Chapter 64
Sixty-four
Zellie
Focusing on the soft music, I push my magic outwards, demanding the strings to play a lively, entrancing beat.
The effect is instantaneous, couples taking to the floor immediately in each other’s arms, feet swiftly moving and spinning to the rhythm.
Pluto straightens from his throne, glancing at several other seated Kosmos as they ponder who has the power to change their droning, haunting melodies to something more dynamic.
I call to my fire magic, invisibly drawing a connection between the small burning orbs in the room and asking them to pulse in time to the music. The crowd gasps and laughs at the change in the atmosphere, the shift causing Pluto to rise to his feet.
“Well, this is fun,” Seb’s voice chimes through the wisp.
“Any luck with the others?” Orion asks the group as he places his hand on my lower back, a comforting presence that grounds me as I work not to overexert myself. Keeping my eyes on Pluto as he paces, I shift the air on the dais from clear and crisp to a hazy cloud, like a bog of fog rolling in.
“I’ve got two,” Brinn exclaims. “Thought I had a third, but he got real suspicious. Had to abort.”
“One with me, as well.” Lando grunts.
Leo’s deep voice interrupts the group. “I got one.”
Okay—four out of twelve of the Kosmos on our side isn’t bad at all. Five, actually, if we count Elio… Wherever he is.
“And the others?”
“Children are in position. Legions are in place to step in, should they need to.” Lando confirms that our allies are ready to spring into action should the need arise.
“Making my move now. Not sure how he’ll react, so be on alert and keep close to the exits.”
As swift as the wind, I move through the crowd like a whisper on the wind. The people pay no mind to the fog on the dais—their attention is turned towards each other—towards life and excitement and happiness. Straining my eyes, I wait for them to shift, allowing better eyesight in the rolling haze.
Pluto is scrambling, sending bursts of magic out to overpower mine, but failing. The frustration is evident in his deep scowl. He curses, attempting to find the stairs to exit without falling and making a fool of himself.
Like a ghost in the night, I hover by his ear, whispering, “Going somewhere?”
“You!” He whirls, blinking rapidly as he attempts to locate my position. I circle him like a predator chasing its prey. He begins swiping out aggressively, attempting to make contact. “It’s time I end you, girl.”
“You don’t play well with others. It’s time someone taught you a lesson. Karma comes for all of us, Pluto.”
Senselessly, he thrusts surges of his magic out, attempting to hit me.
But I have an advantage, being able to see his every intention.
Instinctively, I throw a wall of air around the unsuspecting guests, effectively shielding them from his wrath.
“You truly have no concern for the livelihood of others, do you? Aimlessly shooting your power into the ballroom.” I tisk, drawing the imbued moonstone dagger and landing a superficial slice to his cheek.
Pluto hisses as the moonstone lands as intended, burning through the outer layer of skin and drawing a line of blood.
“You spent all that time cutting me open. But look—you bleed the same as I do. You have thirty seconds to exit the Hall before your citizens learn how monstrous you truly are.” And before we attack—not that he needs to know that tidbit.
“I should have killed you while I had the chance. I’ll settle for today instead.”
I hum in agreement. “You really should have. Men like you don’t learn—enraging wild women only leads to your undoing.”
With those parting words, I whirl, sprinting towards the exit to gain a vantage point outside of the Hall. “Heading out,” I whisper.
“He’s stalling—must be considering his options.” Brinn updates the group as the collective sound of heavy breathing fills my ears from everyone making a quick exit.
“He’s out of options.”
“Got the ones on board with us.” Lando shares.
“Good. Tell the Children to be ready but to stay safe—no casualties on our end, got it?” Orion huffs out.
“Got it.”
I burst into the foyer to find Orion waiting for me. He grabs my arm and we haul ourselves out the front doors and into the city.
Towards the end, and the beginning.
Towards our freedom.
We star-shoot to the roof, where we crouch, perched like a gargoyle on watch.
I’ve shed my dress, wearing my preferred style that lay hidden beneath.
Pluto rushes out with six Kosmos in tow.
They fan out across the entrance way, covering the cobblestones in a “V’ shaped formation.
Unsuspecting citizens stroll past the Cosmic Hall, some casting nervous glances towards their angry leaders.
“It’s too busy here. We need to lead them away.” I observe.
“We split the group up. Lando, Seb, and Brinn can lead one half of them away, while Leo and a group of the rebels can lead the other half. Split the Kosmos on our side to go with them. We can take on Pluto ourselves.” Nerves have my stomach churning as I try to push away the fear of my friends being harmed.
“Lando, lead them south to the training grounds with Seb and Brinn. Leo—stay away from the residential areas. Maybe stop at the river? I’ll block off the bridge.”
Bursts of fire magic break out amongst the groups, drawing the Kosmos' attention. In a flurry of action, clusters of individuals—Astrals and Celestials alike—break into runs across the city. The Kosmos don’t waste time, quickly following suit, pushing their own magic back towards the group.
Our practice in training protective shields pays off, as power and bits of rocks and earth bounce off of shields, keeping our people safe.
Orion and I star-shoot in front of Pluto, casting flames to lick at his cloak.
Our efforts are futile, I realize, as the moonstone will be required to defeat him.
The distraction is successful, though, and we star-shoot out of reach but within his eyesight, willing him to follow.
I urge my feet to move faster, harder. I race towards the bridge and against time, praying that it’s not busy and easy to barricade.
I run towards what will be our final showdown—and the fate of our future.
I only pray it will be enough. That I will be enough.