The Phoenix's Second Choice

Everyone froze for a moment.

Then the entire crowd burst into laughter.

Nyxar crossed his arms and gave me a slow, mocking once-over, his face full of disdain.

"And who are you to judge Princess Seraphine? If she isn't fit to be the heir, what, you think you are?"

My father's expression darkened, anger flaring beneath the surface.

"Enough!" he snapped. "Althea, step aside—now!"

He flung his sleeve, releasing a wave of spiritual force that swept both Franz and me out of the ritual space.

Seraphine glanced over at me, eyes gleaming with challenge.

"Watch closely, Althea," she said with a sneer. "And see for yourself just how much stronger I am than a useless waste like you."

Then she began the sacred Dance of the Hundred Birds.

Power burst outward, rippling in waves from the center of the altar.

In an instant, the sky darkened. A multitude of birds descended, thunder rumbling in the distance, as if dusk had fallen in broad daylight.

Seraphine moved with practiced grace, her waist swaying lightly, each motion fluid and precise.

Magpies took the lead, gathering in reverence before her.

One by one, other birds followed, forming intricate patterns that shimmered with radiant light. Vast energy wove through them, forming a brilliant net suspended in the air.

The crowd watched in a trance, mesmerized.

The overflowing spiritual energy began to spread, meant to nourish and strengthen everyone present.

But soon, whispers of confusion began to rise.

"Strange... why can't I absorb any of the energy?"

"I can't either!"

"It's like it's just passing by me—none of it is being drawn in."

More and more people noticed something was off.

Their eyes slowly lifted to the altar, where Seraphine was still dancing, lost in her own sense of glory.

When the final step landed, she bowed deeply to the heavens and declared in a loud, reverent voice, "I, Seraphine, First Princess of the Phoenix Court, humbly request to receive the inheritance."

Silence.

Unease flickered across her face. She lowered herself to the ground again, her tone more desperate, more devout.

"I, Seraphine, First Princess of the Phoenix Court, humbly request to receive the inheritance!"

This time, there was an answer.

I stood beside Franz, casually rubbing my ear, and said with all seriousness, "You can stop shouting. I refuse."