Chapter 16
Sixteen
Afemale Kosmo, who introduced herself as Portia, stood to greet us all.
Her hair is black with a blue sheen, piled high above her head.
I’m not sure how the pile doesn’t topple over—laws of gravity and all that.
“We are all thrilled that you could be here this evening.” I grip my water glass tighter and take a small sip to busy my face. Didn’t have much of a choice, did we?
“This year’s Gemini Games promise to be some of the most exciting yet.
We are forever grateful for your contribution to restoring our constellation and helping our planets stay safe and thriving.
Please take the evening to relax and get to know one another.
The trials ahead are plentiful; you must persevere.
” Or perish. “Again, enjoy. The constellations are the only constant.” The room echoes the phrase in return.
As soon as Portia returns to her seat, servers emerge with plated appetizers.
We’re halfway through dinner, and Celeste and I have easily hit it off.
“I’m just saying,” she whispers lowly, “the fact that we weren’t given a choice as to whether we wanted to partake in these games or not is not okay. Would I have said yes? Probably. But who are they to decide for me, you know?”
I nod, appreciating her openness regarding her feelings. “I wouldn’t have said yes.”
“Aren’t you curious? It could be fun!”
“Or we could die,” I mumble into my water glass.
She nudges me with her shoulder. “I’ll have to be excited for the two of us, then.”
Genuine curiosity has me asking, “How are you remaining so positive through this?”
“Life was rather dull compared to this, don’t you think?
The same thing day in and day out. We have the opportunity to do something new.
This could be a big adventure.” Mischief, or excitement, sparkles in her eyes.
There’s a lightness to Celeste that makes me think of Jada—it’s comforting to be around.
“I think you and I have different definitions of adventure.”
Celeste lets out a full belly laugh before patting my arm. “You’re a funny one, Zellie. I like you.”
Whoever dressed her this evening knew what they were doing.
Her deep brown skin sparkles in the orb light—a shimmering oil, she told me.
The dress is simple but brilliant. The form-fitting garment has sequined thin straps leading to a yellow bodice, which fades around her navel, instead turning into a bright white for the skirt.
Her hair is down, with the top swept up in a partial updo; the white of her hair transitions to yellow at the tips, gradually fading down towards her face.
The combination of the pale yellow locks level with her face and the dress creates a focal point effect where Celeste is at the center.
Add in the sparkling arms from the oil, and she looks like a star.
“I don’t think I could eat another bite if I tried.” She leans back in her chair, placing her cutlery down.
The food is rich, unlike anything we had back on the unit. Steak with au jus, buttery mashed potatoes, and flavorful mixed vegetables has my taste buds igniting. The meal is a far cry from my days of soup, beans, and hard-boiled eggs—another injustice I’ve added to my list.
I cast another glance towards Lenny to check on him and find him engaged in conversation with Aria, the other teenage competitor from Noctor.
While I hate that they’re both here at such a young age, at least they have each other.
Down the table, Solene desperately tries to capture Leo’s attention, who seemingly can’t be bothered.
He hasn’t engaged with anyone here except for his sponsor.
I’ve only eaten half my plate; my stomach physically cannot handle any more. Orion must have noticed as well, as he critiques, “We’re going to have to work on your food intake.” Irritation sweeps through me.
“Really? Controlling my food is not a good look for you.”
Orion’s tone hardens defensively. “For your energy? Strength? Training? Does that ring a bell? Not because I’m an ass.”
I offer him an apologetic smile, feeling guilty that I offended him. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not the enemy, Zellie.” He’s not. I look to the dais where the Kosmos are rising from their seats. They are.
The Kosmos descends from the dais and heads in our direction. No, no, no. I’m not ready to speak with them. Maybe I can quickly scoot out without them noticing. I push my chair backwards, and Orion places his hand on my arm with a squeeze, a warning. So much for my escape.
Pluto, the man who spoke at the arena, approaches my seat. “Orion, Zellie,” he nods to both of us, “I hope your evening has been enjoyable.”
My brain has lost its ability to function. I can feel immense power rippling from this man. It feels… ancient. Mystical. His eyes are dark, almost black. “Quite enjoyable, thank you, Majesty.” Orion answers for me.
I find my voice. “Yes, delightful.” Delightful? Who am I?
“Excellent. I look forward to watching your progress and performance in the games, Zellie. You hold such promise.” He tilts his chin towards my sponsor.
“Orion has reported positive insights.” My head whips in Orion’s direction.
He has spoken to the Kosmos? When? And why does it feel like betrayal?
This shouldn’t come as a surprise; he told me he worked closely with them when I first met him.
“Thank you.” Orion kicks my foot under the table. Oh, right. “Thank you, Majesty.” Wouldn’t consider him majestic, but to each their own.
“I will see you again. Until then, Zellie Toro.” Well, that’s not ominous-sounding at all. “The constellations are the only constant.”
“The constellations are the only constant.” Another incline of his head before Pluto saunters off, his head held high. This guy gives me the creeps.
I exhale loudly. “This has been a lot, Orion. Can we go?”
He squeezes my shoulder. “Of course. Give me one minute. I’ll meet you in the foyer.”
I quickly say goodbye to Celeste, Atlas, and Merri after checking in with Lenny. He’s holding his own, and his confidence puts me at ease.
My slippers are silent as I head into the foyer, the space darkened except for the glow of the orb sconces on the walls.
“You’re his perfect little puppet, aren’t you?” A deep voice drawls.
I turn towards the sound and find Leo leaning against a column, his arms and legs crossed. His amber eyes glow amidst the shadows.
I take one step towards him. “Excuse me?”
“Your Astral. He’s in league with them.”
Anger ignites in my veins. “You know no—”
Leo cuts me off, pushing off the wall. In two strides, he’s invaded my personal space, close enough that I have to crane my neck to maintain eye contact.
He smells crisp and clean—a mixture of soap and moonlight.
My breathing hitches at his proximity, my anger momentarily becoming a second thought.
Stars, why does he have to smell so good?
“You’re a human. He’s an Astral. An Astral who works for the Kosmos. Keep that in mind, sweetheart.” Condescension drips from his tone.
Instantly, I decide that I hate him, regardless of how my body feels around him. I snarl, opening my mouth to retort as Orion’s voice calls out, “Good to go, Zi?” Leo’s head turns slowly to look at Orion before turning back to me with a sly smirk. Without another word, he turns and walks away.
Orion has shown me nothing but encouragement and kindness, I remind myself as I take his arm, exiting the Hall.