The Awakening (Zodiac Academy, #1)

by Caroline Peckham

“Solaria has been much better off since the Vegas left the throne to the Celestial Families,” Seth growled. “Since our parents took up the throne that yours left cold, our world has been a better place. We don’t need you to come back here and claim it for yourselves. We don’t want you to.” “We didn’t ask for this,” I breathed, my heart pounding at the thought of the drop beneath me. “We don’t want it. You can keep your stupid throne and your power!” “That’s a beautiful offer, sweetheart, but it doesn’t change the facts,” Caleb said, his tone suggesting we were having a casual chat, and no one was in imminent danger of death. “Your blood right means the throne belongs to you so long as you prove yourself capable of taking it. And there are enough people who would support your claim to cause a civil war over it.” “But we don’t want it!” I spluttered, trying, and failing to keep my cool. “How can anyone seriously expect us to rule over a nation we know nothing about? It’s insane!” It could have been the dim light in the chamber but for a moment I could have sworn that Caleb’s features softened a little. I hurried to continue while there was a glimmer of hope that he was listening to me. “Look, all we want is to learn how to control this magic inside us and get our inheritance. That’s it. We grew up with no one and nothing. Before we came here, we weren’t even sure if we were going to be able to keep a roof over our heads for the winter! I swear we have zero interest in claimi...