Chapter 10
Ten
The winding coastal road led them to a secluded cove, the salty breeze carrying the familiar scent of the ocean. Pisces inhaled deeply, letting the comforting aroma wash over her senses. Though she couldn”t see the vast expanse of water, she could feel its presence, a calming force that resonated within her soul. As they drew closer, a quaint cottage appeared, nestled amidst the rolling hills and hidden from prying eyes. Its whimsical exterior, with a thatched roof and whitewashed walls adorned with climbing vines, exuded a warm, inviting charm that beckoned them forward.
Gemini quirked an eyebrow as she took in the idyllic scene. ”Well, this certainly isn”t what I expected. With Aquarius’ club and Cancer’s little fairy cottage, maybe we should get out of the Zodiacs and get into real estate development,” she remarked, a hint of amusement coloring her tone.
Sagittarius simply shrugged. ”Cancer has always been one for surprises.” His gaze swept over the cottage with an admiring gleam.
As they approached the front door, Pisces felt a sense of tranquility wash over her. The cottage radiated a welcoming energy as if it were a haven from the chaotic human world not far from its door.
Gemini stepped forward and rapped her knuckles against the weathered wood, her impatience evident in the rapid succession of knocks. After a moment”s pause, she let out an exasperated sigh. ”You”d think she”d be a little more prompt, considering we”re here to save the universe and all.”
Sagittarius smirked.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, and Cancer emerged, her petite frame delicate against the backdrop of the cottage. Pisces’ gaze was immediately drawn to the water sign”s round, youthful face, framed by a halo of short golden hair and piercing blue eyes that shone with a depth belying her innocent appearance.
“Going for spritely cottage-core, I see,” Gemini said, hugging Cancer.
Then Cancer turned her attention to Pisces, and her blue eyes seemed to dull with sadness. She tilted her head and opened her arms. “Oh, Pisces. Aquarius called and told me everything. I can’t believe this has happened to you.” She pulled Pisces into an embrace and held her there momentarily, rubbing her back. Cancer’s touch was like a cool waft of air over her skin, calming her from the inside out. When Cancer pulled away, she gave a wink. “Just a little soothing energy and a protection barrier to help for now.”
“Thank you,” Pisces said. “I need all the help I can get.”
Cancer”s features broke into a warm smile as she ushered them inside. ”Come in, come in,” she urged, her voice carrying the gentle cadence of the ocean”s waves.
As they stepped into the cozy interior, Pisces felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity wash over her. The cottage reflected Cancer”s essence—warm, inviting, and brimming with nurturing energy that enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Pisces’ intuition, currently her only guiding force, whispered reassurances to her troubled mind. Friend. Cancer was a friend, a kindred spirit whose loyalty ran deep.
They settled around a rustic table, the aroma of freshly brewed jasmine tea filling the air, mingling with the logs burning in the small fireplace. Cancer busied herself with the preparations. Gemini and Sagittarius helped themselves to shortbread cookies set before them and exchanged idle chitchat, their words a pleasant backdrop to the calm that had momentarily settled over Pisces’ soul. The Universe and her very existence might be at risk, but for now, she would embrace simplicity.
Finally, Cancer joined them, her movements graceful as she poured the steaming liquid into delicate porcelain cups. Pisces cradled the cup in her hands, savoring the warmth that radiated through the ceramic, a tangible reminder of Cancer”s nurturing presence.
Aquarius’ club had overwhelmed her with energy, and she’d let Sag and Gemini take the lead, but this quest was about her and what she’d lost. Even though her friends took on the mission like it was their own, she felt she had to be more assertive. After all, she was the Mistress of the Zodiac...apparently.
“Now,” Cancer said, setting down her cup. “I want to know everything that’s happened and how I can help.”
“My memories are gone,” Pisces blurted, feeling like Cancer, of all the Zodiacs she’d encountered so far, would understand not just her light but her pain. “I wish I could remember our shared history, but I can’t. My heart tells me you are a friend, and I can trust you.” Pisces set her cup down and met Cancer’s gaze. “I need to know the truth about Scorpio and the missing Cerulean Tear.”
The blue of Cancer’s eyes clouded like a storm rolling over the sea, and she cast them down just as a cloud of empathy danced across her features. ”I”m afraid I don’t know anything that can help you find it.” Her voice was tinged with regret. “And I don’t know why Scorpio decided it was appropriate to betray you. We”ve all had our issues with him, but this is beyond anything I ever thought him capable of.”
Pisces nodded in understanding. “If I had my memory, I’m sure I would agree with you.”
This seemed to put Cancer at ease. “I’m glad the echoes of our history help you trust me, even without your memories.”
She withdrew her hand and traced her finger along the rim of her cup. ”But there is something I must tell you.” Her gaze locked on Pisces as if they were the only two in the room. “It’s about Aries?—”
As if summoned from the Earth”s molten core, the front door of Cancer’s cottage flung open, shattering the stillness. Sagittarius rose to his feet, his lithe frame exuding a quiet strength as he regarded Aries with a cool, measured gaze. Though not overtly confrontational, his posture conveyed a silent warning—a reminder that he would not hesitate to defend Pisces if needed.
Pisces whirled around, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of the familiar figure.
“Plot twist,” Gemini quipped, her sarcasm failing to lighten the energy in the room.
Aries stood before them, his imposing form, horns and all, silhouetted against the fading sunlight beyond the cottage door. His dark eyes burned with an intensity that sent shivers racing down Pisces’ spine.
“I was trying to tell you,” Cancer said, her voice quiet and her eyes wide with fear. “Aquarius called. She said Aries was on his way here.”
In that moment, Pisces wished she could transform into water and flow from the room like the receding tide.
“Hello again, Pisces,” Aries said, his tone low and dangerous, his intentions unclear. Pisces’ gaze flicked from Aries to Sagittarius, who had positioned his body protectively between her and the fiery ram.
Aries smiled darkly with an amused twinkle in his eye. “It’s been a long time, my wandering brother.”
A muscle ticked in Sagittarius’ jaw. “We aren’t looking for a quarrel, Aries. We’re only trying to help.”
Aries gave a mocking shrug as the muscles of his arms tested the limits of his black t-shirt. As if on command, Aries’ horns retreated. “Quarrel? I’m not here to quarrel. I’ve simply come to retrieve our dear Pisces here.” His gaze landed on her like a boulder.
Gemini squirmed, her eyes revealing a hint of amusement at the scene unfolding.
“Why?” Pisces asked, her voice shaking. “Where do you plan to take me?”
The fire crackled and popped, casting eerie shadows across Aries” face as he stood there, dominating the energy in the room. “Back to the stars.”
Pisces took a deep breath and tried to steady herself, unsure what would unfold in this quiet little cottage by the sea.