Chapter 44
Forty-four
As I face Pluto, Portia swoops in for Leo. Celeste and Merri look on with confusion and worry. Atlas sits at a table, unaware. Aria and Lenny are dancing together—wait… the Kosmos aren’t dancing with everyone. We’ve been singled out.
“Lovely evening, isn’t it, Pluto?”
He grabs my hand and pulls me into a sway. Power ripples off of him, making it hard to breathe. “Now, now, Zellie. That’s ‘Majesty’ to you.”
“Ah, yes, must have slipped my mind.” I take quick breaths, trying not to panic at the sudden lack of oxygen surrounding me. Maybe it’s because he’s touching me? I’ve never been this close to a Kosmos. Is he using his air elemental magic on me?
“I thought you understood your role after our last meeting.” He nods to a sponsor, looking the part of a supportive higher being—a conniving mask to cover what lurks beneath.
“And I’ve been taking part and training regularly.” I clip out the words, sweat beading at my hairline. Why is it so hot? I’m not that nervous.
Pluto sighs. “Your interference has been most meddlesome.” The room looks fuzzy at the edges, the world pressing in. “You think you’re smarter than me, but if you were half as smart as you thought you were, you would know I see all. You’re creating dissent, and we can’t have that, can we, Zellie?”
All sound disappears except for Pluto’s voice, and a deep pounding threatens to split my head open.
“Perhaps this will make you think twice before discussing political matters with my people.” I must look confused.
I feel confused; my brain is muddled. “Yes, Zellie. This is just a fraction of what I can do.” The air seems thinner, nonexistent.
“Stop,” I gasp, struggling for air. Panic claws at me, my body reacting to losing access to precious oxygen.
“Why should I? You haven’t heeded our warnings to stop.”
Black dots dance in front of me, blocking my vision of his arrogant face. I feel my hands slipping out of his grip—my body failing me one limb at a time.
Suddenly, the torture stops. “You were not born for starlight—know your place.” He drops my hand, stepping away in fast strides.
I stumble to a table, using a hand to keep myself upright as I take in air.
Leo dances on with Portia, looking equally disturbed but not in distress.
Not like I am. Orion appears by my side, cupping my elbow.
“Are you okay? Zellie?” He places both hands on my face. “Look at me. Focus on your breathing.” We stay like that for several moments, Orion searching my eyes, trying to find the source of my anguish.
“How are we ever going to beat them?” I whisper.
Powerless, I could never stand a chance against that.
Pluto poured unimaginable power over me without breaking stride or losing his composure.
Meanwhile, I’m crumbling under the force of his magic.
Unable to even to defend myself against him. Hopelessness threatens to consume me.
“Careful, Zi. That’s how they want you to think.” Determination lines his features. “Don’t let him rattle you. Look as unaffected as they pretend to be by your refusal to fall in line with this fucking dress.” I shakily release a breath, internally shoving my negative thoughts away.
Softly, he adds, “Stop keeping me in the dark. Why can’t you see that I’m always by your side?” Why do I? Orion has proven himself time and time again, yet I continue to keep him at arm’s length. He’s constant, clear-headed, and loyal. Everything I need but push away.
I squeeze his hand. “Go enjoy yourself; I’ll be fine.”
More composed and able to breathe, I make my way to Celeste. I look for Leo, but he’s nowhere to be found.
“Girl, that looked intense.” Celeste greets me, picking at the appetizers placed on a tower in front of her.
Trays of bread with dipping sauces, cheese truffles, and swirled gazpacho in tall glasses sit atop glass and marble serving plates.
“Did you try these truffles? They’re incredible,” she says between bites.
I snort, appreciating her for exactly who she is. Eyeing the table, my stomach rolls at the thought of eating. My appetite is long forgotten.
She grabs another cheese truffle, popping it in her mouth before asking, “Did something happen?”
The less involved Celeste is, the better. She already knows too much. “No, it was nothing. Don’t worry about it.” I shake my head, taking a chunk of focaccia bread and forcing it down my throat. See? I can be unaffected.
“Zellie…” Her eyes gleam with worry.
“I’m okay, Cel.” I tilt my chin towards Lenny and Aria, who twirl around the dance floor. “Still dancing, I see?”
“They’re cute, right? Our little Lenny finally worked up the courage to ask her.” I smile, watching them laugh and talk. That is how their life should be—full of innocent, happy moments—not wrapped up in this mess.
“Have you seen Leo?” My eyes sweep once more, attempting to locate him. Portia has retaken her seat on the dais. Celeste shakes her head no. Where is he?
Reassuring me, she adds, “I’m sure he’s fine.”
Yeah, as fine as I was after my talk with Pluto.