Ordo Noctis

Chapter 21

At dinner, the Romanos spoke with us about future arrangements. We decided that we would try going to school; finally have a normal life. We'd adopt our respective last names and change our official records with Ordo Noctis's technology. We had to revise a few things about our identities so that the government wouldn't find us, but we'd be safe: they wouldn't be expecting us to go to Venice, move in with a quite wealthy family, and start high school.

We were both excited and nervous at this prospect of high school; the new school year would start in two weeks, and we both had so much preparation ahead of us. Not academically, of course - we were both probably four years ahead of our grade level, thanks to training. But we had to get school supplies, buy clothes, get accepted into the school, and so much more. Luckily, the Romanos had plenty of money, and they were able to buy us enough clothes and supplies to start school.

I also asked if they could spare a bit of money for the Colombos; they could definitely use it, and I would feel better knowing my mom had some extra support to help her. The Romanos instantly agreed and would begin making arrangements immediately.

After dinner, we climbed a long flight of stairs up to our rooms. There was a long row of doors identical to ours along the hall; this house truly was huge.

We got ready for bed in our own separate bathrooms, and turned off the lights in our own separate rooms. And it wasn't long before I realized I was not going to sleep that night.

With a sigh, I got out of bed and opened the door. The house was dark, but my eyes were slowly adjusting. I shut the door behind me and turned toward Mars's room...

...And came face to face with him.

Or rather, face to chest. I stepped back a few inches.

"Holy shit, Star," he laughed softly. "You scared me."

"Ha. Couldn't sleep?"

"Nope."

"Me neither. Do you think I could..."

"Of course." He stepped aside, holding his door open for me. I came inside tentatively.

Mars shut the door after following me inside, blocking the little light from the skylights in the hall ceiling. I couldn't see a thing.

I heard the rustling of blankets, knowing that Mars had just sat down on the bed, and I turned toward the sound, starting towards it.

...And immediately bumped into something hard.

"Shit!" I whispered, my knee stinging.

I heard Mars laughing as he got up. A moment later, I felt a light hand on my waist. I flinched, and he pulled away.

"Sorry."

I took a deep breath, trying to control my heartbeat. "It's okay."

He took my hand instead and led me over to one side of his huge bed. I lay down quietly, and a moment later, felt the mattress shift as he did too.

Immediately, I felt safer. I hadn't realized that sleeping in the same room as him would be so comforting, but now that we'd been doing that for a few nights, I couldn't imagine sleeping without him.

I shivered. It got a lot colder in Venice than Indiana. After a few minutes, I felt the light brush of fingertips on my arm. "Do you mind if I..."

"Yeah," I said softly, my heart beating a lot faster than it had permission to. Mars draped his arm over me and I moved closer to him, marveling at his strong build. He held me tight and I fell asleep almost immediately after I closed my eyes.

*Death*