They were summoned to Luika's home office after breakfast. The wood paneled room was oppressively solemn as Malkia held her in front of the oak table. The light chirping of birds coming through the open windows did little to cut through the tension in the air.
"Put her down. She can stand on her own feet."
Luika's voice was cold, with a hint of exhaustion. Malkia obeyed, setting her down on the black carpet. Inoua struggled to stand, her legs wobbling as she took a step and reached a hand out to stabilize against the desk. She dared not look up, afraid of meeting the disappointed gaze falling on her.
"Look up." A command.
She timidly met the piercing sand yellow eyes.
"What is that on your hand?"
Confused, she followed Luika's gaze to the bracelet on her hand.
" A birthday gift. From Malika," she added doubtfully.
"Take it off."
"Mother, I -" Malkia's attempt to intervene was cut off.
"I'll get to you later." Luika turned back to Inoua who had been struggling unsuccessfully to slide the bracelet off her hand.
"Come here."
She waddled over, hesitation and trepidation battling in her heart. She instinctively held her hands up, only for Luika to grab the bracelet and squeeze. The band, which had moments ago had been impossibly fused together crumpled silently to the floor. Her gaze lingered on the scattered pieces, now dimmed as the magic that pulsed through them dissipated.
She stared dumbfounded at the pieces as they fell from Luika's hand onto the floor. Her heart squeezed, her breath catching in her throat.
The tears came hot and fast. They bubbled up and trickled down her face, blinding her as she struggled to swallow the whimper that clawed at her throat. Luika's gaze, disappointment filled with a hint of disgust, had her struggling to hold back any further show of weakness. Instead, she silently squatted down to pick up the fragments.
In her impaired haste a shard sliced her deep. The gushing blood was warm against the lifeless fragmented crystal.
"Mother, she's hurt." There was a minute pause before Luika sneered.
"Just a flesh wound. Now tell me, did you really think this low level illusion could hide it?"
Inoua shredded reflexively. This was not the mother she had imagined. Was this ruthless and indifferent person the same one who had shed countless tears over her unhatched egg? How?
"No, mother. I had just hoped to give her some time to adjust. She just hatched and the tyril flower incident still has everyone on edge."
Malkia's voice dropped an octave as she stammered out,"I just– I thought it would be best for her to adjust for a while first."
"That is not your decision to make. It is mine. She has the seven point star of a patroness. That makes her the child of destiny."
Inoua looked up, catching the hint of pride in the voice.
Seven pointed star? Patroness? What was that? Was it important? Then why did sister try to hide it? Another conspiracy by the voice?
Luika continued. "I will support her in every way possible to attain it. But first, tell me how you knew about the tyril flowers and the meaning of the star on her forehead."
Malkia hesitated before speaking, a struggle clear on her face.
"My teacher told me," she blurted out.
Luika paused, surprise etched on her face.
"That doesn't change anything. You shall return to school this very morning. Your holiday has been revoked. You are not allowed to use such matters as an excuse to slack off in your training to become the next Vata anymore."
"Yes, mother." A defeated small voice.
Vata Luika sighed deeply. " I have high hopes for you. Please do not let me down by letting yourself down. You can go."
Inoua met the lingering complicated look Malkia shot her before reluctantly turned and left the office.
"Give me your hand."
She did so obediently. Contrary to her expectation, her tiny hand was held in an equally warm large hand. Vata Luika reached for a tissue on the table and wiped off the blood from her already healing injuries. She reached out and opened her tiny fist and tossed the shards into the waste basket. A tiny part of her frozen heart cracked with the touch even as she watched the elegant gesture that took her treasure from her. It was a craving that she could bury but never deny.
"If you really liked that bracelet I'll go and get you another."
She dared to peek at the face so close to hers. Almond eyes, full lips and soft features frozen in an expression of indifference.
"Okay." She accepted the goodwill gesture. What was she hoping for? That the goodwill gesture would fix the pain of the broken bracelet? Inoua didn't know.
Luika picked her up and placed her on the desk.
"I am guessing you have many questions for me."
Straight to the point.
"What is a patroness?" she asked, her little feet swinging in the air.
"That is the head of our faith of Uwo. They are the bridge between the chimaera and the goddess who created us. Once anointed they protect us and guide us closer to the goddess for a long long time."
Luika pulled out a lollipop from one of the drawers, unwrapped it and handed the orange candy to her.
"Do you want to become one such patroness?"
She took the candy. The sugary treat was bitter in her mouth.
"How do I become one?" She asked in turn.
"Smart girl." Luika leaned back, her gaze more assessing, her voice more even.
"There is a selection process. Many will come forward to claim the position. They will have a mark much like yours. Most are fake. Some are genuine. Only one can be anointed. You will be paired with a boy also running for selection as a patron. Both your destinies will be entwined. You are either anointed together or not."
"What happens if we fail?"
Luika paused. " You will die."
"Oh.What do you think I should do, mother?" The word rolled out in a jerk, untested and unfamiliar around her tongue.
Luika smiled. "I think that none of my daughters are so weak as to dare fail."
A challenge.
"I think so too," she smiled back.