Chapter 13

After a couple hours of pacing the room, I sit on the large circular bed and stare out at the dismal sky.

"This is for you" Thaili walks in silently out of nowhere, nearly giving me a heart attack.

"How," I look back to the door and frown. "Thank you..."

"I assume you'd prefer more modest clothing and this was what I could find." He sets the bundle on the bed and I find more of a liking for him. With that, he turns and leaves just as silently as he came.

Rising up from my place, I tiptoe precariously over to my gift. Atop the pile is a soft fabricked pair of grey leggings and a black jewel necked shirt. Below both is a small box that I nearly drop when attempting to open. Inside is a gold band much like the one Centauri wore on her right wrist with small controls that bring up a holographic display in a language I don't understand. Back down in the box is a small piece of fabric with a thin rose gold chain under it. So I push everything aside and lift up the chain, a small pendant dangles at the end of it. I recognise the planetary symbol of pluto from the book. In the marbled metal of the pendant are small carvings of words in the same language as the display. Why I was given this particular thing was beyond me.

Setting down the necklace, I take my clothing to what I could call a washroom and peel off the filthy clothes. The spring fed shower brings cool water over me, and once satisfied with my cleanliness I dress and catch my reflection in a blue stained mirror. The shirt widens out at the hem so I tuck it into the high waisted leggings. The back is exposed to accomodate for the wings of a Celestial that I lack. Barefooted, I make my way back to the the bed and pick up the necklace to admire.

Suddenly, a hand reaches around me and takes the necklace to look at themselves. Centauri steps out from behind me and sits on the bed with a thoughtful expression. I look behind me wildly and wonder how she got in here so quietly and what is with them doing that?

"Thaili must have a lot of trust in you." She murmurs and looks at me a flicker of surprise crosses her face before she stands to place the chain around my neck. Warm breath grazes my shoulder and neck as she attempts to hook the clasp then it's gone when she picks up the gold band and taps it to hers. It makes a quiet chirrup sound and glows a faint blue before she takes my hand and snaps it on my wrist. My heart is about ready to melt when she gives me the rare toothy smile, little canines glinting in the room's warm light.

"Cheerful mood?" I manage words and notice her casual wear not something I'd expect out of a angelic being. Her shirt exposes her shoulders and sleeves sit rolled up to her elbows. She wears her usual boots and leggings. I catch myself staring and mentally kick myself for seemingly falling for an alien being I didn't even knew existed days ago.

She laughs softly, "well, although we didn't exactly get what we came for, I'm finally home after so long."

"For what it's worth, it's a very beautiful place." When her eyes meet mine, I quickly avert them and feel heat rise up my neck. I shouldn't be doing this, I should be planning some great big move that would lead to victory or something.

"Yeah." She says quietly and sits back down, letting her wings settle behind her, "you should've seen it before..."

"We will stop him, and fix it."

She looks up tiredly. "Would you really strike down your own father for the sake of people you don't or will ever truly know?"

I stand there with a new knife in my chest and subconsciously clench my jaw. I have nothing to say and i hate myself for it.

"Emotion can be a lot stronger than promises." She stands and holds my gaze. Eyes burning and I'm unable to look at her.

"Right." She mutter. " I swear I saw something different in you, but why are you really here Ceceilia Glass? What's in it for you?"

"Does there have to be a reason?" I murmur.

Her eyes narrow. "If anything, you'll be just like him." She looks to the pendant on my collarbone and her face twitches in annoyance. When she leaves with those words, I glare holes into the ground and feel the knife twisting and turning.

With an angry shout, I catch my reflection in the mirror again and throw a fist into its blue sheened glass. The mirror shattered and with the reduced gravity of this planet it floats around me slowly. I lay back on the bed and watch glass glint in the light, throwing around beams that hit other pieces creating a maze of light that constantly changes. It frustrated me to know that I had the deeds of my parents over my head, to know I was just another indispensable human who thought they could be so powerful in a world of magic.

With my head in my arms I feel the weight of exhaustion hit me and I give in to it. Like Thaili had said, best sleep while I still can.