Queen of the zodiac ( zodiac city duology #1) [ undergoing revamping]

-tre-

Denisha

The next morning, the weight of the previous day's revelations hung heavily on my mind. I wanted to read the newspaper I had found about Brooke's parents, but the clock was ticking, and I was already late for class. With a sigh, I hurried to my only class of the day, Air Elementals, where Air Clan members honed their control over air manipulation.

After the class, I felt the need to confide in Celeste. We arranged to meet at the cafeteria, a place where we could talk without prying ears.

When we arrived, I wasted no time in expressing my thoughts. "Celeste, even though all signs point to Brooke, Maylee, Paris, and Renee being involved in Perse's bullying, we need solid evidence to execute our revenge plans effectively."

Celeste nodded, ordering a large cup of mango smoothie with fries. I cringed at how disgusting such a combination was
"Yeah I think that's the right thing to do. We can't just go around pointing fingers without knowing if they are the culprits "

I continued, "I'm thinking of reading the whole friend group's memories to determine who played what role, who assisted, who simply watched, and who had no knowledge of the bullying. Each of them should face the consequences they deserve."

Celeste's eyes sparkled with intrigue as she processed my plan. "That's a bold move, Denisha. But how do we get access to their memories?"

"That's my problem right now. They would feel me trying to read their mind and put up a barrier"

Celeste leaned in, lowering her voice. "Maylee's birthday is coming up next week on Aphroditeday, and she always throws a slumber party. We need to get into that party."

Celeste brows furrowed. Her dark hair cascading effortlessly down her back. For an earth clan member, her dark hair was odd it was mostly common in the fire clan. But that's what made her pretty and unique

"But if Brooke isn't on good terms with us right now, how do we secure an invitation?. We aren't exactly her favorite people" she continued

A sly smile crept across my face. "I don't think Maylee is too fond of Brooke at the moment either."

"Why? They- " she trailed off looking confused, glancing behind me. "What's going on?"

I followed her gaze and noticed Brooke and Damien together, his hands on hers

"That's an odd pair" I remarked

Celeste took out her phone and captured their mini love date. I looked at her confused. Stalker much?

"That's Damien," Celeste explained. "Maylee has always had a thing for him."

It hit me then-Maylee's tears were likely because Brooke and Damien were probably now an item.

Celeste smiled mischievously. "I think I've secured us a free ticket to Maylee's party."

My mind raced. "How?"

"If what you're saying is true," Celeste said, "Maylee will be furious with Brooke. We'll be there to support her, and everyone will be mad at Brooke, so she won't be invited. But we will, and that's when we'll read their memories."

I nodded, the plan coming together perfectly. "And when they fall asleep, we'll dive into their memories."

"Exactly," Celeste confirmed. "But we should read it before Maylee's birthday party starts."

"Why?" I asked with genuine curiosity

"Are they kissing? " she exclaimed taking a picture. I smiled. Brooke was just leading her self to her own grave

Celeste smiled and continued " what if no one falls asleep? How will we be able to read their memories" she questioned rhetorically "We can get there early during the preparations, give them a sleeping potion, and then access their memories."

I nodded in agreement "prevention is better than cure "

Celeste smiled, satisfied with our plan. "It's a foolproof plan, Denisha."

"All that's left," I said, "is to send these pictures to Maylee."

After our little meeting, Celeste sent me the pictures. My role now was to find Maylee and deliver the evidence to her. I went to the dorms, but she wasn't there. Following my instincts, I headed to the oak tree, a place where Maylee often sought solitude.

I found her there, still shedding tears. She was alone, her emotions raw and painful.

I approached her, offering a sympathetic smile. "Maylee, what's wrong?"

She wiped away her tears. "Nothing, just some friendship drama."

"Is it because of Brooke and Damien?" I inquired gently.

She sniffled and nodded. "Yes, I don't want to read too much into it because it was just a hug but Brooke is such a snake. She always tries to steal the boys I like."

"Is it just a hug?" I pretended to be puzzled. "Aren't they doing more than that?"

Maylee looked at me, her eyes wide with confusion. "No, it's just the hug during the stupid fight."

I took out my phone and showed her the pictures. "May, are you sure it's just a hug?"

She stared at the photos, her anger building. "That little muchi."

I winced at the slur she used. I wasn't really a fan of it even though it was a term which originated from the air clan.

I gently put a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Maylee. Think about it. What would hurt Brooke more?"

Maylee pondered for a moment, and i silently prayed to Persephone for Maylee to mention her birthday

"My birthday," she finally said. "Brooke loves birthdays; she cherishes them. If I don't invite her, she'll be hurt. She's been planning things to do during my slumber party for weeks."

"What if you just uninvite her?" I suggested.

Maylee frowned. "I want her to be embarrassed; this won't be enough."

"You can confront her in class next week and publicly uninvite her from your slumber party," I proposed.

Maylee's eyes lit up with determination. "Yes, and I'll even invite Celeste to annoy her."

"Exactly," I agreed. "Also, don't tell your friends about the pictures I showed you"

"Why? " she wondered in confusion

"Well , if you tell them about it they'll most likely confront Brooke and she'd act like a victim again and ruin the whole plan"

She placed an index finger on her chin as if I'm thought "so how will they know and back me up"

"If you show it to them during your confrontation, they'd have no reason to support Brooke would they"

She nodded in agreement with a sly smile " thanks Denisha, you're the best. You're invited too, if you want."

"I'll make sure to be there," I smiled, my plan falling perfectly into place

Authors note
Guys apparently I have an internship starting next two weeks monday. My update may either slow down or I'll finish the book before then

Also do you think I should write a bonus chapter explaining the history of the zodiac and other stuff? I wanted to slowly add it to the story but I feel like it would be confusing for some of you?

Q/A
What do you want to become in future?