The Court of Stars

Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

I was so exhausted. It was as if someone had drained the energy from me like sap from a tree. My legs felt numb and I couldn't stop shivering. The sound of my shoes hitting the wooden boards were the only noises in the hallway, other than the loud breathing coming from the Constel in front of me. He was an ugly sort of man, his body round and his skin a gleaming orange. His eyes seemed to bulge from his head, and his tail coat swished around behind him like a fish.

"Here is where you can rest while the Taurus and the Scorpio speak." His voice had a strange sound, an almost muffled tone as he spoke.

I didn't bother to thank him before crashing into the small bed, the springs creaking as I fell asleep.

The door slowly opened, a light wind blowing the hair around my face. My eyes squinted at the bright lights, my body curling into itself.

"Should I wake her?" Lupus pattered over to the edge of the bed, his breath hot as he leaned down to eye level.

Casey laughed awkwardly before saying, "I think she's already awake." His voice was a combination of humor and worry, a slight edge to it. A bag crinkled as he set it down, a familiar smell wafting in the air. "We got you some bath bombs."

The door opened again and I could instantly tell it was Ara from the footsteps. "I bought you some clothes. They're both fashionable and comfy."

Two more sets of footsteps entered the room and my bed creaked as everyone sat down. "I-I brought some books. I don't know if you'll like them...," Circinus whispered.

I bit my lip to stop the tears that threatened to wash me away. "W-why?" My voice cracked, and everyone was silent for a few minutes before Norma cleared her throat.

"Because they want you to know you're not alone."

I pulled the comforter up, trying to hide my sniffles and red eyes, but Ara lifted the edge and we were both under the blanket. I could feel the heat of everyone's bodies as they leaned in too, wrapping themselves around me.

I groaned, jokingly saying, "Can't a woman get some peace!" I was surprised when Circinus snorted, sending everyone into a fit of laughter.

When everyone settled down, I crawled out from under the blankets and grabbed the bags at the end of the bed, taking them with me into the small bathroom. I felt giddy, and though I shouldn't, I was a little bit happy.

Latona wasn't happy, the voice in the back of my head whispered. Ripping a bath bomb out, I chucked it into the almost full tub and tore my clothes off. You weren't there for her. Her death is all your fault. Biting my lip, I stepped into the steaming water. If it weren't for you, she'd still be alive. I pushed myself to the bottom of the tub, opening my mouth to let the water consume me. You should be the one dead, not her-

Someone banged on the door and the thoughts drifted away. The moment my head broke the surface, I gasped and felt the unstoppable tears. I was so emotional, what was wrong with me? It felt like all I did was cry and sleep, though the latter was something I did regularly.

Sighing, I drained the water from the tub and dressed into the outfit Ara had bought. It was a simple black dress, the fabric an impossible softness. As I shifted the loose skirt around, I realized there were large pockets, large enough to hold a paperback book. Reaching down, I grabbed the book Circinus had bought and slipped it into my pocket, along with my journal and a wooden pencil.

Lastly, I slipped on the pastel pink heels I had worn before and walked out. Everyone was still sitting on my bed, Ara, Lupus, and Circinus sleeping. Norma and Casey were talking about where we were going next.

"The Sagittarius-"

Something seemed to lift off my chest from those two words and I couldn't help but blurting, "Really? Right now? Can we leave right now?"

The Scorpio looked as though I had slapped him. "Not yet. Serena said we can stay as long as we want, and since they're asleep"—he pointed to the snoring treo—"we might as well let them rest."

I nodded, my knee bouncing for either nerves or excitement. Perhaps both. Casey seemed to be lost in his thoughts after that, so I pulled out the book Circinus bought me, something called Stars in the Sky, and tried to calm myself with the book.

After about two hours or so, Ara kicked out viciously, hitting Lupus in the face. Lupus groaned and rolled over, his arm flapping dramatically and landing on Circinus's chest. Circinus's eyes slammed open and his face flushed as he jerked upright.

Norma burst up laughing, her pupils dilating. It had a strange purr to it and she clenched her stomach like she was sick.

Circinus just glared at her, straightening his tie and rumbled jacket. Casey woke up the others, their groans of protest loud as they tried to curl under the blankets. Eventually, Casey grabbed Lupus's foot and yanked him out of the bed, nearly slamming his head on the floor. Ara sat up immediately, making fun of the scene. Something in my stomach twisted and I grabbed my bag and found our carriage. The Constels were nearly finished with tending the gruesome horses, so I climbed in and finished the novel.

Digging around in my bag, I found The Twelve at the bottom and decided to read about Ivan. Though I already knew most of the information, it felt nice to refresh my memory on something familiar.

"The Sagittarius was named after Chiron. He was considered the centaur of mythology, the learned healer whose higher intelligence forms a bridge between Earth and Heaven. Also known as the Archer, Chiron was often seen with a bow and arrow. The arrow is a common symbol of this Zodian, representing that he aims for greater knowledge. The Sagittarius is the thirteenth Zodian and was the twelfth one to rise to power.

Ivan, the Sagittarius, is the most social Zodian, constantly inviting others over for parties and dinners. He is also smart, honest, independent, cheerful, curious, and pursuitful. Under his rule are the following Constels: Scutum, Indus, Aquila, and Southern Crown.

The Sagittarius Season is from December 17th to January 20th, where they celebrate with masquerades and dinners."

My heart clenched as I read my title and I hastily wiped away my tears.

Soon, everyone else joined me and we left for the Sagittarius, our final Zodian before the Serpent Bitch.