The atmosphere in Downtown Zodiac was beginning to shift. Seventeen could feel it as she stood on the terrace of the hospital's private wing, her gaze tracing the elegant spires and bustling streets below. It wasn't just the usual hum of activity that marked the city as the heart of the Archipelago. No, something deeper was stirring—unrest. The kind that slithered beneath the surface, growing slowly but surely.
And she intended to use it.
Her work at the hospital had been fruitful. The connections she had made there—strategic friendships with both staff and patients—provided her with valuable insights. People were beginning to notice the cracks in the system, even here in Downtown Zodiac. The council was slowly losing control, their influence weakening by the day. It was only a matter of time before someone acted on that unrest.
She planned on giving it a push to happen.
Seventeen turned away from the view, her thoughts sharpening as she focused on the task ahead. Today marked a pivotal point in her plan. She had arranged a private meeting with Light Valiant, under the guise of discussing her father's health. It had taken some careful maneuvering, but she knew Light wouldn't be able to resist. The heir to Aries was fiercely protective of her family, and the moment Seventeen mentioned she had concerns about General Thorne's recovery, Light had agreed to the meeting without hesitation.
Sipping from the passion fruit smoothie she had gotten herself in the fruity smoothie shop in front of the hospital, Seventeen made her way to the hospital's private conference room, her steps measured, her expression serene. Inside, Light was already waiting, seated at the long glass table, her posture stiff with impatience.
"Serena," Light greeted curtly as Seventeen entered, her amber eyes narrowing slightly in contrast with her fiery orange long curly hair, she was dressed in dark red as usual. "You said it was urgent. What's going on?"
Seventeen offered her a gentle smile, one that conveyed warmth and concern. "It's about your father, Light. I've noticed a few anomalies in his recovery process. Nothing serious, but I thought it was important enough to discuss with you personally."
Light's expression shifted, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly, though her eyes remained sharp. "Anomalies? What kind of anomalies?"
Seventeen took a seat across from her, carefully choosing her words. "His strength is returning, but there are inconsistencies in his response to treatment. I'm worried that if we don't adjust his regimen, it could slow his recovery. Of course, I wanted to make sure you were aware before making any changes." ["I'd rather let him die, but I can't afford to do that anytime now, unfortunately."]
Light frowned, her gaze flickering with concern. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
"I didn't want to alarm you unnecessarily," Seventeen replied smoothly, her tone soft. "I know how much pressure you're under, especially with everything going on in the council. But I thought it was important to bring this to your attention before making any adjustments."
Light leaned back in her chair, her amber eyes narrowing as she studied Seventeen. "You've been treating him for months now, Serena. Why are you only bringing this up now?"
There it was—that flicker of suspicion. Light was perceptive, more so than the others, only losing to Draco, Seventeen doubted there was any other human more suspicious than Draco other than her, and maybe Corvos. It was part of what made her such a formidable leader, but it also made her more difficult to manipulate. Seventeen had to tread carefully here.
"I didn't want to overwhelm you with details until I was certain," Seventeen said, keeping her voice steady, her smile calm. "I know you're dealing with a lot. But I assure you, everything is under control. I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page."
Light's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she sighed, the tension in her shoulders finally releasing. "Alright. I trust your judgment, Serena. If you think we need to change his treatment, then do it. But keep me informed from now on."
"Of course," Seventeen replied, her smile brightening. "I'll make sure to update you regularly."
Light stood, clearly eager to leave. "I've got to get back to the council meeting. Thank you for bringing this to my attention."
Seventeen rose as well, nodding politely. "I'll take care of everything. Your father is in good hands." ["For now."]
As Light left the room, Seventeen allowed her smile to fade, her expression slipping into something far more calculating. That had gone exactly as planned. Light's trust in her was deepening, and it wouldn't be long before Seventeen had enough leverage to push her further toward the rebellion.
Her thoughts drifted to the other heirs. Each of them was moving closer to her web, whether they realized it or not. Claus was already wrapped around her finger, infatuated with the woman he believed her to be. Hunter was more cautious, but his loyalty to his friends would be his undoing. Sablina and Amelia were both vulnerable, their complicated relationship creating cracks that Seventeen could easily exploit.
And then there was Draco.
He was the one piece that didn't quite fit. The one she couldn't fully control. Seventeen had expected him to be like the others—prideful, distracted by his own desires and ambitions. But Draco was different. He was always watching, always analyzing. It was as if he could see through her mask, glimpsing the darkness beneath the surface.
She would have to be careful with him.
As Seventeen left the hospital, she felt a familiar rush of adrenaline. The thrill of the game, the delicate dance of manipulation, was intoxicating. She had spent her entire life hiding who she truly was, mastering the art of deception. But here, in the heart of the Archipelago's power, she had never felt more alive.
The sun had risen higher in the sky, casting long shadows over the streets as Seventeen made her way toward the council hall. She moved with purpose, her steps light but deliberate, her mind already turning over the next phase of her plan.
Today's council meeting would be crucial. The leaders were on edge, tensions between the districts rising as the cracks in the system became impossible to ignore. Seventeen had no intention of sitting idly by while the council discussed their feeble attempts at maintaining order. She needed to stoke the flames, to push the heirs closer to the realization that the system they were born into was broken beyond repair.
When she arrived at the hall, the meeting was already in full swing. The massive chamber was filled with the sound of raised voices, each leader fighting to be heard over the others. Seventeen slipped in quietly, taking her usual place among the medical staff. Her eyes, however, were fixed on the six heirs scattered around the room.
Claus was arguing with his father, his voice filled with frustration. Light stood by her mother, her expression tense as she listened to the heated debates. Hunter, as usual, looked bored, his gaze wandering around the room as if he had better things to do, not even sparing a glace at his two mothers. Sablina and Amelia were seated next to each other, their body language stiff and awkward.
And then there was Draco, standing silently at the back of the room, his arms crossed as he watched the chaos unfold. His expression was unreadable, but Seventeen could feel the weight of his gaze on her, even from across the room.
The council's arguments continued for hours, each leader desperately trying to assert their dominance over the others. Seventeen listened carefully, picking out the key points of weakness in their discussions. There was talk of rebellion, whispers of dissent in the outer districts. The leaders were scared, and fear made them dangerous. But it also made them predictable.
As the meeting dragged on, Seventeen's mind began to race with possibilities. If she could push the heirs toward rebellion, toward breaking free from the constraints of their parents' rule, she could tip the balance of power in her favor. Maybe Hunter, as the one with the most adventurous personality, could be the key for her to get him and the others in it, if not him, maybe Claus.
It was time to set the next part of her plan in motion.
When the meeting finally adjourned, Seventeen wasted no time. She made her way toward Draco, her smile warm and inviting as she approached him.
"Draco," she greeted him softly. "That was quite the display in there. I'm surprised you managed to stay so calm."
He glanced at her, his expression guarded. "I've had years of practice."
Seventeen let out a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I suppose that's true. But still, it can't be easy, watching your parents argue like that."
Draco's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he shrugged. "It's nothing new."
"Maybe not," Seventeen replied, her tone light. "But I know it must be difficult. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."
Draco's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he nodded. "Thanks, Serena. I appreciate that."
As he turned to leave, Seventeen watched him go, her smile fading into something colder, more calculated. She was getting closer. Draco might be the most difficult to manipulate, but she was patient.
And soon, he would fall into line like the others.
With the six heirs steadily moving into position, the rebellion was beginning to take shape. The Archipelago's leaders were too blinded by their own pride to see it, but the winds of change were already blowing.
Seventeen would be the one to guide them.
And when the time came, she would lead them into the storm.