Page 52 of Pet: Genesis

The celebration lasts the entire day.

We switch settings, from outside to different buildings to private parties hosted by important members of society, at all of which Remus makes an appearance. Each location hosts performances, speeches, and offerings. And I am grateful that Remus is so busy that he and I don’t interact the entire time. He ensuresthat we are at the same venues but never acknowledges me. And why would he? I am a pet. A prize. A glorified spoil of war. They bring us with them as if we’re decorations, even using us to make the venue pop. We were stacked atop columns, our clothing accentuated with the lights that shone around us. And Jude has been far away from me instead of being next to me like he was at the ceremony. Judging from Remus’s look, he had something to do with that.

When the day finally ends, Remus and I take separate ways back to his city home. I don’t even see when he departs the last venue. I am brought in a separate craft back to the towering building where he resides. The craft hovers in the loading bay, and I exit when signaled to greet Margot’s lifeless eyes, waiting to escort me back into my prison.

I follow Margot silently as we make our way through the familiar halls. I half expected more Leviathan to be here, but to my shock, it’s empty. We reach the living room, and the light is on, but the room is empty. When I look out onto the balcony, Remus is standing against the glass railing, looking out over the city. Soft music plays overhead as I enter, and as if sensing my presence, Remus turns to face me.

He’s only wearing white pants, and I notice the exciting rhythm of the purple symbol on his chest pulse with life. He’s in a better mood. He steps into the house, and Margot silently backs out upon his entrance. His purple gaze roams over me with interest. He silently approaches me, kneeling once he stands over me. My eyes widen as he gently pushes the fabric of my dress aside and begins unfastening the silver jewels that pass for shoes in this world.My legs ache as I step out of them, the cool floor feeling heavenly against my bare feet.

Remus stands to his full height, holding his hand out to me. I obey his silent command, placing my hand in his, and he pulls me in close, wrapping his hand around my waist. He then hoists me up so that my feet are on top of his, and he moves to the music playing overhead. Remus remains silent as he gently sways us rhythmically. The warmth of his body seeps through the material of the dress I’m wearing. I hate to admit it, but I find it comforting. At this close proximity, I can better take in the symbol on his chest. My eyes widen as I study it. There’s an almost transparent-like glow to it. And I can see the beam of energy rushing through it.

“What did you think of the festival?” I look up and his gaze is boring into mine, the purple matching the symbol.

“It was...long,” I say. Remus actually smiles at my response—a small grin, but a smile, no less.

“It was just opening ceremonies. The rest of the week won’t be so bad,” he says.

I look away, not knowing what to say.Is he trying to hold a normal conversation with me?

“You seem to like Zaya’s pet.”

Ah. There it is.

“He is the only person I’ve been able to talk to who still has a mind of their own,” I say.

Remus’s hand tightens around mine, and I have to stop myself from flinching.

“Don’t get too attached, Iris,” he warns.

“I’m not,” I say quickly. I take a stab at the thoughts that have been plaguing my mind all day since Jude explained Remus’s siblings.

“I just get lonely not having anyone to talk to,” I say, opening the door for him to say something about his siblings. But he doesn’t. He remains silent. Remus spins us so gracefully around the room that it’s hard to imagine him as the same creature that wiped out the blight.

“You looked stunning today,” he says, breaking the silence. I’m so caught off guard by his compliment I look up, and he’s gazing down at me in appreciation. His face is so close to mine that I can make out the blue flecks within his purple eyes. It’s beautiful. Otherworldly. Like him.

“Thank you,” I mumble.

Remus stops moving, his eyes focused on my hand in his.

“My siblings usually celebrate this day with me. For the people, it is the day that they were saved, but for us, it is the day that began our freedom.”

He smiles as if remembering something.

“Xion couldn’t wait to get out and away from our mother’s graces. Ezra was reluctant to leave. He was always the most attached to her. Each of them looked to me for guidance. And now, Xion doesn’t want to leaveXyrannis, and Ezra thinks he has to prove himself by doing the most…” Remus trails off, and I watch his expression shift. I want to urge him to continue, but I’ve been in Remus’s care long enough to understand his tells.

Suddenly, Remus’s demeanor changes. He grows closed off and cold, his expression morphing into that unreadable one I’ve become accustomed to. He steps away from me, letting go of my hand as he leaves the room.

“Come. I’m tired,” he growls over his shoulder.

I watch him for a moment before forcing my feet to reluctantly follow.

Chapter Eighteen

Iris

The Leviathan truly love their ruler. The celebration of Remus and his siblings has lasted for days now and shows no signs of stopping. I make my way toward the glass balcony window that overlooks the city, and I can see the thousands of Leviathan gathered below, still celebrating their ruler. If Remus and his siblings truly saved the Leviathan race from destruction, I can understand the dramatic celebration for them. It also makes me wonder if their mother is a part of this celebration. Remus hasn’t mentioned her since his initial explanation of her origins, but does she live among the people? Did she forgive them so easily for the betrayal? Or is she as cruel as her son?

I turn away from the window, making my way to Remus’s study in search of something to do. He left early this morning as he always does, not bothering to take me with him this time. Usually,when he leaves I take the time to try and figure out plans and maps that are in his study. Thanks to his explanation, I have become more proficient in understanding the language. And even though he’s teaching me the language, he hasn’t changed his routine of leaving things around. He really doesn’t see me as a threat even when I am learning.

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