Chapter 10
Ten
Jada
I’ve never been more certain of my decision to come here.
After Pluto convinced me to join him, telling me he thought my conviction and warm personality would find solace in Astralis, I was too curious to refuse.
And I’m glad I didn’t—this city is everything.
Astralis is everything Lunara isn’t, and I’m captivated by the diversity of the city.
There’s so much personality packed into every detail—between the colors, the ornate decor, and the glowing lights and flora.
“Jada?” I know that voice. It can’t be. Goosebumps erupt across my skin, my heart speeding up to a rapid pace.
My head turns to find an individual stopped in her tracks, dead ahead of our tour group, so immobilized that the flow of traffic moves around her.
I’m looking at someone who has some resemblance to my missing best friend, but is entirely different.
That otherworldly presence that I’ve noted from all individuals here thrums from her more forcefully, radiating not human, not human, not human.
Beside her stands a female looking as confused as I feel, mouth agape and eyebrows raised.
Is she human? Yellow tips identify her as a Gemini, but her hair is…
white? Who cares—Zellie, my Zellie, is standing before me. Changed, but in one piece.
“Zellie?” I breathe in disbelief that she is standing in front of me.
What in all the worlds happened to her? Her eyes are swirling voids, and I swear they were aglow for a moment before I blinked.
Zell’s once silver and yellow locks are now a shimmering white, reflecting blues, pinks, and purples with each shift of her head.
Her frame is strong, so much stronger than it was the last time I saw her.
She stands taller, more confidently than I remember.
And the sheer power rolling off her… It’s enough to make me tremble.
“Stars, Zellie! You’re here! You’re alive!
” I laugh with tears in my eyes, grabbing hold of her to feel the skin beneath my fingers, needing the confirmation that I’m not hallucinating.
Her voice is low, a contained rage coating each word as her attention focuses on Pluto. “What are you doing?”
Pluto’s hands are clasped behind his back, and he rocks forward and back on his feet as he responds, “Why, giving Jada here a tour, of course.” His voice is laced with a false nicety I have not yet heard from him. For whatever reason, these two do not like each other; that much is certain. But why?
“Zell, is that really you? I can’t believe this!”
She blinks, breaking out of whatever furious trance she was in before closing the gap between us and pulling me into her embrace.
She breathes me in deeply as she shakes, crying, “Stars above, Jada. I’ve missed you.
” She holds me as she breaks, as if I could put her back together again.
I’m not sure how much time passes; all I know is I refuse to let go.
A sound that is half laugh, half whimper escapes me. “Where have you been?” I squeeze her tightly, fearful that she’ll disappear before my very eyes yet again.
“I’ve been here, Jay. It’s a long story.” She pulls back, wiping her eyes as she surveys me from head to toe. “Are you hurt?”
“Hurt? Why would I be hurt?” I laugh again. “The Kosmos opened up visitation to Astralis from Lunara starting this morning. They were gracious enough to offer a tour.” I gesture to the man beside me.
Pluto’s teeth gleam as he smiles. “What a beautiful reunion this is! You two know each other from home, I take it?”
Zellie growls, “As if you didn’t know.”
My head bounces between the two, trying to make sense of the hatred pouring out of Zellie; such a stark change from the girl she was moments before.
“Yes, well, we have a tour to finish, and I believe you have training to attend to, no?” Zellie’s face falls as she realizes that she isn’t staying with me.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed either.
“Training for what?”
“Zellie here is our Champion for the Ages. She is now a Celestial and gained power following her win of the Gemini Games. Power that must be trained.” What is he talking about?
“I’m afraid I’m not following…”
“They took me and—”
Pluto effectively cuts Zellie off. “Zellie is responsible for saving the Twins constellation and ensuring continued power to Lunara and the surrounding worlds. In order to do so, she completed a series of trials in an age-old traditional game centered around her astrological sign. She competed splendidly and was rewarded for her participation and heroism. Right, Zellie?”
She swallows her retort down roughly. “That’s right. I do need to get to my training. Can I find you after?” Where does this tour end? I need to see you again.”
“Please. Yes!” The thought of separating after finally reuniting is destroying me. I need to see her again. Is it rude if I ask Pluto for her to remain? I don’t want to overstay my welcome, but one of the biggest parts of my life has been missing for months, and I’ve finally found her again.
“You can find us at the Cosmic Hall, if time allows after your training.”
Zellie takes my hand in hers. “Please don’t leave without talking to me.”
As if that would actually happen. “I would never!”
Reluctantly, she drops her hold on me, eyes flicking to Pluto and back. She gives me a curt nod, promising, “I will see you soon.” She strides away, and Pluto clears his throat, launching into his spiel as if my world wasn’t turned upside down, leaving no room for questioning.
“Did you know that this city was built on the spot where a fallen star fell, kissing the very ground of Galatea and blessing the planet with its magic? It’s quite enchanting when you think about it.
Oh, yes! Here is the main shop in the city for elixirs.
Thanks to all you do, the potions created by our alchemists heal and enhance the lives of countless citizens. Over here, we have…”
While he continues, my mind is elsewhere—wondering what in all the worlds happened to my best friend and who she has become.
I can’t believe she’s here. Zellie is alive.
I never doubted she wasn’t, but seeing her and having that reassurance is everything.
Something has loosened inside of me; something that had wound itself tighter and tighter with every passing month.
Torin, who remained quiet throughout the entire exchange, leans closely into me.
“I hope that isn’t yet another lover I’m going to have to compete with. ”
I can’t help but laugh. “No, Tor, she’s not.”