CELESTIA (Unicorn Blessed Chronicles Book 2) by Yumoyori Wilson (9)

~SIA~

I opened my eyes, darkness surrounding me like I was under a thick cloth. I frowned, knowing exactly what was going on. The realization made me sigh dramatically.

"I guess that necklace only works for Celestia. Ah, what a pain," I complained, crossing my arms. I felt a presence behind me, but all that did was make me grin as I slowly turned to face him. The reaper.

"I appreciate the visit, but A, I didn't invite you. And B, I don't think my other side likes you very much after the torment you've been giving her the last couple of days," I addressed him, my previous smile turning to a straight line as I gave the man a stern look.

"You will succumb to me. She will be my queen," he hissed and the voices around me began to sing and chant.

"Ya, ya. Your stupid song is bugging my ears, and honestly, it would be nice if you were more creative and changed the name to Sia since I'm the one currently having to suffer through your terrible singing." I rolled my eyes.

In a flash, the man was in front of me but I wasn't afraid. I knew he needed us. He couldn't harm us for the sake of whatever plan he had. Celestia didn't know about it, but I did and I'd let him quiver in nerves until he’d long to be able to torment Celestia again. Too bad she had this necklace now. He'd get to deal with me instead every time he tried this stupid game.

"She WILL become my queen."

I grinned and leaned forward till our faces were only inches apart, my mismatched eyes meeting his white ones. "Oh, sweetie. You may be unaware, but she's been claimed. I'll just let you stay in your delusional bubble. Maybe one day you'll step out of your realm of darkness and come see for yourself."

I turned away and strode forward. I might as well snap myself out of my dream rather than waste all this energy. The tendrils wrapped around my ankles, stopping me in my tracks.

"She is MINE! She’s always belonged to me! No one shall claim her."

"See, you're sounding like a broken record...hmm what should I call you? Uncle Reaper…well not like you're my uncle but that does sound rather amusing. She's been claimed and you can go ahead and test my other half all you want. I have enough belief that she'll win, no matter what you have up your sleeve," I declared.

He stared at me with bitter eyes and I kicked the tendrils off my ankles like they were nothing but harmless weeds. I continued walking, ready to wake up from this stupid nightmare.

"You'll fade into nothing."

I stopped, the sentence which seemed to echo through the air hit me right in the heart. My deepest fear, the reality I'd disappear sooner or later. The dark voices laughed and cheered, proud to have found some type of weakness.

"Disappear, disappear! You'll cease to exist!" they cheered in unison.

I sighed, slowly turning around to face them. The singing darkness stopped and the reaper looked at me with angry eyes. I guess he didn't like the fact that their little attempt to hurt me only made me smile with pride.

"You're right. The stronger Celestia gets, the weaker I will become, until poof! Gone like a passing wind, I shall go. I accepted my fate long ago. I do not fear death. So feel free to remind me every single time you attempt to bother my other half, because I'll be the one you'll have to face and I'll smile just as I am now. Her strength is my happiness, because then my work here will be done. And that conclusion is not a curse. It's a blessing," I whispered.

I turned, and just like that my eyes opened.

I sat up slowly, noticing the sunset filling the sky. I looked to my sides, Cairus and Caio still fast asleep in their tiger forms. I grinned, gently petting them both as I slowly slid out of their protective hold and walked towards the stream of water.

I took a deep breath, glancing around the peaceful environment that surrounded me. A small smile formed on my lips and I turned my head just in time to see a large being walking down the path. I grinned at the appearance of Hellsin, who quietly made his way over to me, not disturbing the twins, who were still deep in slumber.

"You could get caught for being here if the twins wake up," I pointed out. He reached my side and I looked up to see his expression had softened.

"And you haven't changed a bit, Sia Rainbow," Hellsin replied, his voice low but filled with kindness.

"She's going to start piecing everything together. I doubt Father is ready for that," I whispered.

"I know and you’re right, he's not. He wants his little girl to stay innocent and out of harm's way. I wished he'd be more like your mother."

"I don't know what she's like. I used to be able to see through Celestia's memories, but there's very few of those left," I admitted.

"The cycle of life. We're born to live life, to hold the memories of our past dear, and to live a future where day by day, those once cherished reflections of our past begin to fade as we replace them with new ones. The irony of living such a long shifter life is just that,” he lectured and I nodded in agreement as we continued to watch the sky begin to darken and stars begin to appear, twinkling brightly.

"If she realizes what this place is, you won't have much time left,” he cautioned.

"I'm aware. There's still plenty of time till that possibility may come to pass. Till then, I'll just enjoy life while I still can. I will miss you, though. We may not get to see each other again after this. Or this side of me anyway, that is," I whispered. 

Celestia didn't know about Hellsin, only because she had been asleep when I met him that one night when he came to visit Magnor. I'd been sneaky and eavesdropped.

Eventually, Magnor realized I would keep the important information a secret and other bits and pieces I'd honestly forgotten after the years, but there was no way I could forget Hellsin and his kind smile. He'd be a key person in what was to come. I just knew it.

"I will miss you as well, Sia. It's a great honor to have met you, but I hope we’ll have a few more encounters, at least. I'll do what I can for Celestia when the time is right," he reassured me.

I nodded, lifting my right wrist to look at the beads that rested there. I stared once more at the heart shaped marking with wings, reminding me of the pendant Celestia's men had given her to fight off the nightmares she'd been having. They had no idea what was about to occur, but it wasn't my place to interfere, even if it involved Celestia.

I need her to grow. I want her to be able to get through this with very little help from me. I have to know that when my times up, she'll truly be okay. Maybe then, I'll be confident that I can rest in peace. At least, I can fight this one battle she's struggling with.

It wasn't her fault that she was defenseless while she was asleep. The necklace would definitely help, but Celestia and the guys didn't know what they were dealing with. No one did. 

At least if I take her place, the reaper can taunt me all he wants. I'll get my sleep eventually. At least Celestia can live, and maybe begin to start putting the pieces together. 

"I guess you should go back to the gate. I'll be waking Celestia up shortly," I announced, glancing up at Hellsin, who nodded. He knelt down and lifted his hand to put something in my hair. I blinked in confusion and Hellsin's smile widened as he pointed to the smooth flowing water of the river. I walked over to it, leaning forward to see my reflection. 

A white, tooth glimmering smile formed as I stared at my reflection, happiness fluttering through me. 

"A rainbow rose huh? Totally original," I giggled.

"Just admit you like it." Hellsin rolled his eyes but chuckled quietly. I stood back up and walked over to his giant self, lifting my hands up.

"One final hug?" I asked and he grinned, wrapping his arms around me and literally lifting me as if I weighed nothing. After all these years, it still felt just like it did when I'd first met him and he picked me up. I was excited that Celestia would soon get to know him and he'd have a bigger purpose in her life.

"Farewell, Sia. No matter the trials and obstacles that await you and Celestia, know the final outcome will benefit everyone, and we, as in this blessed world, will forever be in your debt,” he whispered gravely.

I nodded into his shoulder, fighting off tears. He was right. Despite the pain and hardship, the final outcome will all be worth it, for the sake of so many lives.

For the sake of my sweet, Celestia and the men she loves so dearly. For the path towards light.

~CELESTIA~

"Naps in nature are so refreshing," I hummed, feeling the strongest I had in days. Caio and Cairus looked back at me, both of them walking slightly ahead but my hands were still in theirs.

"You do look much better. Maybe it was just what you needed," Caio suggested.

"Gives you a boost for our learning session," Cairus added.

"Boo. Napping was better," I mumbled, taking large steps so I was in the middle, between both brothers. I wrapped my arms around each of their arms, and they both sighed.

"She's so happy," Caio said to Cairus, who nodded.

"Happy and super energetic. The others are going to wonder what we did."

"They will not. What could you have possibly done to make me super happy and energetic?" I questioned with a challenge.

The twins grinned and I could tell they were thinking about trying something. We stopped just before the path that led to the gates of Aslan. We still had a few more minutes till eight, so we could relax for a moment.

"Want to play a quick game, Dearest?" Cairus asked.

"If I have a high possibility of winning, sure." I grinned.

Caio chuckled. "It depends if you know us well enough."

"I do," I said assuredly. 

"I love when you're confident," Cairus admitted, and I grinned, hiding how the sudden deepening of his voice had a physical effect on me.

"Let's put her confidence to a test." Caio moved to stand behind me. He covered my eyes with his hands and I giggled.

"If you're going to use your hands to blindfold me, that kinda defeats the purpose," I teased.

They chuckled in unison; the combined sound matched so perfectly I couldn't tell who was who. In seconds, something soft replaced where Caio's hands had been, a soft silk-like material. My senses immediately heightened, listening to the way one of the twin's feet crunched in the grass. I suspected it to be Caio moving away from me, but I still felt someone's presence behind me.

"Let's play a game,” they said together, their voices still sounding as one which made me slightly nervous. I took a calming breath, knowing I'd make the wrong decision if I let my nerves get to me. 

Deep within, I knew Cairus and Caio. I knew their slight differences and wanted to prove to them I'd been paying attention the last couple of weeks. I wanted them to be proud that I knew them as individuals, not just as a unit or “one of the twins.”

"What's the game called?" I asked, my voice low and breathy. I swallowed to hide how weird I felt. The thought of what they could do made me excited, but I had to remember we weren't in the privacy of a bedroom, but outdoors just steps from the gate to the school my father ran. Totally risky in getting caught but a little thrilling.

"Guess who," they whispered, their response coming from both sides. I listened quietly as they moved around me. I perked up when one of the twins stood in front of me. Their hand brushed my hair out of my face and placed it gently behind my ear. I didn't need to wait to know who it was. 

"Cairus." 

"Why?" they both asked. 

"Cairus has a gentle touch and is more concerned about my hair getting in my face than Caio, who'd play with it," I disclosed.

They both chuckled and sound of their footsteps made me realize they were standing on either side of me. "Correct,” they both whispered in my ears.

I shivered and had to remind myself to continue breathing at a normal pace. Hands settled on my hips, slowly moving up to grip my waist. I grinned, fighting back the moan that wanted to escape. From the firm grip, I knew it was Caio.

"Caio," I said confidently.

"Good,” they replied, their amusement apparent in their husky voices.

Caio removed his hands and I wondered what they had planned next. They must have been running out of options because it took them longer to conduct the next move. I grinned, feeling like I'd won this challenge with ease, waiting for them to admit my victory and remove the blindfold so I could tease them about it.

"Are you guys ready to admit defe-"

Cool tender lips meet mine suddenly, cutting off my taunt and the simple action ignited a wave of heat through me. The kiss was very dominating which reminded me of Caio's behavior, but it could have also been Cairus trying to copy his brother. I ended up kissing him back, forgetting this was a challenge and getting lost in the heated exchange and in his addictive taste which I found so delightful. If it wasn't for the fact whoever’s lips I was kissing remained cool even after our intense kiss, I would not have been able to determine who it was.

I gave one last firm kiss before I pulled back, my breathing a lot quicker than I expected. "Cairus."

They both snickered and lips claimed mine once more. They were warmer this time but I wasn't going to be fooled. I pulled back and couldn't stop the giggle that left me. "Still Cairus." I laughed.

"Ugh, it’s too hard to win this challenge," Cairus whined while laughing.

"It was your idea, now move so I can kiss her too," Caio huffed. I was passed into his arms and his lips claimed mine. I expected him to be as dominating as Cairus, but he was the polar opposite, his deep kisses slow and sensual, making my toes curl and causing moans to escape my mouth in bliss. His arms wrapped around my waist and I kissed him right back, loving the taste of him.

"Alright lovers, break it up. You went into overtime Caio," Cairus scolded.

We broke the kiss and I giggled again. "Do I still need this blindfold?"

"Oh!" they both said together and I laughed harder.

One of them moved behind me while the other slid their hands down my waist to rest on my hips. I figured that was Cairus, keeping me still as the blindfold was untied and moved away. I opened my eyes to see Cairus’ wide grin. "Aside from challenges, we should have at least asked if we could kiss you,” he whispered, leaning in till our lips were almost brushing. "Can I kiss you again, Celestia?" he whispered.

My eyes were locked on his and I could have stopped breathing from the intensity of their gaze as they lowered to my lips. I didn't give him a chance to speak, leaning forward and claiming his lips. I didn't know what was going on with today, but it was like the “let's have kissing lessons” day for me, but I was enjoying being able to up my skills in that department, which was still foreign to me.

You'd think kissing would feel the same, regardless of who it was with, but it was different with each and really unique to the the person. I was personally loving finding the differences with each guy.

Even though Caio and Cairus were twins, identical in many aspects, their kisses were far different and it left me curious about what they’d be like in the bedroom. I tried to distract myself from thinking about it, knowing I'd be turned on even more and this might escalate to one of these sex in the forest scenes from my shows. Yes, those shows that I desperately needed to start watching again in order to relieve myself from all this pent up sexual tension I was getting because of these men.

When we broke apart, I needed a second to catch my breath and Cairus looked just as winded from our heated exchange. Caio slid his arms around my waist from behind, and he whispered in my ear. "Can I kiss you too, Celestia?"

I loved how they used my name instead of my given nickname like they normally would, making this feel more important and special than your average request. I angled my head so I could press my lips against his, going on my tiptoes at first until he tilted his head down and used his hands to direct me to lower my heels to the ground. We kissed for what I hoped was the same amount of time as Cairus, knowing if it was even a few seconds over, it would just end up being a back and forth exchange. 

I moaned in his mouth when his hands lowered to my thighs. Suddenly I felt Cairus cool lips at my neck. Oh my god, these two are dangerous together. No, lethal. I will die from either loss of oxygen or dizziness.

"Bru, Bru, Bru. Bru-REEE!" 

Arielle's soft singing could be heard from the nearest tree, breaking the spell between us three as we turned our attention to her large frame.

"Arielle?" I asked, unsure why she was there but also realizing she'd been gone for the majority of the afternoon and early evening.

"Bru?" she replied. "Aren't you happy you have such an amazing familiar like me?"

I tilted my head as I exchanged glances with the twins who began to blush. I think they just realized what they did and were reminiscing about our moment together. I'd be doing the same if I wasn't trying to figure out what Arielle meant. What do you mean, Arielle?

"Bru. Bru," she hummed. "As the story tale once said, what time is it Mr. Wolf?" 

I blinked, needing a minute for my foggy mind to play catch up. What time is it? 

"Bruuuuuu-reeee," she sang. "7:59 and will be eight in twenty-five seconds and counting down."

It took me five seconds before I processed what she said. Then I cursed and darted for the gate.

"Why are you running, Celestia?!" Caio called out.

I looked over my shoulder. "FIFTEEN SECONDS TO EIGHT!" I called out.

Cairus and Caio both exchanged looks before their eyes grew wide and they darted forward. "SHIT!" they shouted in unison.

I turned back to see Hellsin relaxing against the gate, one half of the gate closed while he kept the other open for us. I rushed in, Arielle gliding past me. Caio and Cairus ran inside together before Hellsin began to close the door. I could hear a few other students shout for him to wait but he didn't, shutting the gate and locking it firmly.

"Would you look at that? Five seconds past eight. I guess I'll have to have Orlando tell the magical mechanic to add some oil to these hinges. They're getting rather hard to close," Hellsin hummed.

I gave him a wide grin before walking up to him. "You’re awesome, Hellsin! Thank you." Impulsively, I gave him a hug.

He chuckled and his hand gently rubbed my head which made me curious if he knew that the gesture relaxed me.

"You’re welcome, Celestia. Now I suggest you rush over to the meeting place with your two ‘friends.’ Othello and the others are going to be a tad late so maybe you'll make it on time for the intro." He winked, emphasizing the word “friends” as he spoke.

I blushed, wondering if he could see what we were doing back there but didn't have time to think of it any longer.

"Yes! Let's go! See you around, Hellsin! We'll pay you back somehow!" I called, moving away before turning to dash past the twins who groaned.

"Cutie Pie, wait for us," Caio whined.

"So energetic at the most random times. Dearest, wait!" Cairus called out.

Arielle flew ahead, leading the way. Hey Arielle, where were you this whole time?

For her to leave me all afternoon and evening was unusual unless she got super distracted by something shiny and was devising an evil plan to claim it as hers. 

"Bru-Ree Bru," she replied with pride. "Nothing. Just looked around. I found a shiny button though. Theo tried to take it from me but he failed."

I giggled, shaking my head as we turned the corner. I saw the others crowded around the entrance of the medical ward we were in earlier today. You have a problem.

"Bru,” she huffed. "Says the girl who kissed five guys in one day." 

I gawked at her as I slowed from a jog to a walk, making it easier for Cairus and Caio to catch up. How the hell did you know it was five?! You were only there for like four?!

"Bru. Bru. Bru-REE!" she replied, dipping down to fly around me in circles as I came to a stop to concentrate on her. "I see everything," she declared. "Actually, Finn told Theo." 

I put my hands on my hips, giving her an odd look. What do you mean Finn told Theo? Finn wasn't in the room.

"Bru...." Arielle stalled, slowly lowering down until I lifted my arm for her to land. She was bathed in light, turning into her smaller form and fluttering her feathers. "Well, if you didn't realize, Orion and Finn were napping in the bed next to Hunter's and basically heard everything after Hunter gave you your necklace. I think your observation skills drop a few levels when you're near your lovers. 

I groaned, using my free hand to cover my cheeks, which were growing redder with each passing second, the embarrassment sinking in. I can't fucking believe this right now. 

"Celestia." 

Orion's gentle voice cued me to lift my head, noticing he was standing in front of me. Theo and Finn approached and Cairus and Caio's huffs could be heard behind me. 

"Ah, Orion. Hey," I said awkwardly, my eyes lingering on Theo who looked puzzled. 

"Wow, Cutie Pie, your face is red. You could match Theo's hair," Finn commented.

Theo rolled his eyes. "Can we leave my hair out of this? But seriously, Celestia your face is really red. You're not coming down with a fever, are you?" He came to stand next to Orion, pressing his hand on my forehead.

I shivered at his cool touch which made me sigh. Arielle began chirping away then started hopping on my arm while looking at Orion who eyed her carefully.

He slowly grinned. "She should be fine, but Theo, check to make sure. Finn and I will go make sure we’re at the meeting room Ms. Arcadia showed us so when the professors arrive, they won't think we're late," Orion suggested and Arielle flew off my arm to land on Finn's shoulder.

"Wait, why do I have to- OW! Arielle?!" Finn whined when Arielle poked his head with her beak.

"Bru!" she replied.

Orion chuckled. "Arielle says you’re acting stupid."

"You don't fucking understand her,” Finn argued as they both moved towards the building, continuing the dispute as Arielle kept on singing away.

Cairus and Caio walked to stand where Finn and Orion had been. They both glanced between us, seeing Theo's hand still on my forehead.

"We'll go wait for the others." Caio winked.

"Enjoy some cool air, Dearest. It will help the redness." Cairus wiggled his eyebrows.

I stared at them speechless as they walked away. They went up the stairs and entered through the doors that Finn and Orion held open.

The doors closed and Theo and I stood there in silence. "A setup,” I mumbled.

"Definitely," Theo agreed and sighed, shaking his head. He brushed his hand along my left cheek.

"You sure you're okay? You’re not tired or dizzy or anything?" His voice was soft and filled with worry, which made me smile.

"I'm fine. A little winded ‘cause we had to run to meet curfew, but I feel the best I have in the last couple of days," I reassured him.

"Good." He gave me a wide smile. "I'm glad you're getting better. All jokes aside, all of us were really worried."

I lifted my left hand and placed it over his that lingered on my cheek, closing my eyes. "I know. I'm sorry for worrying you all. I really am better and thank you for adding your magic to the pendant. I really love it," I whispered, looking down to the heart-shaped pendant which looked luminous in the moonlight that shone above us.

"I'm glad," he whispered. I lifted my eyes to meet his red ones. I felt like we’d barely seen each other over the last couple of days and I'd missed his beautiful ruby eyes, and his red hair with black ends. I noticed his skin was a little paler than normal. I lifted my hand to brush against his cheek and he looked confused at my action.

"You're paler than usual," I pointed out, wondering if he was sick.

He blinked and gave me a small grin. "I'm fine, Cutie Pie. Just the moonlight playing with your eyes." I frowned but maybe he was right and that was all it was?

"I guess," I replied. He smiled, showing me white teeth and removing his hand from my cheek. I did the same and watched as he held out his hand, gesturing for me to take it. "Let's go before the rest of the professors get here. They can teleport, remember?" he reminded.

I cursed. "Oh ya! You're right! Let's go." I placed my hand in his and we began to move quickly towards the steps. Suddenly Theo came to a stop, tugging my hand gently which prompted me to stop in my tracks.

I looked back to give him a curious look. "What's up, Theo?" He didn't say anything at first but his cheeks grew red and he took a deep breath.

"Promise you won't hate me for this,” he whispered. He took two steps, standing before me and I looked up at him in utter confusion.

"Promise? Hate you for..." I trailed off when he slowly lowered his head until our lips met. I blinked, my wide eyes meeting his half closed ones. My body unwound as I slowly closed my eyes, pressing my lips back. He let out a low moan and his hand released mine so he could wrap his arms around my waist and pull me into an embrace.

I moved my hands to run up his dress shirt before hooking my arms around his neck. Theo's kiss was deep and almost instinctive, making me wonder if he had more experience than even Finn. We kissed until our lungs begged for air and we pulled away, but kept our distance close by pressing our foreheads together.

"Saved the best for last," Theo hummed and I blushed, looking up at him shyly.

"How do you even know I kissed the others?" I mumbled, wanting to hear from his side of the story instead of Arielle's. 

He smirked. "Guys like to boast about who kissed the girl longer, but of course Orion's in the lead since he's all majestic and smooth. Finn accidentally brought it up when Arielle and I arrived at the private medical clinic to check on you."

"Boast, huh?" I rolled my eyes. Men.

"Don't give me that look. I bet girls do the same,” he countered.

I laughed. "I wouldn't know, but if I'm basing my theory on all those girly films, girl talk is usually about which guy is off limits and trying to fight one another in locker rooms."

"Oh really? Sounds a bit hot. Would you fight for us, Cutie Pie?" he whispered, leaning in to tug at my bottom lip. It took me a few seconds to answer, loving how his teeth pulled at my lip. His hands lowered to my ass, making it hard to concentrate.

"Do you have to ask?" I whispered back, kissing him. He smirked against my lips and squeezed my ass. His groin pressed against me which made me gasp at the burning ache that seemed to have ignited from the intimate move, making me want to move my hips.

"Celestia. I really hope we get more alone time," Theo whispered, moving away to kiss my neck ever so gently.

"Me too," I replied in a daze, not really thinking but responding because my body wanted him to continue what he was doing. 

"Yes, I think the students have arrived." 

Theo and I both froze at the familiar voice and we pulled apart to look to our left. Magnor stood at the corner of the building, a wide grin on his face. It was one of those looks a parent would give when they caught you doing something bad.

"I guess we should pick up the pace, Orlando. I don't think any of them knew you'd be attending the meeting," Magnor said a little louder and we both cursed. I knew he was doing that on purpose, giving us a good five seconds to bolt before my father caught his daughter all wrapped up with a boy I'd just introduced to him a few hours ago. Not to mention, he was ONE of the six boys I guess I was dating which I hadn't really told him about...yet. 

Theo tugged my hand to get me to move and I took a final look at Magnor. 

"Thank you," I mouthed, knowing I'd probably get a lecture about this later but I was totally fine with Magnor's lectures. Father's? Not so much.

Magnor smiled and nodded, mouthing "You're welcome, now go."

Theo held my hand as we both jolted up the stairs and he opened the door for me to enter. We made it to the elevator, walking in and pressing the button just as we heard footsteps.

"I thought I sensed Celestia here?" I heard Father’s voice.

"Really? You must be excited to have her attending here," Magnor hummed. We couldn't listen in on the rest of the conversation because the elevator doors came to a quiet close.

We both turned to one another and laughed. "Adventurous, huh?" Theo complimented.

"More like daring," I whispered as he leaned in to give me one more kiss.

I didn't know whether or not it was an accomplishment, but I'd successful kissed all six guys in a single day.

For five of them, it was the first time of hopefully many to come.