Page 27 of Dark Princess Ascending

"No," Morelle said quickly. "I want to be close to the stage where this will play out."

This was her clan now, her community, and she wanted to learn their traditions and their ceremonies because they were hers now.

"I think I know what song would be perfect," Jasmine said. "'With a Little Help from my Friends.' It's about friendship and support, and it's also upbeat."

"That's perfect," Amanda agreed. "But we should check with Kian first. He's the master of ceremonies, and he might object to deviating from tradition."

"I'm all for it," Kian said. "I'll introduce you." He walked over to where Rob was standing and lifted his hand high in the air to get everyone's attention.

"Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming to witness Rob's induction ceremony. I'm thrilled to introduce a new tradition to our ceremony tonight. Jasmine is going to sing a song about friendship, and everyone who knows the words to 'With a Little Help from my Friends' is welcome to sing along." He turned to Jasmine and waved her over. "Next time, we will have a stage ready for you, but tonight, the best I can offer you is a chair to stand on."

She laughed as she made her way over to him. "No need. Thanks to the significant height increase following my transition and a pair of high heels, I will be seen by most even without standing on a chair."

She ducked under the rope to where Rob was standing and put her hand on his shoulder. "You are also welcome to sing along, my friend."

14

ROB

As Rob joined Jasmine, singing loudly and slightly off-key, it felt cathartic. Nearly everyone in the gym was singing with him, and the energy infusion was incredible.

These people cared about him for some reason. They had his back.

When she was done, the room erupted in cheers and applause, and Jasmine took a bow before turning to him. "Good luck, Rob." She patted his arm before stepping out of the ring.

Kian raised his hand again to shush the crowd. "Who thinks that Jasmine's wonderful song is a great addition to our induction ceremonies?"

As another round of cheers and applause ensued, Kian clapped along, and his butler rushed in with a tray of tiny paper cups filled with wine, distributing it amongst the guests.

Had he brought enough?

Surely, no one had anticipated such a turnout, especially not Rob. Margo and Gertrude stood on the other side of the rope like two lionesses guarding their cub, and when the butler reached them, they each grabbed a cup, and Gertrude took one more for him.

When everyone was served, Kian raised his cup, and the gym fell silent.

"We are gathered here tonight," Kian's voice carried clearly through the space, "to present this man to his elders. Rob is ready to attempt his transition. Vouching for him are Toven, Mia, and many others. Who volunteers to take on the burden of initiating Rob into his immortality?"

Arwel stepped forward. "I do."

Rob's heart hammered against his ribs. Despite knowing this was coming, everything suddenly felt terrifyingly real.

"Rob," Kian continued, "do you accept Guardian Arwel as your initiator? As your mentor and protector, to honor him with your friendship, your respect, and your loyalty from now on?"

"I do," he said.

"Does anyone have any objections to Rob becoming Arwel's protégé?"

When no one came forward, Kian raised his wine glass. "As everyone here agrees that it's a good match, let's seal it with a toast. To Rob and Arwel."

The assembled crowd echoed the toast, and Rob took a sip of the sweet wine, grateful for something to do with his hands.

Arwel approached him with a warm smile. "Ready, brother?"

The term of endearment, though part of the ceremony, still touched something in Rob's chest. "As I'll ever be."

They embraced briefly—the traditional gesture symbolizing their new bond—before taking positions on the mat. Rob was acutely aware of the crowd surrounding them, but he forced himself to focus on Arwel.

"You're ready," Arwel said with a smile. "Show me what you've got."