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“Why?” My voice cracks ever so slightly, but my resolve stands firm.
“I can’t believe you are so stupid. I wanted to go to the gods’ dinner. It wasmydestiny and you stole it. But don’t fret, everything is as it should be now.” As an afterthought, she adds, “If you’re still pining after Roman, by all means have him. I’m done with the charade anyway.”
My eyelids are blinking uncontrollably. All that pain because she wanted to go to a dinner.
Sensing my shock, she continues to inflict verbal abuse, “Miriam was also a casualty of her own importance. I doubt she feels that way now.” A wicked smile lifts the corner of her lips.
I absent-mindedly bite my tongue. The blood tastes metallic but it is more pleasing than the sour memory of Miriam’s floating body.
She is grinning now, smug in her sense of victory. That condescending smirk is wiped off her face as her sightline is drawn to the electricity in my palms. “How did you get your power back?” she shrieks.
I aim my first strike at her legs, and she falls screaming. Quickly, I launch myself on top of her body and send a charge toher chest, rendering her near unconscious. Guilt briefly makes an appearance, but I continue with my plan—vengeance for both me and my dearest Miriam.
******
Alexandraya
I must say, my surprise is an understatement when I answer the door and find Siriarna standing there. And I do not like surprises. This one was bitterly disappointing.
When magic appears in her palms I am taken aback. After all, I striped her Propensity power myself. For our heavens above sake, that’s why she left Evolirium in the first place.
Like slow motion, I see the electricity leave her hand. I know I should run, but the shock renders me motionless. She strikes and maims me. I’m sure the attack will leave a scar. And on Graduation no less. It’s not the gratifying end to my Evolirium journey that I had hoped for. I start to scream for my no longer flawless skin, and because Siriarna’s eyes are thunderous. I have grossly underestimated her. My cries are snuffed out when she sends me into an almost cardiac arrest.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. The look on her face was one I never expected from Basic Siriarna. I’m sure I saw her lips curl upwards as she sent me spiralling to the bottom of the Void.
I should probably reflect on the irony of my new situation, but jealousy weaves its icy fingers around my heart. Howdidshe get her powers back?
As soon as I have composed myself, I will use the tracking device Hermes left for me. I’ve been wearing it around my neck in place of my signature emerald pendant, which I left by mistake in Roman’s hut.
Tonight, after the Graduation Party, Hermes is going to sweep me off me feet and fly me back to the Sky Realm where weare to be married. I have succeeded in my personal mission to marry a god. My wedding present will be to banish Siriarna to the Surface World. Then I won’t have to ever see her again. The muscles of my mouth turn into a triumphant grin.
I start to hum in the emptiness, enjoying my thoughts in the darkened space. I could use my Propensity to lighten the Void, however, I am used to tight dark places. My guide mother taught me to use my time alone locked in isolation to envisage a successful future; for my own good, of course. Right now, I am thankful for her training.
******
Chapter25
Siriarna
Finally returning to my hut after acquainting Alexandraya with her new accommodations, I hurriedly open my wardrobe and scan through the contents until I locate the perfect outfit for tonight’s celebrations—a finely woven gold mini dress that sparkles when it catches the light. It was a gift from Linus and Stefanie for my eighteenth birthday, and it is the most beautiful garment I own.Perfect.
I pull the dress over my head, fasten my amethyst halo pendant around my neck, and slip my feet into a pair of strappy gold heels. As a final touch, I release my hair from its ponytail and comb it into soft waves, tucking my bangs behind my ears to frame my face. No longer will I hide behind a self-made mask.
Celebrations are kicking off by the time I arrive. The Zen is filled with students dressed up, ready to commemorate the completion of their first-year milestone.
The Arena is a picture of graduation perfection. Propensity Tents are lined together opposite the candle lit river. A waterfall of mountain elixir sits in the centre and music echoes throughout the space. Groups of students are laughing, mingling, and drinking.
A flash appears across the night sky, drawing my attention skyward. I see Apollo riding in his new chariot, crafted for him in The Between. He draws his bow and shoots an arrow over the Zen before soaring away, leaving thousands of tiny gold stars sprinkled in suspension over Evolirium. Deafening cheers erupt from the crowd as they spy the god and his gift. The mood is electrified, and my body responds with a gentle vibration coursing through my veins.
“Hey, you made it.” I hear Roman say from behind.
I spin around, happy to see my friend. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.” I smile. “What’s in your hand?” I ask noticing his fist clenched into a ball.
“Alexandraya’s pendant. She left it at my hut. I haven’t been able to find her tonight to return it,” he says opening his hand.
I cast my eyes to his palm and examine the emerald pendant. A small gasp escapes from my lips, and my hand flies to my neck. The two are identical, with the exception of the gold surrounding my own. It’s Psyche’s sister Aglaura’s pendant. I do my best to remain unaffected when I reply, “I’m sure she’ll turn up.”
His eyebrows raise quizzically, but before he can question my lie, Davina approaches.
