Chapter 62
Sixty-two
Zellie
Jada never returned. The thought haunts my mind, circling back between passing observations. I could die today and never know what happened to her. Why couldn’t this ball be a day later? We should have waited for her—this doesn’t feel right.
“Hey,” Orion’s soft voice pulls me out of the depths of my despair.
“She’s fine. We’re going to be fine.” He cups my cheek with his hands, and my eyes flutter shut at the contact, basking in the feel of him.
Being on this side of the city feels wrong after spending so much time below.
We sit in a hovercraft, side by side, much like we used to en route to the Games.
This feels uncannily similar—marching steadfast towards our fate.
What was it I thought all those moons ago?
Stars above, chaos below. Ah, yes. The chaos was below, brewing, waiting to erupt.
It’s time—even the heavens will tremble tonight.
I squeeze Orion’s hand once more before releasing it, adjusting my hair.
“It’s still glamoured. You’re doing great.
” Brinn throws me words of encouragement from her seat across from me.
With my hair and eyes being the most recognizable features at this time, the group worked with me on coaxing both into a solid brown color.
I was unrecognizable and insignificant—I would not be the reason our cover was blown tonight.
The masks help, too. Seb had broken into the electronic invitation system and altered the requested apparel to include masquerade dress and accessories.
Brinn’s dress is a deep indigo, the stretchy lycra material accenting her curves and lilac features.
I opted for a loose chiffon emerald gown, a nod to my former self.
Cinched at my waist, the material flows effortlessly in a full skirt, allowing my legs, cloaked in leggings underneath, easy movement.
My viper dagger is sheathed on one leg, with a celestite and moonstone blade hidden in the other.
The men look dashing, as always, black and gray masks accenting their matching suits.
Everyone is present, save for Leo, who, if he is following the plan, should already be at the Cosmic Hall. We’re abuzz with energy, quietly holding the words no one wants to acknowledge. This is it. This is our moment.
“I just want you all to know…” I start, emotion clogging my throat. I clear it away. “Meeting you all, and working with each of you, has been my honor.”
Brinn smiles softly. “You scared the stars out of me when I first met you. Absolutely terrified me.” The entire cabin chuckles, my face heating from the memory of my erratic outburst towards her.
“But without that moment, I never would have known you and that heart of yours which bleeds so easily for others, underneath it all. I never would’ve understood the mistreatment of humans, or reflected on my own privilege and how I could help those who were at a disadvantage.
Yes, the bakery is my dream and my passion, but this movement has given me purpose. I wouldn’t have had it without you.”
I blink rapidly, willing the tears not to leak and ruin my mascara.
But then Orion opens his mouth, and I am done for.
“Imagine my surprise when the flexible, compassionate Gemini turned out to be a feisty firecracker. I spent years alone and waiting. Waiting for this moment, waiting for joy, waiting for… life. I realize now that all that time, my existence was muffled, like being underwater. But then I met you, and it was like coming up for air for the very first time. Every day that I get to breathe you in is the best day of my life.”
“Enough of this sappy shit,” Lando grunts from the very back of the hovercraft.
I snort before Seb chimes in, “I’m looking forward to not being underground anymore. I miss the stars. And you lot aren’t so bad. It’s been nice to have some company after spending so long by myself down there.”
“We’re really going to miss Lando’s joyous company,” I drawl, eliciting a grunt from Lando. We all exchange smirks, except for Orion, the only being immune to Lando’s spectacular personality.
A look outside the window lets us know we’re fast approaching the Cosmic Hall.
“Does everyone remember the plan?” Orion asks, continuing on despite our confirming nods.
“Try to weed out the Kosmos willing to work against Pluto. Orion said others shared his feelings—everyone except Zi and me, of course. They’ll be looking for us.
Zellie and I will draw Pluto out, isolating him, so that we can make our move. ”
“And Portia?” Lando’s question lingers heavily in the cabin.
A flicker of emotion crosses Orion’s face before quickly disappearing. “Avoid her at all costs. If it comes down to it… We do what’s necessary.”
Brinn breaks the tension. “It’s a good day for rebellion.”
“I’ll praise the stars for that. Whisper wisps in place?” We all double-check our secured pieces and nod to Seb. “Let’s roll out.”
The hovercraft slows to a stop in front of the Hall. Seb exits, helping Brinn out, while Orion leans to the side, allowing Lando to exit as well. “Don’t let them rile you. Try to hold your cover as long as possible.”
“I know, Ri.” I lean in, pressing my lips to his in a brief moment of passion. “I love you.”
“I love you. Until the moons fail to rise and the stars burn out.”
He exits the hovercraft, extending his hand to help me down. Let’s hope no stars are burning out today.