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

-cinque-

Denisha

In the quiet solitude of the Zodiac Academy's courtyard, Celeste, Jasper, and I huddled together, our faces etched with determination as we delved into discussions about our next course of action in bringing the killers of my sister to justice.

My gaze bore into Jasper, skepticism radiating from my every word. "So, Celeste vouches for you, but that doesn't automatically grant you trust. We're dealing with something far more significant than you might comprehend, and I'm not ready to let just anyone into our mission."

Jasper, looking slightly uneasy under my scrutiny, adjusted his stance but maintained his resolve. "It's just silly pranks as punishment..."

"Silly pranks?" I questioned, feeling anger rise within me.

"Look," he sighed, "I understand your concerns, Denisha, but Celeste and I have worked together before. I'm here because I want to help her avenge her best friend."

Celeste chimed in, "Denisha, you know Jasper is a trusted friend of mine. He's assisted me before, and I believe he can be an asset."

My suspicion remained undeterred. "Trust is not a given; it's earned. And in this situation, trust is something we need to be cautious about."

Jasper nodded, acknowledging my skepticism while displaying his unwavering determination. "I'm here to prove myself."

Celeste jumped in, "We need to get Ramon on our side. What do we know about Ramon so far?"

"From the memories I saw, Brooke stared at Ramon in disdain," I remarked.

"From what I know and have observed, it seems like Brooke and Ramon either have something going on or they're really good friends," Celeste added.

"Okay, so it's going to be hard to convince him... but " Jasper acknowledged. "According to what Celeste told me, they are all arguing with Brooke right? We have to strike now."

"We can use Maylee. She's too stupid and self-absorbed to know we're using her," I suggested.

"But right now, Ramon is our priority. If we get Ramon on our side, we'll take Brooke down easily. Besides, I'm sure Brooke trusts him more than anyone."

"Okay, Celeste, this is what you'll do," I instructed. "I need you to go through their stuff."

"What?" Celeste exclaimed.

"Yes," I continued. "We have Elemental and Potion class on Demetersday . You always skip that class, right?"

She smiled playfully. "Yes."

"Why, though?" I inquired.

"The professor gets on my nerves," Celeste replied.

"Okay," I continued. "During that time, I need you to go through their things, just a rough search, and grab any odd, suspicious thing you see."

"What about me?" Jasper asked.

I frowned. "You're in the 5th grade, right? I need you to follow Rayla and Michael closely."

"The dirty twins," he chuckled. "Why?"

"They are hiding something, and I want to know," I answered trying to be as brief as possible

"Well, I'll certainly try. Those two are secretive and cautious as hell."

Celeste then inquired, "And what will you do?"

"I'm going after Ramon," I declared.

Celeste smiled at me, and my attention fell on her wristband. "A Fire Clan imeo?"

"Yes, I love Fire Clan culture. It speaks to me," she replied.

"Okay," I said, considering our plan of action. The courtyard's serene ambiance offered a stark contrast to our intense conversation, as we began laying the groundwork for our mission to take down the radiance

--

Amidst the tangled foliage and the whispered secrets of nature , I found solace in the forest. It was my cherished retreat, a sanctuary where I could ponder my next course of action. With Celeste's findings as my sole guide, I could do nothing but wait.

As I sat there, lost in thought, my eyes caught Rayla and Michael entering a nearby cave, their suspicious demeanor piquing my curiosity. Against my reservations, I decided to shadow them. The cave led to a water portal, and with a sigh, I entered it.

"I swear to Persephone, one of these days I'm going to get myself killed," I mumbled as I crossed through the portal.

Upon stepping out on the other side, I found myself in a dramatically different environment. The air was dry, the surroundings ancient, and eerie silence hung in the dimly lit chamber. An overhead fluorescent lamp cast long, ghostly shadows that danced across the aged walls.

I kept my distance and followed Rayla and Michael into the chamber. Just as they called for the door ahead to open, I managed to slip my foot inside, preventing it from closing completely. Sneaking inside, I hid behind a massive pillar, my heart pounding as I strained to listen to their conversation.

Individuals clad in white and purple cloaks filled the chamber, the same figures I had seen in the tunnel earlier. They fervently discussed the "Ruby Chain of Appointment" and how it was crucial to seize control of the Zodiac City.

"We must find it before the battle. We must destroy the chain," one of them declared.

"There is a battle?" I muttered to myself in disbelief.

"I'm trying, but it has been lost to the Air clan for over 50 years," Michael admitted.

"Well, try harder. This is our only chance to win," another voice urged.

"Michael and I have already recruited a few of our classmates to search for it, and some of the elders are on the hunt as well."

"They still don't suspect you?" a cloaked figure asked, raising questions in my mind.

"Not at all," Rayla replied with a sly grin. "My acting skills are exceptional. I lie even in hushed conversations to ensure I'm not found guilty if overheard."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. My fear deepened as I realized that Rayla and Michael were deeply involved in this plot to seize power.

As the cloaked figures continued to discuss their sinister plans, I tried to absorb every detail. Fear gnawed at me. The Ruby Chain of Appointment, the impending battle were all information my little brain couldn't put together

"Did anyone follow you here?" one of the cloaked figures asked.

"No," Rayla replied, and my heart sank. He's onto me

"But I feel a different presence here. It's almost masculine," another voice chimed in.

I turned to see Jasper, hiding behind a pillar just like me. The shock of his presence was soon followed by whispered exchanges. "Jasper, what are you doing here?" I hissed.

"I'm doing what you told me to do. I followed Rayla and Michael," he replied in a hushed tone.

My mind raced.
"Look, they're onto us. We need to go." Jasper warned

"But I need to listen more," I insisted, my anxiety growing.

Jasper's eyes met mine, filled with urgency. "We need to go."

Without hesitation, he created an air portal, and we leaped through it. Back at the Zodiac Academy, I couldn't shake the chilling revelation. Rayla and Michael were working with these cloaked figures, and it seemed like they were planning to take over the Zodiac City.

"The queen is dead?" Jasper asked, his voice laced with fear.

"Apparently," I replied, still trying to collect my thoughts.

"Who are those people, and what is this battle they're talking about?" Jasper pressed.

I turned to him, my face etched with worry. "Jasper, I think the Descendants are planning to take over the Zodiac City."

"What's a Descendant?"