Chapter 49
Forty-nine
“Now that is what we call heart-stopping action! What a game! Congratulations to our competitors who are moving forward to the fourth game. The newest standings are in, and, well, this changes everything:
Leo Vance: three
Zellie Toro: three
Miles Zeno: one
“As Solene Lox did not complete this game, her pieces are now null and void.” Is that what we’re referring to death as now?
An incompletion? “Seven pieces in total have been collected. Two games remain, with three pieces required to restore the constellation. Who will be our next Celestial champion? We hope you enjoyed today’s game.
Contestants, rest and use your upcoming training to rise and persist!
May the stars guide you. The constellations are the only constant.
” Elio finishes his performance by clapping and bowing, as if he is the one who just put on a show for all of Astralis.
“Zizi?” A hand on my shoulder. Words heard but not registering.
“She’s in shock, fuckface. Move out of my way.”
“I can take care of—oof! Seriously?”
“That’s what happens when you don’t listen to me.”
Familiar, rough hands lifting me, cradling me. A heartbeat that sounds like home. The heartbeat of a killer. Is this what the games have done to us? We are all monsters.
Leo brushes my hair while I sit on my bed, cross-legged.
Staring at the floor in front of me, I remain silent, apprehensive.
The gentle sweeping and light pulling of the strands is hypnotizing, lulling me into a calmer space.
The healer left after applying a salve to my head.
There’s a bump, but the gash is closing already.
They told Orion I should be clear for training after a day of rest, wished us all a good night, and took off.
I wouldn’t want to be around the three of us and our building tension, either.
Orion sits pensively, his chin propped on his hand. “Way to keep the attention off yourself, Vance.”
Leo stills momentarily before continuing his brushing. “It doesn’t matter anymore. Why are you still here?”
“You think I’m going to leave her alone with you after that?
” Another pause, a shift in his weight on the bed, and then the hairbrush sails through the air, smacking Orion in his cheek.
“Did you seriously throw a hairbrush at me?” Orion’s voice hits an octave I wasn’t sure he was capable of. Men and their fucking tantrums.
I stand silently, walk out of the bedroom, and slam the door. Curling up on the sofa, I pray that both men have the intelligence not to disturb me.
My eyes open to knocks on my door and hushed tones. Leo. He must have kicked Orion out… unless he murdered him as well. Too soon?
“She’s resting; she took a beating down there.”
“We just wanted to thank her. I know it’s not much… But I owe her my life. Can you give these to her?” Aria. Likely with Lenny.
“Of course, guys. Glad you’re both okay.”
The door quietly clicks shut as the cushion dips beside my head. “I know you’re awake.” He strokes the hair away from my face. “They brought you flowers.”
I peek my eye open to see the arrangement. White moonflowers and lilac-colored alyssum are artfully displayed in a teal crystalline vase. “They’re stunning, but unnecessary.”
“And why is that?”
I close my eyes again, wishing to drift off once more. “I will always protect my family.”
Leo moves to the floor, my eyes snapping open as I watch him kneeling in front of me so that we’re on the same level. “So will I.”
“Leo…”
“She would have killed you, Zellie.”
“Maybe. Maybe she wouldn’t have.”
“Zellie, she tried to stab you in your fucking heart with a trident. I watched as she cut off your air supply! I was too far away, and you were fading before my fucking eyes. She was ruthless; she never would have stopped.” I know he’s right. She wouldn’t have stopped.
Tears threaten to spill out of the corners of his eyes. “That will haunt my nightmares.”
I swallow the thick emotion lodged in my throat. “Mine too.”
He cups his hand around the back of my neck, bringing our foreheads together. “There is no world where I can exist without you. If there is ever a point where it is your life or another’s, I will always choose yours.”
I run my fingers through his hair lightly. “Thank you. For saving me. For choosing me.”
He kisses my forehead. “I will do anything for you.”