Ash's POV

"Dad." I handed him the list that I just printed while he sat behind his desk. "Can you take a look at this?"

He let out an exhausted sigh as he received it.

"Are you okay?" tanong ko.

"Tomorrow's the first day of intramurals," sagot niya. "And we still haven't received the supply of ambrosia I personally requested."

"I can take care of it if you want," suhestyon ko.

"You don't have to." Umiling siya habang nakatuon sa lista. "I already sent a few aurai for a follow-up."

Every intramurals, also known as our Annual Olympics, the number of casualties in the Academy increase, which is why Dad has to request for an additional supply of ambrosia that will last us three days of nonstop sport and combat injuries.

The casualties are mostly the athletes, especially the ones that play the dangerous sports. The lesser casualties are the students that get into accidents, and then there's also the students that get injured after fighting with each other.

Like last year, when we had a Junior Gamma stab his own classmate who was a Senior because he heard him insult the junior players.

A Beta also almost died after offending an Alpha.

As much as we want to stop it, we realized we couldn't do anything to avoid it except implement a few counseling here and there.

It's just the nature of competition.

And so the clinic needs to thoroughly prepare for it.

"The list looks good." Handing the stapled papers back to me, Dad stood from his chair. "Let me call the emergency teams for you."

Tumango ako.

Pagkatapos, tinignan ko ang listahan kung saan nakasulat ang pangalan ng mga aurai na naka-assign bilang emergency response teams sa iba't ibang sports.

Everyone has been busy these past few days. Especially Reign and Paige who have been circling the entire campus for a whole week straight.

Amber's also got her hands occupied as the captain of the cheerleading team.

Which is a relief, considering that I've also been noticing someone who's been watching her from a distance, eagerly waiting for the right moment to be able to talk to her.

"Hi, Ash!"

Umikot ako at agad sinalubong ng mga nakangiting aurai na lumiliwanag din ang mga mata habang nag-aabang sa susunod kong gagawin.

"Hello." Nginitian ko sila. "Follow me so I can assign you on your stations."

They all let out a long pleasant sigh, dahilan na matawa ako nang mahina.

"We're going to the training field first," anunsyo ko. "I figured out it would be best to start there-"

"You don't have to explain," an aurai said. "We'll follow you and do everything you want us to do without asking questions."

"So please." She signaled me to move first. "Don't waste your precious breath on us."

Napakurap-kurap ako sa kanila.

"Right..." nagtataka kong sagot bago umikot at inunahan sila sa paglabas mula sa clinic.

Nakasunod pa rin ang mga aurai sa'kin papalabas ng gusali at papunta sa malawak na training field ng Academy. Napuno ito ng mga athletes at cheerleaders, pati na rin mga estudyanteng nanonood sa kanilang pag-ensayo.

The aurai formed a crowd in front of me when I stopped on one end of the field.

I looked at the list in my hand. "We're going to have the discus throwing on the first day..."

Our intramurals consist of both modern and ancient sports. Including the discus throw where players throw a disk made of heavy stone or metal, and the others attempt to catch it.

"I'm going to station two aurai on either side of the field," puna ko at nagsimulang banggitin ang pangalan ng mga nurses na naka-assign.

The four of them separated themselves from the group.

"We tend to have a lot of head injuries for this one," natatawa kong paalala sa kanila. "So don't forget to bring a ton of bandages and cushions, okay?"

Sabay silang tumango saka tuluyang humiwalay sa'min para pag-usapan ang kanilang mga gagawin at dadalhin.

Muli kong tinignan ang listahan. "Next game to be played in the afternoon will be soccer." Nginitian ko sila. "I require only two responders."

Nagpatuloy lang ako sa ginagawa ko, hanggang sa mapatigil ako dahil isang pamilyar na presensya ang bigla kong naramdaman.

Nakakunot ang aking noo nang iangat ko ang aking ulo.

Sa unahan ng mga aurai, nakita ko si Amber na kararating lang sa field at may kasamang babae na naka-cheerleading uniform din.

My sister wore a white and gold fitted crop top with long sleeves, paired with a mini skirt. It was the outfit for the captain, while the girl beside her wore the uniform of a normal member, which was the same style as the captain but instead of white and gold, her outfit was colored maroon with black and silver details.

Dahan-dahang pumiling ang aking ulo nang suriin ko ng maayos ang kabuuang hitsura at ayos ng babaeng masayang kausap ang kapatid ko.

My eyes started from the maroon ribbon that she used to tie her brunette hair in a high ponytail. Her top was fitted tight across the curves of her chest, as well as the sleeves along her perfectly toned arms. It had a crisscross pattern for design, and it was cropped short, leaving her whole waist bare.

"Excuse me." Wala sa sarili akong napaalis sa kinatatayuan ko habang nakatingin pa rin sa kanya. 

Together with my sister, she laughed and slightly bent over, revealing the black shorts she had under her mini skirt.

As I walked towards them, my eyes trailed the length of her legs and stopped at her bright and white shoes.

"Hedone," tawag ko sa babaeng kasama ni Amber. "What are you doing here?"

I was met by her dark green eyes. "Ash!" She raised her arms and excitedly wrapped it around me.

I gently embraced her back, and then threw my sister a questioning look.

Nakapameywang si Amber. "Gusto niya raw, eh," aniya. "Tsaka na-memorize na niya yung steppings at formations namin kakanood sa'min mula sa taas! Hahaha!" Napahalakhak pa siya sa huli.

"Amber-"

"No." Bumitaw si Hedone mula sa'kin. "It was my idea to join."

Kumunot ang aking noo. "Why?"

"I got tired of cheering for you from the heavens!" nananabik niyang sagot. "And this is your first time joining a pageant, remember?"

"But you didn't have to join the cheerleading squad," sabi ko sa kanya. "You could've just told me."

"I wanted to," giit niya.

"Wait." Isang katanungan ang kusang pumasok sa'king isipan. "How long have you been practicing with my sister?"

Humakbang siya papalayo sa'kin nang nakapalikod ang mga braso, at huminto sa tabi ni Amber na siyang sumagot.

"One week!"

Magsasalita na sana ako nang pangunahan ako ni Hedone.

"But Ash!" She held out her hands to show me her outfit. "Don't I look good in these clothes?"

Umangat-baba pa ang mga kamay niya para ipakita sa'kin ang kabuuan ng suot niya. "Huh? Huh?"

"Ikot-ikot ka bilis," bulong naman ni Amber na agad sinunod ni Hedone.

Left with no other thing to do, I took in a deep breath and just laughed at the two while they tried to sell me the looks of a goddess wearing a cheerleader's uniform.

"I guess you do..." sagot ko dahilan na mapatili yung dalawa.

Tumalon-talon sila sa harapan ko.

"Sabi ko sa'yo marupok- este mabait 'yang kapatid ko, eh!" naghihiyaw na sabi ni Amber.

"I'm joining! I'm joining!" Hedone chanted. "I'm going to be a cheerleader!"

"Hala! Gago! First time mo diba?!"

"Yes!"

Tapos sabay na naman silang tumili.

Samantalang, napailing nalang ako habang hinihintay silang dalawa na tumahan.

"You go practice," tugon ko. "I need to finish assigning the aurai."

They hurriedly took a few steps back, closer to the other cheerleaders practicing.

"Hoy! Mga putangina! Sabi ko sa'nyo makakasali si Hedone, eh!" Narinig kong sigaw ni Amber habang hinahatak si Hedone na nakaharap pa rin sa'kin. "Sino yung may sabing di siya papayagan ng kambal ko?! Iki-kick out ko sa team!"

Nginitian ko si Hedone na nakangisi rin nang malapad sa'kin.

"See you, Ash!" She waved her hand high up in the air. "Love you! Always! You're the best!" She gave me a flying kiss before turning around excitedly.

Meanwhile, I waited a few seconds... before looking down at my chest where I felt her kiss landed.

Would've been better if it was real.

Tumungo na ako pabalik sa mga aurai, nang bigla kong marinig ang boses ni Hedone sa aking isipan.

'Do you want me to make it real?'

Tumigil ako para lingunin siya.

'Stop teasing me,' I replied silently.

Kumisap-kisap siya. 'Only a kiss?'

'A kiss with a goddess of pleasure?'

'I think I can control myself.'

'Good for you,' sagot ko. 'Because I know I won't, so stop it.'

'You know I can make you.'

'Stop it, Hedone.'

I can almost hear her laugh. 'Fine.'

Reign's POV

"The decoration has been updated after you said you wanted a few alterations-"

Napatigil si Paige nang huminto ako sa gitna ng hallway para salubungin sina Third, ang president ng Gamma at si Aila, ang vice-president nila. 

Katulad ni Paige na may dalang clipboard, may dala ring record book si Aila habang nakasunod kay Third.

"Hello, Reign," bati sa'kin ni Third.

"Hi." Nginitian ko sila. "Almost done with your tasks?"

Bahagyang nilingon ni Third si Aila na siyang sumagot.

"Hopefully, we'll finish them today," sabi nito. "You?"

Ako na naman ang napalingon kay Paige na panandaliang tumingin sa board niya.

"Just finalizing," sagot niya.

Napatango-tango si Third. "I'll see you in the games, Reign." Kasunod niyang tinignan si Paige. "Paige."

"See you," paalam ko rin sa kanila. "And good luck."

Hinintay muna nila kaming lagpasan sila bago nagpatuloy sa paglalakad.

"As I was saying..." Nagpatuloy na rin si Paige sa pag-uupdate sa'kin. "The decorations have been altered to your preferences, and Amber just sent us a complete feedback about their uniforms."

Nginitian ko ang mga estudyanteng dinaanan namin.

"She said everything fit perfectly, no adjusments were needed," dagdag ni Paige. "She also mentioned that she's using the extra uniform for a new member."

"Nagdagdag sila ng bagong miyembro kahit malapit na yung games?" usisa ko.

"That's Amber," sagot niya.

"The Omegas?" tanong ko. "Where are they now?"

"Amber's rehearsing, Ash is assigning the emergency responders to their stations, Vance is at the training room, discussing strategies and strength training for the calydonian boar hunt, with Grey and Henri."

Tumango-tango ako.

"While Zack and Bella are training for the sword and combat games."

"Mamaya?" tanong ko ulit. "Anong gagawin nila?"

"Amber's still going to rehearse, Ash will probably still help out in the clinic," sabi niya. "Vance is going to train one last time with Don for the equestrian events."

"Which events?" usisa ko.

"Horse and chariot racing."

"May chariot na siya?" 

"Amber personally made it and had the satyrs deliver it at the racing grounds."

"Yung sasalihan nina Zack at Bella..." Nagkasalubong ang aking kilay. "Lahat din ba ng sword at combat games?"

"Yes."

Napakurap-kurap ako. "Pwede mo bang sabihan si Ash na i-assign sa sword at combat yung expert responders nila?"

"Already did."

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"Zack will be meeting with the other marathon players this afternoon," she continued. "Grey is going to buy seeds and a few supplies for the fruit and vegetable garden he wants to start building after the intramurals."

"A good idea if we want to start budgeting," sang-ayon ko.

"He's also taking Henri with him to the mall," dugtong niya. "Probably to pay for it."

"Shocking," sarkastiko kong puna. "How about Bella?"

"Bella mentioned meeting with a visitor later."

"A visitor?" I clarified. "Who?"

"I don't know, either," aniya. "But she said they're going to stop by the dorm for dinner."

"What's the rest of my schedule for today?"

"Reign..." Nanghina ang kanyang boses. "I lied when I said that we're only left with finalizing."

"What?" Napatigil ako sa sinabi niya. "Why?"

"It sounded better."

• • •

Padabog kaming bumagsak ni Paige sa sofa. 

Humilig siya patagilid sa sandalan sabay bitaw ng kanyang clipboard. "We..." Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. "We actually did it."

Humiga ako sa kabilang dulo ng upuan nang nakalaylay ang aking braso. "Paige," pakiusap ko. "Gisingin mo ako kapag nakauwi na yung iba..."

Dahan-dahan kong pinikit ang aking mga mata, pero mabilis din akong nagising nang bigla siyang magsalita.

"Someone's coming."

Pinulot niya ang clipboard niya at dali-dali kaming umayos sa sofa, ilang segundo bago pumasok sina Grey at Henri na may dalang mga kahon at paper bags.

"You think you can help us bring some of the groceries inside?" ani Grey. "It's just outside the door."

Tinignan ko si Paige na umiling.

"Sure," sagot ko.

Tumayo ako at nang mapansin si Paige na di pa rin umaalis mula sa kanyang upuan, sinenyasan ko siyang sumunod sa'kin.

Nababagot niyang binaba ang kanyang clipboard sa sofa at labag sa loob na dinampot lahat ng grocery bags na nasa labas ng dorm. At kasama ang tatlong kahon na lumulutang sa kanyang likod, dinala niya ang mga ito sa kusina.

Samantalang, kinisap-kisapan ko naman ng maliit na plastic bag na tinira niya para sa'kin, saka kinuha ito.

"Got a look of the stadiums on the way here," ani Grey na naabutan ko sa likod ng counter. Isa-isa niyang inilabas ang mga pinamili nila. "Have you already seen it?"

"Just did." Ipinatong ko rin dito ang plastic bag na dala ko. "We measured the playing grounds and it definitely got bigger, especially the hippodrome."

A week before the games is when Mrs. Sol and the satyrs start to build two stadiums in the village grounds. Di naman kasi kasya kung sa isla ng Academy itatayo ang mga ito.

The first stadium is the Arena. It's designed like the ancient greek theatre, where there's elevated seats surrounding a circular space in the middle.

It's where the one-on-one combats happen, as well as the sword fighting.

Then the second one is the Hippodrome, and like the name, it is an exact replica of the original hippodrome, ang ancient greek stadium para sa horse racing at chariot racing.

It may sound simple, until you actually get to see the actual size of the stadiums.

The arena could fit all the students in the Academy. Pwede kaming manood lahat sa combat ng dalawang estudyante nang walang sagabal.

But it is the hippodrome that's a sight to behold and a place to marvel.

It is big. Very big. So big it can accommodate up to 40,000 audience.

Just yesterday, I flew to the sky to get a birdseye view of the two stadiums and I couldn't help but mesmerize at the white-marbled structures that brightened during the day and glowed at night because of the lights.

It was breathtaking.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Sol prefers to demolish them after. Kapag daw kasi natagalan, baka hindi makayanan ng barrier ang pagtago ng mga istrakturang ito mula sa mapanuring mga mata ng mga karaniwang mortal.

The barrier surrounding the valley is already protecting both an island and a village. As well as the presence of life and power living inside it.

So as of now, Mrs. Sol is still discovering ways on how to strengthen our barrier to the point that we can build a whole city in the valley without the pure mortals knowing.

Though it's going to be sad to see the stadiums disappear, I will still hold unto the experience of being able to use them.

Because for the next three days in the Academy, we will get to experience what the ancient Greeks did during the first Olympic games. And we will also be dressing like them.

"Brought some snacks." Sinenyasan ako ni Grey na tumingin sa likod ko kaya umikot ako at nakita sina Henri at Paige na kauupo lang pagkatapos maglapag ng mga pagkain sa gitna ng mesa.

Lumapit ako sa kanila.

"What do you want to drink?" Narinig kong tanong ni kuya.

"Anything sweet," sagot ko. "But not too sweet."

Umupo ako sa tabi ni Paige na sinuri-suri muna ang bite-size waffle sa kamay niya bago ito kainin.

Tinignan ko ang bawat snack na nasa harapan ko.

May isang bucket ng bite-size waffles, potato nuggets, at tatlong trays ng french fries na iba't ibang flavors.

Nakalapag din sa mesa ang isang malaking box ng pizza. Kukunin ko na sana ito nang mapansin ko si Henri na unang gumalaw para abutin ito.

Panandaliang nagtama ang aming tingin, bago niya itinulak ang kahon sa direksyon ko.

Nginitian ko naman siya at saka mahina itong tinulak pabalik sa kanya para mauna siyang kumuha.

Kumunot ang kanyang noo at itinulak ulit sa'kin ang pizza.

Binigyan ko siya ng nagtatakang tingin, bago ibalik ulit ito sa tapat niya.

Ilang segundo niyang tinitigan ang kahon. Huminga siya nang malalim at nang mapabuga ng hangin, mabagal niya itong pinadausdos sa mesa patungo sa'kin, habang binibigyan ako ng seryosong tingin.

Bago ko pa man mailapit ulit sa kanya ang kahon, isang kamay ang biglang pumatong sa ibabaw nito.

"Kung akin na lang kaya?" namimikon na sabi ni Zack saka inako ang buong box nang maupo siya malapit sa'kin. 

Tinapunan ko ng nababagot na tingin si Henri at kumuha ng isang tray ng french fries. Hindi naman siya nagpatinag nito at kinuha nalang din ang bucket ng potato nuggets na pinakamalapit sa kanya.

"Drinks, Zack?" tanong ni Grey.

"Iced tea," sagot nito. "Pakidamihan, bro, maghapon akong tumakbo."

Habang nakapatong ang isang braso sa mesa, humilig ako paharap kay Zack. "Kumusta yung track?" 

Nakaayos siya sa track suit niya na maroon at gold, at may nakapatong na puting bimpo sa namamasa niyang buhok.

"Sa players ka mangumusta, Reign," aniya. "May isa sa'min na nabalian ng buto dahil nagkamali siya sa pagpihit ng paa niya nang mag-unahan na kami sa pag-ikot sa stadium."

Napangiwi ako. "Already?"

"Mmm." Tumakam siya sa Pizza. 

"Yung arena?" usisa ko. "Nakapagpunta na ba kayo ni Bella do'n?"

"Nakapag-train na kami sa footwork namin para sa bawat laban," aniya. "Pero saglit lang kasi may nanghiram din agad."

"Pero komportable naman kayo?" karagdagan kong tanong na tinanguan niya.

Bigla akong may naalala kaya napatingin ako kay Grey. "Kuya, may bisita raw si Bella mamaya."

"Two visitors, actually." Itinaas niya ang mahabang stirring spoon sa kamay niya habang nakatalikod sa'min. "Ash just informed me that Hedone's coming over to watch the games."

"And Zack," sambit niya. "Come get your drinks."

Naglaho si Zack sa kinauupuan niya at sa muli niyang paglitaw sa aming pananaw, nakasipsip na siya sa metallic straw ng kanyang lemon iced tea, at nakalatag na rin sa mesa ang mga inumin namin.

Tinanggal naman ni Grey ang suot niyang apron at saka sinamahan na kaming kumakain sa mesa.

"Putangina..." biglang bulong ni Zack habang nakatulala sa harapan. "Darating din nga pala bukas yung mga broskies ko." 

"Galingan ko nalang siguro." Napainom siya sa iced tea niya. "Para naman di ako pagtawanan ng kumag na 'yon, pati nung maingay na tiyanak niya."

Natawa ako nang malaman kung sinu-sino ang tinutukoy niya.

We get to invite family and friends over for the intramurals, kaya maaasahang dadami ang mga tao bukas dahil sa mga bisita ng ibang students.

They can only have guests over once they acquire a visitor's pass for each guest. 

The students also need to pay for it first, as a single pass costs around one to two million, and expires twelve hours after a visitor enters the Academy.

There's also the 24-hour pass that's priced at an estimated five million.

The idea is that the longer you want the pass to expire, the more its price will double.

Meanwhile, the founders, our parents, automatically get invited and don't require a pass. They can stay in the Academy for as long as they want.

But it's just them, though. Only the founders.

So, when they want to bring with them a family member or a friend in the Academy, they also have to secure a visitor's pass.

"Grey," tawag ko. "May pass na ba tayo para kay Celeste?"

"Mom already got it... and I was able to sneak a peek." Nginitian niya ako. "She's staying for the entire Olympics."

Lumiwanag ang aking mukha. 

Kasunod kaming nakarinig ng tunog mula sa oven dahilan na mapatayo si Grey at bumalik sa kusina. Muli niyang sinuot ang kanyang apron at tinabi ang mga ingredients na hinanda niya sa counter.

Minasdan ko kung paano niya itupi ang magkabilang sleeves ng uniform niya at gamit ang kanyang mga mata, binilang ang mga sangkap sa harapan niya. Ngumisi siya bago kumuha ng chopping board at kutsilyo.

"Has anyone seen my brother?" ani Paige.

"Nasa stadium," sagot ni Zack. "Sila yung gumamit sa track pagkatapos namin."

Di kalauna'y dumating na rin sina Ash at Amber kasama si Hedone na nakasuot ng cheerleading uniform.

"Ikaw yung bagong miyembro?" namamangha kong tanong.

Nagagalak siyang tumango. "It's my first time!" Umikot-ikot siya sa kinatatayuan niya. "Bagay ba?"

"Bagay na bagay," nakangiti kong sagot.

Tinanggal naman ni Ash ang suot niyang coat. "Grey?" Nilingon niya si Grey na nasa likod ng counter. "What's for dinner?"

"Mushroom soup, roasted lamb with baked potatoes, garlic rice..." Umusok sa harapan ni Grey at mula rito, mabilis na kumalat ang masarap na amoy ng niluluto niya. "A side of Greek salad for Hedone and grilled vegetables for the rest of you."

"Eh, yung desert?" ani Zack.

"Ice cream cake."

"Nice," nakangising puna ni Zack.

"Why don't all of you go change first?" suhestyon ni Grey. "Then head straight to the dining room after."

Maingay na napabuntong-hininga si Amber. "Buti naman." Umikot siya hatak-hatak ang kamay ni Hedone na kinawayan kami. "Akala ko kasi ako lang yung nakakaamoy ng putok ni Zack, eh..."

"Puta-" Pumihit si Zack sa kanyang upuan sabay patong ng kanyang braso sa sandalan. "Kakasinghot mo 'yan ng baga, tanga!"

• • •

Pagkapasok ko sa dining room, nadatnan ko sina Paige at Hedone na komportableng nakaupo at maiging nakamasid kay Ash na naglalapag ng mga kubyertos sa hapagkainan.

"Hi, Ash." Bahagya akong sumilip sa mga dala niya. "You need help?"

"Thank you." Nginitian niya ako. "But I'm almost done."

"If you say so," masigla kong tugon saka umupo sa katabing upuan ni Paige na pinasadahan ako ng namumuhing tingin.

Napailing ako sa kanya. "What?"

"I'll be back to bring the food," paalam sa'min ni Ash. "Or should I bring the drinks first?"

"Sure," sagot ko.

"Of course," ani Paige.

"Take care," dagdag naman ni Hedone.

 "I- uhh..." Natawa siya nang mahina. "I asked if you wanted the drinks first or the food?"

"Bring anything you want, Ash." Nginitian siya ni Hedone na nakapangalumbaba sa mesa. "As long as you also bring yourself back."

Madahan kaming napatango ni Paige sa sinagot niya.

"Right..." bakas ang pagtataka sa boses ni Ash bago umalis nang nakakunot ang noo.

Tapos, sabay kaming tatlo na napabuntong-hininga.

"So, how does it feel to get to look at him everyday?" malumanay na tanong ni Hedone sa'min. "I'm jealous."

"Ikaw?" natatawa kong sambit. "Ikaw yung nagseselos?"

She sighed again. Only this time, it was heavier and a bit sadder. 

"I gave him a flying kiss this morning..." malumbay niyang sabi habang nakapiling sa kamay niya at nakasayad ang paningin sa gitna ng mesa. "And he said it would've been better if it was real."

Wala sa sarili kaming napahilig ni Paige sa kanya.

"And?" usisa ko.

"I offered a real kiss..." she whispered. "But he still declined."

Sabay kaming napabuga ng hangin ni Paige saka umayos sa pagkakaupo.

"I'm starting to think he doesn't like me enough."

Tumango-tango si Paige. "Possibly-"

Agad ko siyang siniko at pinandilatan ng mga mata.

"What?" she mouthed.

"He doesn't like you, Hedone," mahina kong tugon sa goddess na panay ang pagbuntong-hininga. "He loves you."

"I recently read an article from a magazine in the mortal realms..." aniya. "Is it true that men will not see their girlfriends any more beautiful after they get into a relationship?"

"What?" pabulong kong sigaw. "No, Ash isn't like that."

"You know he's not the type to take things for granted," dagdag ko. "Especially you."

"Am I..." Inangat ni Hedone ang kanyang tingin sa'min. "Am I getting less and less beautiful in your eyes, too?"

"No." Umiling-iling ako. "Never."

"Well..." Nanghina ang kanyang boses. "Well, I think that-"

"You're overthinking." Nilingon siya ni Paige. "Did Ash mention any reason why he still doesn't want to kiss you?"

Binaba ni Hedone ang kanyang braso sa mesa. "He's afraid of kissing a goddess like me."

"Huh?" Nag-abot ang aking kilay. "Ba't naman siya matatakot- oh."

She meant a goddess of pleasure like her...

"Isn't it weird that my own boyfriend is taking precautions around me?" ani Hedone. "I mean if I were a mortal, would he be more... I don't know? Open? Free to kiss me?"

"Ash is not afraid of you," sabi ni Paige. "He's afraid of himself and what he could do once he could kiss you."

Kumurap-kurap si Hedone. "But I'm totally fine with it."

"Pfffft-" 

Sabay kaming napabaling kay Amber na naibuga ang iniinom niyang tubig pagkaupo niya. Umuubo-ubo siya habang sinasapak ang kanyang dibdib nang nanlalaki ang mga mata.

"It's true!" Tumaas ang boses ni Hedone. "I'm totally fine with it!"

"He's not fine with it," ani Paige.

"And the reason is?" Umangat ang magkabilang kilay ni Hedone.

"Alam ko." Itinaas ni Amber ang kamay niya. "Ayaw pa kasi nila Mama na magka-jowa kami at pumasok sa mga jowa-jowa na gawain. Maya nalang daw kapag nasa senior level na kami."

"Amber? Isn't this your first year in the senior level?" nagtatakang paalala ni Hedone sa kanya.

Amber blinked a couple of times. "Oo nga, no?"

"Tangina naman pala, oh." Mahina niyang hinataw ang mesa. "Ano pa bang hinihintay niyo? Maghalikan na kayo!"

"Huwag na kayong mag-antay na grumaduate tayo, ano ba?" dagdag pa niya. "Saka lang kayo magki-kiss pagkatapos ng ano? Isa... dalawa..." Nagsimula siyang magbilang gamit ang mga daliri niya. "Anim na taon?"

"Oo nga!" sang-ayon naman ni Zack na biglang lumitaw sa isa sa mga bakanteng upuan. "Maikli lang ang buhay ng mga mortal, at mas lalong maikli sa'ming mga demigods."

"Zack," sambit ko.

"Kung ano yung gusto mong ibigay sa bro ko," he scoffed. "Ibigay mo na-"

Nilakasan ko ang boses ko. "Zack!"

"I'm sorry, Reign," naninimpatya niyang tugon. "Pero bawal magsalita ang hindi pa nakaranas ng first kiss dito."

I snickered. "And?"

"Reign-" Bigla siyang napatigil.

Napatigil din ako nang mapagtanto ang ibig sabihin ng kampante kong pagsagot.

Nilingon ako ni Paige. "What do you mean 'and'?" she whispered with disbelief.

Kinuha ko ang baso ng tubig sa harapan ko at ininom ito. Nakadampi pa rin ang gilid ng baso sa aking labi nang kisap-kisapan ko sina Zack at Amber na pinapadalhan ako ng nangungusisang tingin.

Stay calm, Reign. Tumikhim ako. Hindi pwedeng mahalata ka ng mga kasama mo. Lalo na ng katabi mo.

"And?" Binaba ko ang baso. "Dahil lang ba wala pa akong first kiss, eh ibig sabihin wala na akong alam sa mga-" Lumipat-lipat ang aking tingin. "...ganyan?

"Tsaka, bakit napunta na tungkol sa'kin ang usapang 'to?" reklamo ko. 

Kasunod na pumasok sina Henri at Vance. Nagsiupuan sila sa magkatabing upuan at nang mapansin kaming lahat na nakatuon sa kanila, umismid si Vance habang napakunot naman ng noo si Henri.

Saka ko napansin si Amber na huminga nang malalim bago lumingon pataliwas sa kanila, kahit wala naman nina Henri at Vance ang nakatingin sa kanya.

Nagkasalubong ang aking kilay.

"Bella's still not here?" Pumasok si Grey na may dalang malaking tray kung saan nakapatong ang iilang platters. "What's taking her so long?

Nakasunod sa kanya si Ash na mayroon ding dalang malapad na tray.

Tumayo si Zack at maingat na kinuha ang tray ni Grey. "Ako na, bro." 

Pagkatapos, naglaho siya sa kinatatayuan niya. Mabilis kaming inikutan ng ihip ng hangin bago isa-isang lumitaw ang mga putahe sa gitna ng mesa.

Napaatras din si Ash nang biglang mawala ang tray na bitbit niya at pagkaraan ng ilang segundo, nagpakita ulit si Zack para isandal sa isang sulok ng dining room ang dalawang trays.

Mahinahon siyang umupo sa kanyang upuan kasabay sina Grey at Ash.

"I know how much you worked hard this past week to prepare for the games." Nginitian kami ni Grey. "You deserve a feast."

Agad tumayo sina Zack at Amber para pangunahan kami sa paglipat ng mga putahe sa kani-kanilang mga plato.

Sinigurado ko munang nakakuha na silang lahat bago ako umusog papalapit sa mesa at nagsimula na ring magsalin para sa aking sarili.

"With the amount of games we're joining..." I opened the first conversation while the rest of us were eating. "Makakapasok ba tayo sa overall rankings?"

"If we're going to win every one of the games," ani Paige. "We might land a spot on third."

Compared to the other classes, the Alpha and Omega Class can't join every one of the games. Simply because we're the classes with the least population. So for the overall rankings, it is expected that either Beta or Gamma will come first or second.

"Let's aim for third," tugon ko.

"Balita ko may pa-sorpresa ang chariot racing natin ngayon." Uminom si Zack ng kaunting juice. "Vance?"

Napabuntong-hininga si Vance bago sumagot. "They're going to add obstacles for the race."

"Obstacles?" Nagtaka ako. "The equestrian events are already the most dangerous. Why would they add obstacles?"

"Wait- why did no one tell me?" sabat ni Grey. "I could have joined!"

Aangal na sana ako sa sinabi niya nang pigilan ako ng biglaang paglamig ng hangin.

Nagpalitan kami ng kakaibang tingin, at sabay na lumingon sa direksyon ng malaking pintuan kung saan nanggaling ang presensyang unti-unting bumibigat, ibig sabihin, ay papalapit sa'min.

Ngunit kung gaano kabilis ang pagdating nito, ay ang ikinabilis din ng pagkawala nito.

Ipinagtaka namin ito saglit, bago bumalik sa pag-kain.

"Sabi ko sa'yo late na tayo, eh."

Nginitian ko ang pamilyar na tinig, at agad napatigil pagkatapos makita ang lalaking kasama ni Bella.

Sabay naming nabitawan ni Paige ang aming mga kutsara.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Amber nang masamid siya sa iniinom niyang juice. Pinunasan niya ang kanyang bibig at mahinang napasapak sa mesa nang humilig siya paharap kila Bella.

"Hi!" masiglang bati ni Bella. "Ito nga pala yung sinasabi ko sa inyong bisita ko."

Sa ilalim ng mesa, mahinang tinulak ni Paige ang hita ko. Magaan ko namang tinampal ang kamay niya para alisin ito.

Hindi siya tumigil sa pagsundot sa'kin kaya napabulong na ako.

"Stop it, Paige!" naiinis kong tinabig ang kamay niya.

"Reign!" Matigas ang pagbanggit niya ng aking pangalan.

"I know!" sagot ko. "We're looking at the same thing!"

In front of us stood a tall man who wore an all-white outfit. Sobrang tuwid ng kanyang tindig at walang ibang kulay na makikita sa katawan niya kundi puti. Pati yung buhok at mga mata niya.

He also had a lot of piercings, and a few chains dangled from his ears, neck and fingers.

But it wasn't his unusual looks that got our attention.

It was the gentle, most calming smile he wore on his silver-pierced lips when he entered the room.

He was, undeniably, surrounded by the lightest aura and had the brightest presence among us.

"Hello, Omegas." His voice was cold, but soothing to the ears. "I believe some of you already know me, but just in case you don't..."

My eyes widened a bit, in anticipation of his name.

"I'm Raphael."

Raphael... I think I've heard that name before.

"Son of the revived healer..." Lumapad ang kanyang ngiti. "And the god of death."

Kasunod kaming napatitig sa kanya. Nabalot sa katahimikan ang buong silid at sa aming lahat, si Henri lang ang nagkaroon ng sapat na lakas ng loob para sirain ito.

"What the hell are you doing here, Raph?" 

Mahinang natawa si Raphael. "Don't worry, I've only come to fetch you."

"Kung gano'n..." Kumisap-kisap si Amber sa kanya. "Pwede ko po bang hawakan yung kamay mo papunta sa liwanag? Nakakatakot po kasi- aray!" Bigla siyang napahawak sa kanyang ulo pagkatapos siyang batuhan ni Zack ng isang maliit na patatas.

Nananaksak ang mga mata ni Amber na nakatuon sa lalaking nakahilig sa upuan nito. "Putangina-"

"Language," tugon ni Raphael gamit ang malumanay niyang tinig.

And for the love of gods... the way he looked at us, the way he spoke, and the way he moved, was as light as a feather suspended in the air.

"Ay, hala." Muli siyang tinignan ni Amber. "Sorry po."

"Raphael," nakangiting tawag ni Grey sa kanya. "Why don't you and Bella join us for dinner?"