Page 29 of The NemeSis
Chapter Twelve
ARES
Kyra walks out of the sorority house, across the small porch, down the brick steps and looks around. I wait until she’s walking toward the sidewalk before I step out of the shadow. She freezes for a moment, taking me in, then resumes walking toward me.
She looks stunning in her dress, just like I knew she would. There’s a theme for the night, there always is at these things. She doesn’t know it yet. I knew she was nervous, so I helped her along. When I heard they were going to invite her, I thought it was a joke. I genuinely thought they were pulling a joke on me because they know she’s my stepsister.
When she showed me the message she’d received, I realized the truth. I was always meant to be her connection, her mentor. My plan had originally been one of revenge. I thought I could get payback for her being such a spoiled brat growing up—at least, that’s who I thought she was.
It never occurred to me how much of it was in my own damn head, gnawing at me. For years, I’d held onto this picture of her. Spoiled princess with everything handed to her. The girl who floated through life with an effortless smile. But the truth… she wasn’t a brat. Not in the way I wanted to believe.
The experiences and memories I resented her for, the ones that made my gut twist when I thought of her… it was all a tangled lie in my head. It’s what I thought happened. I thought she was the kind of girl who couldn’t keep a secret, the type who could let things slip just to see me get in trouble.
I was so fucking wrong.
I was supposed to get my revenge; she was my villain—my nemesis. Or so I thought. I’d spent all this time building up this version of her in my head. Now, as I see her approaching me, it’s not revenge I seek.
All I see is her. I want her. When she showed up this morning, I knew it was meant to happen. This thing between us. Nothing and nobody is going to stay in my way. Kyra is mine.
“What’s with the mask?” She stops in front of me.
I lean in close to whisper. “There’s always a theme.” I pull out the green and gold lace mask from my pocket and hold it out for her.
Her mask is a similar style to my plain black one. I wanted something that fit well with mine, but also went with the dress I picked out for her.
“What would I do if you weren’t here to help me?” She takes the mask and puts it up to her eyes before turning around. “Will you tie it?”
I step closer and reach out to carefully tie it in place. I take my time and breathe her in. “I was always going to be the one.” I clear my throat.
Kyra spins around and looks up at me. “What do you mean?’
I hold my arm out for her to take. “It’s time to go.”
We walk in silence down Greek Row, across the courtyard, and toward the forest. There’s an old historic building out here that is mostly used for storage. Mostly.
There are a handful of others waiting near the door as we approach. A man in a mask is at the door letting people in, two at a time. Everyone is paired up in a way I’m sure Kyra notices. If not, she’ll realize as soon as we’re below ground with the others.
When it’s our turn to approach, the man in the red mask and red suit looks us over. “My lyre must always play,” he mutters.
“For without music—” I start.
“We are nothing,” Kyra interrupts softly. I can tell she’s nervous, unsure if she should’ve stayed silent.
She tucks herself more into my side as he smiles and steps aside for us to enter. Once we enter the dark room, I lead us down a hall and toward an elevator. We step in and travel down alone.
“I was watching some clips on Greek mythology recently, this show from the nineties.” She swallows.
“You did good.” I lean closer to her, knowing we only have a few more seconds alone. “You could’ve stayed silent or attempted to answer. There wasn’t a wrong answer at the door. Be yourself, but remember I’ve got you.” I dip my head down and wait for her to acknowledge I’ve said anything.
She nods.
I take a step back beside her as the elevator doors open to an underground level. Music is playing across hidden speakers as we step out of the elevator. I lead her into the room where dozens of people gather. A few dance, some linger on a balcony above, and some laugh along the wall as they chat freely.
Everyone is in formal wear with elaborate masks. The tables are decorated in dark green cloth with gold flickering tea lights and fairy lights. The council members are mostly on the balcony, They wear the most elaborate masks and some have additional horns and headpieces on their heads. It’s easy to spot out the potential members, nervous and clinging to their mentors.
It puts a smile on my face knowing Kyra will be by my side the entire night. The purpose of this first event is to weed out those they deem worthy out of the potentials. Every existing member has a say so, but it is ultimately up to the council. I’m not worried about Kyra, though. Getting to know her more over the last two weeks has shown me exactly the kind of person she is.
Figures in hooded cloaks walk through the crowd with trays of drinks. A tray presents itself in front of every potential member with a selection of drinks. The first test.
