Chapter 101: The Beginning of the Festival II

Chapter 100: The Beginning of the Festival II

Orion paused at the platform’s center, letting his eyes sweep over the gathered pack members. The lights from the hung lanterns painted his face.

Sophia’s hands tightened around her cloak. It wasn’t just that Orion looked different; it was that the space around him seemed different.

Someone shifted into the space beside her. She was startled by the movement because she hadn’t even noticed someone approach. She turned and found Ronan standing there. His usual roguish ease was gone; his jaw was set, his hands clasped loosely behind his back. His eyes didn’t leave the dais.

Sophia almost whispered his name, but something about his expression silenced her. He wasn’t here to banter. He was here for the same reason everyone else was...to listen. And she should do so also.

"People of Nightshade Pack," he greeted, his voice spreading around everyone.

"Tonight," he continued, "we stand as one...not as warriors, not as hunters, as mothers, as father’s, as sons, as daughters, as a people who will forever remember but also rejoice."

A murmur rippled faintly through the crowd.

"I’ve given this speech numerous times that I’m sure most of you know exactly what it is that I’m about to say, but at the same time, some if you don’t." Orion said.

"This festival is one that began years ago. Before these walls were built, before these lanterns, before this square was even laid with stone. It began when we survived the Enclave’s attack. We had lost almost everything after the attack, being branded traitors, chased out of our home and sent to the streets to beg. Many of us lost family. Some of us lost a part of us. Some people went mad from the grief too..."

Sophia’s eyes drifted to the platform steps where Madam Tyler stood, her staff lowered, her lips moving in a silent prayer. Around her, families held each other a little tighter.

"...But amidst it all, we remain. We are what is left of that attack and we are better. We are more prosperous than we could have ever thought we were and it is because of each contribution by everyone here. The enclave hasn’t yet relented, even after everything. They are relentless but we will not waver."

Sophia felt his words land in her chest. She had not lived their history, but she could feel the gravity of it pressing into her bones.

"This festival is one that reminds us of how strong we are. How we keep on pushing. This festival is one that shows that we will stand. It’s one that provides us an opportunity to interact with our loved ones. To tell them of how strong we are. How their wills passed on to us will continue to go on. How their protection and sacrifices were not in vain and how we are better now. But also to tell them what’s going on in our lives. The fun things they’d wish to hear in the afterlife, the games we’ve played together. The gossip they’ve missed... believe me I heard someone telling their father some gossip last year." Orion said making people chuckle.

Sophia took a look around and noticed how almost everyone had tears in their eyes and those who didn’t, had red eyes like they were on the verge of it. It was solemn.

"I don’t plan to make this long because some want to drink with their people. I’m talking about you, Daniel." Orion said as a laugh spread through again.

"Today, we remember those who kept us alive. Those who made sure we survived. Those who taught us our crafts. Those who passed knowledge to us and we turn this day into one of rejoicing and partying and yes, gossiping." He said.

The lanterns flickered as if stirred by his words.

Sophia’s throat tightened. She felt Ronan shift beside her, his eyes stayed fixed on Orion, bright in the dim.

Orion lifted his chin slightly. "We are the Nightshade Pack. We are the descendants of the unbroken. We are the keepers of this memory. And though we grieve, we do not despair. Though we bow our heads, we do not bend our spines."

A murmur of agreement rolled through the square. Some heads lifted. Some shoulders squared.

Orion let the sound settle, then continued. "When you light your lanterns tonight, and when you celebrate, do not just think of the loss. Think of what you carry. Think of the songs that survived because someone whispered them to a child in the dark. Think of the herbs passed hand to hand across enemy lines. Think of the stories that refused to die. Think of how you stand here, breathing, because someone before you refused to fall. And rejoice with your loved one, dead or alive."

Sophia swallowed. She didn’t know why but her eyes stung from his words.

Orion’s voice softened, but it carried even farther now. "The Enclave wanted to erase us. But here we are. Not just living. Living together. Living with memory. Living with purpose."

He stepped closer to the edge of the dais, hands spread slightly. "Tonight we honor the dead. But we also honor you the living. You who keep the promise. You who carry the fire. You who build a future where no child forgets who they are."

Silence deepened, like the whole square leaned toward him.

"And so," Orion said, "I ask you to stand, Nightshade Pack. Stand for those who cannot. Stand for those who stood for you."

One by one, people made sounds of approval and soon enough the whole square was filled with shouts of approval and rejoicing.

"Raise your heads, for you are not fallen. Walk for your legs will carry you. Speak for your tongue will convey what you want to and also, listen for your ears will make sounds known but also watch. Watch as you rise from the ashes the enclave had planned for you. Raise your lanterns for tonight we celebrate with our dead ones and not lament."

The sounds increased just as the beat of drums started again. Everyone muttering sounds of approval and even Lysander and Ronan screamed too at the top of their lungs. Sophia joined them too, she wasn’t fully a part of them but there was no way she could pretend like she wasn’t moved by what was happening.

"And so," Orion said above the noise. "Let the festival begin."