Page 79 of Dream in Darkness
Luc gets up onto the podium and everyone rises before taking a knee. “Our Infernal King,” everyone says at once.
He gestures for us to sit, and begins his speech. “Today we elect the first official representative of the felion species on Hel. This individual chosen will participate in governmental meetings regarding not only Haeresis, but all of Hel. They speak not just for themselves, but for the felion as a whole.” Luc continues, talking about the importance of this decision, and giving a little backstory on the felion’s beginnings from his point-of-view.
It’s weird being the only lupion here, but I feel a sense of pride over it too, because I am not unwelcome. Nobody has snapped or snarled. In fact, the felion seem to be overjoyed by my presence, waving and smiling in my direction. Even the scents in the room are overwhelmingly pleasant. Nobody smells fearful or irate, and it gives me hope for the future of our species.
“On the ballot is Yasmeena Hamza Al-Khalifa,” Luc says, and my heart leaps into my chest. “She currently runs unopposed. Does anyone object or wish to stake a claim on the position?”
My brows furrow. Although I mostly expected Yasmeena to win, I’m genuinely surprised no one is challenging her. It just goesto show how qualified she truly is, when her people unanimously agree. I hope this brings her happiness, even if I can’t stay long enough to watch it blossom.
“All in favor of electing Ms. Al-Khalifa as Representative of the Felion Species, raise your left arm,” Luc says, and every hand shoots up at once.
Applause vibrates through the room, and Claudia urges Yasmeena up onto the podium to give a speech. I know it’s brilliant. Her words are thoughtful and intelligent, just as she is, but I can’t hear them. The sound is drowned out by the ache in my heart.
I push my feelings away, making myself numb so I can listen as she answers the questions they’re bombarding her with.
Will you guarantee us half of the hunting territory? Who can claim the river on the west side of the carnival grounds? Have you and Tempest Lupine set a wedding date yet?
Question after question, Yasmeena answers with impeccable grace, ensuring each person feels seen and heard.
As the election-turned-press-conference concludes, everyone is ushered out of the room, leaving just the two of us, Claudia, and the king himself.
“I will see you tomorrow,” Luc says, and Yasmeena nods.
“I will see you then.”
His relationship with the carnies sits at odds with the stories I’ve heard, but I’d like to think it’s because they’re not just his subjects—they’re his family too. Raph is obviously his biological sibling, but there’s an obvious care to the way he treats the entire carnival, especially Draven and Gemma.
“Looks like you proved the headlines right. Congratulations, sweetheart,” Claudia says, her copper hair bouncing as she walks, before embracing Yasmeena in a hug, and walking away.
When we reach the elevator, Yasmeena just stares at the cold metal wall, her face mellow, but almost blank.
“Are you alright?” I ask. She’s halfway to achieving everythingshe’s been wanting, I don’t understand why she’s acting so out of sorts.
“Yeah, I just… realized how much will be riding on me. I know you were raised to be Alpha or second one day, but I never anticipated this for myself. It’s a lot,” she admits. It might be the first time I’ve ever seen her this insecure.
“I’m sorry, but for what it’s worth, I think this role is perfect for you,” I say, hoping she hears the sincerity in my voice.
She reaches for my hand. “Can I kiss you?”
My breath staggers. I want to grab her by the hips and pull her close, but I can’t risk it. Not when I’ll be seeing my father later today, and the other pack leaders.
I shake my head, pulling away though it physically pains me to deny her this. “It’s not a good idea.”
Movement No. 30
Yasmeena
Draven called an urgent meeting with The Devil’s Masquerade, as well as Raph and Luc. Absinthe can’t make it—she’s currently tracking Baelor—but the rest of us sit in quiet anticipation of the king’s arrival.
Things have been strange between me and Tempest lately as we dance on the edge between longing and loathing. But she was there for me this morning, and I wish I could be there for her right now. I can’t fathom the anxiety she must feel having to face the pack leaders on her own, but I’m also confident in her. We’ve gotten the felion’s side of things in order, we just need to take the final steps to get the lupion on board.
I’m the official representative of the felion now. It’s not a title I take lightly, and I plan to wear it with pride. When I told Khalid, he said our parents would be proud.
I’d like to think he’s right, but there’s a heaviness in my heart that they likely won’t ever know. Perhaps there is an afterlife, and they’re watching us. It makes me understand why people believe in such things—there’s a comfort in it, a hope of reunion.
When Luc walks in, he’s dressed more casually than this morning. Donning loose slacks and a button-down, he appears more relaxed.
We get down on one knee. “Our Infernal King.”
