Norena was sitting on a bench outside, enjoying the cool breeze as she stared at the clouds. Her thoughts drifted to the events of earlier today. She couldn't believe that Zenyph had killed Audrey and that he let Lynette kill Alice. She wasn't stupid, it's obvious something happened to Zenyph. Something must've made him lose control, but she had no idea what it was.
As she sat there, her attention was drawn to two students walking hand in hand. She watched them, feeling jealous that they were so in love. Memories of her and Zenyph flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but feel disappointed by his lack of interest in her. She knew that it was foolish, but she couldn't help it. She had fallen for him, and she couldn't get over him.
As she watched the couple walk away, she felt a sudden urge to cry. She didn't want to admit it, but she was lonely. She was surrounded by people, but she had no one who truly cared about her. She had friends, but they were mostly superficial. She wanted a real relationship, someone who would love her for her, not just use her as a means of social climbing. She wanted someone that could make her laugh, someone that would hold her close, and kiss her lips gently. But that was a silly dream; Zenyph had rejected her back then. It broke her heart. He was so charming, but so cold. He had never shown any interest in her romantically, and only focused on courtesans.
Norena looked to the sky, watching the stars in the violet sky. It reminded her of the day she made that wish upon a star, a childish and naive wish. She was young and foolish back then. Unlike when she made her actual wish.
"You made that decision Nori. You can only go forward." she whispered to herself.
She closed her eyes, remembering that night, the way the moonlight shone upon her face, and the tears running down her cheeks. Was it really a god? She didn't care. Whatever it was asked her what she truly desired. She had wished for Zenyph's love, but she knew it was impossible. It was a foolish and naïve request, and she knew it would never happen.
So, instead, she made a different wish, a dark one...a selfish one.
"I wish for Zenyph to die painfully in his sleep tomorrow."
She remembered the words, and how they had echoed across the night air. The creature had smiled, and granted her wish. That day she left the palace and returned to Nexus Academy. Waiting for the news of her brother's death.
She didn't know why she was waiting, but she needed confirmation that her wish had come true. She had waited patiently for a month, but nothing had come up. No word, no news, nothing. It was as if Zenyph never died.
Then, she saw Luciana hanging him on the flag pole. Her heart sank, and her mind screamed in denial. He couldn't be alive, she knew it was her wish. She knew the creature had granted her wish.
"How?" she cried out, her fists clenched in frustration as she stared at Luciana and Zenyph. They were talking about something, but she couldn't hear what. She could only see their silhouettes. But she knew that Zenyph was alive and breathing, and she wanted to kill him herself. She wanted to make it hurt, to make him pay for rejecting her. She couldn't believe that he had survived. She wanted to stop her suffering, to make it stop, to end his life. She hated him for making her suffer like this. He was the reason for it all. He deserved to die.
"Norena!" a voice called out to her.
Norena turned to see Celeste walking towards her, a concerned look on her face.
"Are you okay? You seem lost in thought," asked Celeste, placing a hand on her forehead.
"Yes, I am. Don't worry, Celeste." answered Norena, giving her a reassuring smile.
Celeste smiled back, her eyes filled with warmth. She knew that something was bothering her, and she didn't push.
"Did you know my brother was coming here Celeste?" asked Norena, curious to know her friend's thoughts on the matter.
"Of course I did, my aunt is the Cynosure of Angels remember? She handles all things related to enrollment, and she told me that he was coming. It caught me off guard at the time, but I'm glad to see that Zenyph is growing up and taking his duties seriously." replied Celeste, smiling brightly at Norena.
"I see," said Norena, unsure how to respond.
"You know, your brother isn't all that bad, Nori," said the tall blue eyed angel, a playful smirk forming on her face as she spoke. "I never sensed any malice from him when we used to play together as children, and he's always been kind to me, even though we're not related by blood."
"Well, I suppose that's a relief," said Norena, not entirely convinced.
"He may be a flirtatious rogue at times, but deep down I think Zenyph has a heart of gold." said Celeste, her tone slightly teasing, but not unkind. "Don't tell him I said that though."
"You have a crush on him, don't you?" accused Norena, her voice tinged with jealousy.
"I wouldn't call it a crush, but I do think he is handsome in his own way. But I'm well aware of your feeling for him. Why not ask him out on a date?" teased Celeste, nudging Norena's elbow playfully.
Norena's jaw dropped in surprise. "I-I don't like him anymore." she denied, her cheeks flushing pink in embarrassment.
Celeste chuckled. "Sure, whatever you say Nori."
Norena rolled her eyes. "I'm serious Celeste, Zenyph rejected me when I confessed, so I moved on," she said firmly.
"You do realize I can see your emotions right?" chuckled Celeste, tapping her temple with her finger. "And you're a terrible liar."
"Just talk to him again. You never know," said Celeste, giving Norena a gentle smile.
"I don't know Celeste. I just...I'm scared of being hurt again," said Norena, looking down at their feet, her expression sad.
"Trust me, you'll regret it if you don't. Just give him a chance, and see where it goes," encouraged Celeste, patting her arm.
Norena nodded, conflicted about talking to him after she wished for his death.
"Thank you, Celeste, you've given me something to think about," thanked Norena with sincerity.
"No problem," replied Celeste, giving Norena a warm embrace. They stayed there for a moment, before separating.
"Good luck, Nori, and remember, it's okay to let go and move on." Celeste gave her a reassuring smile before walking towards the library.
Norena watched her leave, a sense of guilt creeping up within her. She was conflicted. She didn't want to forgive her brother, but she knew that she couldn't live like this forever.