I groaned as I opened my eyes. Constantly blinking to adjust my eyes to the bright sun above me. Unaware of where I was or what happened, I slowly sat up placing my right hand on my forehead in hopes it would do anything. I leaned against a wall. When I lowered my hand, I noticed residue of paint on my fingers. Frantically, I stood up and started walking. I could hear talking and laughter. I had to still be in the at the festival. There was no way Alron and Kalinth would not notice I wasn't walking around. They would tear this place apart until they found me. As I continued walking, people were staring at me and whispering. I was so thirsty that I found a barrel with water. I was about to drink from it when I saw my reflection. There was a mountain painted between my eyebrows, within the mountain there were dragon eyes, and above the mountain was a crescent moon. My family crest. Around my golden hazel eyes was painted dragon scales. My dress completely covered in mud. I backed away from the barrel. My heart was racing and panic arose. What the hell did the old lady do to me...

The sounds of horns roared through the crowd. Everyone got silent. Still in a panic daze, I saw shadows of dragons pass by up above me. It was time for the choosing. Something inside was telling me to go and join the choosing. A voice within me begging me to start walking. So I listened and began walking with the crowd. We reached the center of the castle ground where a wooden stage was. Strange, it wasn't there when I walked through the shops earlier today. Just how long was I out and missing? The ground shook a bit as four dragons landed behind the stage. One by one the riders climbed off their dragons. Something ached in my core. My body trembling from the powers radiating from them. I felt the harsh coldness from winter, the blazing heat from a fire, the calmness from the ocean, and the eeriness you feel when you walk alone in the dark. "The time as upon us again! Four will be chosen and will train as riders to protect his kingdom and the peace." the King shouted. Those who wished and hoped to be chosen began to form a line. I watched and contemplated joining the line.

Go...go now. Before it's too late

I made my decision and joined the line. Encouraged by the voice telling me to go. I watched as each person was denied and the disappointment on the King's face and on the rider's face. Soon...soon it'll be my turn. With each step closer to the stage, my body began to tremble and my legs unable to move any further. My breathing became heavy. I got nauseous. What was I doing? This is a terrible mistake. I need to get away from here. I looked around the crowd and scanned for any escape. "My lady, it is your turn." a male voice said. I turned my attention to him and watched as he pulled his hand away. No doubt because of the paint on my face.

You must go!

With that demand, I walked up the stairs to the stage. All eyes were on me. People gasped and muttered words to each other. I was in front of the dargonsoul crystal. I looked through the crowd and could see Alron and Kalinth watching me. Their face fading of color and showing panic and fear. They both swallowed their saliva before they began pushing through the crowd, trying to get to me. I looked at the dragonsoul. A voice echoed through my head. It was calling for me. I lifted my hands and reached towards the crystal. "No Zalea!" my brother shouted. "Don't touch it!" Alron shouted. But I had no control of my movement, no control over my own body. I felt as if I was being possessed by this force of power. I placed my hands on the crystal. Suddenly the ground shook violently, like an earthquake. The dragons behind me began roaring.

I felt a ripple of power swirling through my body and I screamed. It was like the blood in my body was on fire. My very blood was boiling within my skin. Where my veins are usually that green color, was being replaced by purple and black. A wave of energy was released when I fell to my knees unable to bare the pain anymore. I wanted it to stop. Tears fell down my cheeks. I watched as the crowd was blown away from the stage caused by the blast of energy. Then there was silence and my body collapsed onto the stage from exhaustion.