She's not dead.

I wake up, my heart is pounding and I'm confused why ,I didn't have a nightmare.

I roll off of the bed and nearly tripped on the stack of movies littering the floor. Lindsy is sleeping on her stomach on the floor, popcorn littering her hair as it sprawls all over her face.Gemini Is no where to be found but I'm not suprised.

I still have 10 minutes before my alarm goes off. I use the opportunity to clean as much as I can and I do my best to avoid waking lindsy because I have to go into that bathroom before her or else I'll be late to class.

After getting rid of the pizza boxes and stale popcorn,i walk into the bathroom chuckling as I hear Lyn groan when the alarm goes off.

Twenty minutes and one relaxing shower later, I walk out of the bathroom with pruning hands. Lyn stands up from her bed, muttering profanities under her breath as she walks into the bathroom.

It's now a tradition.

I end up wearing black pants, a white long sleeved top that has 'Stop being you' imprinted on the front  and my black converse. I like my dress sense these days, I guess the two hour lesson everyday for a month with Emily paid off.

I still have 15 minutes to spare,maybe I could use a little mascara. I watch my reflection in the mirror after I apply the mascara and I won't lie, it looks good.

I grab my backpack and hurry out of the apartment. Wait. I go back and walk over to the small space lyn and I use as a kitchen and open the cabinet just above the sink and shove as many pop tarts as I can in my bag then ran out of the apartment. We need a bigger apartment, this one is way too small.

Riley's truck pulls up in the driveway and I grin. I was half expecting him to come over.i climb into the passenger seat and buckled the seat belt.

"Good morning" he greets with a side grin.

"Good morning Riley. Thanks for picking me up, you're an angel" I beam at him. Okay we're smiling way too much these days.

"It's nothing, how did it go yesterday?" he pulls out of the driveway and unto the road.

"Yesterday?" I ask.

"Yeah.. You know, with Johnny?" oh, I totally forgot. My mind goes to the dream I had before I woke up this morning.

She's not dead

I shake my head and reply.
"Oh, it's cool, I'm having lunch with him today." I shrug but deep inside, I feel like screaming for joy.

"Really? bet you're excited" he says with a less booming smile.

"What's wrong?,I know that weird face, you only make that when you're sad" He's trying to smile but it looks more like a grimace.

"Nothing, just stressed." he says. I don't know what could be stressing him but I know better than to push an issue when he doesn't want to talk about it.

"Okay." I say.

The air feels awkward and the car seems to have shrinked.the rest of the drive to colston is quiet and short, thankfully.

We say our awkward goodbyes and go to our respective classes,i have never been more happy to have a class that isn't with Riley. What is happening to us?

I don't have time to think about that now because I have a programming class now and Gemini is sitting in the chair that's close to my usual chair. How did she know!? she's waving at me.

I glance around to find the boys but all I found were people staring at me. I'm getting used to this attention thing.
I smile and walk up the stairs to meet her.

"Hey where are the boys?" I sit and turn to face her.

"Yeah.. There they are" she points to the door and I could've sworn that everything was in slow motion.

Taurus is wearing black jeans and a white button up shirt with boots and slicked back hair, His golden eyes are serious and focused in contrast to Aquarius who is wearing a leather jacket on a white tee shirt and black leather pants with converses like mine,his hair is a messy masterpiece and brown eyes sparkle with mischief,the grin plastered on his face did nothing but make it look better. Tarius on the other hand is wearing Blue Jeans and a white and blue plaid button up shirt with boots. His hazel eyes meet mine and my breath hitched. I wonder if he's still mad at me. I should be the angry one here he was the one who lashed out after all.

Someone should tell these girls to pick their jaws from the floor, they're practically drooling. Gemini has a bored look on her face and I stifle a laugh when she points to a guy on our left who's trying to keep his girl in check.

"Hey Sissy" Aquarius grins.

"Hey Aqua." he scrunches his face.

"Don't call me that it's disturbing" he says feigning a scowl and I laugh.

"Hello Emma." Taurus waves and smiles,his golden eyes softened and I can't help but return the gesture.

"How are you doing Taurus?"

"I'm fine." he says.

  "Are you excited to learn another aspect of programming!" Aquarius asked sarcastically and I laugh,this guy should be a comedian.

I glance at Tarius,i don't know why because I'm not expecting him to say something but I didn't expect him to ignore me either.
I put on a neutral expression as Taurus and Aquarius sat on either side of me.

The programming professor walks in and starts his lecture.this time, I listen to what he says and do to tarius what he is doing to me. I ignore him.

"Alright class, your project is due next week, please be sure to submit it because it covers 40 percent of your grades ." the professor says as people starts filing out of the class.

I stand up and leave the classroom with Gemini in front of me, Tarius behind me, and Taurus and Aquarius at my sides. I'm in a zodiac cage.

"Seriously guys, is this even necessary?" I ask exasperatedly when we finally sit in a popular cafe Riley and I love to eat at every Thursday.

They are drawing an awful lot of attention to us,they're practically the most beautiful set of people in this school and they're all sitting at a table, my table.

"Yes." Gemini answered immediately.

"You still haven't really explained the need to follow me around. It's suffocating" I can't take this anymore, I feel so exposed with so many eyes watching me.

"you are a target i think we've made that clear and I'm sure you think Talove's 'Magical poison ' will keep you safe but you're very mistaken. I wonder why Scorpio haven't come after you yet, he's the most likely one so far." Gemini says, my heart lurched at the mention of Scorpio. why does this always happen! I hate the guy for goodness sake.

I'm tired of this speech of hers. The boys look bored out of their minds and Tarius doesn't even acknowledge me,i think I've had enough.

"Okay but I still don't see the need to follow me around and you," I turn to Tarius "You don't have to be here,don't put yourself through the trouble."

"Yes I do have to be here." he simply says and returns back to staring at whatever he was staring at. What a jerk.

"You know Emma, I thought I smelled Scorpio on you yesterday" Taurus speaks up and my pulse quickens.

"You did?" I gulp.

"Yeah, did you by any chance run into him yesterday?" he places his arms on the table and turns to me. Suspicion clear in his gaze.

"How are you able to smell him when he's not even there? And no. I didn't run into him yesterday." he followed me to the library. I tear my gaze from his and change the topic.

"Why does only one of you carry bows and arrows? Isn't that sort of like your default weapon?" I'm really curious this time. But I also want to change the topic. I don't know why I don't want to tell them about Scorpio, I feel like its supposed to be our secret and I know I sound crazy because I don't even know him but I felt it yesterday. There's more to him than the exterior.

She's not dead

Then there's that. It won't get out of my head.

"It's HIS weapon." She tilts her head in Tarius' direction.

"Oh. Then what's your weapon?" I ask Gemini. She smirks and stands up.

"I think it's time you knew what we really are Emma." she starts walking away and I take that as a cue to follow her,the boys trail behind me.

She keeps walking like she knows the campus, then maybe she does. It looks like we're going out of campus.

"Where are we going?" I ask trying to keep up with her pace. She's incredibly fast.

"To starqua" she replies. Wait isn't that where their home is?
Taurus standing on my right shifts uncomfortably. I glance at him and he glanced away.

"Okay.. But I'll miss classes." I've missed one day already and that's a huge deal for me.

"Don't worry about that. It's just one day." she coaxes. I feel disturbed when I'm in that place. It always feels like something is wrong but I can't put my finger on it.

"I don't really think I should go." I tell her. It definitely doesn't feel right to go there.

"Are you scared of that place Andrews?" she asks.

Aquarius is still busy with whatever he's doing with his phone, Tarius is glancing into the distance again and Taurus is pretending not to listen to our conversation. In other words, the tension between the five of us is as thick as frozen butter.
"No, I'm not. I just don't want to miss school."
It's not a total lie. Yes, I'm scared.

"Hm," she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at me.

"What?" I ask.

"Seems to me like you're scared Andrews" she's persisting. Maybe I should just go.

"I'm not,okay. Let's go then."
I regret it the minute it came out of my mouth.

Taurus shifts again,i know this will definitely not turn out well.

"Get into the car." she points to a matte black Aston Martin. How rich are these people!

With one last look at the college, I slide into the back seat with Aquarius and Taurus.

The engine roared to life and we drive out of campus. throughout the very quiet drive, I kept fidgeting in my seat and Taurus' fist kept clenching and unclenching. Aquarius on the other hand did not do so much as glance away from his phone for a second. This guy just screams 'teenage bad boy'.

As we pass the landscapes of colston, I couldn't help but feel like I'm leaving everything behind forever. I know this is a bad idea but— wait why did I even agree to come in the first place??

The weird brick building comes into view and my heart sped up it's pace. I don't think Gemini will stop and turn the car around now.

I close my eyes and think of something that'll calm my nerves. Riley, it's been quite awkward with him lately. Lyn? Not a chance. Jonny? Oh my goodness I totally forgot our lunch today. How I wish he came to ask me before Gemini suggested the ride to starqua.

To my utter dismay,the car stopped and the doors are opened. My eyes are still closed but I can Definitely feel the wrong energy in this place.

"We're here Andrews." I hear Gemini say but I make no movements to exit the car. I don't think I can.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm here." I hear Taurus' soft voice and I open my eyes. He leaned into the car and offered me his hand with an understanding smile. I stare at his hand for a while before bringing my eyes to his. His smile grew wider and he nods. I exhale heavily but slowly and place my cold sweaty hand in his warm hand, he gently pulled me out of the car but doesn't let go of my hand.

"Are you ready Andrews?" Gemini asked with a smirk.why do I feel like she's up to something?

"Sure." I gulp. my voice came out much more weaker and pathetic than I thought it would.

Taurus squeezed mine gently and I tilt my head to look at him. His lips are in a tight line and his eyes looks ahead ,he doesn't do so much as look at me but his cold expression is softened by his warm rough hand caressing mine.
Tarius and Aquarius walk ahead, not even waiting for us and so does Gemini. Taurus pulled us into the building.

I take in the beautiful decor of the reception but the rock in my stomach is growing heavier by the second.

Two workers,— I assume they are workers because they have the zodiac marks on their foreheads—come out of the double doors by my left and give Taurus a bow in greeting. He nods and dismisses them.

Okay. That didn't happen on my first day here.

More workers come out from the double doors but Taurus pulled us into the elevator.

"No matter what happens, don't leave my side." he says, more like whispered and tightened his grip on my hand.

I gave him a subtle nod and the elevator slides open. The air here feels even thicker, if that's even possible and I see the staircase. The one that leads to the big round room with a chandelier.

Taurus gently drags me to the bottom of the staircase and lets go of my hand for a second, a dreadful second I regret heavily. I hear the sound of wind and before I even know what's happening, I'm at the top of the stairs.

"What the fuck just happened?!" I take a deep breath and clutch my chest in attempt to calm my raging heart.

"Hey Emma." I whip around to find Leo leaning on the railing of the staircase.

"That, is Leo's power. He's fast" I don't have to turn around to know it's Gemini.

Leo's gorgeous moss green eyes twinkle with amusement and... Danger. I gulp again and Gemini grabs my hand. She pulls me away from Leo's green gaze and I cannot be more thankful. I remember when I first saw him, he is extremely handsome but there's an edge to him one I don't want to witness.

I am pulled through a metal door and I look around. There are strange equipments scattered around the room. The walls are grey and so are the floors and they look like they're made of metal. I look closely at one of the machines it looks like a treadmi—

A fire ball hurls at me and I whip my head around. In a spilt second, a huge block of ice formed in front of me and stopped the fire ball then it melts and the water wraps around the ball then the waterball is hurled in the opposite direction .I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding and clutch my chest.

"What the heck was that!" I scream.

Aquarius is standing on the other side of the room, close to the door I just came through and I follow his gaze to Virgo who is standing on the opposite side of the room, with a fireball in front of him.
I hear the sound of wind again and an arrow out of nowhere pierce the fireball in front of Virgo and hurls it across the room.

"Run,run! Emma!" Tarius shouted and my feet starts moving before my mind could catch up. Another fireball hurls at me and misses me by less than a foot.

Shit.

Before I reach the door, someone grabs me and places me on a soft, too soft material that's moving really really fast. Wait a minute.

It's Rags.

I feel the tears prickle behind my eyes and I blink them back. I lean into rags, hugging her and I hear her pur but she doesn't stop running. I hug her flushed against me as the sound of grunts and groans fade behind us.

We reach the top of another staircase and rags hurry down the stairs. I have no idea where we're going and I pray a silently that nothing or no-one comes after us but I guess it's not my lucky day.

Libra is right at the bottom of the staircase,hurling rocks at us. One rock hits rags,making her lose her balance and she tumbles with me on her back, letting out a shrilling howl. I detach myself from her as she rolled down the stairs.

I land on my back on the floor,the staircase missing and forgotten. My head feels light but the pain is very very evident.

I groan.

Turning, or at least trying to turn so I can find rags, tears prickle behind my eyes again. one, because of the throbbing in my head and two, I saw the way rags tumbled down the stairs.

"Emma? Emma? Princess?"

I groan again, trying to shut out the noise coming from this person. Can't they figure out that I'm in indescribable pain here?

"Emma! Princess you have to wake up!!"

I groan again. If I could, I would slap this ignorant person.

I open my eyes and blink slowly. The light overhead blinds me temporarily and I screw my eyes shut.

"That's it princess, come back to me!" the person says again but I recognize his Irish tilt.

"Scorpio?"

I moan. My head feels like shit. I open my eyes again to find the most beautiful man I've ever seen looming over me.

"Scorpio? Scorpio where is rags?" I slur. God it feels like a million hangovers having a party in my head

"Sssshhh." he put his arm under my knees and my back then he lifts me up from the floor. The smell of watermelon and old books engulf me as he ran with me in his arms. I can hear the erratic beating of his heart as per I am flushed against his chest.

For the next five minutes, all I heard was the thumping of his feet against the floor and all I could think of was how good the watermelon smoothie mom used to make whenever I was home was.

"let me go Scorpio." I groan as the throbbing of my head increased from my talking.

"You're not in your right mind princess." I'm pretty sure he's making fun of me.

We come to a halt as I hear someone scream my name.

Taurus.

"Let me go Scorpio." I repeat but I didn't expect him to do it so even in my semiconcious state,i was suprised when he stopped and placed me on my back but of course. I can't even hold myself so I slumped back and hit my head again. God I hate him so much.

"Emma, Emma? Can you hear me?" I hear Taurus' voice.

"What the fuck was Scorpio doing here?" he asks.

"Just shift and let me place her on your back. Then take her out of here as fast as you can." another voice says. It sounds like Aries the pretty zodiac who said she gave me my 'personality'

"okay. Wait. Isn't that her daridark?" Aquarius says. Wow the only one left is—

"Place her on the daridark instead but follow her so you can fight off anyone who attacks." Tarius commands. Right on cue.

I feel warm air on my face and wetness on my palm then I'm carried and placed on the soft fur which I'm sure is rags'.Her soft fur is so comfortable compared to the floor. Then again.. It's the floor.

"what if Scorpio comes after her?" Aquarius asks.

That jerk let me hit my head even after he knows I'm in pain.

"That's why Taurus is going after her." Aries replies.

I hear and feel the rustling of the wind in my ears and my skin.

The last thing I felt was the soft fur of my daridark and the last thing I saw was two golden orbs before I blacked out.

***

AUTHOR'S NOTE

What do you think?
What happened to Gemini?
Why did the zodiacs attack Emma?
How did Scorpio get into starqua?
Why is Tarius such an egotistical narcissist?
Why am I asking these questions? 😕

This chapter is particularly long.
I want to reduce the length of the next chapters but I want to know if that's is okay.

Shorter chapters. Yay😁 or Nay?😒
Thank you for 200+ votes ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Forgive my errors humans and please please please vote. ❤

Tee💙