Chapter 2: Unconcealment

That same night, all the Grand Chiefs ordered their right hands to return to their tribes to spread the word and to return to Soliana where the council arena is located, together with the young descendants. It immediately became the talk of the town from the second the villagers received the announcement. As some were delighted that the return of the star cores would soon happen, some were already devastated.

"What?" Devon was petrified when she heard the news. 

Her aunt, the Grand Chief Annalise of Castirias, was standing in front of Devon. She also looked disturbed and anxious. She just delivered the news to her niece. Annalise immediately came to her after the meeting was dismissed. The night before, she couldn't get herself to tell her niece what was to come when Devon welcomed her with a warm smile but she had no choice when the morning came and the gathering drew closer. It was later this afternoon that the gathering will happen.

"B-But you're also a Glanchester, Devon. There's a 50/50 chance that you will not inherit your father's family legacy. You might've forgotten that you are also a descendant of Iridessa Glanchester." Annalise reasoned. 

Iridessa Glanchester, the former Mimic of the star-beings. She was a mage with a voice that could be either alluring or deafening. Her magic revolved around using her voice in various ways she wanted. 

Devon couldn't explain the feeling that she was experiencing. She knew there was still a 50/50 chance of her not being chosen, plus she has half-siblings. But still, she can't seem to shake the thought off. She clutched her chest as she felt it tightening and she stumbled back, her knees slightly weakening. The last she felt such a feeling was when her mother left her all of a sudden.

"What do I do, Aunt Annalise?" Devon looked up to Annalise, desperation evident from her eyes. "The secret of my birth cannot be known. Mother will get mad when she finds out."

Annalise felt a pang on her chest when she heard what Devon said. Her older sister, Devon's mother, had long disappeared about 10 years ago without a trace. It pained her to know the reason why her sister left but she promised herself to never tell Devon because it can only do more harm than good.

Annalise sighed. "We have no choice but for you to attend. They know that you are my sister's daughter so they will expect you there together with Gwendoline."

She had to follow her aunt's words because she knew to herself she wouldn't know any better. Devon bit her lower lip as she looked down at her feet, feeling defeated.

Annalise left her niece by herself after that. She knew that Devon needed to think. One way or another, Devon's response to this situation will always be rational.

"How is she, Mom?" Gwendoline asked as soon as Annalise entered the living room of Devon's manor. Gwendoline is the only daughter of Annalise and the only cousin around Devon's age.

"You're here." Annalise kissed Gwendoline's forehead. "Devon is well, hopefully." A sigh escaped Annalise's lips.

Gwendoline, being the ever so positive girl that she is, flashed her mom a big smile as she caressed the top of Annalise's hands. Annalise smiled back, feeling somehow reassured by her daughter. She pulled her into a hug after that. "I've miss you so much."

"Mom, we literally saw each other the other day before you went here." Gwendoline chuckled in her mother's embrace. 

Once again, Annalise's heart ached for her niece, so much so that the hatred she had for her sister started to grow. How could you leave your daughter knowing that she will be valnuerable at times like this? Just, how? Annalise said to herself. 

Later that afternoon, the Axis Colosseum that was located beside the council arena started to get crowded. Soliana was in the middle of Tarrastela so it was conveniently easy for the villagers from various tribes to gather at the capital. Some went there to support the star beings that will be chosen. However, most of them attended with mere interest in the star cores and just went there to feed their curiosity and create gossip.

Murmurs were heard seconds after Celestine and Alaric arrived. It was very hard to miss their presence because of the way they looked. Celestine appeared confidently showcasing her armor that was made from her power along with the glow that emitted from her body. She looked majestic and divine, as the villagers have said. Alaric, on the other hand, wore a dark green cloak that was hiding his face. His head stayed low. They walked up to the platform in the front of the arena. Celestine sat on the throne prepared for her while Alaric stood beside her.

Celestine looked over to her son. "Alaric, you can remove your hood now."

"There are too many eyes watching us." If anyone was able to look through his hood, they'd be able to see how red and embarrassed he was. Despite being the son of a star being, Alaric never grew up without that much attention because Celestine would often remove him from the spotlight to protect him.

Celestine just chuckled before looking in front of her. It was just in time when the descendants and their families arrived. A footman assigned to announce their arrival welcomed them and asked them to stand in a line for a more formal entrance. 

The first to enter were the descendants living in Firros Tribe. They describe themselves as 'OPPORTUNISTIC'.

"Lord Amalaric Ormskirk Warthford and Lady Amaris Ormskirk Warthford of Firros Tribe. Descendants of Lord Delton Ormskirk, the Nuke, and Lady Robin Warthford, the Dreamer."

The Grand Chief of Firros, Chief Amaya Warthford, entered the Colosseum together with her twins and her husband. They all embodied the creative and mischievous minds that Firros Tribe is known for through their colorful and extravagant clothing. Amalaric had a smug look on his face when he heard the ladies squealing when he turned his head to their way as his twin sister, Amaris, only looked at them with a blank expression. They silently followed another footman to their seats which was in the middle of the Colosseum.

Next are those from Soliana. They associate themselves with 'MASTERY' for housing villagers that excell in their own fields of mastery.

"Lord Aidan Orrinshire and Lady Nadia Orrinshire of Soliana Tribe. Descendants of Lady Deianira Asphodel Orrinshire, the Luxin."

Villagers were eager to catch a glimpse of the descendants of the most powerful mage to ever live and they weren't disappointed because the Orrinshire twins inherited the beautiful genes of the Orrinshire Clan. With their greyish-black hair and blue eyes, a signature of the Orrinshire Clan, they caught the attention of every person in that Colosseum. The Grand Chief of Soliana and his wife, Theodore and Lydia Orrinshire, walked beside their children with big and proud smiles.

The next to arrive were from Castirias. They are known for their kindness and 'VERSATILITY'.

"Lady Gwendoline Glanchester and Lady Devon Glanchester of Castirias Tribe. The descendants of Lady Iridessa Glanchester, the Mimic."

The two cousins entered the Colosseum hand in hand, grasping onto each other tight. They were both anxious but for two different reasons. The Grand Chief of Castirias, Chief Annalise Glanchester, walked behind the two with her husband. Her heart softened as she watched her daughter and niece walking nervously to their seats. She wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh at them or not. 

Known for being the main contributor of natural minerals and anything related to nature all over Tarrastela because of the prosperity of their lands, the highest family of Castirias showed off what Castirias had to offer through their clothing as well. Unlike those from Firros, the Glanchester only wore clothes in the shade of purple but wore excessive gold jewelry. Purple is known to be the Glanchester Clan's color when trading.

"Lady Luanne Whitebridge, Lady Candice Whitebridge, Lady Willow Whitebridge, and Lord Nicolas Whitebridge of Castirias Tribe. The descendants of Lady Bianca Whitebridge, the Blare."

A Whitebridge cousins entered together with their mothers, and grandmothers. It was very easy to identify that they were part of the Whitebridge Clan because of the all-white people they wore. Everyone bowed to them as a sign of respect for the family of priestesses. 

"Lady Adeline Daemarrel of Castirias tribe. The descendant of Lady Selene Daemarrel, the Rogue."

Adeline walked in together with her grandparents. They were holding her by the arm as if they were preventing her from running away. Adeline was not shy to show her dismay through her expression. You can tell that the young Daemarrel was forced to come because she was still wearing stained clothes. It caused Celestine to chuckle because of how well Adeline embodied how crazy her family is about potion making.

Next was the descendant from Edaleko. They are known for their 'CONTROL'.

"Lord Niall Norfolk II of Edaleko Tribe. The descendant of Niall Norfolk I, the Enchanter."

A silver-haired lad with tan skin strides inside the Colosseum. Behind him was Chief Selik Norfolk, the Grand Chief of Edaleko. Their tan skin definitely confirmed that they are from Edaleko. Known for their vast skills in fishery and ability to navigate the waters, the tribe is known for their tanned skin.

Madron City descendants were next to arrive. Known for their desire for 'INNOVATION'.

"Lord Desmond Ludovic of Madron City, the descendant of Delton Ludovic, the Marauder." 

If the color black would be a person, that would definitely be Desmond. Known for his mind tricks inherited from his lineage, everyone he ever came across was wary of him. The villagers watching stared in awe as Grand Chief Faris and his son with dark mysterious orbs and significantly pitch-black hair entered the Colosseum. Noticing his reserved but intimidating demeanor, certainly, the lad came from the tribe that excelled in the field of dark alchemy and innovation. Madron City is known for its innovative inventions and that's their pride, after all.

"Lady Chantrea Halivaara of Madron City. Descendant of Robin Halivaara, the Bane." 

A young lady skipped towards the middle with a playful grin on her face. Behind her was her family that also had the same playful grin on their faces. The Halivaara Clan is known for being the mind of Madron City. Their family are the top inventors of Madron alongside Ludovic Clan who specialized in dark alchemy.

Lastly, the descendants from the Gralejos Tribe arrived. Gralejos is the land of 'BRAVERY'.

"Lord Malachi Falconer Kilmarnock of Gralejos Tribe. The descendant of Elijah Kilmarnock, the Time Beguiler, and Rafael Falconer, the Aegis."

Malachi waved to the villagers at the stadium with a big genuine smile on his face. The girls in the Colosseum squealed as the gawked at the toned arm muscles of Malachi, a sign that he is already training. He was followed by Chief Camira Kilmarnock and her husband. They all looked just as what you will expect from a family running the tribe of hunters known for their feisty attitude and hostility.

"Lord Matthias Falconer of Gralejos Tribe. Also a descendant of Rafael Falconer, the Aegis."

A family in full armor strides toward the middle. They confidently flaunted their family's pride, mastery in armor and weapon making. Vernon bowed to Celestine in a very gentleman manner before he sat down, as courtesy to the lady.

Celestine smiled as all of them are now complete in front of her. It has been years since she felt the presence of her friends. Yes, she was able to feel their presence through their descendants. All of the descendants inherited the same features from their ancestors that it almost made Celestine's eyes water.

Alaric prompted his hand to his mother and helped her get up from her seat. Celestine smiled at him before he went down the platform and sat among the others.

Celestine summoned her staff before tapping it on the floor. It then glowed in green as it released strings all over the Colosseum. It will help the bystanders hear what will happen.

"It has been a while, dearest people of Tarrastela." Most people cheered upon her greeting but some remained with a stern expression.

"For years, I was banished and neglected by some of my own people..." Some looked away and avoided eye contact with her. "But still, I stood my ground and did what I had to do as the remaining star-being of my time."

"19 years ago, descendants of my friends were born. Direct or indirect, all of them were born with zodiac signs corresponding to the month of their birth. Many happened during that time. It was all seen in the prophecy yet some did really call them as the star-crossed children."

Every star-crossed looked down, remembering the things they had heard and experienced because of the hatred thrown at them.

"I am very disappointed." Celestine's aura darkened. "But then I figured, it is the right name for them. Star-beings for us and star-crossed for them. Why?"

Celestine smirked as her grip on her staff tightened. "Because I know they will be more powerful than us that they will make their enemy's life star-crossed. So, I guess that name really does suit them, right?"

All just remained silent while Celestine chuckled in a dark manner.

"Now now, let's get started." Celestine pointed to Alaric and gestured for him to come in the middle. 

Celestine formed a magic orb on her hands before throwing it to the ground where Alaric was about to how and then it formed a circle gleaming in golden intricate details.

Alaric steps inside the circle as he removes his cloak. He pulled up his right sleeve, revealing the Leo sign on his forearm. Celestine pointed at Alaric using her arm where the rings of fate appeared. One ring immediately took flight and blasted itself to Alaric that it made him crouch down to his knees. Seconds later, a tinge glow of green appeared from his nape along with the sign of THE FATE.

Celestine smiled when Alaric looked up to her. My successor, she said to herself.

Next was Niall who was an Aries. He was chosen to be THE ENCHANTER. Chantrea then followed suit, revealing her Sagittarius sign. Celestine noted to her mind when Chantrea was chosen to be THE BANE, one of the powerful mages in the group. Adeline was encouraged by her grandparents to go next. She nodded dismissingly as she walked towards the circle. 

"Your sign, dear." Celestine had to remind her when she just stood there.

"Oh, my bad, sorry." Adeline showed her Pisces sign and later on, she became THE ROGUE which made her grandparents cheer.

Malachi and Matthias then entered the circle together for the common lineage, The Aegis. The cousins stood firmly with each of their arms out. Malachi with Taurus and Matthias with Aquarius. Celestine greeted them before pointing the rings of fate to them. THE AEGIS' ring of fate went to Matthias. The two bumped fists before Matthias stepped out of the circle, leaving Malachi who became THE TIME BEGUILER.

As more star-crossed members were revealed, the more anxious Devon got. Gwendoline noticed her cousin who was continuously biting her bottom lips. She reached out for her hand and squeezed it. "It will be okay, Devon."

Devon just gave her a small bitter smile as her eyes traveled to her siblings. They don't even know I exist, do they?

While Malachi was still inside, Desmond was already waiting for his turn with his hands in his pocket. Desmond swiftly removed his sleeves roughly revealing the sign of a Virgo. Celestine didn't mind this and just proceeded but then the rings of fate started to act strangely once more. This happened earlier with Malachi and Vernon but she didn't mind it now the swirling of the rings became utterly aggressive. Celestine wasn't sure when she noticed another ring of fate forming faintly but it soon disappeared. Was her eyes playing with her or was it just the glow of the other rings that she saw?

Nevertheless, Celestine pointed at him and a ring immediately went to him and the other rings were back to normal again. Desmond smirked when he was chosen to be THE MARAUDER.

Luanne then stepped inside the circle and showed her Capricorn sign to Celestine. Candice did so as well, she was a Cancer. Nicolas had the Virgo sign while Willow had the Gemini sign. Celestine greeted them and asked them to stand in a circle before she pointed to them. Seconds later, Luanne raised her hand as her nape glowed. Luanne was chosen to be THE BLARE.

Cheering was heard when the twins of the Soliana Tribe stood up and entered the circle. They both smiled at Celestine and bowed. Celestine nodded and smiled in response to their greeting. Everyone anticipated to know who the next Luxin was because it was the most powerful magic a mage could attain and knowing the sibling rivalry of the twins, it became more exciting to anticipate the reaction of the twin that would not be chosen. 

The twins revealed her Capricorn signs as Celestine pointed at them. Rings of Fate gone wild on Celestine's arm. It made her brows furrowed. Then the circle she made on the ground broke into pieces all of a sudden and dispersed into the wind. This made everyone comfused. Then Celestine's arm started moving on its own and then a ring released itself from her arm and blasted.

Everyone audibly gasped when the mark of the Luxin appeared on the Grand Chief of Soliana's hidden bastard daughter. Devon Glanchester was also an Orrinshire.