The days blurred into a flurry of preparations, and before Nyx knew it, the day of the ceremony had arrived. She stood beside Till in the bustling church, her silver hair shimmering under the soft glow of lanterns. Till fidgeted with his shirt as they waited for the ceremony to begin, his nervous energy palpable.
The church was alive with the murmur of villagers—young and old—who had come to witness or participate in the event. Rows of benches filled quickly as families took their seats, their faces a mix of hope and unease. The air inside was heavy, not just with incense but with the thick anticipation of those waiting to see who the constellations would favor.
The altar at the front of the church was adorned with celestial symbols—stars, moons, and intricate constellations etched into shimmering silver fabric. Priests in flowing robes moved gracefully between the pews, ensuring everything was in place for the sacred ritual. Their measured steps and calm expressions offered little reassurance to the participants, whose eyes darted nervously toward the altar.
Nyx’s gaze swept over the room, taking in the familiar decorations and solemn atmosphere. She leaned toward Till, who was practically vibrating with anxiety.
“Breathe,” she whispered, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “You’re going to wear a hole in the floor with all that shifting.”
“I can’t help it,” Till whispered back, his voice tight. “What if I don’t get anything? What if—”
“You will,” Nyx cut him off gently, her amethyst eyes steady as they met his. “Just trust yourself. And if you don’t… Well, you’ll still be Till. That’s enough.”
Her words seemed to calm him, if only slightly. He offered a faint smile and nodded, his fingers loosening their grip on his shirt.
Once everyone was settled, the ceremony began. The head priest stepped forward, his presence commanding as he raised his hands to quiet the room. The murmurs faded into a hushed silence, and all eyes turned toward the altar.
“Today,” the priest began, his voice echoing through the church, “we gather to honor the constellations and their divine wisdom. It is through their guidance that we receive our gifts—the skills that shape our lives and bind us to our purpose.”
A ripple of murmurs passed through the crowd at his words. For some, this day was the culmination of years of hope and effort. For others, it was a reminder of past disappointment.
The priest gestured toward a circular platform at the front of the church, its surface inscribed with glowing runes. “Step forward, one at a time. The constellations will choose those deemed worthy.”
The participants formed a line, each taking their place on the platform when called. The air grew thicker with anticipation as the ceremony progressed.
The crowd grew restless as one by one, villagers left the podium, their faces heavy with disappointment. The tension in the church was palpable, a quiet hum of dread weaving through the crowd.
So far, only one young man had walked away with a skill, his face lit with joy as others whispered enviously about his luck. But for most, the ceremony had been a heartbreaking reminder of their ordinariness.
It was finally Till’s turn.
His palms were clammy, sweat collecting on his brow as he stood up. His legs felt like lead as he began walking toward the podium, each step echoing loudly in his ears.
“You’re going to be fine,” Nyx whispered, her voice steady and reassuring. She leaned slightly toward him, her dark veil masking her face but not her intent.
Till turned toward her, meeting the faint glint of her eyes behind the veil. He nodded quickly, his throat too tight to form words.
As he stepped onto the raised platform, his heart thundered in his chest. The eyes of the entire village bore down on him, a mix of hope, pity, and silent judgment. He clenched his fists to steady himself, his breaths shallow and uneven.
Nyx, standing among the crowd, watched intently. Her mind drifted for a moment, reflecting on her own awakening. She remembered the warmth of Drac’s presence when she gained her first skill—the thrill of knowing her life had changed forever. It had made everything easier, giving her a sense of purpose and power. She wanted that for Till. Even a low-level skill would mean everything to him.
On the podium, Till glanced back toward Nyx, seeking comfort. He couldn’t see her face behind the veil, but he knew she was watching, her hope for him unwavering.
He turned back toward the priest, swallowing hard. “Please,” he thought desperately, clenching his fists. “Just something… anything… something that’ll let me protect her.”
The priest raised his arms and began the incantation, his voice resonating throughout the hall. The air shifted, a faint hum of magic filling the room as light descended around Till, casting him in a faint glow.
The crowd held its breath.
Nyx’s hands tightened at her sides as she watched. “This is a good sign,” Uriel said calmly in her mind.
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But as quickly as the light appeared, it flickered and faded, leaving only silence in its wake.
“What does that mean?” a villager whispered.
The priest cleared his throat, his expression somber. “Place your hand on the crystal orb,” he instructed.
Till hesitated for a brief moment before obeying. His hand shook as he pressed it against the glowing orb, his heart hammering so loudly he thought everyone could hear it.
The orb shimmered faintly, its light pulsing weakly before fading completely.
The priest shook his head, stepping back. “There is no skill.”
The words hit Till like a punch to the gut. His knees wobbled, and for a moment, he thought he might collapse. “Again?” he whispered, his voice breaking.
He lowered his hand, staring at it as if it had betrayed him. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, some whispering in sympathy, others barely hiding their disdain.
Till clenched his jaw, his fists trembling as he forced himself to turn and walk back down the steps. He refused to cry. Not here, not in front of everyone.
Nyx moved toward him the moment his feet touched the ground, her movements deliberate and calm. She met him halfway, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
“Till,” she said softly, her voice unwavering.
He shook his head, biting his lip to keep it from trembling. “I thought this time… I thought…” His voice cracked, and he trailed off, unable to finish.
Nyx squeezed his shoulder gently. “It’s okay,” she said, her tone firm but kind. “We’ll figure this out. I promise.”
He looked at her, his green eyes glassy with unshed tears. “I just wanted something—anything. I wanted to help you, Nyx. To keep you safe.”
Her heart ached at his words, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she gave him a small, reassuring smile. “You don’t need a skill to do that,” she said simply. “You’ve been helping me all along.”
Till looked away, his jaw tightening. “It’s not the same.”
“It doesn’t have to be,” Nyx said. “We’ll find another way. And when we do, you’ll be ready.”
Her confidence was unshakable, her words a steady anchor pulling him back from the edge of despair. He nodded slowly, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
The ceremony continued in the background, but for Till, it was already over. Nyx stayed by his side, her presence a quiet reminder that he wasn’t alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nyx sat on her bed, the dim moonlight filtering through the window, casting soft patterns on the wooden floor. Her fists were clenched tightly in her lap, her silver hair falling like a curtain over her face. She was angry—no, furious.
“How could they not give him a skill?” she muttered, her voice trembling with frustration. “After everything Till has done, everything he’s been through—how could they deny him?”
Her amethyst eyes burned as she glared at the ceiling, her thoughts a storm of confusion and disappointment. The constellations. Those mysterious entities who decided the fate of mortals with their whims.
“If only the others were here,” Nyx whispered. “Maybe… maybe Till would’ve had a chance.”
“Nyx,” Uriel’s calm voice resonated in her mind, cutting through her spiraling thoughts, “the constellations seek those they deem ‘promising.’ They look for individuals who fit their purpose. Despite Till’s perseverance and pure heart, they did not see him as one of those people.”
Nyx frowned, her frustration only deepening. “But why? Who are they to judge? He’s brave, loyal, kind… isn’t that enough?”
Uriel’s tone remained steady. “Their criteria are far more complex. They don’t merely seek bravery or kindness—they look for those who will serve their future designs. Your friend, admirable as he is, doesn’t align with their vision.”
Nyx’s heart twisted. She hated the thought of Till being discarded like he was unworthy. Who do they think they are to decide that? Just look at me!” Nyx exclaimed, throwing her hands up. “I didn’t have all the ‘right qualities,’ but I was still given a chance.”
Uriel’s voice responded calmly, yet firmly. “Nyx, your situation is different. Albeit, you make a valid point—but your circumstances aren’t like anyone else’s in this world. You were raised by the seven constellations. They favored you.”
Nyx scowled. “I know but it still hurts.”
“It’s the truth,” Uriel said, its tone unyielding. “They saw you as someone worth investing in. Naturally, they ensured your path was paved with opportunities—giving you a plethora of skills and blessings to make your life easier.”
Nyx sat in silence, pondering Uriel’s words. As much as she hated to admit it, Uriel was correct.
She thought back on her journey so far—the skills, the blessings, the power she’d been given. Everything had come so easily compared to the struggles she’d witnessed in others. The realization weighed on her, a dull ache settling in her chest.
“I really did have it easier than anyone else,” she muttered, her voice tinged with both guilt and frustration.
With a heavy sigh, Nyx leaned back, staring at the ceiling of her room. Disappointment flickered across her face, her mind racing with thoughts of Till and how unfair it all seemed.
Nyx’s whisper barely hung in the air. “If only I could give him skills myself…”
Uriel’s voice cut through her thoughts like a spark. “That could happen.”
Nyx shot up from her bed, eyes wide with surprise. “What? Really? How?”
Uriel’s tone was calm, yet firm. “Nyx, you would have to become one of them—a constellation.”
The words hung heavy in the room. Nyx blinked, her mind struggling to process what she’d just heard. “A… constellation?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
“That is the only way,” Uriel replied simply.
Nyx’s thoughts raced. She clenched the blanket in her hands, her heart pounding in her chest. “But… is it even possible?”
Uriel was silent for a long moment, its usual confident tone now replaced with something quieter. “I do not know,” it admitted truthfully. “Becoming a constellation is not something I have encountered before. But if anyone can defy the odds, it is you.”
Nyx’s gaze hardened as determination flared within her. “Then maybe I can. And when I do, I’ll make sure people like Sister Clara and Till—people who deserve it—get the skills they need.”
Uriel’s voice softened. “It will not be an easy path, Nyx. But if this is what you truly wish, I will guide you to the best of my abilities.”
Nyx nodded. “Let’s do it, Uriel. I’ll find a way to make this happen. For Till, for everyone who deserves better.”
Nyx’s heart was set. Determination blazed within her, stronger than ever. She would become a constellation—no matter how impossible it seemed. And when she did, she would give Till the best skill ever, one that would let him protect himself and those he cared about.
A small smile crept across her face as she settled herself into bed. Her mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead, but for the first time that day, her chest felt light.
She whispered into the quiet, her voice firm yet soft, “Till, I’ll make it happen for you.”
She smiled faintly, the weight on her chest easing as hope took its place. Settling back into her bed, she murmured, “I really don’t like the other constellations.”
“But I’ll make a better one.”
As sleep claimed her, her resolve remained unwavering. She would become a constellation—and change everything.