Chapter 7
Seven
Idecided Orion was, at a minimum, tolerable after he helped me escape—and by escape, I mean purposely removed me—from the pod room.
At least now there’s nothing injected into my arm, and I’m free to move about.
I feel more human after using the bathroom and demolishing a buttered, flaky pastry Orion fetched for me.
The two of us are sitting in a lounge, facing one another in two armchairs.
They’re rather stiff, but I don’t think they’re intended to be used long-term.
The room is painted a deep violet, accented by gleaming silver chairs.
It’s quite a contrast from the bare unit decor, which feels as if it’s been stripped of life.
Golden chandeliers twinkle overhead, with embellished sconces lining the walls and artwork adorning the space.
Artwork that I need much more time with to inspect, absorb, and digest. Heavy silence lingers between us.
Orion sits back comfortably in his chair.
He’s watching, waiting for me to give in.
Fortunately for him, I’m all out of patience.
I tap my nails against the side of the armchair. “So…”
“So?” Undisturbed, unbothered, I cannot stand him.
I gesture wildly around the room. “So, what comes next?”
“I’m so glad you asked!” Animatedly, he leans forward, coming to life.
This earns him a heavy eye roll from me as I do my best to ignore his lotus and linen scent that warms my senses.
“Well, Zellie. I have been assigned to work with you before and during the games. Should you champion them, I’ll also be your point of contact after.
Next, we will meet the other competitors, as well as the Kosmos, to receive a thorough explanation.
After that, I’ll guide you to your quarters, where you can do anything you need that will help improve this stellar mood of yours.
” Forget the eye roll; now I’m downright scowling. “And then we will begin training.”
“Training?”
Orion pauses, pointedly looking up and down my body. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you want to enter the competition as is?”
A seething anger roils through me. “What I want?” I’m the one to lean forward now, speaking clearly and slowly.
I’ll give him credit; he doesn’t back away.
He doesn’t move at all. “What I want, Orion, is to know what the fuck is going on. What I want is to know how I ended up here, what these fucking games are, and what is going to happen. Did you want to enlighten me on any of that?”
Orion leans into his fist, propped up by the arm of the chair, and exhales loudly, blowing a raspberry through his mouth.
“They said you were feisty, but this is even better than I could have expected.” I stare at him, unyielding.
I deserve some answers—I didn’t ask for any of this.
When he sees that I have no rebuttal, he throws up his hands.
“Okay, okay! You were hand-selected by the Kosmos.”
“Going to need more than that, Riri.” I settle into the chair, crossing my legs, and wait.
“Nicknames already? This is moving fast.” I can’t help it; a laugh escapes me.
Charming, this one. Orion’s face lights up.
Encouraged by my response, he continues.
“The Kosmos are an order, a large one, made up of divine beings across the galaxies. They are aware of the need to secure the Gemini constellation, and they took this opportunity to use the Games to restore it. The Games are held every century, per Zodiac sign; each astrological sign takes turns hosting its games for various reasons or causes—whatever the Kosmos decides they want or need. They’ve been utilizing the human population from the different worlds to their benefit for these games. ”
“So we’re puppets.” Not a question, but a realization.
Orion ignores the jab. “Anyway, the department that oversees the human Geminis could not design the challenges. Conflict of interest and all that. They were, however, able to select the individuals who would participate. They’ve been looking for Geminis with specific characteristics that they’ve determined could do well.
The department, and I obviously, pick people we want to succeed. We are all very hopeful about you.”
How sweet; I have their hope. I’m trying to process everything Orion has told me, but this is a lot of information to take in at once.
Desperation nags at me for time to decompress, and knowing how far off that is from now is making me anxious.
I inhale deeply, letting my breathing soothe me as I pore over the details.
In some strange way, I can understand the process that led me to this point.
I’m far from thrilled about being chosen and have no interest in being a puppet for these deities.
“Can I opt out? Go home?”
Orion laughs this time but quickly stifles the sound, realizing I’m serious. “Unfortunately, that’s not an option, Zellie. This is a rare opportunity; do you understand that?”
“Rare opportunity” sounds like a pretty way of saying I have no choice.
I play with the end of one braid, contemplating the situation.
I want to know what the Kosmos deemed so special about me, and I need to prepare myself with as much knowledge regarding these challenges as possible.
Hopefully, I can achieve both these goals by meeting those in charge of the Games and the other challengers.
The healer’s words gnaw at me, and I find myself needing reassurance. “Pia told me to ‘stay safe’. Am I safe here? During these games?”
Orion winces, “You are safe with me and in Astralis, yes. But in the competition? Not particularly. That’s why I’m here. I’ll make sure you’re ready.”
“Oh.” Anxiety prickles my insides. What am I supposed to do? I can’t go home, and this man is confident he can help me succeed. I’m going to have to compete, aren’t I? “Okay then, I’m ready.” A lie, hopefully one I’ll believe if I keep repeating it.
A slow grin spreads across Orion’s face. He won this round after all. “Let’s go meet the competition.”