Page 36 of Pisces Rising

Pisces smiled, a feeling of contentment washing over her. Here, in his arms, the troubles of the world seemed far away, a distant memory. For now, there was only him, only them, two stars in a vast, endless sky, burning bright, fierce, and eternal.

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

The first rays of dawn filtered through the cabin windows, rousing Pisces from her contented slumber. She blinked slowly, taking a moment to get her bearings before a warm smile curved her lips. Aries’ strong arms were wrapped securely around her, holding her close against the solid wall of his chest.

She turned carefully in his embrace to study his features relaxed in sleep; the hard planes of his face softened, his thick lashes fanning against his chiseled cheekbones. Tenderness bloomed in her chest as she traced the line of his jaw with a featherlight touch.

Aries stirred under her gentle caress, his eyes fluttering open to meet her adoring gaze. A crooked smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he tightened his arms around her, pulling her in for a slow, lingering kiss.

"Good morning," he rumbled against her lips before trailing a blazing path of kisses along her jaw. Pisces sighed contentedly, arching into his touch as desire began to simmer between them once more. Just as she was melting into his embrace, a bright flash of light from outside caught her eye.

"What's that?" she murmured, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Aries followed her line of sight through the window, letting out a soft chuckle. "Looks like Virgo and Sagittarius are signaling us. They must have the lab back in order for the meeting with the others."

A pang of reluctance tugged at Pisces—she wasn't quite ready to rejoin the celestial fray and all its complications—not when she had just reclaimed this profound connection with Aries and tasted true peace, however fleeting.

Sensing her apprehension, Aries cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over the delicate skin as he held her gaze. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together," he vowed, his eyes smoldering with determination and promise.

Pisces leaned into his touch with a nod, drawing strength from his unwavering resolve. After sharing one last searing kiss, they reluctantly disentangled themselves and dressed for the meeting ahead.

As they emerged from the cabin, Pisces took in the scene with surprise. No longer was the horizon marred by that ominous, murky hue. Instead, the skies were a brilliant azure, the sun's rays dancing across the crystalline waves with breathtaking beauty.

"Perhaps Aquarius was right," Aries murmured, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Dark Gemini's illusion is fading."

Pisces could only nod, relieved that whatever cataclysm Dark Gemini had conjured did not reflect reality. At least, not yet.

They made their way from the beach to the small clearing where Virgo had established what could only be described as an open-air observatory. Towering metal arches lined the perimeter, inscribed with celestial symbols and emanating a faint, ethereal glow. A large oval table made of marble sat in the center.

"I didn't want to risk holding the meeting in the lab again after...well, you know," Virgo explained when they approached. "This is a space I've designed for focusing cosmic energies while still allowing us to communicate safely with those arriving from elsewhere."

Sagittarius gave them a nod of greeting as he worked the controls on a bank of futuristic machinery. "Helping Virgo secure the rift to allow Aquarius and the others to join us. Be prepared—there's still some residual distortion from Dark Gemini's meddling with the atmosphere."

The symbol-adorned arches began to radiate with blinding light and power as Virgo took his place and initiated the sequence to bridge their portal with the others. Pisces instinctively moved closer to Aries, savoring the reassuring strength of his presence beside her.

Just as the rift stabilized, Aries turned to her, cupping her face in his strong hands. “This might get intense. But it’s going to be okay.” He captured her lips in a scorching kiss that left her breathless and dizzy when he finally broke away. "For luck," he rumbled with a roguish wink.

Pisces could only shake her head, powerless against the smoldering look in his eyes that promised there would be more to come once this latest crisis was averted.

The shimmering rift flared brightly, and Aquarius stepped through first, her crimson hair cascading around her shoulders like a living flame. Close on her heels followed Cancer, Scorpio, and Capricorn—their expressions ranging from grim determination to outright hostility.

As the Zodiacs assembled within the celestial observatory, Pisces felt a surge of strength and conviction. Whatever secrets were about to be aired, whatever conflict awaited them, she was ready to face it head-on. Drawing power from Aries, she leveled her gaze at the others, silently awaiting whatever they had to say.

As Virgo welcomed the visitors, Pisces stiffened as equal parts nerves and anticipation thrummed through her veins. She clutched Aries’ hand tightly, drawing strength from his solid presence at her side.

Her gaze immediately landed on Scorpio, and an involuntary shudder rippled through her. His intense stare and dark, sensuous aura filled her with a primal unease. Aries tensed beside her, his entire being radiating a protective fervor as he eyed Scorpio warily, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

Scorpio cut an imposing figure—his well-defined facial features seemed etched from stone, from the prominent cheekbones to the chiseled jawline. He moved with a predatory grace, his tailored suit doing nothing to diminish the raw, sensual energy that oozed from his every pore. Dark, alluring eyes raked over Pisces in an appraising manner that made her instinctively shrink closer to Aries. The low rumble coming from the ram was not missed by anyone in the room.

In sharp contrast, Capricorn exuded an aura of cool detachment. The slender female Zodiac regarded the assembled group with large, assessing eyes and a severe expression that bordered on disdain. Her sharp, refined features and natural poise hinted at the formidable intellect and iron will lurking beneath her composed exterior.

Before Pisces could dwell further on the newcomers, a warm presence enveloped her. Cancer walked over, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "Pisces, my dear, it's so good to see you well," the maternal figure murmured, her gentle energy instantly soothing Pisces’ frayed nerves.

Aries leveled a stern look at the blue-eyed water sign. “No interfering with my energy today, little crab. We might need it.”

Cancer playfully waved her hand and said to Pisces, “I’m so glad I was able to answer your call. You are so much stronger than you think, my friend.” She squeezed Pisces’ shoulders and took the seat next to her.

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