Chapter 71
Seventy-one
Jada
“I’m sorry, what?” I’ve been cornered at Brinn’s bakery by the majority of my friends—or should I call them traitors? Apparently, they’ve been conspiring behind my back and have sprung some rather life-altering news on me.
“We all agree that it should be you.” Zellie holds my hand as she says this, as if it would lessen the blow.
“What do you mean? I’m not fit to lead! I was kicked out of over half of my jobs on Lunara! I know nothing about leading.”
She sits back, her shoulder bumping up and down in a shrug. “The people love you. They support you. We all want you to take charge of Astralis. Of a new Galatea.”
My nose crinkles in response as I stare at the sweet tea Brinn provided, as if that would sweeten me up to their words.
“What you did was selfless. Not many others would choose all of humanity over their own life. You were brave, thoughtful, and compassionate. All signs of a good leader.”
Orion joins in from where he stands behind Zellie’s chair. “Besides, it’s what the prophecy said would happen. It’s a new dawn—you’re supposed to use this opportunity for good.”
“I think that’s quite a reach.”
At the mention of the prophecy, I can’t help but think of what the prophecy said of my “Starborn mother”, in addition to Pluto’s parting words to me.
They haunt my dreams most nights, wondering who she was.
I suppose I’ll have time to examine that, now that we have nothing but time.
Zellie and I haven’t confirmed our lifespan, but I think it’s safe to assume it goes beyond the normal expectancy of humans—now that we’re no longer mortal.
“What some call a reach, others call fate. Do you not feel the pull? To be here?”
“Brinn,” I sigh, leaning back to look at everyone’s faces.
Is it my duty? To keep the Scales aligned in a greater sense?
I think of how right it felt being in Astralis.
Of how I was always longing for more and filled with unused energy, even on Lunara.
How discovering the prophecy and acting on it was simple—how it felt like the only choice to make.
But… things are finally starting to feel settled. Shouldn’t this be enough? Why does some small part of my heart crave what they’re asking of me? Telling me that if I never try, I’ll never know?
We can’t have that, now can we?
“I’ll consider it.”
Brinn squeals, and Zellie smirks confidently, knowing she won. She knows me too well.
“And you? What will you do?” I ask Zell. She looks up at Orion, love shining so evidently in their eyes.
He gives her shoulder a squeeze. “I think I’d say we deserve a vacation, no?”
“Don’t we all,” Brinn mumbles as she sips her tea.
“I have no plans beyond living. And supporting you, of course.” Zell adds with a wink.
“Okay, fun time is over. I promised Elio I’d help him check on the new builds in the residential area.”
“What’s going on with the two of you?” Zell asks, eyebrows waggling.
“Elio? Nothing.”
“He’s definitely into you.”
I hum in response, tapping my fingers against the mug.
I’ve spent my life yearning to be accepted.
Chosen. Perhaps I wasn’t waiting on a person…
but for this world. Even now, its very lifeforce calls to me, my magic humming in approval of me being here.
The thought of pursuing a relationship right now doesn’t interest me in the slightest.
“ Brinn, you were going to check on the humans who chose to keep working in the Labs, right? And make their work environment less… creepy.” I shudder. Stars know I wasn’t volunteering to go back there.
“See? A leader already.” The three look pleased with their accomplishment of convincing me.
Not that I’ve said yes.
But I will.