Celestial Gardens(The Last Star Trilogy #2)

Even setting chairs for guests seemed like a hassle. Though I had five guys and a serpent to help me, Hellen had still asked me to supervise them since she was busy taste testing with Raelynn and Phoenix.

This one is feeble, Rasal hissed in my head.

Who?

The Pisces boy. He looked towards Nathan who was trying to pick up two chairs had once. Should I slap him with my tail?

I actually considered that for a moment. No, I decided.

The weather was nice, it wasn’t too cold as usual. We had cleared the training area early today and I was helping the guys set brown wooden chairs outside. We had already done the cafeteria, added table cloths and cleaned it as much as we could. Everyone would be there for the dinner but only a few guests were invited to the ceremony.

“We don’t have time,” I muttered.

Milady, we still have a few hours before the ceremony, Rasal reminded.

The chairs were facing the entrance of Crimsyn State. Gramps and Hellen would stand at the front and exchange Signs. I was sure that I was even more nervous than Hellen and Alfred. They looked fine though, or they were really good at hiding it. Maybe because they had both been married before, but I tried not to think about that.

Rasal had bathed in a puddle this morning. I decided to shower right after we were done setting up everything.

“All done,” Tristan sighed. “I’m going to go wash up. See you tonight.”

“Alright,” I said and waved them all off.

Lyra was fighting with Lyla over who goes to the wedding. She muttered toherself, claiming that Lyla didn’t want to go and she was fighting over who gets to have the body today. Amara and Raelynn were trying to calm her down but even I couldn’t do anything except pray.

I went outside and prayed to the Constellations: Gemini, Virgo and Ophiuchus that Lyra is better by tonight. Those three Constellations twinkled as I said my words in my head.

It’ll work, Rasal hissed.

Hope so.

I showered but didn’t change into my dress yet. Hellen came to check on the arrangements. She was turning pink and her hair was in the bun, she had a bare face.

“I’m going to go get dressed, it’s almost time.” she smiled too much.

“I’ll tell the girls to do the same,” I said but they were already running around the girls’ room with their hair up and tying each others’ bows and borrowing lipgloss.

Lyra was back to well...Lyra. And she was helping Amara pin back her hair. “Belle, put on your dress. I hung it in the bathroom and I’ll do your hair and makeup next.”

I did as I was told. The dress made me look like I had curves and gave me a proper figure. I peeped inside my dress, looking at the material. Lyra hadn’t done anything except tighten it since it was just a little loose but it would get tighter at dinner.

Amara had lipgloss on and blush on her cheeks, she didn’t complain though. She was wearing golden sandals with a necklace, it had a shiny pendant. Raelynn and Phoenix were hovering over a mirror, brushing and pinning their hair and adding eyeliner.

Lyra threw me some white sandals to wear. She found a socket and warmed up the curling iron. I had used the oil and shampoo today and last night on my hair.

Lyra did my curls, pinned them away from my face. She added something creamy to my eyelids which made them shimmer. My lips were tinted red and so were my cheeks. She sprayed a little perfume and insisted I wear star shaped earrings.

We waited for Lyra to get dressed, she was wearing a long blue dress with a flower belt, she went easy on the makeup and no jewelry except a simple necklace. She let her hair was as straight as a line and fell to her shoulders, she added a sparkly pin. Her sleeves came to her wrists and she was wearing silver flats. This was Lyra’s simplest look yet.

“They’re here,” Phoenix said, she was looking out the door. I pushed and looked out. Everyone had taken their seats, we were the only ones left. Raelynn and Phoenix went first. Then I did with Rasal behind me. Lyra and Amra were the last. We were the best dressed guests there. The guys had just thrown on their black tracksuits, pretending like they were tuxedos. I sat next to Tristan and Phoenix. Rasal curled up at my feet.

Phoenix’s parents were there and Nathan’s mom. All the seats were full. Lyra and Amara were sitting in front of us. The others were probably somewhere around here too. Hellen and Gramps walked out of the Conference hall building. Hellen was radiant, her smile beamed and her dress shimmered in the Starlight. Alfred was turning red, he was wearing a blue trousers with a button down shirt. They stood in front of the crowd, they stared at their Constellations.

Virgo and Hydrus twinkled, their glow getting more and more luminous. It was disorienting to see someone else light up Virgo.

Rasal must have sensed my curiosity because he said: This is how they exchange Signs.

Two rays of light came down from each Constellation. Hellen and Gramps both had their right hands out. Now I understood what was going to happen. The Starlight from Virgo hit Hellen’s wrist, burning through her flech. Hydrus’ light stung Gramps. The surroundings were highlighted with Starlight. It dimmed quickly, now they had each other’s Signs. Something tugged on my rib, or at least that’s what it felt like once the light from Virgo seared into Hellen. I rubbed my chest lightly, Phoenix noticed.

“What’s wrong?” she whispered.

“I feel queasy all of a sudden,”

“You just got a new member of Virgo,” she pointed out. “That happens, it’s natural after someone has taken your Sign.” I nodded.

Everyone clapped and cheered, got up to congratulate the two.

At dinner Gramps and Hellen signed marriage papers. Mrs. Pisces had cooked soup, fried rice, chicken and pudding. It tasted better than any of her other foods, but I kept that to myself even though we were all thinking it.

The tables in the cafeteria had been rearranged, they were joined together so it made one big table. Gramps and Hellen sat at the front. I hugged both of them.

“Congratulations!” I smiled.

“Thank you,” Hellen blushed. Gramps patted me on the head.

“Welcome to the family,” I embraced her once more.

I sat next to Raelynn, Lyra and Amara. We ate as much as we could because we all knew there would be no more meals like this in Crimsyn State.

“Your lipgloss is coming off,” Lyra said in a low voice even though the cafeteria was loud with murmurs and laughs.

“Here,” she passed me a tube of pink liquid underneath the table. There was no point in arguing so I took it and applied it after I was done.

“Belle,” I felt a hand on my shoulder and rose instantly.

“Hey,” I said toTristan. We walked away from the table

“You look nice,” he said.

“Thank you, so do you.” I smiled. “Lyra did a good job with everyone.”

“I can’t believe she actually brought heavy gowns. We barely had room for our bgas in our car.” he told.

“That’s Lyra,” I said.

“Where’s the snake?” he asked, looking around.

“He was under the table.” I looked over there. “I was feeding him chicken.”

Rasal’s life was tethered to every Ophiuchus, as long as I was healthy he was fine too. I didn’t have to take care of him really. But he looked greedily at the food that I fed him pieces while he hid under the table.

“You mean you lost it?”

I glared at him. “Not an it,” I corrected. ”His name is Rasal. To answer your question, I didn’t loose him. Even if I did we’re telepathic I can call him whenever.”

Where are you? I said to him.

Under the table, milady, he reminded.

Come to me.

He slithered towards me, making people squeal and jump. “Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you.” I promised.

Up, I ordered. He stuck on my back with his head on my right shoulder and his tail at my side.

“So, how’s being a telepath working out?” Tristan asked, hovering away.

“I can not only communicate with Rasal. I know his thoughts, feelings and his mind. And vice versa. We can talk to each other in our heads.” I said.

“It feels like there’s a part of my brain that softens everytime we talk to each other. Like, his voice echoes in my head and I can hear his hissing.” I finished.

You can even see where I am if you concentrate enough, Rasal added. I can see where you are too.

“Yes, and there’s that.” I said.

“There’s what?” Tristan wondered.

I told him what Rasal had said.

“He just said that?”

I nodded.

“In your head?” he repeated. I rolled my eyes.

“In whose head?” Lewis asked as approached. He tried to pet Rasal, though I didn’t think one could really pet reptiles. I didn’t really thunk of Rasal as a pet or even my servant.

Should I let him, milady?

Yes, but don’t get too attached, I told. I feared that out of curiosity, Lewis would study Rasal day and night.

Lewis touched Rasal’s scales, tracing the Ophiuchus Sign on his skin. Tristan told him about the telepathy.

“That’s kind of cool,” Lewis said.

“Yeah, you have a personal bodyguard.” Tristan snorted. Rasal hissed, his thin red tongue throwing spit in Tristan’s face.

“Eww!” Tristan wiped off with his sleeve.

Good job, I said to the serpent.

My pleasure. Rasal bowed his head to me. He rested it on my shoulder with his eyes closed. The fragments of Star Stones on him glowed bright green. That would make a good night light.

“Wow!” Lyra exclaimed, she tried to touch the stones. “He’s gorgeous.”

“Compared to what?” Tristan mumbled.

Lyra glared at him, “To you,” she joked. I tried not to laugh but Lewis did defiantly.

“Come on, Tristan.” Amara chimed in. She was sipping juice. “You’re not seriously envious of a snake?”

What is that supposed to mean? Rasal sounded offended. His head snapped up and the stones glowed a darker shade of green. Why wouldn’t he envy me? I’m your closest friend and most faithful and loyal servant.

Yes, you are but he doesn’t need to know that. I comforted.

I cleared my throat. “Rasal thinks you should envy him,” I told. “He claims that he knows me best. After all, he can read my emotions and my mind.”

“Right, not creepy at all.” Tristan muttered.

“Is he bothering you?” Amara said in a sweet tone. She patted Rasal.

“You poor little serpent.” Lyra pouted.

What is it with these people and calling me by my name? Rasal’s voice echoed in my skull.

“He says to call him Rasal and not snake or serpent.” I told them.

“For Stars’ sake!” Tristan said. “Stop being fascinated by him. He’s a snake not a cute little kitten!”

Permission to poison, milady?

“No!” I exclaimed. I’d said that out loud. Four of them stared at me suspiciously.

“Sorry, still getting used to the telepathy.” I lowered my head.

“What did he say?” Lewis asked.

“Nevermind that,” I said. I faced Tristan, “Watch it because he can poison you...if I want him to.” My tone still playful.

“You’d never do that to me,” Tristan smiled. “I’m charming.”

I’m charming, Rasal insisted. It’s even in my name...sort of. Head of the snake charmer.

That would be me, I reminded.

Amara changed the topic to the exquisite dishes that Mrs. Pisces had cooked along with some other chefs. When we were having dessert, Rasal curled around my waist like a belt, eyes closed and stones lighting up my dress. I got stares and glances from everyone, they whispered behind my back.

Everyone is staring, he hissed.

How can you tell? Your eyes are closed.

I can sense them.

It’s fine, I told.

I can feel you getting uncomfortable, he reminded. He sounded ready to take down anything that was causing me pain or discomfort. Are you alright?

Yes, Rasal. I almost spoke out loud.

I offered him some pudding and jelly but he refused. There was no dancing afterwards. Gramps wanted to meet Rasal. He patted him on his head which made Rasal confused.

Who is this gentleman?

Gramps, I told. Rasal looked into my eyes, looking despondent. I think I reminded him of Grandpa Grayson. His name is Alfred Virgo, he’s not related to Ophiuchus.

I see, he hissed.

“How is he?” Hellen asked, smiling.

“We’re both fine,” I said.

“Getting along with the reptile?” Gramps joked. I didn’t find it amusing, though.

“Forgot his name?”

“Right, sorry. Rasal.” he coughed.

“We’re getting along,” I confirmed.

I went to find Lyra and Amara but I noticed a lot of people were starting to leave. The cafeteria slowly emptied out. Gramps and Hellen left too.

I found Tristan Stargazing outside. He looked upset.

“I’m sorry,” I said. He turned around.

“It’s okay, I was just worried.” He gave me a small smile. “I’m not jealous of him, Belle. Just worried that eh might harm you since serpents represent Hydra not Ophiuchus.”

“There’s nothing to worry about,” I comforted. “Ophiuchus can grasp serpents. In other words: I can control him but he can’t do anything to me.”

“Yeah,” is all he could say.

“I’m going to bed,” he said, stroking my hair. “See you in the morning.”

“Bye.” I waved and went inside. Lyra was collecting her belongings from all the girls. She safely packed them in the suitcases. Amara decided to wash off all the make-up, followed by Phoenix, Raelynn and Lyra. I went last, Rasal was curled up on the floor, asleep after I changed into sweatpants again.

Rasal, I whispered.

He lifted his head lightly and his eyes half opened. Yes, milady?

Come here, I patted my lap. He glissaded up. Rasal’s tails was on my foot and he lay on my leg, his head touching my stomach. He tickled me but I didn’t mind.

I was in the dark. With only the Stars as a light, but they weren’t enough. I could see the sky and the Star Spirit standing in front of me with her arms crossed but I couldn’t see where I was.

“How was the wedding?” she asked casually.

“It was good. I had fun.” I answered.

There was a long pause. I felt awkward standing there like a statue.

“Where’d you get the snake?” She pouted.

“Oh, not you too!”

“I don’t mind,” she confirmed. “It’s just that...I’ve never had competition before.”

“There is no competition.”

“I know that!” she said. “But, I’m the spirit of Virgo and he is the servant of Ophiuchus. You haven’t been visited by any spirits of Ophiuchus, have you?”

“I met the ghost of my grandparents in Celestial Gardens,” I recalled.

“That’s different, they’re dead. Unless they were turned into Star Spirits...” she trailed off, thinking.

“They haven’t been turned into Star Spirits, I have no doubt of that.” I said with certainty.

“How can you be sure?” she asked.

“Because there can only be one Star Spirit of a Constellation-”

“Gemini has two but that’s because of the twin thing.”

“-And people who have passed have a rare, almost no chance of that.” I reminded.

“And for that to happen, the current Star Spirit of Ophiuchus would have to retire.” she added.

“Why does it even matter if I am visited by another Star Spirit?”

“I told you: I don’t like competition,” she quoted.

“But, why didn’t Ophiuchus send a Star Spirit?” I wondered. I didn’t even know that I knew the answer to that.

“Ophiuchus sent it’s snake as your servant,” she reminded. “Though Ophiuchus had a Star Spirit, it retired almost immediately when it got the job and it dissolved it’s powers into the brightest Star, Rasalhague...” she said Rasal’s name with an accent.

“And it turned into a serpent and sent it down in a Star Stone. It’s really repulsive. The snake is wrapped in this slime ball and it smells bad...”

“Yes, yes!” I held up my hands. “I know, I’ve seen it.”

“I just had a small chat with Hellen Hydrus Virgo,” she sung.

“Oh, yeah. The Star Spirit is supposed to bless a new member. How’d that go?” I wondered.

“I didn’t communicate through dreams,” she told. “I was there at the wedding. So was the spirit of Hydrus, he blessed Alfred right on the spot.”

“Then, how did you meet Hellen?”

“At the wedding,” she said. “Then I was there at dinner, I sprinkled some stardust from Virgo on Hellen and gave her blessings.”

“I didn’t see you there,” I remembered.

“I had a glamour,” she told. “Not even Virgos could see me.”

I opened my mouth to say something but she held up her hand to protest. She closed her eyes, her face contorted in shock and anxiety. Her eyes snapped open.

“Annabelle . . .” she started. “Wake up, now!”

I jerked awake. My heart racing in my chest. All the girls were awake, though it was still dark. They were getting dressed. Putting on shoes and pulling out daggers. I thought it was another fight. I slept with a knife under my pillow. I got up, waking Rasal in the process. I slipped into my shoes and strapped the dagger to my belt, the stone from Virgo was in my pillowcase, I got that one out and put it in my pocket.

“Another attack?” Amara asked groggily. Lyra was sitting up but her expression told me she was struggling with the voice of Lyla in her head.

“Probably,” I said. Amara only had her Star Stone and she was good with a bow and arrow. She grabbed one from the training area on our way out. Phoenix and Raelynn were nowhere to be found. Rasal climbed around me, his head was at my shoulder and his body on my back.

“Who woke you?” Lyra yawned. It took me a second to realize she was talking to me.

The Star Spirit, I answered in my head. “I just felt something was wrong.”

We walked to the Conference hall building, though the Stars were bright I couldn’t see the surroundings. Just like it had been in my dream.

“Looks like we have new comers,” Amara pointed to four vehicles parked at the entrance. I squinted.

I knocked on the door. It opened in an instant. Hellen stood in the doorframe, I knew judging from her expression that there was something wrong. Her eyes were tired and smudged with makeup. She wrapped a green shawl around her, she was wearing a nightgown under. the door was ajar but I couldn’t see who was inside.

“Annabelle, perfect timing.” She looked over her shoulder and had a silent conversation with someone. Phoenix and Raelynn walked out immediately. Raelynn’s eyes were swollen and she had ears constantly streaming down her face. Phoenix looked wrathful, her eyes were glassy but she was pushing back the tears. Raelynn gave me a hug and sobbed into my shoulder. My stomach twisted. Phoenix gave a pat on the shoulder, then she embraced me.

“Be careful, Belle.” she sobbed. “Don’t let them get to you.”

I couldn’t find my voice otherwise I would’ve asked what she was talking about. I thought my father was here, again. If he was, then it would be history repeating itself.

“Belle,” Hellen wrapped an arm around me. “Take Rasal in your hands.”

Milady? Rasal hissed.

Come here. I held out my hands. Rasal slided down from my back and into my arms. I held him like an infant. His head was still up.

I got a glimpse of four dejected and worried girls staring at me. Lyra and Amara was talking with Phoenix, explaining who was here. Raelynn was too busy sobbing to explain, Lyra gasped and gave Raelynn a hug.

Someone in the room cleared their throat. I remembered that we were still standing in the doorframe. Hellen quickly pulled me inside and locked the door. I lowered my gaze, looking at Rasal’s scales. He hissed loudly, his Star Stones lit up.

Who is it? I asked.

Rasal cursed in ancient Greek and then Latin. I understood him and my eyes widened.

Rasal! I scolded.

My apologies, milady.

Who is it? I repeated.

Killer, is all he said.

Rasal hissed out loud. His eyes turned red, matching his stones. He bared his fangs.

Killer!