EIGHT
Percy
The common roomof our suite was quiet except for the occasional rustle of pages and the rhythmic tap of Eris’s pen against his notebook. I sat in the armchair by the window, pretending to read a field manual on advanced combat strategies, but my mind kept drifting back toher.
Jupiter Black. The so-called thirteenth zodiac.
I glanced up at my shield brothers scattered around our common area. Aiden was at the desk, methodically cleaning his blades. Eris lounged on the couch, scribbling notes about something or other. And Draco was staring out the window with that distant look he got sometimes.
He’d disappeared before dinner. He did that sometimes though, wanting to be alone.
“We should challenge the Ophis again,” Eris said, telling me he’d also been sitting there thinking about her.
I closed my manual with more force than necessary. “She got lucky the first time.”
Aiden snorted without looking up from his blade. “That wasn’t luck, Percy. That was skill. And power.”
“We weren’t prepared,” I insisted. “Next time will be different.”
“Next time?” Draco asked, turning from the window.
There was something in his tone that made me narrow my eyes. “Is that a problem for you”
“Just weird that you’re so fucked up over her already and all we did was spar.” He shrugged.
Eris set down his notebook. “The Assembly sent another message today. They’re ‘strongly encouraging’ us to consider Jupiter as our axis candidate.”
“Strongly encouraging,” I repeated flatly. “Theyre going to make this year hell for us.”
“Our parents are pushing for it too,” Aiden added. “My father called this morning again. Said it would be ‘advantageous’ for our futures. There were a few more thinly veiled threats, but that’s just dad. Fucking asshole.”
“Of course they want it,” I said bitterly. “An Ophis as our axis would make us the most powerful shield in history. It’s all strategy to them. They’ve let political and social aspirations rule their whole fucking lives.”
“Maybe,” Draco said quietly. “Or maybe they’re right.”
We all turned to look at him.
“What?” I demanded.
“Think about it. Her power would complement ours. The Ophis designation was historically known for its ability to enhance other zodiacs. And after seeing her fight today...” He trailed off, his gaze drifting back to the window.
I stared at him. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m just saying we should consider it.”
“Consider what? Bonding with someone we know nothing about? Someone who could destabilize everything we’ve built?”
“She’s not just ‘someone,’ Percy,” Draco clipped, glaring at me. “She’s an Ophis. Do you have any idea how rare that is? Howsignificant? This girl is going to go down in history for the next several thousand years.”
“I know exactly how rare it is,” I snapped. “Which is why I don’t trust it. The Assembly likes to control things, and they will use her, and us by extension. We will never be free.”
Eris leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Draco might have a point. We’ve dismissed every single axis candidate this place has thrown at us. Remember that Gemini girl last term? By week two I told her I’d rather perform self-surgery with cafeteria cutlery than form a bond with her.” His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “But someone who can manipulate and create portals? That could be useful in the field.”
“And she’s hot,” Aiden added, a smirk playing on his lips. “Those tattoos. That body. Evenyouhave to see that, Percy. If we have to spend the rest of our lives fucking one chick, she might as well be a damn goddess.”
I groaned, rubbing my temples. “Can you stop thinking with your dick for five minutes?”
“Just stating facts,” Aiden shrugged. “Besides, we could always... test the waters. See if there’s compatibility.” His smile turned cunning. “No need to commit to a bond right away, right? We could take our time and actually enjoy the process.”
