Chapter 63
Sixty-three
I’m dressed in gold and silver tones, wearing black and white—the picture of duality.
The stylist assigned to me twisted my hair into a low bun, leaving strands hanging in the front.
My eyes are brushed with a gold powder, highlighting my green eyes.
Meanwhile, my lips are dusky pink, and my skin sparkles with a shimmering oil application.
My arms are lined with silver and gold bangles, and simple black slippers complete the look.
After the stylist leaves, I secure my thigh strap, sheathing my dagger.
As my dress falls back into place, a light knock signals Orion’s arrival.
I release a shaky breath before greeting him.
Orion looks exceptional tonight. His white tailcoat has an iridescent glow, as if the cosmos were woven into the very fabric.
The slim, fitted pants he wears are outlined with silver threads that hum energetically when the light strikes the hems. His golden hair is slicked back, his face freshly shaven.
I watch as his hazel eyes trail the length of my body, taking their time absorbing my form.
He laughs, shaking his head. “Incredible.”
“Right back at you.”
“There is not one being in all the galaxies that compares. You put them all to shame.”
I look down, adjusting my dress to hide my blush. “You can’t say things like that.”
“Why not? I’m only speaking the truth.” He grins sheepishly at me. I shake my head, grabbing his hand and dragging him out the door.
The Kosmos puts in every effort to decorate for the final ball.
The Cosmic Hall drips with decadence. In the foyer, crystal sculptures hover midair, defying the laws of gravity.
A carpet is rolled out like a runaway, the shade of midnight blue, enchanted to reflect the galaxy in orbit—multicolor nebulae swirl as blinking silver stars twinkle.
Crimson trails wrapped in gold occasionally flicker across the path—comets shooting through space.
The carpet captures my attention as I hold Orion’s arm, walking through the grand entrance into the Hall itself.
The opulence continues with charmed harps and cellos lining the length of the hall; the strings pluck without a musician playing.
Added chandeliers that drip icy shards, sparkling wine pours effortlessly out of a crescent-shaped fountain, and food spins on platters shaped to imitate the rings that orbit planets.
There is something to see in every direction, sending my senses into sensory overload.
Through my lashes, I check the dais. The thrones sit empty with the higher Order nowhere to be found.
We descend the stairs, making our way towards my friends and their sponsors, already seated.
Orion pulls my chair out for me, sweeping my cape to the side so I don’t sit on it.
I thank him, lowering myself. Movement on the stairs catches my eye, and I’m transported, with a heavy sense of déjà vu, back to the first time I laid eyes on Leo in this Hall.
He moves with swagger, time standing still as his colossal frame takes each step.
Wearing black on black, his tailored jacket embroidered with dark sequins.
It’s flashy in the subtlest of ways, and so uniquely him.
Butterflies swarm wildly in my stomach, clashing with how my body reacts to Leo and the uneasiness that our last conversation left me with.
His amber eyes flick my way with the smallest of smiles before he turns towards the opposite side of the table with his sponsor.
It’s almost as if he’s feigning this indifference on purpose.
That, or he is resigned to pushing me away and making me question the deliberateness of his every move.
Low frustration takes root as I attempt to distract myself in conversation with Orion and Celeste.
Orion fetches us both a glass of the celestial wine.
The deep purple liquid swirls in my glass as I hesitantly take a sip.
The deep flavor of berries explodes on my tongue, and I drink deeply.
“Careful,” Orion murmurs, resting his arm on the back of my chair. “You’re not used to this.”
“You know how much I love it when you tell me what to do.” I smile sweetly, taking another sip. “Maybe you shouldn’t have held this deliciousness from me for the last four months.”
“I need you focused.” Well, tonight I need liquid encouragement.
“Always,” I wink.
Suddenly, the orb lights extinguish, leaving only the low thrumming of the cellos and harps, which swirls melodious harmonies around us.
Irritation stokes the growing frustration within me, knowing the Kosmos will arrive momentarily.
Right on cue, a blue flame burning so brightly erupts from the edge of the dais.
Collective gasps sound from the Celestials and Astrals in attendance, forever entertained by the Kosmos’ antics.
The contestants, like me, sit patiently, waiting for the spectacle to end.
All twelve clap for themselves, absorbing the guests’ cheers before beckoning them to quiet down.
“It’s hard to believe the fifth and final trial of the Gemini Games has nearly arrived, yet here we are.
” Pluto holds his hands out as light laughter fills the room.
I roll my eyes at the ignorance of these people who waste their time groveling and eating up the words of their divine order.
“And what an honor that the future Celestial champion sits amongst us. I’m sure they’re eager to begin their citizenship in Astralis.
Just as we are honored to welcome them into the City of Wonder.
” Sure you are, Pluto. Your love for humans is limitless.
“Tonight, we celebrate the contestants who have made this possible. Eat, drink, and dance the night away. As always, the constellations are the only constant.” I’m thinking the only constant in the constellations is that saying.