Page 102 of Heavenly Bodies

‘But…but you didn’t know me then,’ Elara said.

‘Fate did.’

‘What else did you see, Iz?’ Enzo urged.

Isra’s eyes lit up. ‘The voices are whispering that it’s perhaps time to lure Ariete to your own fighting ground. To Helios.’

Enzo raised a brow at Isra’s words.

‘My shadows are nowhere near ready,’ said Elara.

‘But you don’t need them now you have this. You needed Enzo, and with his light you have what you seek.’ The oracle thought a moment. ‘I think it’s high time we let the King of Stars know you’re alive, don’t you think?’ She grinned. ‘What better timing than the summer solstice in the court of Aphrodea?’

‘Aphrodea?’ Elara frowned. ‘Why not just stay in Helios?’

‘Because of all the kingdoms in Celestia, the greatest diversity flock to Aphrodea. If you want a rumour to spread, to reach Ariete where he licks his wounds from our dear prince’s passions, Aphrodea would be the place to start.’

Enzo had flames dancing between his fingers as he reclined on a chair, shaking his head. ‘I’d need to notify Father of any plans,’ he said tightly. Elara’s eyes darkened at the thought of Idris. ‘Particularly if it involves letting a Star walk right into our home. Leyon would have to invite him.’

‘Isra’s right,’ Elara said. ‘So far, we have allowed fate to weave our paths. I have allowed Ariete to control everything that has happened to me. For once,Iwant to be in control.Iwant to be ready.’

‘Plus,’ Isra called from her couch as she idly shuffled her cards, ‘it would be cruel to leave Elara here as you go alone intoAphrodeaof all places on the summer solstice.’

‘Isra,’ Enzo warned.

‘Why?’ Elara demanded.

‘You’re clever, Your Majesty. Put it together. The most heightened magickal night of the year, in the kingdom of lust and earthly pleasure.’

‘Why would you—why should that matter? Why would I care?’ Elara blustered out. Enzo looked at her, his tongue in his cheek as he tried to hide a smile.

Isra chuckled. ‘You two are about as subtle as Leyon’s life-sized statue out there,’ she said, pointing to the door.

‘We’re just friends,’ Elara said lightly. ‘He can do as he pleases.’

Enzo’s eyes locked on hers, a spark of amusement in them.

‘Yes, and I’mnotabout to draw the Empress card from this deck,’ Isra retorted.

Isra shuffled the cards she’d been playing with and flipped the top card on the table. The Empress stared back. Isra threw her head back as she cackled drily. ‘Oh, look who it is.’

Enzo rolled his eyes. ‘Thank you, Iz.’ He kissed the top of her head. ‘Give me a few days to think things over and let my father know of the latest revelations.’

He and Elara left, traipsing through the dusty streets, a palpable silence between them.

‘So…’ Elara ventured, turning the slice of glass over in her pocket. ‘What doesmeldingpowers mean?’

Enzo halted abruptly, turning slowly to her. ‘I was hoping you forgot about that.’

Elara raised an eyebrow. ‘We don’t keep secrets, Enzo.’

He sighed, passing a hand over his face before looking away from her. He focused studiously on the white stuccoed wall of a house before them.

‘To meld powers with someone is an…intimate act.’

‘Oh,’ Elara replied, her face warming.

‘It’s usually an act reserved for betrothed couples or lovers.’ He cleared his throat, unable to meet her eyes.

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