Page 39 of A Clash of Stars

As I saw the tears trickling down his face, I touched his cheek and wiped the tear. “What happened to you?”

He shook his head. “I— I’d rather not talk about it, Clara. It won’t change anything. I just have been worried about you. Youyou need to know that I feel like my heart could explode at any moment. I can’t give up on us. I still love you. I’m not your mate, but you can still choose me. Pick me.”

He closed his eyes for a second, pressing our brows together, and we both took a deep breath before he continued, “Be ready in a few. We’re getting you out. Today.”

With that final request, he pulled up my hands and kissed them briefly before leaving my room.

After the click of the door sounded, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I screamed. I let go completely, allowing the rage to fill my body. Everything in life has a system, a purpose, a reason. We aren’t meant to know all three components or how to perfect them. I guess that’s why this was so frustrating, knowing that people depend on you. Knowing that you serve a higher purpose than you could understand. Wanting to slip into a loving relationship with someone you know loves and cares about you, but a portion of you is not theirs to claim.

I felt unsalvageable.

A warmth took over my body as I realized my hands lit up a bright white, and my entire body started to glow. I could feel my hair floating upward as if moving in slow motion. Then, it happened.

My head pulled back, and my eyes glazed over. I felt as if I was dreaming while awake. I couldn’t decide if what I saw was real or hallucinating.

A woman, the most gorgeous being I had ever seen, stepped towards me wearing a bright white gown. Her hair was curly with streaks of light yellow throughout her brunette hair. Then she spoke.

“Hello, Clara, I am so glad to finally meet you. I know what you’re thinking, and this is very much real, my sweet girl.”

A small giggle escaped her mouth. “I am Athiana, and we don’t have much time, so listen carefully. I know you know what they plan to do to you, but it will not happen. There are others involved in this resistance against this dictatorship. You also have a great advantage against them, your powers. You can see me now because all of your powers and essence are completed. You are now the only beingto have all six powers of the kingdoms within you. You must not let others know. It will be your element of surprise.”

She stepped towards me, placing her soft, warm hand on my cheek. “You are more beautiful than I could imagine. Be cautious with whom you trust. The only person you can trust is the one whose stars align with yours. You will come to trust them more as time goes on. You are about to fulfill one of the greatest destinies ever known, and I am so proud to watch you do it. Stay strong, my sweet Clara.” She kissed my cheek, and reality came back into view.

My head straightened, the white light dimmed, then I was standing alone, facing the door when I heard footsteps. I knew exactly what I needed to do, to catch the King off guard and be spontaneous. I found the satchel I entered the Variance in and checked to ensure the book was inside before wrapping it around my body.

I knew the guys planned to get me out today, but I was tired of waiting.

I searched for something, anything that was sharp enough to break the skin. I walked towards the mirror, slamming my fist into my reflection and shattering the mirror into pieces.

I grabbed the nearest, sharpest piece I could find and, without thinking, sliced my arms and hands, causing rivers of blood to flow down my arm as I screamed. When the guards stepped in, they immediately called for the King. He entered my room with a roar, “What do you think you are doing?”

I smirked, “It would be a shame if I expired before you could use me in your little ceremony. Wouldn’t it?” He took solid and arrogant strides toward me, and I could feel the radiating anger encompassing me. Looking at this man, the leader of his kingdom and the entire land, he seemedweak, like a scared little boy. I noticed his dark red hair, yellowing skin, and tired sunken eyes.

“You little bitch. You will do no such thing. Guards! Come, take her to the dungeon and chain her up so she can’t do this again.” He huffed out a breath and quickly strode out the door walking back to his room to pout if I could guess.

Wow. How predictable. If only he knew his punishment was exactly what I had planned.

As I entered the hallway with excellent resistance, I was greeted by the trifecta. Evander, Madok, and Griffin. Wait, where was Luke?

I continued to walk and briefly glanced at the three of them as we continued down the corridor. The guards didn’t even question why they were there.

What the abyss are you doing, Clara? This is not part of the plan.

I am done waiting, Evander. The plan has changed.

Evander’s eyes gave me the knowing look of concern and anxiousness, but he nodded in agreement. Only slightly, so I was the only one to see. As we passed through the Aster ballroom to the dungeon, that’s when I put my acting skills to the test. I dropped to the floor. Pretending to pass out from blood loss. I kept my eyes shut and listened to the gasps and voices floating around me.

When I say now, start using your power in whatever capacity you can. We are ready to break you out of here.

Thank you.

I have some ideas of how you can thank me later.

I would have rolled my eyes so hard at the prince if I weren’t pretending to be unconscious.

A few moments passed, and I could feel them wrapping my arms in what felt like gauze, and I heard the guards discussing what a stupid girl I was. I laughed internally because they had no clue what this stupidwomanwas about to throw at them.

Chapter 9

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