Chapter 11
Eleven
Jada
We crossed a breathtaking bridge that seemed to shimmer with thousands of crystals, then made our way to the Cosmic Hall, nestled on the eastern edge of the city’s bustling business district.
My feet ached from drifting through the dreamlike city, but the pain is all but forgotten as I take in The Kosmos’ home.
“Hall” is an understatement—this place looks like it is straight out of a fairytale from one of the books I’ve read in the Library.
Pastel colors swirl off of reflective glass panels, complemented by chunks of shimmering grey stone.
If the city pulses with life, then this is its very heartbeat.
“What do you think?” Pluto asks, his powerful aura humming as he leans in for my response.
“I’m speechless!” I admit, drinking in the breathtaking structure before me.
“There’s plenty more to see inside.” He raises his voice to address the entire group.
“We welcome you all to stay for refreshments before setting out to explore the city on your own. Should you wish to return to Lunara at any time, the portal is available to take you back. If you require assistance locating the portal in the northern portion of Astralis, there are officials within the Cosmic Hall who will direct you. Thank you all again for choosing to visit our great home, and welcome to the City of Wonder. The constellations are the only constant.”
Pluto waves his hands, and the double doors beneath an arched doorframe open, revealing the grand foyer inside, complete with a bubbling fountain replicating our galaxy.
Buffet tables piled high with cheeses, meats, and breads sprawl before me, as well as large glass containers filled with drinks at serving stations.
The extensive amounts of food takes me by surprise.
It’s limitless compared to our portioned rations on Lunara.
“I’d love to discuss opportunities for you within the city, Jada.” He pours a glass of water with—is that mint leaves?---floating on the top and hands it to me before pouring another.
For a heartbeat, I hesitate, my intuition urging me to pause.
Why? This is the leader of the Kosmos—I should be eternally grateful that he has deemed me worthy to even speak to.
I look for Torin and find him across the room.
He offers me a reassuring smile before returning to making a plate of snacks.
“I think I’d like to see more of the city and visit more first, if that’s okay?”
He leans back against the serving station, fingers tapping against the glass. He offers me a kind smile. “You’re right. That was rather forward of me. Of course, that would be alright.”
I breathe a sigh of relief before returning a bright smile of my own. “Thank you.”
“Do you know what it is that we do, Miss Bellamy?” I look into his dark eyes, trying to think of the correct answer.
They do everything. He rubs a hand over his jaw, covered by a copper goatee, before dropping his hand back to the glass.
“It was a bit rhetorical, I suppose. We maintain the balance, Jada. Something I’m sure you care deeply about. ”
“Yes, of course.”
“I believe you could help us maintain that balance. Take time to think on it.” He inclines his head slightly before adding, “The city is yours to see.” His tone is dismissive, our conversation over, his attention already scanning over the crowd.
I need to know what happened to my friend. “If I may—”
“Please. Feel free to speak openly with me.”
“Can I ask what happened to Zellie?”
Pluto clicks his tongue and shakes his head. “As you can see, she’s had a difficult time adjusting after the Gemini Games. The challenges were difficult, yes, however, her anger is unwarranted. She is known as a hero within Astralis, blessed with gifts others only dream about.”
Zellie? Angry? That’s not the Zellie I know. “Thank you for your time today. I truly appreciate it.”
“It was my pleasure, Miss Bellamy.” He inclines his head once more before stepping away, leaving me gnawing on my thumb while I contemplate what could have possibly gone wrong for my best friend to harbor so much anger in a place this wondrous.
I join Torin in a corner, his solid frame leaning against a column. The white floors reflect each movement as I slide myself against the structure and steal a cube of cheese from his plate.
“Seems someone has taken a special interest in you,” he notes, popping an olive into his mouth.
“You are one of the most jealous people I know.”
“Simply making an observation.”
“Would it be such a bad thing? To be close to someone in The Kosmos?”
“No—I didn’t say that.” We silently observe others from Lunara, the giddiness palpable in the air. “This place is something, huh?”
“It’s incredible,” I agree, taking a sip of the flavored water, savoring the crisp coolness as it slides down my throat. “I’m going to stay here and wait for Zellie. She’s the one we saw earlier—my friend who disappeared.”
“What are the chances of that? I can’t believe she’s here!”
“Neither can I!” I laugh.
“I’ll wait with you until she arrives, but then I might take off. See some sights before heading back. Will you be okay?”
“Yeah, of course. I’ll have Zell.”
Right on cue, Zellie storms into the foyer as if she owns the place.
Her clothing is so uniquely her; the dark pants cling to her like a second skin, and a charcoal gray camisole sticks to her with sweat.
I drink her in, desperate to fill my vision with my best friend.
She’s been gone far too long—who has she become in that time?