Chapter 75
Seventy-five
The southernmost wall rumbles, dust particles scattering as the stones shake and descend into the ground.
I stand patiently, my eyes trained on what lies beyond.
The lowering wall reveals a pathway of stars, curving and rising upwards towards a far-off, lit pavilion.
Vast darkness surrounds the walkway, with hanging stars and swirling cosmos looming in the open emptiness.
The path glitters as I take my first step, as if it were welcoming me.
Each step feels like a walk among the stars.
There is a quiet peace in this moment, a beauty recognized by the world around me.
The circular pavilion beckons me with a heavy presence, promising a challenge.
This brief respite from the chaos taunts me, each step more reluctant than the last. If only I could stay here, in this in-between, forevermore.
But then I consider the wonder that is Astralis, and the staleness of both my life and those back in Lunara.
With each step, glowing and lighting the way, I think of Jada.
I think of Gwenda and how heartbroken she will be when she learns of Lenny.
I climb, a sob ripping free as I think of Lenny. Lenny, who chose me as his family, who sacrificed everything, and lost it all.
I think of Celeste, Aria, Merri, Miles, and Atlas. All of them became stuck in a mess they didn’t ask for.
Leo.
Orion, his upstanding faith in me, and his belief and promise of a better world.
Brinn, and all the Children of the Constellation who want so much more.
With each step, a finality solidifies in my chest. Getting to this moment has cost me so much, but I will sacrifice all that remains of me to win it all.
Taking my last step off the path, I observe the open-air observatory set before me.
Gleaming white pillars border the circular room.
The floor is surrounded by a ring of orb lights that illuminates the room.
Overhead, a swirling mix of constellations orbiting a silver moon spins with urgency.
An eerie silence surrounds me, as if I’ve interrupted a force greater than me.
I walk the length of the observatory, taking inventory of the items that cover the room.
Even now, I feel eyes tracking each step I take.
A desk with scattered notes detailing the scientific backing of how the moonstone repairs the constellation, sketches, and stacked books sits in the corner.
Disorganized clutter, sculptures of the moon and sun, ceramic bowls, and more tomes line towering bookshelves.
Every inch of space is filled with knowledge.
The moonstone is here; I know it. Its call resonates deep within me, like the song of the stars echoing through my blood.
“Where are you?” I ask, exploring every available surface as I circle the room. I backtrack to the desk, my eyes scouring the knowledge printed in front of me. In clean, precise writing I read:
The Games are held every century, per Zodiac sign, as a demonstration of the Kosmos’ control and power.
Are you fucking kidding me? This is all unnecessary bullshit. The burning anger within me amplifies. I sift through the pages, finding another note regarding the moonstone.
Once fragments are installed, the constellation will regenerate, creating a powerful source of energy as a beam of pure light. According to the order, the light is to be directed at the Kosmos.
I read the sentence once more, then again for good measure. I don’t think these notes were intended to be read. Where did this portal drop me? The power isn’t for the humans, for our worlds, or the universe. It’s for them. The Order intends to steal the power for themselves.
A wave of rage consumes me. I ground myself, taking slow, deliberate breaths while staring blankly at a shelf in front of me.
A faint gleam shimmers, wedged between two books directly across from me.
I’ve been staring at it the whole time. Anticipation hums in my veins as I clear the distance, pulling the books from the shelves.
They clatter to the ground, the sound echoing throughout the empty chamber, as I stare at my panacea.
With a sharp intake of breath, I reach out, closing my fist around the moonstone.
I’m done with the Kosmos and this fucking game.
I turned, prepared to make my way back down the starlit path, only to find a silhouette blocking the way, outlined in shadows. His cloak sways behind him, although no breeze blows. I grip the moonstone tighter, taking a fighting stance.
His slippery voice calls out from the shadows, “You cannot beat me, Zellie. And I cannot allow you to win.”
“Are you stopping all the contestants, or just me?”
Pluto clicks his tongue. “You’re smarter than that.”
Desperate, I search my brain, trying to find a way out of this impossible nightmare. “You cannot interfere; it’s against the rules. People are watching this; they will know what happened.”
Pluto takes a measured step towards me, his hand out. “Haven’t you learned how powerful I am by now? No one knows I am here. My glamours are superior, Zellie. Now, hand me the moonstone.” He extends his hand, as if expecting me to surrender my victory willingly.
“No.”
A manic grin stretches across his face. Instantly, he is upon me, shoving me back against the bookshelf.
His hand is at my throat, squeezing the breath from my lungs.
I scramble wildly, taking the moonstone shard and slashing him across the cheek.
The hit doesn’t land quite as well as it did with Solene, but the result is the same.
Pluto releases me, hissing and clutching his face.
His skin sizzles angrily, as if the moonstone burned through his skin.
Can he not touch the gem? Again, I use the shard in a jab towards his neck.
Pluto reacts, flinching backwards and out of reach.
Are you kidding me? All I needed was the moonstone to bring this fucker down?
“Careful, Zellie. Think of Lunara.”
The gems aren’t for Lunara; they’re for the Kosmos. Well, they can’t have them. I raise the gem into the air. “You fucking bastard,” I grit my teeth, poised to shatter the moonstone. I’ll destroy these stupid shards, then kill him with my bare hands.
“Zellie, wait.” A deep tone calls out, one I am all too familiar with. His voice sings to my soul, and I pause without hesitation.
Leo steps into the observatory, pocketing a moonstone shard as he moves. He locks eyes with Pluto—the action causing my heart to lurch. “Leo?”