Love Amongst the Stars

Chapter 1

Stolas always felt his home was larger than it should be—vast rooms adorned with endless decor, long hallways, and extended treks around the mansion that seemed excessive even for his long strides. It wasn't anyone's fault; it was a byproduct of his privileged environment. As the heir to his father's company and arranged marriage to Stella to produce a precautionary heir, he found himself trapped in a life of expectation. He loved his daughter, Octavia, dearly, but that affection couldn't ward off the cold emptiness of the mansion that seemed to seep into his bones, shattering his spirit into beautiful, fragmented pieces. He diligently pieced these fragments back together, masking his discontent with life. The strain of his marriage to Stella and the growing distance from Octavia, as she entered her teenage years, only added to his sense of isolation. While they still shared enjoyable moments, they were fewer than he wished. He only hoped to maintain some semblance of normalcy and peace.

Stolas sat up with an exasperated sigh, running his hands through his hair. He slipped on his robe and headed to the bathroom, where he gazed at his reflection, rubbing his tired eyes. His appearance was as disheveled as ever, feathers and petals out of place. He drew a bath, pouring in a mix of special soaps and topical nutrients—his own concoctions—to compensate for his body's seemingly dwindling vitality. He tried not to dwell on it; after all, it worked, so why complain?

After a relaxing thirty minutes, Stolas stepped out, drying his now soft and fluffy feathers and silky petals. Dressing in a sheer long-sleeve top that shimmered like stars, a dark red vest with an open back for his wings, and a loose, sheer cape, he completed his look with eyeliner and a few pills before heading out. He hoped to get through the day without Stella's constant provocations, however short lived that hope was.

Her voice echoed in the hallway as he neared the kitchen, discussing some party. He mustered a weak smile only to be dismissed as Stella put a finger up to silence him. Stolas sighed, poured himself a coffee, and sat down with a heavy heart. His attention was then caught by a newspaper headline: another 'STILL NOT DIVORCED' party. He frowned, feeling the familiar sting of humiliation. How many of these parties had she thrown now? "Stella.. what is this?.."

"It's a party. Plus, it's true, so... you can come if you want," Stella said, flicking her hair back as rolled her eyes.

"Really? 'STILL NOT DIVORCED'?" Stolas grumbled, looking up from the paper.

Stella glanced at him briefly, a smirk playing on her lips. "Of course. What else?"

Feeling deflated, he retreated to his office, a sanctuary filled with paperwork. Although they never allowed him much hands-on work in the business, he found solace in the reading. As much as the paperwork was far more tedious than reading for enjoyment. After sorting through the documents, signing and approving or denying what he needed to, he felt the usual boredom setting in. Seeking a reprieve, he moved to his small workshop adjacent to his office. Here, he tinkered with a personal project: a teleporter capable of greater distances than the current models. If only he could present this to the board, perhaps they would see him as more than just a figurehead. It could expand their business greatly for fucks sake.

Time passed unnoticed until dusk. By this time, Octavia popped her head into the workshop, rubbing her neck nervously, "Hey, Dad... is it cool if I just chill in my room? Mum is throwing a party, and I'd rather not deal with that today," Octavia asked. Stolas, smiled softly, thinking it through, his own dread of attending the party loomed. He knew Vassago, his friend and confidant, might be there, offering a rare chance for genuine conversation. But it was never a guarantee.

Stolas hummed and turned to her, nodding with a soft smile. "Of course, my owlet. Just let Barni know if you need anything... I suppose I should make an appearance myself."