Chapter 20
TWENTY
Jupiter
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, examining the dress I’d chosen for meeting Percy’s parents. It was simple but elegant, black and fitted, with a neckline that wasn’t overly revealing and still showed off the serpent tattoos curling up my arms. My hair fell in soft waves down to my hips.
“You look beautiful,” Draco said from the doorway of my room. His eyes met mine in the mirror.
“Enough to meet the illustrious Whitlock family?” I asked, smoothing the front of my dress.
He smiled slightly. “They’re the ones who should be worried about impressing you, not the other way around.”
I turned to face him, anxiety churning in my stomach despite my outward calm. “Percy’s been pacing for the last hour.”
“He hates his father, and with good reason.”
I nodded, remembering everything Percy had told me as we lay tangled together in his bed.
How his father had pushed him relentlessly since childhood, viewing him as nothing more than an extension of the family legacy.
How his mother had stood by and watched, occasionally offering comfort but never intervention.
How his younger sisters had learned early to parrot their father’s views and ambitions, becoming perfect little echoes of his prejudices and priorities.
“Is it time?” I asked, glancing at the clock.
Draco nodded. “They’ve arrived. Eris is showing them to the parlor now.”
I took a deep breath and followed Draco out into the common area where Aiden and Percy were waiting.
Percy’s dark eyes found mine immediately. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do.” I straightened my spine. “I’m not afraid of them.”
Something flickered in his expression. Pride and relief, but mostly relief. He offered me his arm, and I took it.
The private parlor was located in the administrative wing of Dominion, a space reserved for important visitors to the academy. As we approached, I could feel Percy’s tension mounting through our bond, his emotions like a storm of resentment and resignation.
“Remember,” he murmured as we reached the door, “they’re going to see you as a thing, not a person. An asset to be acquired. Don’t take it personally. They have no souls.”
The parlor was exactly as fancy as I’d expected with plush seating arranged around a crackling fireplace, rich wood paneling on the walls, and a well-stocked bar cart in the corner. Director Waverly was already there, making polite conversation with a tall, distinguished-looking couple.
The man was clearly Percy’s father. They shared the same strong jawline and broad shoulders, though where Percy’s dark eyes held warmth, at least when looking at me the last few days, his father’s were cold and calculating.
The woman beside him was beautiful in a severe way, her dark hair pulled back into a perfect chignon.
“Ah, there they are,” Director Waverly said, turning as we entered. “Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, may I present Jupiter Black.”
Every eye in the room turned to me. I felt the Nightfall Shield move protectively closer, Aiden and Draco flanking us while Eris stood slightly to the side, watching everyone with careful eyes.
“Ms. Black,” Percy’s father said, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. “Charles Whitlock. What an honor to meet you at last.”
I shook his hand, noting the firm grip and the calculating assessment in his eyes. “Likewise, Mr. Whitlock.”
“And I’m Eleanor,” Percy’s mother said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “We’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” I replied, matching her insincere smile with one of my own.
“Extraordinary things,” Charles said jovially, his gaze sliding over me like I was a prize horse at auction. “The first Ophis designation to manifest in recorded history. The Assembly has been quite vocal about your potential.”
I felt Percy stiffen beside me, his hand coming to rest possessively at the small of my back. Through our bond, I could feel his anger building.
Director Waverly cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should all sit? I’ve had refreshments prepared.”
We arranged ourselves around the fireplace, Percy keeping me close to his side on a small loveseat. Aiden and Draco took chairs nearby, while Eris remained standing, his posture casual but his eyes alert.
“So, Ms. Black,” Eleanor began, accepting a glass of wine from a server, “tell us about your family. I understand they’re not from established zodiac lines?”
The question was deliberately phrased to emphasize my lack of prestigious background. I smiled, refusing to take the bait.
“My parents are wonderful people who raised me to value kindness and integrity above social standing,” I replied smoothly. “They’ve been incredibly supportive of my journey.”
Charles made a noise that might have been amusement. “Admirable qualities, to be sure. Though perhaps not the most useful in navigating zodiac politics.”
“I’ve managed just fine so far,” I said.
“Indeed you have,” he agreed. “Your performance in Philadelphia was quite impressive. The Assembly Council has taken special note.”
Percy’s hand tightened on mine. “Jupiter nearly died in Philadelphia.”
“But she didn’t,” Charles pointed out. “Instead, she demonstrated unprecedented control over bane portals. A skill that makes her invaluable.”
“I’m not a weapon, sir” I said quietly. “Or a tool.”
“Everyone is a tool in the right hands,” Charles replied, his smile never wavering. “The question is whether you’ll be wielded effectively.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Through our bond, I could feel the Nightfall Shield’s collective anger rising like a tide.
“Father,” Percy said, his voice dangerously low, “I’d advise you to choose your next words carefully.”
Charles waved a dismissive hand. “Come now, Percival. There’s no need for dramatics. I’m simply acknowledging the reality of the situation. Ms. Black’s abilities represent a significant advantage for our family’s position within the Assembly.”
“Your choice,” Percy corrected. “Not mine. You know I disagree.”
Eleanor set down her glass with a sharp click. “Percival, everything you are, you owe to the Whitlock name.”
“That’s not true,” I interjected, unable to stay silent. “Percy’s achievements are his own. His shield, his combat record, his leadership—those have nothing to do with your name and everything to do with who he is as a man.”
The room fell silent. Eleanor looked shocked that I’d dared to contradict her, while Charles regarded me with newfound interest.
“My, my. The axis defends her shield. How... touching.”
“The axis speaks her mind. Something I’ll continue to do regardless of whose family name is involved.”
Director Waverly cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should discuss the upcoming Assembly gala. The Nightfall Shield will be formally presenting their axis bond, and—”
“We haven’t agreed to that yet,” Aiden cut in, speaking for the first time.
Charles’s eyebrows shot up. “I was under the impression the bond was already established.”
“It is,” Percy said. “But the formal presentation is our choice, not the Assembly’s. It’s up to Jupiter, not us.”
“A presentation would solidify your standing,” Eleanor pointed out. “And provide an opportunity to introduce Jupiter to the right people.”
“The right people?” I echoed, not bothering to hide my disdain. “You mean people who might be useful to the Whitlock family?”
“Precisely,” Charles said, seeming not to notice or care about my tone. “Connections are everything in our world, Ms. Black. The sooner you understand that, the better.”
I felt a surge of protectiveness from Draco through our bond, his anger a cool, controlled presence compared to Percy’s hot rage and Aiden’s simmering resentment. Eris was deceptively calm, but I could feel his pissed off aura.
“Jupiter understands more than you give her credit for,” Draco said.
“Indeed,” Charles replied, studying Draco with narrowed eyes. “The Hawthorne family has always been particular about their associations. Yet here you are, bonded to an Ophis with no family connections. Curious, isn’t it?”
Draco’s expression remained neutral, but I felt his anger spike through our bond. “Not at all. We bonded with Jupiter because she’s exceptional, not because of who her parents are or aren’t.”
“How progressive of you,” Eleanor murmured.
I’d had enough. I stood, smoothing my dress.
“Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, it’s been enlightening to meet you.
But I think we’ve covered the essentials.
You’ve assessed me, found me lacking in the proper pedigree but useful nonetheless, and made it clear you expect me to play a role in whatever games you’re playing with the Assembly. ”
Charles looked surprised, then amused. “Direct, aren’t you?”
“Always. So let me be direct about something else. I chose the Nightfall Shield because they are worthy of my choice and have earned every ounce of my respect. If that disappoints you, I’m not particularly concerned.”
Eleanor’s face tightened with displeasure. “You’re very bold.”
“I’ve been fighting bane since I was eighteen. I’ve seen more combat than most zodiacs twice my age. I think I have earned the right to say what I want to whoever I want.”
Percy stood beside me, his hand finding mine. “I think we’re done here,” he told his parents. “We have training to attend to.”
Charles also stood, buttoning his immaculate suit jacket. “Very well. But this conversation isn’t over, Percival. The Assembly gala is in three weeks, and the Whitlock family will be making a strong showing, with or without your cooperation.”
He nodded to Director Waverly, who had remained silent during our exchange. “Director, thank you for arranging this meeting. We’ll see ourselves out.”
As Percy’s parents left the room, I felt the tension drain from my shoulders. Percy pulled me against his side, pressing a kiss to my temple.
“Thank you, honey,” he murmured.
My belly flipped several times like it did every time he called me honey.