Page 185 of Fallen Stars

“This shows the way of the world after the Stars fell, thanks to Piscea. There were five titans. Water…” Eli pointed to a depiction of a wave that was drawn on the outside of a circle. “That was Adrian.Is Adrian,” he said, and something like pride alighted in Adrian’s heart.

“Earth.” Eli pointed to growing seedlings directly opposite Adrian’s wave. “She governed animals, flowers, plants, the very earth beneath our feet.”

Leo had jolted forward, looking intensely at the symbol. “And where is she?”

“We don’t know,” Eli replied. “Once we get this shitshow of a Hallow’s Eve out of the way and put out another fire, we can focus on finding the other titans. Speaking of, here is Air.” He cleared his throat, and Adrian noticed Elara’s eyes fly to Eli’s. “She ruled the very element, could fly, could control breath and wind.

And finally, ruling above the three, the Moon, who ruled the night, dreams, and death. And the Sun, who ruled the day, fire, light, and life.”

Eli shifted the text slightly, angling it in the candlelight.

“Now, when the Stars fell, to begin with, you titans made a truce with Piscea. You allowed us in, thinking that our powers could benefit Celestia. After all, we possessed powers you did not, ones that were emotional where yours were physical. Piscea retreated to the Dark once more, seemingly subdued as the Stars fell into factions. Ariete, Leone, and Sagitton were ruled by you, Enzo. Adrian, you took command over Cancia and Scorpius. Technically, Piscea at a certain point too, for she claimed to align with your element. But the only waters Piscea could ever align with are the dark subconscious waters of the mind—the fear, depravity, and repression that lies beyond. You knew that, saw that, and chose to have nothing to do with her.”

“Wait, what?!” Adrian exclaimed. “You mean to tell me that once upon a time I had dominion over Cancia and Scorpius?”

“Of course,” Eli said as though it was obvious.

“Does she know who I am then?” Adrian demanded. “Cancia?”

“If she didn’t before, she will now. Anyone below the surface will have felt a titan of water awaken.”

Adrian cursed, his face contorting into a scowl as he pulled out his pearl and began to rub at it furiously.

“Then Earth—Verra, Torra, and Capri bowed to her.”

“And finally…” Eli halted next to the last three constellations. “Air ruled over Gem and I, Aquaria, and Lias.”

“What about me?” Elara croaked. “Did I not rule over any Star?”

Enzo hugged her closer.

“You didn’t need to, El,” Eli said softly. “For the gifts you had could not be imparted on us, nor stolen as they were later with the others. And out of all the titans, the Stars feared you most.”

Elara looked down to her hands.

“So where do the usurpers come into this?”

“When you were all bound, a vacuum was left in the world. These gifts—these elements—could not go unchecked. And with power-hungry gods, there were many willing to take your place, to usurp you. Scorpius took water without hesitation.”

“I’m shocked,” Adrian said sardonically. “Prick.”

“Verra took Earth.”

“Aquaria took air,” Isra chimed in, and Adrian nodded, remembering that Isra was Svetan—the Star her patron.

“And finally, Leone took the Light. A god like him could not handle the rest of your powers, Enzo, but the light, he wanted for himself. He’s the only one I’m unsure of, for he has a soft spot for you, Elara.”

Enzo muttered something under his breath as Elara’s lip quirked.

“But the other three usurpers want you dead,” Eli continued. “Maybe Leone too. His intentions are too hard to read, and he’s Ariete’s brother, which makes him that much more unpredictable. But the others… They are the ones who hunt you. Because with you in the world, they lose their thrones and their dominion over the elements.”

“So it’s the usurpers,” Leo asked, “who will side with Piscea if she wakes?”

“Amongst many,” Eli replied. “You have enemies at every corner. But the four with the most to lose, save Ariete, are Verra, Scorpius, Aquaria, and Leone. They will side with Piscea if she comes to wake. That I am sure of.”

“And the rest?”

Eli shrugged. “We have been left unruly and power-drunk for a long time—far too long. Even those who perhaps once had a shaky truce with you, I would not trust. Save for Torra and I, I wouldn’t promise any other would have your best interests at heart.”

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