“Oops.”
All eyes are on me as I descend the stairs, a dark star in a sea of soft suns. Small groups are gathered, holding stemmed glasses and mingling, while the Order sits all high and mighty on the dais. While some maintain an unbothered expression, Pluto looks flustered. My smile only widens. “Why are you the only one in black?” Orion seethes through clenched teeth.
“Sorry, Riri, must’ve missed the memo.” I pat his chest as we reach the floor, taking off towards Leo.
I kiss his cheek, and his hand finds my waist. “You, my vindictive vixen,” he ducks his head, his lips caressing the shell of my ear, “will bring me to my knees.”
I hum, leaning into his touch, surveying our surroundings once more. “This was a matter of checks and balances. They were trying to put me in my place, to remind me of my role.”
It’s a slap in the face. A group of sacrificial humans armed in their astrological color, ready and willing to do the Kosmos’ bidding. We are nothing to them. This was a message that we are mere pieces on the playing field. First they control our participation, then what we can wear; what’s next?
“Good thing you are not a pawn to be controlled. I fucking love the way your brain works.” His compliments light me up from the inside. I lean in to kiss him just as low, melodic music plays.
Leo tenses suddenly. “Zellie, just who I was looking for,” Pluto drawls from behind me, “join me for a dance.”
Forty-four
As I face Pluto, Portia swoops in for Leo. Celeste and Merri look on with confusion and worry. Atlas sits at a table, unaware. Aria and Lenny are dancing together—wait… the Kosmos aren’t dancing with everyone. We’ve been singled out.
“Lovely evening, isn’t it, Pluto?”
He grabs my hand and pulls me into a sway. Power ripples off of him, making it hard to breathe. “Now, now, Zellie. That’s ‘Majesty’ to you.”
“Ah, yes, must have slipped my mind.” I take quick breaths, trying not to panic at the sudden lack of oxygen surrounding me. Maybe it’s because he’s touching me? I’ve never been this close to a Kosmos. Is he using his air elemental magic on me?
“I thought you understood your role after our last meeting.” He nods to a sponsor, looking the part of a supportive higher being—a conniving mask to cover what lurks beneath.
“And I’ve been taking part and training regularly.” I clip out the words, sweat beading at my hairline. Why is it so hot? I’m notthatnervous.
Pluto sighs. “Your interference has been most meddlesome.” The room looks fuzzy at the edges, the world pressing in. “You think you’re smarter than me, but if you were half as smart as you thought you were, you would knowI see all.You’re creating dissent, and we can’t have that, can we, Zellie?”
All sound disappears except for Pluto’s voice, and a deep pounding threatens to split my head open. “Perhaps this will make you think twice before discussing political matters with my people.” I must look confused. Ifeel confused; my brain is muddled. “Yes, Zellie. This is just afractionof what I can do.” The air seems thinner, nonexistent.
“Stop,” I gasp, struggling for air. Panic claws at me, my body reacting to losing access to precious oxygen.
“Why should I? You haven’t heeded our warnings to stop.”
Black dots dance in front of me, blocking my vision of his arrogant face. I feel my hands slipping out of his grip—my body failing me one limb at a time.
Suddenly, the torture stops. “You were not born for starlight—know your place.” He drops my hand, stepping away in fast strides. I stumble to a table, using a hand to keep myself upright as I take in air. Leo dances on with Portia, looking equally disturbed but not in distress. Not like I am. Orion appears by my side, cupping my elbow.
“Are you okay? Zellie?” He places both hands on my face. “Look at me. Focus on your breathing.” We stay like that for several moments, Orion searching my eyes, trying to find the source of my anguish.
“How are we ever going to beat them?” I whisper. Powerless, I could never stand a chance againstthat. Pluto poured unimaginable power over me without breaking stride or losing his composure. Meanwhile, I’m crumbling under the force of his magic. Unable to even to defend myself against him. Hopelessness threatens to consume me.
“Careful, Zi. That’s how they want you to think.” Determination lines his features. “Don’t let him rattle you. Look as unaffected as they pretend to be by your refusal to fall in line with this fucking dress.” I shakily release a breath, internally shoving my negative thoughts away.
Softly, he adds, “Stop keeping me in the dark. Why can’t you see that I’m always by your side?” Why do I? Orion has proven himself time and time again, yet I continue to keep him at arm’s length. He’s constant, clear-headed, and loyal. Everything I need but push away.
I squeeze his hand. “Go enjoy yourself; I’ll be fine.”
More composed and able to breathe, I make my way to Celeste. I look for Leo, but he’s nowhere to be found.
“Girl, that looked intense.” Celeste greets me, picking at the appetizers placed on a tower in front of her. Trays of bread with dipping sauces, cheese truffles, and swirled gazpacho in tall glasses sit atop glass and marble serving plates. “Did you try these truffles? They’re incredible,” she says between bites.
I snort, appreciating her for exactly who she is. Eyeing the table, my stomach rolls at the thought of eating. My appetite is long forgotten.
She grabs another cheese truffle, popping it in her mouth before asking, “Did something happen?”
