Jupiter set down her fork. “I need to think about it.”
Before anyone could respond, a familiar blonde approached our table. My stomach dropped as Lyssa Martin stopped directly behind Jupiter, her perfectly manicured nails resting on the back of Jupiter’s chair.
“So the rumors are true,” she said, her voice carrying that false sweetness I knew too well. “The Nightfall Shield has finally chosen an axis.”
Jupiter didn’t turn around. “Abracadabra,” she said with a yawn.
“I’m curious,” Lyssa continued, her eyes fixed on me. “Was it planned all along? Did she orchestrate that little accident in the Abyss?”
Anger flared through the bond, not just Jupiter’s, but all of us.
“Lyssa,” I said, narrowing my eyes at her. “Not now.”
She ignored me, leaning closer to Jupiter. “Everyone knows the Nightfall Shield would never choose an outsider willingly.”
Jupiter turned slowly in her seat. “You are literally every mean girl cliche in the book, you do realize that, right?”
Lyssa’s perfect smile didn’t waver. “I’m just wondering how you managed it. What exactly did you offer them that the rest of us couldn’t? It couldn’t be money since both of your parents are lower class.”
“That’s enough,” Percy snapped, his fist hitting the table.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” Lyssa said sweetly, still staring at Jupiter. “I was asking your new axis what special talents convinced you to bond with her so quickly. After all, Eris and I have been soclosefor quite some time and he never once mentioned her.”
I felt Jupiter’s confusion, followed by understanding and then a flash of something hot and angry.
“Lyssa, walk away,” I said, standing up. “This isn’t the time or place.”
“When is the time, Eris?” She finally looked at me directly. “You didn’t even have the decency to tell me yourself. I had to hear about your new axis from campus gossip. Or were you waiting until your cock was halfway down my throat before breaking the news?”
“What an odd thing to say,” Jupiter mused, arching a brow.
I had to agree with her. Yeah, I’d been fucking Lyssa for the last six months or so, but it wasn’t anything serious. I told her as much before I even touched her.
“We can discuss this privately,” I said firmly.
“Why? Are you ashamed?” Lyssa’s voice rose. “Afraid your new axis will discover what youreallythink of her kind? That night after declarations, while you were fuckingme, when you called the thirteenth zodiac a myth bitch that should have stayed buried?—”
“That’s enough!” I cut her off, my voice coming out as more of a growl.
Jupiter stood abruptly. Through the bond, I felt her pulling away, erecting walls between us. “I need some air. Enjoy the rest of your dinner.”
Before any of us could stop her, she was gone, weaving through the tables toward the exit.
Lyssa watched her go with satisfaction. “Was it something I said?”
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I spat.
“Me? I’m not the one who jumped into bed with the first anomaly that showed up and spread her thighs for you.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Was it worth it, Eris? Throwing away years of friendship for someone you don’t even know?”
“We weren’t friends, Lyssa. We fucked occasionally, but it was never more than that and you know it.”
Her composure cracked, hurt flashing across her face before hardening into anger. “You made itveryclear what I meant to you. I just hope she figures it out before she gets too attached.”
With that, she turned and walked away, rejoining a group of women who immediately huddled around her in support.
“Well, that was dramatic,” Aiden commented, dryly.
“Shut up,” I muttered, sitting back down.
