Chapter 9

When Lexa opened her eyes, she was in an unfamiliar place. But, it wasn't unfamiliar at the same time. The room she was standing in was stark white. She was standing in front of a window, looking down at something… something big. Earth, she thought. How do I know that's Earth? I've never seen it from this angle before.

"You know it because I know it."

Lexa spun around. It was the dark haired woman from her dreams. "Who are you?" Lexa asked.

"You know who I am."

"Becca Pramheda. The First Commander."

"Very good. You are catching on faster than the others. I knew my spirit chose wisely with you, Lexa of the Tree People."

"What is happening to me?" Lexa asked.

"You have taken the flame, Lexa. You now have the memories and knowledge of every commander before you. It's how the commander always leads with wisdom," Becca said.

"It feels…overwhelming."

A rush of memories came at Lexa. She fell to the floor, grabbing her head with her hands. Flashes of other lives, other times. A century of history played through her mind. It felt like she was living the entirety of it but only minutes passed. Becca knelt down next to her and placed her hand on her back.

"Don't fight it. Let the memories wash over you."

Several more minutes passed and Lexa opened her eyes. Her bright green eyes were no longer the eyes of a young 16 year old, but of an old soul who has seen too much. She crumpled into Becca's arms and cried. Cried over what was done to humanity, cried for the lives lost, cried over what they had become, cried for what was still to come. Praimfaya.

"I know it's a lot to take in," Becca said soothingly. "But it's time to get up now. You have work to do."

Lexa took Becca's hand and stood to her feet. When she stood, her eyes opened and she found herself still sitting on the throne, Titus watching over her.

"Heda?" He said tentatively.

She stood to her full height. She cast an intimidating shadow across the throne room. The girl was gone and someone else stood in her place. She turned to Titus.

"When my ascension ceremonies conclude at the end of the week, you will summon representatives from every clan. The time for petty fighting between the clans is over. I will form a coalition to unite all people. A greater threat is coming and we must stand together. And they will join me, or they will die," Lexa said, every word calm, measured.

"Yes, Heda," Titus faithfully replied.