Auriella was as much of a coward as she was stubborn. She ran away from Ihimya, and now she was running away from her destiny, her purpose– the reason she left Norman in the first place. For years, she was reminded she was nothing but Asteria's replacement, a pawn in the mess the Goddess couldn't clean up herself. Since someone else's blood ran in hers, she no longer had ownership of herself. She came to realize this as she aged, when identity and liberty became all the more essential to her in her adolescence.
Before she turned seventeen, she decided that she would no longer be "Asteria's Successor" but simply Auriella Corentin. If her destiny was to protect Asteria's blood as her Successor, then her destiny as Auriella was to use it, even though she hadn't a clue how to connect with the mana inside her. After all, no other Successor before her drank the Goddess' blood; no one but her was destined to be the Archfiend's demise.
The day the demons attacked Ihimya, Auriella decided that she, herself, would find the spark to her own story. She was going to leave Ihimya, find the Zodiac Warriors, and defeat the Archfiend not as the Constellation Goddess' Successor but as Auriella.
Auriella was going to be the demise of the Archfiend and no one else.
It just so happened that when she told her tutor her plan of escape, the demons attacked Norman's Palace and massacred her friends– her tutor included. It was through failure and opportunity that Auriella left Ihimya; in weakness and in strength did she justify her escape.
At the expense of the ones she loved, of course.
That was why Auriella was a coward; she couldn't face her own shortcomings and selfishness. And now that what she desired, longed for, was in front of her, a Zodiac Warrior and a spark to begin her story, she ran away from it, too.
To hell with her destiny.
Just thinking about it made her disgusted with herself.
Fortunately for Auriella, she was given a weekend to absorb and comprehend all that had happened on her birthday. Though most of it was self-loathing, she was able to somewhat decide on how she would proceed in the future. What Asclepius told her of learning to wield Kian and fully understanding her situation hung above her like a pungent scent. Confrontation was inevitable, and when Monday dawned upon Auriella, she knew she'd have to face Kian again. In school.
The thought of it made both her head and stomach hurt. The only thing that kept her somewhat at ease was the knowledge that she could avoid him. Kian might not remember the layout of the school campus, being asleep in Kye's body after all, but Auriella did. She would avoid him at all costs.
The inevitable would simply be inevitable.
To her, it was procrastination.
Much to her dismay, Kian was more cunning than she thought, which she reprimanded herself for being surprised at because he was the Gemini, after all. Everywhere she went, to class or to the cafeteria, he followed. Surprisingly though, he never said a word or dared to catch her attention. He simply followed– or, in Anansi's words– stalked her. It had gotten to the point where he began to chase after her once the end-of-school bell rang and Auriella darted out of the classroom.
It was then he called out her name for once, but Auriella ignored him and continued her sprint to the older school buildings. There was one place Auriella could take refuge in which was the old school library that had been abandoned once the school's renovation was completed. Rumor had it that the library was haunted, being abandoned after all, so no one really went in there to study anymore. And as she escaped from Kian's sight, spraying herself with a strong perfume she stole from Anansi– to hide her mana scent– she locked herself in the library and collapsed with an exhale.
Her heart was beating fast, but for once, she felt normal. She didn't feel as though her head was going to split in half or that she could hear the low hum of the voice inside her. She felt like a normal person, heart-racing and breathless after a chase.
Once she'd calmed down, Auriella pulled herself to her feet and turned on the lights. The library was in great shape, or at least better than what the rumors portrayed it to be. In fact, if she didn't know that it was abandoned, she wouldn't have thought it was. The library was large with bookshelves for walls, all built in mahogany oak. A second floor was built into the room which was accessible by two flights of stairs on either side of the room. Wooden balustrades were put in place to prevent any accidents, and it looked more like a balcony than another floor. Old lights hung above from the high ceilings, and with a few potted plants and a good amount of study tables, the abandoned library was complete. It gave Auriella both a homey and academic feel.
Due to its distance from the new school buildings, the library was dead silent. This was the ideal place for quiet study, if only people hadn't branded it haunted. It was through Anansi that Auriella discovered such a hidden gem.
Auriella walked towards one of the tables and set her bag down. Despite Kian, she managed to make it through the day somewhat composed. As long as she kept her distance from him, she would be fine.
But it took a hell of a lot of effort to do so.
Auriella realized that she was exhausted as she took out her homework. She tried to start on an assignment but found no energy or motivation to complete it. So much for composure. Auriella couldn't even concentrate with all that had happened the past few days.
After a few minutes of staring into space, Auriella glanced at the other book in her bag. It was a large textbook, but nothing too meaty that it was a burden to carry around. The spine of the textbook was gilded, and its words, written in elegant script, read The History of Existence.
Auriella reached for it. It was the only one of its kind in the entirety of Yelerna, as it was a textbook from Norman's library. Alongside a few belongings, Auriella took the textbook with her when she journeyed to Earth. She didn't know why she did it. Maybe it was because it reminded her of her tutor or maybe something inside of her told her she would need it in the future. But for whatever reason, Auriella stole it and kept it close to her ever since.
Auriella turned open the hard cover, reading Norman's handwriting on its first page. If she was ever found to be in possession of this book, she could very much well be executed. Asteria's Successor or not, taking Norman's books was a crime against the nation of Yelerna. Since it was the nation of Knowledge, they possessed information from across the Four Nations, including each nation's secrets and weaknesses. Though they might be the weakest, in terms of mana and the nature of their citizens, Yelerna ultimately held power over Stalera, Antalis, and Talonis.
Hence, taking a book from Yelerna was essentially similar to the Archfiend taking Stalera's power for himself.
Knowledge and wisdom was power after all, and Norman possessed everything.
Auriella flipped through the pages, finding the section on the Zodiac Warriors. It was a large section with history spanning from the era of Erackle, the first Supreme Deity of Stalera, to the reign of the Constellation Goddess. The Zodiac Warriors were deities just as the Goddess was, grouped into Clans according to the Zodiac Sign they swore themselves to. Each played its own role in the Staleran Empire. The Zodiac Clan of the Libra, for example, held power in Stalera's courts, and Clan Aries dominated the nation's military. It was only in the reign of the Goddess' predecessor, Kratos, were the Zodiac Clans' status elevated to that of the Supreme Deity's personal service, and with the Goddess, the title of Zodiac Warrior became coveted.
With one last flip, Auriella landed on the page of the Gemini Clan. Their insignia was of two female twins whose palms pressed against each other's. Unlike some of the other Zodiac Clans, the Geminis were more involved in Stalera's economy than its government. Their Clan was a business mogul, dominating trade and air shipping across the Four Nations. Though their power and authority as a Clan didn't solely rely on their economic prowess, rather it was centered on the nature of their powers. All Geminis possessed dual abilities unrelated to one another, one being slightly deadlier than the second.
However, Auriella thought as she glanced at the section dedicated to the Gemini Warrior.
Kian was different.
The Gemini Warrior exemplified all traits and characteristics that aligned with the Gemini Clan, and he demonstrated that he possessed powers of the air: invisibility. No one thought he would inherit the role of the Gemini Clan's head chief, like his uncle was, much less become a Zodiac Warrior with his weak ability. But that changed when his second power expressed itself, and he unleashed his soul from his body, resulting in a demonic creature.
Castor.
There was only a small section on the nature of Kian's soul, and that was probably because no one actually knew what or who Castor was. Yes, it was Kian's soul, but, according to the footnotes Norman made with his own penmanship, it was somewhat equivalent to the natures of Antalis' Mothers– the leaders of the nation of Life, Death, and Immortality.
Auriella read that the only knowledge Norman had of Kian's ability was that it was extremely dangerous and difficult to wield. Castor had the potential to take over the Gemini's body and claim him for its own. For someone who should know everything about everyone, Norman had no clue on what Kian was.
Auriella remembered Kian's delicate features, with his round amber eyes and winning smile. He was as friendly as he was harmless.
Yet again...
Everything she thought she knew was all wrong, as seen from recent events.
"I knew I was interesting," Auriella heard a voice say, "but I must say, I'm quite flattered. I've never had someone look me up in a textbook before." Auriella's head shot up from the book, a tall figure towering over her. "I didn't know Norman wrote so much about me."
"Kian!" Auriella exclaimed, almost falling off her seat. Kian's arm reached for the chair and stopped it from toppling backwards, pulling it forward as he steadied Auriella. For a moment, no one said a word. Then in a flash, Auriella shoved all her belongings in her bag and dashed towards the exit. This time, however, Kian stopped her, arms spread out before the door.
"Auriella."
"Get out of the way," Auriella said, pushing past him. She was so close to opening the door, but try as she might, she couldn't reach the damn doorknob.
"Please give me a moment."
"Nope. No thanks."
Suddenly, Kian grabbed Auriella's shoulders, his grip firm but not forceful. Still, Auriella couldn't help but flinch. She met his eyes and found a glimmer of determination.
He and the Scorpio were the most dangerous of the Warriors.
Kian's eyes blinked and realization crossed him. He released her instantly, and Auriella found regret painted on his face. He was an open book. How the hell was he dangerous?
"I'm sorry," he started. "Not just for surprising you but for yesterday as well. I didn't mean to argue with you."
Auriella's brows raised, but she reminded herself it wasn't the time to be surprised or even a bit curious.
"I don't need your apology," she said. "What I need is for you to leave me alone."
"You know I can't do that," Kian replied.
Auriella scoffed. "That statement, said to any other person, would make their heart flutter." She grasped her bag tightly. "Unfortunately for me, I don't want anything to do with you or Axle–er, Asclepius." Shit. That meant she needed to find a new job. "If you respect me as the Goddess' Successor, then you would listen to my commands."
Kian's lips tightened. "My respect is not something I give but it is what others must earn. There is not one thing about you that I find respectable. The only thing you have from me is my binding loyalty to the Goddess as a Zodiac Warrior."
Auriella's eyes widened. Maybe he was dangerous after all. He was certainly vicious with his words. Everything he uttered struck a painful chord in Auriella's heart.
Auriella's thoughts seemed to have displayed themselves on her face, since in an instant; Kian's expression softened, and he sighed.
"I'm sorry," he said. "That was unkind of me. I…" He groaned, scratching his head. "I swear, I used to be better at this."
"Better at what?"
"Charming people," Kian replied. "And making friends." He exhaled. "I've really lost my touch."
Auriella didn't know what to say. She didn't want to comfort him because why would she? Charming touch or not, that was Kian's problem, and the last thing Auriella wanted now was to involve herself any further with this boy.
"Please give it another thought, Auriella," Kian said after a moment of silence. "About learning to wield your abilities. This isn't just for me or Asteria or even the fate of existence. You being here, alive and present, entangles everyone you've ever met and loved into your destiny. And your reality is not as easy as a mere mortal's. That, I know you understand."
Kian was right and wrong at the same time. He was everything and nothing to her, just as the Goddess' blood was. The moment Grandmama handed her the ruby, her fate had been sealed. Now everything, from Norman to Ihimya to Earth and to Asclepius and Kian– they were the vines that wrapped around her body and held her suspended. It wasn't them that got entangled in her destiny, it was Auriella that became entwined and imprisoned to this burden.
"That friend of yours, Anansi." Auriella felt her shoulders tense as Kian spoke. She narrowed her eyes. "She is someone you can protect with your powers, if only you learn how to wield it."
"I am protecting Anansi," Auriella declared. "I'm protecting her by not getting involved with you and this whole mess."
"You are not protecting anyone but simply delaying the inevitable," Kian said. "Wherever you go, danger will follow. And whoever is beside you will be at risk. You have to learn how to defend yourself and the ones you care about."
It was in his last words that pierced Auriella's heart.
"You can't run away from this, Auriella." Kian's eyes bore into hers. "This is your life."
With one final shove, Auriella managed to reach the doorknob and open the door, leaving Kian to listen to the echoes of his own voice.
Surprisingly, the following day, Kian didn't pursue her. Nor the day after that or the next. A week passed and Kian hadn't spoken a single word to her nor attempted to. She would see him during the passing period, and they would share a quick glance before Kian continued on to whatever class he had.
At first, Auriella was shocked; she imagined Kian to be more pushy and persistent. Instead, he grew more distant and more observant with each day. She still felt uncomfortable with his ever-watchful gaze, but at least it was better than being forced to confront what she didn't want to face.
"Have you been avoiding him?" Anansi asked, tossing Auriella a juice pack. It was apple flavored with little jellies in it. They both took a seat on the bleachers, watching as the guys played a game of volleyball during gym period. Kian was among the players.
Auriella twisted the cap to her juice. "Avoiding who?"
"Martin." Anansi pointed to Kian with her drink. "Ever since your party, he's been staring at you. What a creep." She took a sip of her drink, and her eyes lit up with satisfaction. "Hm, this is good. Anyways, he looks like he wants to talk to you."
"He does," Auriella replied. "But I told him I didn't want to."
"That's my girl." Anansi smiled, patting Auriella on the shoulder. "You don't need him. Why even bother with guys? They all suck anyway and are such a pain in the ass. I for one…"
Anansi's voice slowly disappeared as Auriella's focus centered on the Gemini boy. Even though it seemed that he couldn't remember his life as Kye, he still got along with the rest of his classmates, even more so than Kye did. He was outgoing and charming, and it didn't take long for the school's female population to realize the change of persona in Kye Martin and fall head-over-heels for him. Kian was more popular than ever before.
Maybe he didn't lose his charming touch after all, Auriella thought to herself as she watched Kian jump into the air, reaching for the ball to spike. Her eyes widened. From his position and the position of the blockers on the other side of the net, there was no way he'd score the point with a spike. The blockers would easily block the ball with one tap and send it flying to Kian's side. But jokes on Auriella, Kian managed to score the point, sending the ball spinning to his opponent's side, but not without a little blow from his lips.
Auriella shot up from her seat as Kian landed on the ground, brushing his hair up from his face. His eyes met Auriella's and gave her a small wink before celebrating with his teammates.
The juice in Auriella's hand crumpled.
Anansi's mouth gaped. "Wow. Was Martin always that athletic?" She glanced at Auriella. "Riel?"
He cheated.
"I'm throwing this away," Auriella said. Anansi called after her, but Auriella didn't listen. She saw what he'd done. The little blow from his lips shifted the ball from the blockers' hands. That was how he scored the point. He was an air Zodiac after all. Even with his dual powers, just being an air Sign gave him the ability to manipulate the air and wind as he wished. And that made Auriella pissed. Why? She didn't exactly know, and that made her feel even more irritated.
Here she was, worrying about her future and doing her best to avoid the inevitable. And there he was, living the life of a normal mortal adolescent; the life she was supposed to have if not for that goddamn ruby–
Auriella stopped, a hard wind taking the trash in her hand and scooping it away. As she followed the floating juice box, she found the silhouette of a person leaning against the fence. Their head faced towards her, and in a blink, their shoulder brushed against hers and a note slipped into her pocket.
"He says to meet you in the garden," the person said. Auriella felt the paper graze against her skin.
"Who says?" Auriella turned around, but when she did, the person vanished.
Auriella felt her heart quicken, in the way it had done during the demon attack days ago. She felt the low hum of the voice echo inside her, but it said nothing. Like Auriella, it waited as she took the note in her hands and unraveled it.
Auriella gasped.
Written in crisp penmanship were the words,
YOU KILLED AISLING CORENTIN
The girl's hand shook.
Aisling was… her Grandmama.