Chapter 19
Nineteen
Orion doesn’t show up to bring me to training the next day, which is fine with me, as I don’t know what to say.
Guilt sits with you long enough that it morphs into embarrassment, and I wish I could take back my statement.
I met Celeste on the pathway to the training grounds and welcomed the distraction as we chatted and walked.
“You remind me of a friend I have back on Auralea. She’s witty and has your sense of humor.”
“It’s so funny you say that. You remind me of my friend back home, too. What’s Auralea like?”
Celeste brushes her hair off her shoulder, continuing her stride as she says, “It wasn’t so bad, honestly.
Nothing like this, but we still managed to have a good time.
It’s not so much about the setting as it is the people, you know?
And I have a good group of people.” I know exactly what she means, thinking of Jada and Xander.
“Did you know Solene? She seems… terrifying.”
Celeste’s mouth turns into a frown. “She hung around with a bad group that I stay away from, so I don’t know her personally.”
Yikes. I steer the conversation back to something more pleasant. “What was your favorite hobby?”
She giggles and glances around. “You can’t repeat this.”
“Who am I going to tell?”
“Say you won’t, or I’m not telling you!”
“Okay, okay, I promise I won’t repeat it.”
“We used to swipe some ingredients from the Labs and make our own pretend potions in our rooms. We’d give them ridiculous names like the Cassiopeia Elixir of Love or Moondew Brew. It was stupid, but we thought it was hilarious.”
I laugh alongside her. “Did any of them work?”
“Of course not!” Her smile is pure sunshine. “They did manage to give us some nasty stomachaches, though.”
As we approach the training grounds, all sponsors are noticeably absent, save for Lenny’s.
“Gather around, folks, I don’t bite,” Inia calls from where she is waiting in the center of the turf.
She pauses as well, and all of us assemble near her.
“The sponsors had to report to the Kosmos today regarding progress and expectations of you lot. I drew the short straw to be in charge. Since I’m only one person, we’re going to switch it up and try a little hand-to-hand combat today.
” So much for Orion’s plan to build my strength and endurance first. “Partner up. No—I’m not making it that easy, kids. Pick someone of a different sex.”
We all gawk at Inia. She can’t seriously expect us to fight someone that much bigger than us, can she?
“What are you all? Five years old? Hurry and pick, or I’ll pick for you.
Chances are, you’re going to face each other in some capacity during the actual games.
Better to be prepared than to get your ass kicked.
” I move towards Lenny on autopilot, only for Aria to claim him.
Okay, I’ll try Atlas. I search for him just as a large chest blocks my line of vision.
Looking up, cocky, golden orbs flash as Leo says, “You’re mine. ” Great.
“I’m not hitting you.” Leo and I circle one another, two predators ready to stake their claim. He continues to taunt me by making “come hither” motions, but I’m not falling for it. Nope. I am not fighting this brute of a man.
“You can do it. Don’t be scared.” He encourages with false nicety and a wink.
I scoff—scared? Of him? Yeah, right. Leo fakes left, which I stupidly fall for.
Instead of hitting me, he pulls each of my braids with a short tug.
Growling, my frustration builds. I don’t want to be doing this, especially paired with him. “Let’s go, Zellie.”
I mirror Leo’s movement as we go round and round, refusing to make a move. “You only play with the Astrals, is that it?”
Gritting my teeth, I ask, “What is your fucking problem with me?” Leo lunges forward so swiftly.
I react—dodging to the side, but not fast enough—as he lands a blow to my ribs.
I guarantee this is not the hardest he can hit, but by the stars above, it hurts.
Swinging wildly in defense, I land a jab to his middle, and Leo staggers away, holding his stomach.
A strand of black hair falls across his forehead, a movement I can’t help but track.
He raises his gaze to meet mine, his amber eyes sparkling with mischief.
He grins maniacally, looking absolutely feral. Our circling dance begins once more.
“Good hit, Zellie. Not the best form, but we’ll work on that.” Inia shouts from her vantage point, where she observes the matches. Then her attention is diverted as she watches another couple. “You will not break her, Miles. Let’s go!”
Refusing to wait for Leo to lunge again, I pounce on him, latching onto his side.
I try to wrap my legs around his middle, but he raises his knee and kicks out, knocking me off balance.
As I stumble, Leo attacks. I’m on my back before I’ve even had time to think about my next move.
Stars, he moves so fast. “My problem, Zellie,” he says.
The way he says my name sends shivers down my spine that I’m actively trying to avoid.
“You’re playing for the wrong side. You’re wrapped around his and the Kosmos’ fingers like a good little girl.
” Each word out of his mouth is a growl, with anger and deadly promise lacing his tone.
He sounds angry… angry like me. Leo’s weight is heavy on top of me, his elbows trapping my arms by my ears.
I ignore the way his solid form feels on top of mine and focus on my growing irritation.
“I’m not wrapped around anyone's finger.” My voice is a hiss, my barely contained anger shaking my vocal cords.
“We’re doing something. I’m not pretending or enabling the system.
We are the bad guys waiting to strike. I see this situation for exactly what it is, same as you, and I’m going to dismantle it piece by fucking piece when I win.
Now what are you doing besides getting in my fucking way?
” My chest heaves, pressing against his.
Our breaths mingle as his eyes flick to my lips.
His scent envelops me. Heat pools in my core, so at odds with the anger felt just moments ago.
“Get off of me.” I spat the words out, wiggling my upper half to create some distance. “You’re repulsive.” My insides aren’t repulsed. What is wrong with me? I despise him.
“Huh,” Leo rises to his knees with a forced chuckle, “you sure about that? Certainly didn’t feel repulsed a second ago.”
I need to move. Need some space away from this unbearable man. “You’re insufferable.” My body rolls away before standing, wiping my tights, and stomping off without a second glance.
A light knock at the door had me glancing over my shoulder from where I lay on the sofa.
I was thinking about the events of the day, of my reaction to Leo, and of how I felt bad for upsetting Orion.
Sighing, I roll my head back towards the fireplace, my legs draped over the edge of the sofa. “Come in.”
“You should check who it is before you invite them in.” My heart aches, the words reminiscent of advice I had once given Jada.
“Not like I have a long list of people trying to visit me.”
Orion removes his shoes and walks over to the sofa.
He lifts my legs, sits, and lowers them to his lap, keeping his hand on my shin.
Although it’s only been a few days, Orion’s small touches always feel friendly, and I welcome the warmth in this otherwise foreign place.
This contact feels like forgiveness. “I like to visit you.”
“You have little choice.”
“There’s always a choice.”
“I’m sorry about what I said. You’ve done nothing to deserve the comparison.”
“No, Zellie. I’m sorry I left in anger. I should never have done that. I don’t blame you for being distrustful and hope one day I can earn that trust.” As he speaks, I realize I do trust him. In every step I’ve taken since I’ve gotten here, I’ve relied on his guidance and encouragement.
“I’ve been training since I was young for a powerful position. I’ve seen too many injustices to those I grew up with and watched as the world paid no heed to those in need. The system is broken, Zellie.
“Injustices against whom?”
Orion’s jaw ticks. “Those who threaten them. I had a sister once. The stars saw her light, and so did they. They used their darkness to twist it into something that feeds on the shadows, like them.” He clears his throat, shaking the rising anger from his eyes. “Anyways, there’s no balance anymore.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Orion.”
“She’s not gone, but she’s no longer the sister I knew.”
I sit up, placing my hand on his. “You don’t need to, but if you want someone to confide in, I will always listen. But beyond that… we will restore the balance, Orion.”
Orion’s eyes search mine, the warmth from his hand seeping into me.
This feeling between us—is it our shared goal or something more?
He severs the moment with a quick squeeze of my hand and creates space between us.
“I heard you went against Leo today.” I snort in response, leaning into the simple comfort between us.
Orion said there is always a choice, and I’m finding myself increasingly grateful that he chose me.
“Please tell me you kicked his ass.”