Alpha by Ember Sky Ignis at Inkitt

Chapter One

“Emersyn!” my mother yelled as she shook me back and forth on my bed, “WAKE UP!”

I turned, and opened one eye sleepily, “Mum! I doubt you would be so worried even if I die!”

She blushed, clearing her voice, “You should be excited. Today is your Ceremony!”

Upon hearing that, I literally jumped off my bed. I smacked myself mentally. Why didn’t I remember? Today is the MOST important day of my life! I would be getting my spirit (animal or plant) and my magic(s)!

Although it would not be much of a surprise - my parents, their parents, their parent’s parents all received the acceptable enhanced speed and a rodent as a spirit.

In the land of Alaska, being too special - too powerful - is seen as a threat. There are restrictions to which powers you are allowed to get (not that we can control the process but we would land in prison if we don’t) and which animals too.

But what the officials failed to see was that some of us had no intentions of harming anyone. They are just scared. So, they built a Prison specially to contain those with “too dangerous” partners or abilities.

My brother went that way, after receiving a Lynx and Telepathy. Well, it was not exactly comforting to know that there is a slight chance that I might follow in his footsteps, but the chances are - I would just live a normal life.

My mother gave the now energetic me a push towards the bathroom, and handed me an expensive-looking golden dress. She nodded her confirmation upon seeing the bewildered look on my face, “It brings out the fire in your eyes.”

I gulped, wondering how much of our little wealth it took for my mother to sew or worse, buy this luxurious dress for me. I quietly took off to the room, with a slight, encouraging push from my mother. Subconsciously, I grabbed a golden eyeliner to match my dress and highlight the tinge of rebel in my eyes.

My mother said nothing, which was weird considering that she would always reprimand me for putting my make-up. She caught my hesitation and sighed, “You are growing up, I can’t restrict you every time. You’ll be an adult soon...”

I understood what she meant. The ceremony symbolised my growth and my independance. I shut my mouth and went into the washroom to change into my dress.

I smiled to myself, gently pulling on my delicate-looking outfit. There seemed to be thousands of embers, enthrusted within the hundreds of layers of the dress. I wondered if I could even walk with that on. My fire red eyes glittered in the background of my dress. My mother was right. It did make my eyes more... vibrant than before. In a way that I had never anticipated.

To increase the overall effect, I began to apply my eyeliner with shaking hands. I’d never been in so much stress. If I made a wrong drop...

At last, I was done. I stood up in front of the mirror to admire my handiwork. The meticulous hard work paid off, thankfully, and my whole body was giving off the vibes of “Make me the way! I am the queen!”

Maybe I was, for that day. For once, everyone’s gazes would be trained on me to figure out (and bet on) which spirit and power I would receive.

My mother was waiting at the door with my breakfast. She did not seem to be dressed formally, and her explanation confirmed my suspicion, “Emersyn, you are old enough to go on your own. I have some chores...”

I could not help but feel a fire burn in me as I took over the breakfast basket, “You said the same to my brother!”

Immediately, I could tell that the temperature of the room dropped by at least ten degrees. My mother had tears glistening in her eyes as her old wound that she had gained when my brother was taken away resurfaced. She had taken a long time to get over that fact that only I was left.

That her only son (excluding me) was dead for sure.

That she would never see him again.

And now I am bringing that up again.

Great.

What a good daughter I am!

My face red, I mumbled an apology and dashed out of the estate without looking back at my sobbing mother.

I couldn’t.

The city square was soon in view, and it was noticibly very different from before. Colourful ribbons hang at every nook and cranny, lights shone as if electricity was free, and most of all, a grand -looking stage where I would be mounting soon.

Great.

The official recognised me as the one who was going to be on the stage and dragged me off from the usual crowd and to the backstage. I bit my lips nervously. I had never been the spotlight of so many people before.

The official looked friendly enough as she comforted me, “Ms. Storm, it’ll be fine. Over in few minutes...”

It did nothing to calm my nerves, but I nodded in thanks anyway, and tried (and failed) to keep up a brave front. The official left soon after to enter the stage and give a speech to begin the ceremony. Every year it would be different, and this time I listened intently as usual - just this time as the guest and not the audience.

“Now let’s welcome Emersyn Coral Storm!” the official announced.

It was my cue. I took a deep breath as the official’s words repeated in my mind.

Ms. Storm, it’ll be fine. Over in few minutes...

It’ll be fine, I told myself.

The official managed a little grin, and motioned for me to come forward...

To her.

I complied, and she placed a heavy, golden bird on my open palms. Immediately, two things happened simultaniously.

One, thunder clapped overhead, shocking everyone (It had not happened for a long time due to a draught). Two, I felt excruciating agony run through my body. It was like me repelling myself.

Then, a white wolf. Yes, a pure white wolf - female, I could tell - appeared in front of me. It must be my spirit animal then. I was frozen with fear. Wolves were on the top lists of banned animals.

I was sure to get into trouble...

Shouts began to ring out for the official to capture me, and she did. One of the last thing I saw was her warm brown eyes - the very ones that had calmed me - turning cold with ruthlessness and anger.

“The best thing I can do now is to lock you and your spirit together,” she let a wisp of breath out and shook her head.

It was nothing.

She had “betrayed” me.

I wondered if my brother felt the same.

Then, her sleep dart hit me.

Before I drifted off reluctantly, I realised that I was about to start a new life.

Alone, without anyone to guide me.

And I might never get out of that life ever again.

Never.

My family’s name would also be dirtied; my mother frowned upon for raising two too-powerful people.

Then it went all black.

I faded into oblivion. Dreamless oblivion.