It was a rainy night when her father decided to return home from weeks of working at the palace. She recognized the tapping of Athias's horseshoes along the cobblestones as her father led him to the stable. A steady heartbeat, calm and mighty with history of traveling to various places. Places she'd never see or ever know. She leaped out her bed, ran from her room, and scurried down the winding staircase of her tower to the first floor.

Over her short years of living in the tower, she had trained her feet how to sneak about the house like a spirit. Yet somehow her mom would always figure out what she'd done. But this time, she didn't care if she was heard.

Mageia ran through the halls to her parent's study, a joyous smile on her face. She couldn't wait to see her father again. But as she approached the cracked door, she slowed to a halt hearing tension in her parents' voices.

"I'm sensing terrible things Vale," her father said.

"Things like what?"

"Thaddeus is beginning to act as if my presence is a threat to his throne."

"Really Leon? If so, he shouldn't have made you Commander."

"I know."

"The fool. No better than Wintre."

"No. My father was worse I believe," her father said.

"What're you going to do then?" her mom said.

"Thaddeus wants to acknowledge my existence to Rendel."

"What do you mean? Does he want a war he cannot win?"

"He has this Fiisen boy he's investing a lot of time in which is nothing compared to an Ersan," her father scolded. "He's starting to believe that my miraculous escape is a beacon for him to wage war and claim the north."

"That's ridiculous," she said.

"Dimitri thinks so too," he said. "Also, I think many within the palace has become suspicious of me. I told Thaddeus they would, but he can only care about what he wants."

"Leon, we should be wise and pack up and leave this godforsaken kingdom," her mom scuffed.

"The old man said not to," he said and paced the room with his hard footsteps.

"I'm beginning to question the old man and that whole ordeal."

"Vale. Don't. We were not affected for a reason and that was why. Have faith."

"I will have faith once we are beyond these walls. My poor beautiful daughter is growing up alone in that tower. She needs to breathe."

"I know, Vale. But we must have patience and trust that the gods know what they're doing."

Her mom scuffed again and punched the desk and seethed her teeth.

"Don't hurt yourself," he said.

Mageia gasped and pushed through the door, hoping her mom was okay. They both stared at her as if they were caught stealing.

"My beautiful Geia," he said a smile conquering his face. He knelt to the floor, and she ran into his open arms, metal plates still wet with rain. "How are you?"

"Okay. I missed you," she said.

"And I definitely missed you," he said planting a kiss on her forehead.

"Mama are you okay?" she said glancing at her bruised knuckles.

"Yes, I'm fine my heart," she said.

"Who is the old man you speak of?" she bravely said.

They both exchanged glances and her mom knelt to her level. "We met him in the Dauntless when you were in my belly."

"Vale, we shouldn't..." he said worry crossing his brow.

"She is my daughter Leon. I will tell her whatever I please. The Spirits knew my heart before it made its decision."

"Very well," he said. She felt her father peel away from her as if he decided not to associate with her anymore. He rose to his feet and walked away somewhat disturbed or worried.

"My daughter, you are very special. Promise me, you'll never let anyone, or thing make you forget that."

"Mama, why am I special?"

"I will only tell you this. The old man we met, he blessed you and told us that the Spirits of the Past thought you were special."

"Was he a priest?"

She gave a bright smile. "Yes. A priest, fairest of them all."

A man made an agitated noise, snapping her awake. "For gods' sake stop sobbing or I'll make you stop!"

Mageia's bottom lip trembled, tears swimming down her cheeks only to drip to the puddles of blood on the floor. She peered up from her cascade of entangled curls to look at the muscular dark-skinned man sitting in his bed as if he was relaxing in some luxury bedroom.

"Oh, leave the girl alone, Sadon," said a lady who she'd come to know as Ameri sitting in the next bed rubbing ointment on a leg bonier than a rope.

Mageia tried to shift her right arm, dangling numb and useless from a wall chain. She sniffled again wishing to wipe her face from the muck of crying for hours. She didn't know the exact time, but the sun had begun to lower from its high throne. It was early when the guards had brought her to the Taefo, tongue stiff and mind warping to the point of pure speechlessness. The only thing she could do was remember her parents and her family, and cry.

Plus, her body was still burning in pain from the guard's punches, the vine thorns, and the ugly drag to the royal family.

Curse you, she thought, mind stuck on the idiotic face of Prince Grisonce, despite the fact it was her fault. She had allowed panic to set in to encourage her to try an escape.

At least someone was trying to help you, Mageia.

Ameri rose from her bed, grabbed a cup, dunked it into a pale of water, and approached her. She glanced at the bolted doors and the others in the room and brought it to Mageia's lips.

"Here drink, honey," she said, and she did.

The water was warm yet refreshing, muddy yet refreshing. She trembled to the bones wishing the guards would unchain her from the wall, but they feared she'd try an escape. And they were right to think that knowing there were only two guards patrolling their door and seven extra hands to assist a silent takeover.

"Thank you," she muttered.

The lady's large eyes blinked with pure motherly affection. "No problem, honey. Just try and sleep. Calm ye-self and make peace with the gods."

But I don't want to, she wanted to say, fresh tears leaking from her purple eyes.

"Ameri, get away from that Strange. She's a witch, I heard," said another condemned across the room. His name was Rasni. A Strange fat man, too fat for the average fat weight, but that wasn't the reason why he'd been chosen for the Sacred Seven. He was a scribe, a historian, and an antiquities dealer, trading illegally and stealing from libraries which are protected under the royal signet. Just like Sadon, he sat on his bed filing his fingernails with great precision as if he were on vacation.

Despite her appearance and despair, Mageia never let down her need to observe and hear everything around her. The Sacred Seven for the Sacred Sacrifice were people directly chosen by the Royal family, the Judges, the Councilmen, and the Priesthood for the Fair Ceremony. They were a mixture of people rich and poor, and young and old, all declared defected and Strange under the eyes of the gods.

When the Commander's guards returned her to the Taefo, Ameri was the first to try and comfort her despite the guard's rebuttals. According to her, they'd never done a replacement in almost fifty years, meaning Mageia had to be one special girl to utterly piss off a king for him to go to this extent. She had told her why they all were voted and chosen and was astonished to hear the King had decided to relieve one of them.

Ameri had explained how Sadon was a former noble who had found himself stripped of his titles and possessions after becoming a gambling addict and person known to happily use his fist and belittle people from time to time. Working in the Runes for six years of his life did not stop his need to gamble or attempt rebellions and escapes leading to the Overseers suggesting him for prison or death to make a statement to his friends.

Don, a handsome brown-skinned seventeen-year-old from the Farmlands found his luck to run out when his family couldn't keep up with their debts for his blood sickness and medications. They all worked as servants for an official of finances. He had decided to refuse helping the family and their debt and volunteered him for the vote.

Dana, a fifteen-year-old orphan from Greenshine, an island off the northwest side of Ardania, was caught after a failed attempt of freeing exotic animals from a trading post said to be destined for a show at the palace. She had done the task multiple times before at various trading spots with two unknown helpers she refused to reveal. The girl sat on her bed with her knees bunched up to her chest, silent tears streaming down her face.

Nabea, a noble woman in her seventies was known to be a Master in Herbs in Strana. Many held suspicions of her dealing with sorcery, but really, she had a side business producing a drug stronger than those used for medical purposes. One known side effect was illusions and paranoia which her enemies used against her to claim her business. Her name popped up in the Sacred Vote and Nabea assumed the nobles who were her clients were afraid she'd reveal them, so they chose her for death.

Madeena, a middle-age woman from Hiilaan was known for her long blond hair, extraordinary beauty, but a persona sharp and empty as glass. She was married to Councilman Drolan Trou, pronounced as true. He somehow found out she was cheating, and she planned and attempted to murder him. Her maidservant, who was threatened to assist, decided to be brave and saved the councilman. The woman was given her freedom and a Cleared mark to reduce her payments for Checkings while his wife was instantly voted for the Sacred Seven.

Last, there was Ameri who first praised Mageia for what she did trying to rescue children. Then she openly admitted her involvement in the group called the Blesseds. They were the secret group Lisa had spoken about who helped free people from slavery, servitude, and those wanting to leave Ardania. Her entire network was growing and were scattered all over the kingdom and she was their leader, until someone betrayed her, set her up, and had her arrested by the Commander's men. She said how she would meet the Purple Thief one day and unite their forces but didn't know it'd be under these circumstances.

"I was close to extending my flock into the palace, but I hope my successor won't be spooked and cease the plan," she had said. "The Fair Hearts won't be pleased. I know for sure."

Mageia had nothing else to do but listen to Ameri talk on and on about everyone's stories as she wept. Now that she had time to recap on memories before she handed herself over to a much-needed sleep, the woman was back. Thanks to Sadon.

"Now, now girl, pay these men no mind. They somehow had not regained their hearts despite the fact they 'bout to die."

"My heart is still here pumping in my chest. I just don't want to hear sobbing while I'm praying," Sadon said as he rolled his eyes to the ceiling and lied back down to his thoughts.

"Do you think the High Priest will let us plead our cases," Dana said, twirling a strand of brown hair, green eyes puffy and red.

"Pray to Dawnis that he will," Don said giving the girl a kind smile despite the red rings under his own eyes. She began to weep, and he patted his bleeding nose with a dirty handkerchief.

"Oh no, now she's crying. Great gods," Rasni said shifting positions and causing his bed to creak under his weight.

"Don't any of you got any heart? We are about to die, and you men are so nonchalant," Nabea said leaving her bed to comfort Dana.

"I am not worried," Rasni said. "Since the witch came in, I bet the Royals are going to be more sympathetic on the Fairest in here."

Don gave a dry laugh. He combed a hand through his slick black hair and gave a charming grin that probably made women's hearts melt. "You think you're the Fairest mister fat arse? And here I thought the High Priest was the most delusional."

"Shut your mouth you bloody shat," Rasni said scrunching his nose and pointing to it.

Don's smile demised as he pressed his handkerchief to his bleeding nostril and wiped thick globes of sweat from his forehead.

"Mind you all, the reason why we are here is because we are the Strangest of the Strange according to the Laws," Ameri said with a voice fit for a mass speaker. "Just wait until I enter the Halls of the Gods and see them greet us with open arms and apologize for the cruelty of our kingdom. And I believe with all my heart that they and those who went before us are planning a great judgement upon those who call themselves Fair."

"Oh, shut it you walkin' skeleton. You annoy me with your faith talkin'," Rasni said with a sly tone.

"She is quite annoying," Madeena said glaring at the woman from her spot on the lone windowsill.

Ameri stood tall, dress flapping as if she had truly decomposed into nothing. "You two will rot in the hell halls of Dawnis for your lack of faith. The Book of the Legends state holy facts beyond your ignorance."

"That book is a myth. No such thing," Sadon said although he had sat up with slight interest.

"I don't know, Sadon, I've heard that it was a real book, one from the ancients," Don said standing and slowly approaching.

"It is real," Ameri said. "Those in the Fair Hearts believe and know it is."

"How would they know?" Dana said.

"Because they live beyond the ignorant walls of Ardania. They've traveled the realm and had seen copies of it," Ameri said. "The elves preach from it."

"Oh to hell with the elves," Sadon said.

"I guess we will never know," Madeena said with mockery, waving a dismissive hand.

"There's one thing this group does believe and it's going to blow your minds," Ameri said.

"And what is that?" Don said crossing his arms.

Ameri smiled. "The book is big on a certain promise spoken by one of the ancient Gods of Old. A promise about the Fairest being not just for one kingdom but for the entire realm," she fell silent waiting for a rebuttal, but she'd seem to catch their ears. "This Fairest will have magic and be like a god... and for every century there was a Fairest promised to keep the power of magic balanced and to keep the gods in equality and in control. Without a Fairest in the realm, everything goes unbalanced to the point that even our prayers ascending to the Serene may be hindered or ignored."

"That's scary," Dana said shivering in Nabea's embrace.

"Aye, it is. I believe that's why Ardania has grown so cruel and bloodthirsty," Ameri said. "But there is one thing written repeatedly in the Book that identifies a Fairest. And that is purple of the rare amethyst stone."

Mageia shuttered unable to move as the woman spoke. Guilt for not thinking about the Prince's theory withered awake in her soul. She could feel their eyes shifting on her and closed her eyes in utter disappointment.

If what you mad people say is true, then why do I feel nothing but pain and scorn instead of magic? She wanted to say but her mouth was so dry. Why haven't the gods freed me from this horrific death?

The door unbolted, and a guard poked his head in. "Get away from her," he bellowed.

Ameri and Don stood their ground. The guard fully entered with his hand on the hilt of his sword. "No one goes near the witch."

"She's bleedin' all over the floor. She needs aid," Ameri said as if she was a queen.

"She'll get aid when it's time for the parade," he grumbled. "For now, let her rot there."

"We are the Sacred Seven," Ameri said with firmness in her voice. "We will be offerings to the gods. We should be respected and cared for hand and foot."

"Ha! You fool yourself. Sit your arse down and leave her alone."

"If you won't take her down, then I will," she said grabbing a stool for Mageia to sit on.

"Hey, stop it. I order you," he bellowed unsheathing his sword.

Ameri didn't care which encourage Don to assist by grabbing hold to Mageia's waist to lift her.

"I said stop," he said quickly approaching and raising his sword to strike.

Then Sadon was upon the guard, at least three heads taller and took hold of his wrists. He swung him around and punched him in the face just as the guard's companion shouted an alert and unsheathed his sword. Strong Sadon overtook the guard and knocked the sword across the room. Ameri propped the stool and Mageia sat down and sighed with relief just as a thunder of boots arose within the hall.

The companion and three guards entered as Sadon knocked his guard unconscious. He turned searching for the sword only for everyone to realize Dana had silently swept across the room and grabbed it. The brave girl stood tall and strong with the sword aimed at the guards.

"Now, now girl put the weapon down before you hurt yourself," the lead guard said.

Dana seemed speechless until she spoke with forced strength. "Mageia needs assistance, now!" She demanded.

They glanced at Mageia trembling and near to fainting or to a relieving death.

"You all are fools to care about this Strange," the guard sneered lowering his sword.

"No. You all are fools for not caring about this Strange," Dana said giving a dry chuckle to send chills up a lion's spine.

The guard's face relaxed and he gestured for his men to lower their weapons.

"Fine then. I'll send someone in only if you hand over that sword."

"No. I'll hold onto this," she said then aimed it at the unconscious guard's throat, "until you do as you say."

Don broke into a chuckle of surprise and respect for the girl. The guard nodded and gave a gesture sending one guard to collect their physician on-site.

Ameri relaxed just a bit and passed Sadon a bright smile and said to him. "I guess you have a heart after all."