Chapter 9
Nine
Zellie
The only thing that keeps me from hiding in bed all day is my ambition to be three steps ahead of the Kosmos at all times.
That, and my driving vengeance. Sleep evaded me, much to no one’s surprise, after my run-in with Leo, leaving me with plenty of time to plot.
Currently, I’m waiting for Celeste to open the door.
I’ve been an awful friend—absent in every way that matters.
Her surprised look is confirmation that the distance I’ve created has impacted her as well.
“Hi, Zell.”
“Listen, I know I’ve been the worst friend ever, and I’m sorry. Can I make it up to you with breakfast? I was heading to the bakery and thought I’d see if you wanted to come, too.” The words burst out of my mouth in one breath, the air rushing through me before she can slam the door in my face.
Celeste’s smile is as bright as the sun as she wraps me in a hug. “You don’t need to apologize. I can’t even imagine what you’ve been going through. I knew you’d come back when you were ready. I’m just happy you’re here now.”
Sweet relief comforts me as I return the hug, wrapping her in my embrace. Pushing people away accomplishes nothing useful, I’ve realized. I’d rather suffer with the support of those I love by my side than in isolation.
“Your treat, though. I accept apologies in the form of pastries.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” I give her one more squeeze before she slips on her shoes and we walk side by side towards the doors leading out into Astralis. “To be transparent, I do plan on talking to Brinn while I’m there.”
“Always scheming, aren’t you?”
“Rebellions don’t lead themselves.”
The city bustles with Celestials and Astrals going about their day.
Overhead, planets emerge as we slowly orbit.
The vast expanse, painted in hues from ashen gray to vibrant crimson, scattered with stars and shimmering dust, never fails to take my breath away.
Midnight blue cobblestones gleam underfoot as we weave through shops under twinkling lights, the city alive with the chatter and magic of those surrounding us.
Chimes greet us as we enter Brinn’s bakery, the fresh, calming scent of lavender swirling through the air.
Brinn’s lilac bun is twisted high on her head, bobbing above the glass enclosures as she takes customers’ orders.
Brinn grins as she notices me while continuing to attend to the line in front of us.
Quickly, we reach the front of the line and Brinn’s shining violet eyes. “There she is, the queen herself.”
“Stars above, don’t call me that.”
“We’ve missed you. Welcome back. Can I get you girls anything?”
Celeste orders a blueberry muffin filled with cream cheese, while I decide on a chocolate croissant.
Brinn places the breakfast items on top of golden plates with scalloped white napkins laid across.
She slides two steaming mugs of tea to us as well, and as I thank her, I ask, “Can I steal you when you have a second?”
“Of course. Stick around; the rush should be over soon.”
Twenty minutes and two full bellies later, Brinn slides into the available seat at our table.
“What did you think of the tea?”
“It was good!” Celeste’s voice is a joyful chime.
“Bitter,” I reply simultaneously.
Brinn crinkles her nose. “You’re a tough one to crack. I’ll tweak the recipe then.”
Celeste huffs, “Is my word worthless?”
“No, just sugarcoated.” I sweetly reply. She sticks her tongue out at me, and I playfully swat her arm.
Brinn leans her elbows onto the table. “What’s the scoop, boss?”
“Will you stop it with all that nonsense? I’m still me.” Now it’s my turn to huff.
“Yeah, but now you are infused with pure starlight. You’re legendary.”
“The scoop,” I ignore her comments, “is that I need some help.”
“What kind of help?”
I pause as a Celestial walks by, openly gawking at the spectacle that is me. I fucking hate this. I give a tight smile before resuming my conversation. “Can we hack into the video system on the human planets?”
Brinn chews her lip, considering. “I think I know someone with that kind of skill. I’ll have to ask. What are you thinking?”
“I want to stream our conditions to the people in Astralis. I want irrefutable proof of how humans are living. No plausible deniability possible on the Kosmos’ part. Pure truth, right before everyone’s eyes.”
“It’s brilliant,” Brinn breathes, excitement vibrating out of her. “Damn, I wish I had thought of something like that.”
“I need to play nice and will likely need to get a job within the Hall. I’m hoping a position within can help me exploit their weaknesses.
We might have to switch our meetings up with Orion and me taking turns.
They’re also watching me closely and apparently plotting how to kill me, so there’s that.
All of this to say: be careful; take every precaution. I think that’s it for now.”
Celeste spits her tea out into her mug at the mention of murder plotting, while Brinn just nods along. I wipe the table with my napkin before grabbing the discarded food items and standing.
“And Brinn?”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t ever make decisions like that behind my back again.”
Admiration shines in Brinn’s eyes. “Yes, my queen.” She needs to calm down with that queen bullshit.
Celeste whispers under her breath, cutting the tense moment. “Damn, girl.”
Satisfaction hums through me, happy with the pieces I’ve planted to overturn the Kosmos. “What else do you have planned this morning?” Celeste’s question breaks my line of thinking.
“I have to head to the training grounds soon to meet with one of my mentors.” Earth training today—not my favorite.
For some reason, this element hasn’t come as naturally to me as water and fire have.
Air came as easily as breathing; it was the element of my astrological sign, after all. “What about you?”
She shrugs, laughing half-heartedly. “You’re looking at it. The day is young, and my schedule is rather empty these days.”
While Celeste chose to stay, she hasn’t yet found her purpose in this new life.
I empathize with her; the decision to stay or leave isn’t an easy one.
I open my mouth to respond when an onslaught of emotions barrels into me from all directions, making me gasp.
Awe, excitement, wonder, surprise, hesitation, fear, irritation.
What in all the worlds? Celeste reaches for me, eyebrows furrowed with concern. “What is it?”
I blink and look around me, truly taking in our surroundings.
So much silver. Silvery heads everywhere. And they are all trailing behind… fucking Pluto. Damn it all, he’s planned faster than I have. I need to be quicker. What is he doing? Giving them a tour? He’s going to fucking woo them.
My rising anger stops abruptly as he steps ahead of the individual next to him, revealing flowing pink and pewter hair I would recognize anywhere.
A sob escapes me. This is personal. He’s manipulating the humans… starting with my best friend.
“Jada?”