The knock at her door shattered Seventeen's focus, pulling her from her thoughts. She inhaled deeply to steady herself.
"Come in!" she called, keeping her tone even.
As the door swung open, Draco stepped inside, his presence commanding the room. The air thickened, charged with unspoken words. He appeared more serious than ever, the shadows beneath his eyes suggesting he bore the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice low and steady.
Seventeen nodded, her heart racing. "I am. We need to be clear about our goals tonight. The others will count on us to lead."
He hesitated, subtly scrutinizing her. "Do you really think we can do this?"
"Absolutely," she replied, her conviction unwavering. "We must believe change is possible, or we'll remain trapped in this cycle of fear and control. Together, we can ignite a spark."
"Together," he echoed, the weight of duty heavy between them. Yet, there was a flicker of something more in his gaze—a shared longing for freedom that mirrored her own.
As they walked toward the meeting place, excitement coursed through Seventeen. This was their chance to redefine their future, gather allies, and fight back against the tyranny that had held them captive for too long.
※※※
Hunter arrived just as they reached the designated meeting spot, a secluded park illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns swaying from the branches. Claus was already there, pacing with an intensity that matched the gravity of their mission.
"Glad you could make it," Claus said, his expression resolute. "I was starting to think we might have to go without you."
"Not a chance," Draco replied, casting a glance at Seventeen, who smiled reassuringly.
As more members filtered in, anticipation thickened the atmosphere. They formed a circle, the lanterns casting light on their determined faces.
"Alright, let's get started," Seventeen said, stepping forward to address the group. "Tonight, we're not just discussing rebellion; we're laying the groundwork for our future. We can't let the council's threats paralyze us. We must act, and we must act now."
"Agreed," Hunter chimed in. "We need a plan that will rally the districts. If we unite our voices, we can challenge the council's authority."
Claus joined her. "I've heard whispers of discontent among the warriors in Traeh. They're restless, and if we present a compelling argument, we could forge a powerful alliance."
Seventeen's mind raced, considering the possibilities. "We need to ensure we're not just talking about rebellion; we need to paint a vision of what our new world could look like. A world where people aren't afraid to speak out, where families aren't torn apart by greed and power."
"Powerful words," Draco said quietly, his gaze steady on her. "But we need more than words; we need a strategy. We can't risk confrontation unless we're fully prepared."
The group nodded, and Seventeen felt the weight of their expectations settle upon her. "Then let's start mapping it out. We need to identify key figures in each district who can help us gain momentum and support. People who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo."
As they discussed their plans, Seventeen kept an eye on Draco. He was engaged, nodding along, but she sensed the tension in his shoulders. He was caught between the loyalty instilled in him and the desire to break free from the shackles of his family's legacy.
※※※
As the plans unfolded, Draco felt an urgency and excitement in the air. It had been too long since he felt so alive, driven by purpose. Yet, the specter of his family's influence loomed, a shadow threatening to pull him back into darkness.
"Draco, what do you think?" Seventeen's voice broke through his reverie.
He looked up, realizing the group was watching him expectantly. "I think it's a solid plan," he replied, forcing himself to concentrate. "But we must be cautious. The council won't take this lightly."
Claus nodded, brow furrowed. "We need to move swiftly but carefully. We can't let them catch wind of our intentions until we're ready to act."
"Right," Seventeen said, her voice steady. "Let's break into smaller groups to gather intel and potential allies. We'll reconvene in three days to share what we've learned."
As they divided into teams, Draco felt camaraderie growing among them, stronger than it had been since Seventeen entered their lives. They were no longer just individuals; they were a collective force yearning for change, and he was eager to be part of that.
※※※
The meeting ended with a newfound determination, and as the others began to disperse, Seventeen lingered near Draco. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension.
"Hey," she said, stepping closer. "Thanks for tonight. Your support really matters."
Draco met her gaze, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "I just want to ensure we're making the right choice."
"We are," she assured him. "I know it's tough to let go of everything you've been taught, but trust me—this is worth fighting for."
He took a deep breath, the weight of his decision palpable. "It feels like a betrayal to let go of my beliefs."
"Betrayal? Or liberation?" Seventeen countered, her heart racing. "You're not betraying anyone by choosing to fight for what's right, Draco. You're reclaiming your power."
Draco's expression softened, revealing his inner conflict. "You make it sound so simple."
"Because it is," she replied, her voice steady yet soothing. "We're stronger than we realize, especially when we stand together."
In that moment, Draco stepped closer, erasing the distance between them. "I want to believe that."
She held his gaze, the air thick with unspoken possibilities. "Then let's believe it together. I have an idea."
"I'm listening," he replied, his voice deep and sincere.
"To divert their attention from us, you and the others should propose a tournament—a group tournament in Downtown Zodiac. It'll be the perfect distraction. We can participate; I can support the team as a healer and have picked up some fighting skills along the way."
"That sounds incredible, Serena. I'll discuss it with the others and relay it to our parents. We can present it as a way to draw attention away from the turmoil in the other districts," he said, but there was an edge to his voice—a hunger laid bare that mirrored her own.
As their fingers brushed, a surge of electricity coursed through Seventeen, deepening their connection. This was more than just a partnership; it was a bond forged in rebellion and trust. Both were ready to risk everything for a future of freedom.
His hand gently brushed the side of her face, cupping it with tender intensity. She found herself unable to pull away. A part of her resented it, yet another part craved more. Leaning in, she felt the tension solidify. For a fleeting moment, as she struggled to breathe in his proximity, Draco's ice-blue eyes dropped to her parted lips, his pupils widening, shadows deepening in his gaze.
In that moment of vulnerability, Seventeen realized they were stepping into a new chapter—one filled with uncertainty but immense potential. The echoes of loyalty from their pasts wouldn't bind them; instead, they would fuel their fight for a brighter future.
The council might believe they could maintain control, but Seventeen and Draco were determined to prove them wrong. Together, they would rise, their rebellion echoing throughout the Zodiac Archipelago, heralding a new dawn on the horizon.
Yet, this… whatever was unfolding between them, terrified her like nothing else.
Her gaze fell to his lips, and as if responding to an unseen force, Draco's arm wrapped possessively around her waist, drawing her closer, pressing her chest against his. "Seven," he whispered, the nickname only he knew, something she still didn't quite understand how.
"Draco," she breathed, and when she met his gaze again, she saw a darkened intensity. She had never felt this way before; her entire life had revolved around family—first her birth family, then her adoptive one, and her rigorous training. Romance had never entered her mind, not like it had for Joshua or Cassie, her best friends from Serpentpire. She had never kissed anyone, much less gone further. The need had never been there.
But with Draco, everything was different. The intensity of her attraction unraveled her defenses, her traumas, her fears—everything.
["Why him?"] she questioned, helpless against the pull he had over her. ["Why Draco de Lavissaye? Why?"] But there were no answers, no explanations.
Draco, however, seemed unfazed as he leaned closer, their noses almost touching, his scent—a heady mix of patchouli, citrus blossom, and fresh rain—intoxicating her, weakening her resolve. As he inhaled her scent, she felt unsteady, grasping his shirt, only to realize how solidly toned his muscles were beneath. Heat flooded her cheeks, yet for a reckless moment, she didn't care.
As she leaned into him, ready for what he intended, but the intimate moment shattered by the sound of someone clearing their throat nearby.
"So, this is what you've been doing, De Lavissaye? Dating doctor D'Angelo while the districts are in chaos? I expected this from anyone but you!" A man's deep voice cut through the tension.
For a split second, Draco's grip tightened around her waist possessively, as if trying to shield her from the stranger's gaze. But that fleeting moment passed quickly as Draco stepped away, glaring at the intruder. "Fuck you."
The abrupt curse from Draco caught Seventeen off guard, and she frowned, looking up to see who had interrupted them. As her eyes landed on the tall figure, her stomach dropped. She had done everything to avoid him, and now he was standing right in front of her.
Corvos Nightshade.
"You never attend the council meetings; you have no right to question me about my duties, Nightshade," Draco snapped, hostility evident in his voice.
"Just because you don't see me," Corvos's onyx eyes flicked to her for a brief moment, a shadow of a grin curling his lips, "doesn't mean I'm not there. What use would my shadow magic be if I didn't use it for what matters, De Lavissaye?"
Draco clenched his fists. "Can you get home on your own, Serena, or do you need me to escort you?" His gaze turned to her, devoid of sarcasm—he was genuinely concerned.
"What would your mother think if she heard you were leaving the young doctor who has been hanging around you and your pack in the middle of the night?" Corvos taunted, prodding Draco.
Seventeen noticed the battle in Draco's ice-blue eyes and smiled softly. "I can take myself home, Draco. It's okay. Don't worry."
"Are you sure?" A muscle tightened in his jaw.
Seventeen nodded firmly. "Yes. Go home. Let's not escalate things. It's a delicate moment; let's not ruin it."
He hesitated, glaring at Corvos, then back at her. "Be careful and get home safely, okay? I'll see you later."
["Who would have thought he'd worry so much?"] she thought, surprised by his words stirring something unknown within her. "I will. Go home."
Without another glance at Corvos, Draco strode away, anger radiating from him. He hated to leave her alone, but Corvos's words had struck a nerve—he had intended that.
Silence stretched between them until they were certain Draco had gone, that they were truly alone. Only then did she gather the courage to face Corvos, whose onyx eyes were now softer but still laced with pain.
"Since when?" she asked.
"Since before you arrived in Downtown Zodiac as Serena D'Angelo," he replied, getting straight to the point. He knew exactly what she meant. "I've been watching you. Why have you been avoiding me?"
She swallowed hard, feeling vulnerable in a way she hadn't in years. "You would recognize me."
"And you planned on manipulating the little pack, stirring a rebellion while using them, and then leaving with them to the south?" His words were sharp, low enough for only her to hear, yet laced with pain. "Without even talking to me?"
"Corvos, I—"
"I missed you," he interrupted, and she halted. "For years, I missed you."
She swallowed again, feeling her throat tighten. "I missed you too, but it wasn't my fault. I had no choice. All that I—"
Before she could finish, he pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her so close it was hard for either to breathe, his hand running through her hair. "Happy birthday, shortcake," he whispered.
As she clung to him, she crumbled silently, tears streaming down her cheeks. He had once been her closest friend before they were torn apart; she was young, but her photographic memory made every moment vivid. Nobody had understood her like he had, and he was the only one who knew the whole truth.
Corvos held her tenderly until her breathing steadied against his chest. "I won't interrupt your plans, shortcake. I'll be in the shadows, watching, rooting for you. My younger brother is a menace and will likely cause you trouble, but I'll do what I can to keep you safe. And when we meet again," he pulled back slightly, locking eyes with her, "I'll be ready to stand by your side."
"I never liked your brother," she chuckled softly.
"I suspect people who do," he said with a sad smile that quickly morphed into mischief. "Really, shortcake? Draco?"
Heat flooded her cheeks as she laughed nervously. "Believe me, I didn't choose this."
"You were about to kiss, shortcake," he scoffed incredulously, deepening her blush. "Honestly, you look terrible with this blonde hair. Blue eyes are also not your color. Why did you make yourself look older even? 25, really? 23 would've easily made the cut. You could have done a better disguise with your magic."
For the first time since starting her mission, a genuine smile crept onto her lips. "The point was to look different, not like me."
"Honestly, I think the chestnut hair and green eyes are a better disguise than this," he teased, poking fun at her.
Her eyes widened at the mention of her appearance as Seventeen. "How long have you been watching me?"
"Long enough," he grinned. "I'm dating."
She blinked in surprise. "What? You? You're dating? Who's the lucky girl?"
A blush crept onto his pale cheeks. "The guy…"
"Oh…" she laughed, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "My best friend from the south would be thrilled to hear that. Who's the lucky guy?"
"Matthieu," he replied, his tone tinged with self-deprecation. She immediately understood why. "Pisces. The heir of Starsh. Nobody but me and him knows, my trust in you is still unrelenting, so consider this secret your 22nd birthday present."
"It's November 30th?"
He nodded. "Yeah. It's past midnight, so, yes. Around the time you were born, shortcake."
"Grimmest season ever," she sighed.
"Cheer up, prophecy girl. You better win this tournament, alright? I'll gamble for your win, even if it means gambling for De Lavissaye's win. Collateral damage, I guess."
"Were you following me this whole time?" she gasped.
"Hm," he tilted his head. "Yes? I mean, I'm a Scorpio. We're the spies of the Zodiac, secret service and all."
"That's stalking," she retorted.
"Funny you didn't call it that when Draco was doing it, huh?" he teased. "I'm your first best friend, so I get a pass."
"Oh, shut up. He wasn't stalking me."
"He was, shortcake," he said, his tone turning serious. "I think righteous boy is seriously obsessed with you. Be careful; he can be intense when he gets attached. He's still grappling with the past losses. I believe you understand me." He gently caressed her hair, offering a soft smile. "I have to go now, but win that tournament, okay? You're the strongest person I know, even if you lack control. And steer clear of Samantha; she'd mess up your runaway plans if she sees you."
"I know," she whispered, feeling her heart clench.
"Head back to the apartment and leave in the morning, alright? Downtown Zodiac is safer." He kissed her forehead one last time. "We'll meet again, shortcake."
"Take care of yourself, Corvos."
"I will," he said, winking before disappearing into the shadows.