Chapter 68
Sixty-eight
Finishing my braids, I slide my bandana over my head, splashing my face with cool water.
The morning is quiet and calm, despite my internal warring emotions.
I slide my dagger into the pocket of my tights before giving myself a last look in the mirror.
You can only count on yourself, Zellie. I bite my cheek to stop my chin from wobbling—tug, tug.
I gently yank on the braids, knowing no one else will be doing so for me.
I blow out a long breath, pushing the nerves out with the air in my lungs.
I nearly lunge for the door when Orion finally knocks, eager to get this over with.
We stand in the doorway, each of us on our respective sides.
For a moment, I think he is going to close the distance and kiss me once more.
The moment passes; instead, he gives me a dazzling smile full of conviction as he says, “You are the strongest person I know, Zizi, and you are going to win this whole fucking thing.”
My lips twist up in a smile. “Let’s do this, then, shall we?”
“Keep your wits about you. Conserve your energy. Take your time. Do you have your dagger?”
“Yes, Riri.” I tap his leg with my foot in the hovercraft. “You’re making me more nervous.”
He traps my foot with his other leg. “I’m sorry, I’ll stop.”
We’re quiet as the hovercraft carries us towards our destiny. “Zi?”
“Hmm?”
“I know you likely feel differently, but these have been the best five months of my life. Getting to know you, spending all this time with you… I’ve loved every minute.”
“Orion…”
“Just—let me get this out, please.” I remain silent so he continues, “You are my best friend, and I’m so scared to fuck this up.
” He pauses and laughs. “But honestly, I’m more scared of you not knowing how I feel.
I love you, Zellie, and I have for some time now.
I am in awe of the person you are and how beautifully your soul shines.
I will love you until the moons fail to rise and the stars burn out.
And if I’m not your choice, I will still be here, feeling lucky to be your friend. ”
A blush blooms across my cheeks as my heart somersaults from his sweet words. “Orion, I—”
“No, please don’t respond now. I needed you to know.
” He looks out the window briefly as a pink tinge crawls up his neck and cheeks as well.
“I have watched as you’ve poured yourself into these challenges, and it has allowed me to fall in love with you day by day.
I observed your kindness before I met you, in your interactions with others on Lunara, back when I first made my choice to be your sponsor.
Your strongheadedness and empathy when you stormed across the arena to meet Lenny—stars, even when you defied the Kosmos by refusing to step forward before the first challenge.
” He chuckles at this with a shake of his head.
“You’re cunning and brave, and I swear if I wasn’t so angry with you when you had that fucking black dress on, I would’ve taken you there.
I love this wicked, brilliant mind of yours and all it is capable of.
I’ve watched your walls come down, revealing who you are beneath as you chose to trust me, and that is something I honor with my entire being.
You’ve been so strong and resilient, despite the odds.
” His throat works as he swallows roughly. “I’m proud of you, Zi.”
A lump forms in my own throat, and I rapidly blink away the moisture gathering in the corner of my eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper.
He smiles, grabbing my hand and giving it three quick squeezes. The hovercraft slows as we approach the coliseum. He looks out the window and gives me a nod. “Let’s go win this thing.”
The roar of the crowd is deafening as Orion and I traipse through the sand to take our spots on the floor.
I nod to Celeste as I feel Leo’s eyes burning a hole in the side of my head.
I refuse to look. He’s had weeks to approach me after the ball but chose not to.
I shake the thoughts from my head, feeling the outline of my dagger through my tights for comfort.
Aria and her sponsor join the group, followed by Miles and his to round out the group.
We’re all here, waiting for the Kosmos… per usual.
I take this time to look through the crowd, trying to glimpse Brinn or any Children of the Constellation members.
There are too many faces, though. I’ve never seen the arena so crowded.
Drums start beating, placed within the stands, the thrums picking up speed in a mesmerizing rhythm. Beneath my feet, a slight vibration turns into a full-on rumble. “Not this again,” I grumble. Orion elbows me in the side.
As the ground shakes, dust kicks up as a sandy dais is erected from the ground, rising skyward. All twelve Kosmos stand in their cloaks, hands raised toward the sky.
Pluto steps forward, his voice amplifying. “Citizens of Astralis, we welcome you to the fifth and final Gemini Game! Are you all ready for the epic conclusion?”
Oh, I’m ready, Pluto. The question is…
Are you?