“Get off of me.” I spat the words out, wiggling my upper half to create some distance. “You’re repulsive.” My insides aren’t repulsed. What is wrong with me? Idespisehim.
“Huh,” Leo rises to his knees with a forced chuckle, “you sure about that? Certainly didn’t feel repulsed a second ago.”
I need to move. Need some space away from this unbearable man. “You’re insufferable.” My body rolls away before standing, wiping my tights, and stomping off without a second glance.
A light knock at the door had me glancing over my shoulder from where I lay on the sofa. I was thinking about the events of the day, of my reaction to Leo, and of how I felt bad for upsetting Orion. Sighing, I roll my head back towards the fireplace, my legs draped over the edge of the sofa. “Come in.”
“You should check who it is before you invite them in.” My heart aches, the words reminiscent of advice I had once given Jada.
“Not like I have a long list of people trying to visit me.”
Orion removes his shoes and walks over to the sofa. He lifts my legs, sits, and lowers them to his lap, keeping his hand on my shin. Although it’s only been a few days, Orion’s small touches always feel friendly, and I welcome thewarmth in this otherwise foreign place. This contact feels like forgiveness. “I like to visit you.”
“You have little choice.”
“There’s always a choice.”
“I’m sorry about what I said. You’ve done nothing to deserve the comparison.”
“No, Zellie. I’m sorry I left in anger. I should never have done that. I don’t blame you for being distrustful and hope one day I can earn that trust.” As he speaks, I realize Idotrust him. In every step I’ve taken since I’ve gotten here, I’ve relied on his guidance and encouragement.
“I’ve been training since I was young for a powerful position. I’ve seen too many injustices to those I grew up with and watched as the world paid no heed to those in need. The system is broken, Zellie.
“Injustices against whom?”
Orion’s jaw ticks. “Those who threaten them. I had a sister once. The stars saw her light, and so did they. They used their darkness to twist it into something that feeds on the shadows, like them.” He clears his throat, shaking the rising anger from his eyes. “Anyways, there’s no balance anymore.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Orion.”
“She’s not gone, but she’s no longer the sister I knew.”
I sit up, placing my hand on his. “You don’t need to, but if you want someone to confide in, I will always listen. But beyond that… we will restore the balance, Orion.”
Orion’s eyes search mine, the warmth from his hand seeping into me. This feeling between us—is it our shared goal or something more? He severs the moment with a quick squeeze of my hand and creates space between us. “I heard you went against Leo today.” I snort in response, leaning into the simple comfort between us. Orion said there is always a choice, and I’m finding myself increasingly grateful that he chose me.
“Please tell me you kicked his ass.”
Twenty
The following days are much of the same—training alternates between strength building, sparring, and tackling the obstacle course. The weeks are passing quickly, likely due to how busy and exhausted we’re kept. I’m feeling stronger and more confident each day. Leo has left me alone since our fight, bringing an end to his comments. His attention is on me every day on the training grounds, though. He has also caught me watching him more than once. Each time I glance away, the blush remains on my cheek.
Lenny and I have started a new tradition, just the two of us, where we treat ourselves after a training session. We discovered an ice cream shop that we love after our first trip to Astralis together that infuses moonflower milk in their cream, giving the ice cream a shimmering, iridescent sparkle. Milky Whey offers various flavored ice creams and sorbets, and we’ve made it our mission to try each flavor during our time here. Tonight, I chose a raspberry swirl; the pink cream set in a cone with bright spirals. Lenny opted for a blackberry white chocolate chip. The ice cream is deep purple with white speckles, reflecting our orbiting galaxy above. With our treats in hand, we walk to the park and sit on a bench, talking about everything and nothing.
I ponder, taking a bite as flavor bursts on my tongue. “What was your favorite assignment on Lunara?”
“Honestly? I kind of liked the Labs the most. It took so much focus to extract things, you know?”
“Man, I hated being in the Labs. Creeped me out.”
I laugh, thinking of Jada and her similar opinion. “What was your favorite?”
“In the Knittery with Gwenda, obviously.”
I snort, “Because she spoiled you and took it easy on you?”
Lenny’s laugh is light and full of joy. “She said I was special!”
“Of course you are.”
