“Don’t.” I cut her off. “Please, Lyd. Not tonight.”
She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “Fair enough. Tonight is about you looking absolutely devastating and making the entire Assembly regret ever messing with Jupiter Black.”
I stood, letting the dress fall to its full length. The material caught the light, making it look like millions of diamond shards had been sewn into the pale fabric. “How do I look?”
“Like you could destroy worlds with a glance,” she said with fierce approval. “Which, technically, you can.”
I managed a smile that almost reached my eyes. “That’s the plan.”
Lydia’s phone buzzed on the vanity. She checked it and grimaced. “They’re here. Tye says he’ll meet us downstairs.”
My stomach clenched. “I thought we were meeting them at the gala.”
“Change of plans, apparently. Waverly insisted you arrive together.” She squeezed my hand. “You can do this, Jupe. It’s just one night.”
“Just one night,” I repeated, trying to convince myself. “And then I never have to see them again.”
I gathered my small clutch, checked my reflection one last time, and followed Lydia out. Each step felt like walking toward an execution, the weight of what awaited me growing heavier with every floor we descended.
Tye was waiting in the lobby, looking uncharacteristically formal in a tailored suit. His eyes widened when he saw me. “Holy shit, Jupe.”
“Good holy shit or bad holy shit?” I asked, attempting to mask my anxiety.
“Definitely good,” he assured me. “You look incredible. You’re going to give those assholes heart attacks. Oh yeah and I guess you look okay too, Lyd.”
She punched him in the arm. She did look amazing in her ruby red ball gown, with her hair straightened into a glossy sheet.
Tye’s expression sobered. “You sure you’re up for this?”
I nodded, squaring my shoulders. “I made a deal. One night of pretending, and then I’m free to go to London.”
“And you’re still set on that? Leaving?” His eyes were serious now.
“I have to. I can’t stay here, Tye. Not with them. Not after everything.”
He nodded, understanding but not happy about it. “Just know you always have a place with us, wherever you go.”
The lump in my throat made it hard to speak. I simply squeezed his arm in silent gratitude.
Outside, the sleek black car waited, its windows tinted to obscurity. My steps faltered as we approached. Through the mental walls I’d built, I could feel them inside. Tye and Lydia were taking the Dreadwatch car coming up behind ours.
Tye opened the door for me, and I took a deep breath before sliding inside. The interior was dimly lit and spacious enough that I could sit without touching any of them, though it was close.
They were all there, dressed in formal black suits that made them look even more devastating than usual. Percy sat directly across from me, his dark eyes immediately finding mine. Aiden was beside him, golden gaze traveling over me with naked hunger that made my skin heat. Draco and Eris flanked me on either side, careful to leave space between us.
“Jupiter,” Percy said, his voice low and rough. “You look devastating.”
I didn’t respond, just inclined my head slightly in acknowledgment before turning to look out the window as the car pulled away from Dominion’s gates.
“The gala is being held at the Celestial Hall in Manhattan,” Draco said, breaking the awkward silence. “Most of the Assembly Council will be there, along with representatives from academies across the world.”
“I know,” I said coolly. “Director Waverly briefed me.”
Another silence fell, this one even more strained than the last. I could feel them exchanging glances, communicating silently through their shield bond.
“Jupiter,” Aiden began, leaning forward slightly. “Before we get there, we need to talk about?—”
“No,” I cut him off firmly. “We don’t need to talk about anything. The agreement was that I would attend as your axis for one night. That’s it. No discussions, no explanations, no apologies. We go, we smile for the cameras, we present a united front, and then next week I leave for London. End of story.”
