When Stars Fall(The Last Star Trilogy #3)

Chapter 20-Annabelle Virgo

I rubbed my ankle, it still wasn't healed. Due to the bombing we were in the underground bunker for six hours before they did a security check and let us out. I wobbled in the halls to get to my room, the bomb had been in Hydrus but we had felt it's after effects. Alec had been enraged and blamed it on me. His alliance with Aries had been broken and his humiliation was clouded with rage. He pushed me to the ground when I reached the bunker and spat in my face. He said it was because I used to be a rebel that it was partially my fault too.

Lydia didn't help since Sophie held her back and we spent hours in silence. I hugged myself and cried in my room, Rasal knew I needed my space and left me alone but I could hear him speaking in my head. Granny, Dad and Hope were staying in our old house in Hydrus. I hated myself for worrying about them. Jaxon sent guards to their house to check on them. They were invited for dinner tonight which seemed inappropriate since a bomb had detonated in the capital city, it was rude to celebrate.

The pain in my Sign had intensified, first it burned and now it was freezing. Making it numb to the point where it hurt much later. The whole palace was silent, only maids and guards. I didn't even see Lydia humming in the halls or Keegan jumping around. For some reason, it felt empty without them, eerie even. I felt like I was trespassing. I opened the curtains and gasped, covering my mouth with my hands. My meal came up to my throat and my mouth went dry, tears pricked my eyes as I shuddered in fear. There was so much Celestial Energy radiated in the sky that it had turned the color of blood, the scarlet turning to black in some places. That's what happens when Stars fall. Around Hydra it turned green and half of the Constellations burned as it's Stars fell and their energy was sucked into Hydra, making it larger. What are they trying to do?

I marched out of my room and ran through the entire palace until I came across Lydia.

"Tell your father to stop this," I demanded. Her smile faltered.

"Excuse me?" She raised her eyebrows.

"Tell him to stop taking other Constellations. He's had enough."

"Annabelle, whatever he's doing, he's doing it for something he needs right now. He'll return the Constellations after he's done." She said the last part as if it was so easy, as if it was like returning a toy or a book. It was the first time I saw her enraged. I guess not even my enemy can hear an insult about their family.

"We'll be extinct!" I boomed. "We already are! What is he trying to do?"

"What's going on here?" We turned to face Alec. Worry lines creased his forehead and in his eyes I saw venom. Lydia went silent, lowering her gaze but I stood tall, though I was terrified of him. He took a step forward and I flinched. He approached slowly but his reflexes were fast. I discreetly backed away.

"Where were you?" I questioned, my voice hoarse.

"Interesting question." He raised his eyebrows. "I was actually on the rooftop with Mother and Father," he told after a pause. "And Lydia," he added. "We were taking more Constellations." He smiled wickedly which always made me want to punch him. I cursed in Greek, his smile faltered and he sneered at me.

"You've wiped out more than half of the population!" I yelled. "What is it that you want to get back, that the Stars took from you?"

"I'm not answerable to you." He grabbed my throat, pressing harder and harder. Lydia tensed.

"Alec, that's enough," she said through her teeth. "Calm down." She pulled Alec away, he pushed Lydia aside and choked me again. Tears stained my face instantly, I started breathing faster. He pulled me towards the stairs by my throat, threatening to push me.

"What was done with my ancestors was an injustice," he told, his grip tightening. "We're only taking back what is ours."

I tried to speak but only spat in his face. Though it was unintentional, it was a good move. He let go and I inhaled, coughing as I tried to find my voice.