Chapter 459: Bloodline test
The bloodline ritual was about to start. Abrielle was the only one standing in the centre of the court. Two aides approached her with a gold bowl they held up on a pedestal.
She recognised one of them as the scholar from the library. Their expression was blank and unreadable. They placed the pedestal before her, then bowed before the Emperor before backing away.
On the small pedestal, there was a bowl filled with a gold liquid, and beside it, there was a dagger, intricately crafted from a glowing red magic stone and inlaid with smaller enchanted gems. The blade was made from a red magic stone, and the handle was gold with patterns she didn’t understand, which added to its beauty and was decorated with small stones.
She glanced at the emperor, awaiting his instructions. Their gaze locked once again. The emperor stood from his throne, his eyes darting around the room.
"Today we are about to witness a special moment that will decide the fate of the maiden that stands before us." His voice boomed. Silvanius raised his hand and started muttering an incantation.
The air shifted, and she felt the magic crawl against her skin, the room getting heavy. Silvanius stopped muttering, and a bright light shone in the room.
Runes immediately appeared underneath her, showing one of the most complicated patterns ever. The rune was red in colour, and she could feel a strong heat under her feet.
The rune was circular, and from its edges, beams of light rose upward, encasing Abrielle in a glowing cage above the rune. It was a protective barrier.
Silvanius dropped his hand after finishing his spell. "Please proceed. May the great Cassius, the god of wisdom, guide you," he said, then sat back on his throne.
Abrielle glanced at the bowl, and a lump formed in her throat. Their eyes were all on her, waiting. Some were hoping she would pass, others were waiting for her to fail.