shoulders, the fabric smooth and rich against her skin. It was deep black, embroidered with silver patterns that mimicked the swirling motion of shadows in the night. The sleeves, long and flowing, carried the insignia of the Sage—a crest of intertwining tendrils that seemed to shift under the flickering light. The weight of the robe was unfamiliar, pressing down on her like the expectations of the people she was about to face.

The grand hall had been transformed for the occasion. Towering banners of dark silk hung from the ceiling, their edges laced with glistening obsidian thread. Lanterns filled with wisps of living shadow hovered mid-air, casting an ethereal glow over the assembled crowd. The stage itself was a raised platform of polished onyx, carved with ancient runes that pulsed faintly beneath her feet. At its center stood a single lectern made of blackened steel, an artifact from past Sages, its surface engraved with the history of those who came before her.

From where she stood, Selena could see the faces of the people gathered before her. There was a quiet intensity in their eyes, a mixture of hope, reverence, and unspoken curiosity. Some stood with arms crossed, their expressions unreadable, while others watched her with admiration. The older Tenebri in the crowd whispered among themselves, likely reminiscing about the days of Sage Henri. The younger ones, warriors and scholars alike, stood still, anticipation humming in the air.

Selena took a slow breath, her fingers tightening around the edges of her sleeves. She had never been fond of public speeches, and standing under the weight of so many expectant gazes made her stomach churn.

From the side, Sophia caught her eye, offering an encouraging nod. Selena exhaled and stepped forward, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

As Selena stepped onto the stage, the crowd's murmurs faded into a hushed silence. Every eye in the room was fixed on her, and the weight of their gaze pressed heavily on her chest. The robe felt like it had grown heavier with each step she took, yet there was an undeniable pride in the way it trailed behind her, its shimmer catching the light. She couldn't help but feel the significance of the moment, a culmination of everything she had fought for, everything she had lost.

The onyx stage beneath her feet felt solid, but it was a strange kind of solidity—almost as though it could crack under the weight of her own uncertainty. The air around her was thick, heavy with expectations, with the very essence of shadows swirling in the room. It was as if the shadows themselves were watching her, waiting to see if she was worthy of the power she was about to inherit.

As she reached the lectern, Selena's fingers brushed lightly against the steel surface. The coldness of it sent a shiver through her, reminding her of how far she had come from the time when she was a mere bystander in this realm—an observer rather than a participant. Now, she was here, standing at the precipice of becoming its new Sage, the one who would lead and protect the Tenebri.

She took another breath, steadying herself. The quiet that filled the room seemed to stretch on for eternity, but in reality, only a few moments had passed before she finally spoke. Her voice, though steady, carried the weight of her inner turmoil.

"I stand before you today, not as a perfect leader, but as one who has been shaped by both failure and success. My journey has been long and difficult, and yet, I am honored to be the one chosen to carry the legacy of the Sage."

There was a flicker of movement in the crowd, a shift in the air. Selena glanced out at them, trying to gauge their reactions, but all she could see were the expectant faces. Some looked relieved, others skeptical, but most seemed to be waiting for her to prove herself.

"I know the path ahead will not be easy. The realm we protect is in turmoil, and my father's passing have cast a shadow over everything we hold dear. But I promise you this—just as the shadows rise and fall, so too will we rise together. I will do everything in my power to lead, to protect, and to honor the legacy of those who came before me, including my own father."

The words felt strange on her tongue, but they were true. Even if she had doubts, even if the weight of the role made her feel like she could crumble at any moment, she could not let them see it. She had to be strong, for them. For herself.

"And so, I ask for your trust, your support, and your strength as we face the future together."

A long silence followed her words. For a moment, it seemed as though the crowd would remain frozen, unsure of how to respond. But then, slowly, a few voices began to murmur, and soon the murmurs turned into applause. Reluctant at first, but growing with every passing second, the sound filled the hall, reverberating off the stone walls.

Selena stood tall, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't know if the applause was for her or out of necessity. But it didn't matter. She had said what she needed to say, and now, she would face the consequences, whatever they may be.

Sophia was the first to approach her, offering a rare, genuine smile. "You did well," she said softly, her voice carrying the quiet satisfaction of someone who had been waiting for this moment to come.

Selena couldn't help but return the smile, though it was brief. "We'll see," she murmured, turning her gaze back to the crowd.

As the applause settled and the weight of her words lingered in the air, Selena exhaled slowly, letting the moment sink in. The shadows around her pulsed softly, as if acknowledging the shift in power, the change in fate. She had stepped into the role of Sage not just by title, but by the expectations that now rested on her shoulders. Whether the people truly believed in her or not, she had made her stand. And as she looked out at the sea of faces before her, she realized—this was only the beginning.

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