Procyon, the Eighth, bestowed a smile as I drew nearer, her stature an imposing spectacle. Towering behind her were the magnificent pillars known as Achernar and Betelgeuse. As I approached, Achernar, the Ninth, extended a wave of his hand in greeting, an ethereal gesture that resonated with an otherworldly air.
Meanwhile, Betelgeuse, the Tenth, Procyon's partner, offered a reserved smile, a touch of surprise as his ink-adorned arms, concealed beneath long sleeves, hinted at tales untold to the casual observer. "Greetings, young one!" he spoke, his words accompanied by an enigmatic grin that seemed to hold secrets beyond reach.
Beyond Astrid, these three were the ones I found most trustworthy and quickly at ease with. But the question remained, why were they here at the school? Was this a directive from Sirius, akin to Vega's vigilant watch?
A jolt of shock ran through me, my jaw practically hitting the ground as I gazed at them. I felt a weighty familiarity, a shared purpose driving us together much like the ominous gathering of outcross that resembled a swarm of impending doom.
Within the university's confines, a maelstrom of energies clashed between the outcross and urions, each wave of power washing over me in a symphony of sensations. My brows knitted together, partially obscured by my unruly hair, as I instinctively wrinkled my nose, adjusting the lenses of my glasses to capture the scene more clearly. My eyes darted between the three pillars, their unwavering gaze locked onto me.
"Procy—"
"Regina," she interjected, her voice saving me from a reprimand. In public, her pillar name was taboo. "Allow me to introduce Akina and her partner, Ben," Procyon clarified, indicating Achernar and Betelgeuse.
I exhaled audibly and straightened my posture, resuming my earlier query. "Regina, I comprehend the situation. But why are there so many vigilant urions present at the university?"
Betelgeuse, or Ben, emitted a chuckle, as though he welcomed a pleasant revelation. "Young one, the outcross are converging like a host of bats, and balance must be maintained. Their purpose is undisclosed for now. Simple as that."
Achernar, or Ben, took his turn, striding toward me with a fluid grace, his hair dancing with the breeze. "Kiera, this is to safeguard both uncrowned and crowned urions. We have coexisted harmoniously for years. Individuals like us have interacted openly with ordinary folks. However, with the impending surge of the outcross, we cannot turn a blind eye."
"But what am I to do? Why does it seem that only the pillars have a role to play? Shouldn't everyone be informed, to collectively thwart this impending dominance?" My voice escalated, passion surging through every uttered word.
Deep within, I sensed this was more than the outcross swarm; it was linked to the events of the past lunar eclipse... and quite possibly tied to Phelan.
"Kiera, the pillars possess the means. Number One has dispatched us for a reason," Procyon declared, her words laden with gravity, a silent plea resonating within her message—a plea that we should refrain from meddling.
"Vega," I whispered.
"Professor Virginia," she corrected.
I was about to speak when suddenly the backdoor of the music hall swung open. Revealed within was Phelan, his presence commanding attention with his striking appearance. Clad in a sleek black V-neck shirt and slim-fit jeans, he exuded a model-like aura that couldn't be denied.
"Kiera," he called, his gaze shifting between Procyon, Achernar, and Betelgeuse. "Hello," he greeted the trio politely.
Procyon and Achernar nodded in acknowledgment. Betelgeuse flashed a grin, but I couldn't help but notice the subtle clenching of his fists, and his feet shifted into a defensive stance—left foot forward and right foot back.
They knew him! Of course!
The man approached me, and the three pillars subtly shifted to accommodate his presence. Their postures remained alert, indicating an underlying sentiment towards Phelan. I couldn't quite decipher what it was.
"Here," he stated, his face a mask of boredom. Despite his exhaustion, he managed to look flawlessly handsome—something both intriguing and perplexing.
My gaze dropped from his face to the object he was handing me—a sheet that appeared to be the play's script. He had gone to the trouble of delivering it personally. Clearly, he took this play seriously. Renowned for his captivating voice, Phelan possessed talents that extended beyond his good looks and modeling career, encompassing music and sports. He had claimed it all.
Caught in a trance, I found myself staring at his handsome face. Heat crept up my cheeks, and in an attempt to hide my embarrassment, I swiftly took the sheets from Phelan's outstretched hand.
A smirk danced on his lips. Then, in a playful whimper, he added, "You're welcome, nerdy." With that, he turned and made his way back into the music hall. His behavior was so casual, as if he were hiding something extraordinary.
Before disappearing completely, his head popped out from the doorway once more, his tone a touch gruffer. "You're supposed to be at the rehearsal. We're already on our fifth song. You're the understudy, and you can't even get here on time," he chided.
The three pillars, who had remained quiet all this while, exchanged glances. Procyon appeared taken aback, as did Achernar. It seemed they had stumbled upon something astonishing.
I let out a deep sigh before deciding to enter the music hall. I could sense the discomfort emanating from the three pillars. "I should try to lead a normal life, pillars. So, I'll head to the rehearsal."
They didn't object to my words. I observed their restrained movements. Betelgeuse couldn't help clenching his fists, while Procyon had been swallowing hard since Phelan's arrival.
Something unusual was happening. I suspected they knew who Phelan truly was. They were privy to whatever had transpired during the previous lunar eclipse. Perhaps this was also the reason behind the sudden influx of outcross and urions at DHU.
As I entered the music hall, Mrs. Pilorin raised an eyebrow at me. On the stage, Phelan and Senina were performing "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee and Zachary Levi.
Their voices blended seamlessly, a perfect harmony that matched their chemistry. They were a perfect match. Senina, minus her usual attitude, emanated a goddess-like presence, while Phelan radiated an equally captivating charm as her counterpart. I found myself captivated, watching them sing.
You by the light
Is the greatest find
In the world full wrong
You're the thing that's right
Finally made it
Through the lonely
To the other side.
Senina felt the music deeply, singing with her eyes almost closed, her focus on the man in front of her. Yet, whenever her eyes fluttered open, her glances carried a profound meaning as they locked onto him. Phelan's gaze met hers, an unspoken connection forged through their intertwined voices.
Their harmonious melodies seemed to mirror the emotions shared between them, weaving an intricate tapestry of feelings. With each note, their eyes held a conversation, revealing sentiments that words alone could not convey. The exchange of looks between them was a silent affirmation of the profound bond they shared, a connection that transcended the boundaries of music and reached deep into the realm of their hearts.
And this could be good
It's already better than that
And nothing's worse
Than knowing you're holding back
I could be all
That you needed
If you let me try.
As Phelan's turn for the second verse of the song approached, he briefly glanced at me, his voice filling the entire music hall. With his gaze locked on mine, he effortlessly owned the stage. His body swayed sensually to the rhythm, a captivating dance with the music. Then, just as suddenly, his attention shifted back to Senina.
They commanded the stage, capturing the full attention of everyone present. Applause erupted from the play's participants seated below the stage, and I joined in, though my heart felt heavy as I watched the two of them.
For once, I longed to lead a normal life. To shed the complexities that defined me. I yearned to stand on that stage and sing, to express myself without the hindrance of glasses, messy hair, and pretense.
Like every person—be it outcross, urion, or ordinary folk—there were two facets, two sides to their being, just as there were two sides to every story. Each individual harbored a duality—one face shown to the world, the other concealed. This duality, influenced by the interplay of light and darkness, housed the potential for both good and evil.
Those who could blur the moral line held true power.
"Miss Roberts!" Miss Pilorin's call snapped me out of my deep reverie. She motioned for me to approach the Yamaha U1 studio piano she occupied.
Senina shot me a sidelong glance as she descended the stage with Phelan. In that fleeting moment, Phelan shot me a swift, knowing look. It was at that instant that I knew what was coming next.
With trepidation, I made my way to the musical director. As I stood before her, she raised an eyebrow quizzically. "The other understudy?"
She called out to the group of participants gathered at the stage's base. I glanced at the assembled ensemble. It seemed that Phelan needed an understudy. Our gazes locked. His expression was serious, as though he disapproved of the idea of having an understudy for his role.
"Present!" a familiar voice exclaimed from backstage. I could hear footsteps approaching the stage.
Then, from where expected, a mysteriously red-haired guy emerged. Roen Maroon, the suspected outcross.
My eyes widened as I watched him approach Miss Pilorin alongside Senina. I was taken aback by Roen's presence in the musical.
"Hi, Kiera," he winked at me before positioning himself beside me. Close—closer than usual. He nodded to the musical director and then spoke, "Ready, ma'am."
"You better be!" Miss Pilorin retorted sternly. "Same song. Kiera, Roen… prepare your pitch."
The music began to play once more. I swallowed hard, my knees trembling. This was my first time singing in front of a large audience. The first time had been with Phelan. Only Ara and Phelan were privy to my talent.
The first verse flowed melodiously. I could hear the key I was supposed to sing in, but my throat felt constricted, as if clogged by a lump. Anxiety gripped me.
"Miss Roberts? Well? You're an understudy, after all. Get it together!" Miss Pilorin's irritation rang out. Laughter erupted from those assembled below the stage.
Roen shot them an intense glare. Phelan, however, remained silent, observing.
"Do you fear the crowd?" Roen inquired.
I nodded.
"Then why did you join this?"
"I-I want to overcome my fear. Just like overcoming all my other fears..." my response stuttered.
He scrutinized me with his dark, intense gaze. After a moment, he pursed his lips before speaking again. "If you want to conquer fear, you must confront it. Not avoid it. Seize the opportunity now, or you'll regret the chance you let slip away."
"Okay, Miss Roberts, let's give it another shot. Make sure you're worthy of the spot we've given you!" the musical director exclaimed.
The piano began to play once more. The first set of notes lingered in the air. I opened my mouth and closed my eyes, as if I were alone. The nervousness in my chest subsided, and my true voice emerged.
I sang beautifully until the chorus. The audience below was listening intently, and Miss Pilorin raised an eyebrow, grinning intermittently.
Roen took over for the second verse. Surprisingly, he could sing. While Phelan's voice was uniquely exceptional, Roen's voice was promising. He sang while looking at me, his gaze capturing the remaining traces of nervousness in my chest.
You said it again
My heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge
Of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in l-
I wasn't able to finish the entire song. Roen continued singing to fill in the gap. Suddenly, I felt a tightening in my chest. It was as if my heart was being squeezed, and my stomach was being flooded with a hot liquid. I sensed that something strange was happening within my body.
Phelan and Roen noticed the apparent weakness in my body. I had never experienced this sensation before. It was different from anything I'd ever felt. This was worse than the lunar eclipse.
It couldn't possibly be another eclipse!
But...
Maybe... a solar eclipse? Could that be the reason for my condition?