by Maria Dee
“I cannot die,” he emphasized, with slow precision.
“Unless Nyxta has a say,” I pointed out, blatantly.
Orion rolled his eyes. “With the exception of Nyxta, who has the authority to end us altogether. Yes. Aside from her, I cannot die.”
I thought of Nicholas and his arranged deal—Nyxta was kind to him.
“I see. Well, I entrust you’ll be on your best behavior,” I said, firmly.
“Of course. And why don’t you check and see if you really despise me?”
“How do you suppose I do that?”
“Kiss me. We kissed before, but you seem to have forgotten. Kiss me and tell me there is nothing between us,” Orion proposed, eagerly.
“Now this is why Nicholas was jealous. He thinks there’s something between us.”
“There isn’t?” he asked, amused.
“No,” I replied, snappily.
“I may be a traitor, but you’re a liar,” he said, vindictively.
“What? That doesn’t even make sense.”
“If you’d only kiss me, we could put this argument and ourselves to rest.”
“Fine,” I leaned in, quickly kissing him. It was anything but quick. His hands edged around the small of my back, pulling me closer. His warm, inviting lips pressed softly against my own. Just when I thought I could pull away, he pressed his lips harder, enticingly.
Orion recoiled and I followed with every inch of his body.
“Do you still despise me?” he asked, enthralled.
The brief physical gap away from him allowed reason to resurface. “Yes,” I gasped, withdrawing from his embrace.
I hopped in bed, instructing an unsettled Orion, “Get the lights.”
He stood with his arms out, expectantly. “I feel so used and dirty,” he said, playfully.
“Good,” I giggled softly, pulling the covers over me securely.
“Sleep well, Xenia,” he said, retreating to the floor.
After five minutes had passed, he placed his arms on my side of the bed, sighing restlessly.
“What?” I mumbled, partly asleep.
“Do you snore?” he asked, feigning interest.
“I hope so.”
“Très drôle,” he said, snidely. “Rest assured, I’m a sound sleeper.”
“I bet. You’re dead. Nothing must come easier than that.” I was eager to fall into a deep slumber and forget the day altogether. “Night.”
“You’re really not a night person.”
“Not tonight.”
“Party pooper. This is the last sleepover I’ll be attending,” Orion heaved a sigh, sarcastically.
I smiled, falling back asleep.
Unsure
I stretched under the covers slowly opening my eyes. Orion sat by the edge of my bed.
“Ah! Creepy much?” I screamed, caught off guard.
“Sorry. I heard you mutter something. It sounded like you were getting up. Did you sleep well?”
“Why? Did I snore?” I asked, placing a pillow over my face.
“No, but you sure talk a lot in your sleep,” he chuckled.
“Really? What did I say?” I asked, timidly.
“Something about your mother and Styx—and then you mentioned Nicholas a few times,” he said, dryly.
“Oh,” I felt my cheeks burn hot. “Anything else?” I latched onto my down pillow for support.
“Don’t worry. You didn’t mention me.”
“Good. I’m kind of seeing Nicholas or I was seeing him—it’s confusing.”
“I understand. And besides, I’m too old for you anyhow.”
“Age isn’t the problem,” I said, dryly.
“I should go. Don’t want to get you into any trouble with the ’rents,” he snickered.
“It’s no trouble at all, really. But let’s check if anyone is home—just in case.” I peered out the bay window and my parents’ cars were long gone.
It was going to be a good day. I could feel it from the moment I awoke with the sun shining through the windows—and Orion taking off in a hurry.
“Thanks for everything—I won’t forget what you’ve done for me,” he said.
“Bye, Orion.” I shut the door before he could utter another syllable.
It was Marla’s official turn to drive, though we lacked a proper schedule—even if we had one, it would be markedly skewed in Calliope’s favor, no big surprise there.
Calliope voluntarily graced us with her presence, unexpectedly.
The morning whisked by, mostly because I shifted to Styx in need of relaxation. What I had done, while Online, was unclear to me—my memory felt hazy and I was perfectly fine with that. While in Styx, I relaxed by a stream of running water, on a bed of grass and flowers. I was immersed by the sweet floral scent and birds chirping, soothingly at a distance. When I shifted back Online, I found myself hungry and sleepy in mid-lecture. Slowly, the events of the morning seeped into my memory in a succession of increasingly tolerable flashes.
I decided upon a coffee and snack run—there was a cafeteria not far and the girls were diligently working away, taking notes. The halls were busy as usual with students chatting and hurrying to class. I browsed the delectable baked goods aisle, while pouring coffee into a paper cup.
“Xenia,” Nicholas called, standing by the check out. “Can I speak to you for a moment?”
“Of course,” I said, gloomily.
“I need to explain myself,” he said, remorsefully. We moved aside discretely. “Once Kiran told me, I had to help in any way that I could. Nyxta made me invincible, again—to help you.”
“Only this time, indefinitely. But why were you gone for so long?”
“It was a time-consuming and torturous process. The trials and tribulations were grave ones to become immortalized, even more so the second time. I wished I was here with you.”
“I don’t know what to say.” I felt sick to my stomach. “I feel awful having doubted you, but you have to understand that I didn’t know,” I leaned in, wrapping my arms around his waist. He followed suit.
“That was nice,” he whispered, releasing me from his warm embrace. He helped carry the trays of goodies back to class.
“Are we good?” he asked, unsure.
“I think so,” I replied, content. We approached the lecture hall doors and I balanced the trays. “I hate saying good-bye.”
“Then don’t,” he whispered, enticingly.
“I have to get back—they’re waiting ravenously.” I motioned to the tray of goods.
“They aren’t the only ones,” he smiled, holding the door.
I blushed, backing away from his piercing stare.
Back in class, the girls were in dire need of sugary and caffeinated goodness.
“Can you please gouge my eyes out?” Calliope whined. “This dude is super boring, man.”
Marla and I laughed, while we sipped our hot coffees.
By the time lecture had ended, my body yearned for a good workout. Collectively, we decided to visit the Track and Field Centre for a run. Only ten other students were using the enormous facility, either running around the track or lifting weights by the far end.
After a few laps with the girls, I decided to take my workout outdoors. I ran around the track building and looped toward the tennis courts. Landon was playing tennis on the southeast side of Tait McKenzie Centre.
“Xenia!” he shouted, missing the ball. His opponent looked displeased. He ran to the gate, meeting me as I passed. “It’s been a while.”
“It has. I’ve been really busy, but I’ve been meaning to call you,” I explained.
“I’m kind of disappointed—not going to lie. It’s been months since we hung out and you never showed for tryouts.”
“Oh crap. Sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind.”
“No worries. There’s always next year,” he flashed an animated grin. “I’m glad we ran into each other.”
“Me too. Do you want to chill later? Maybe play a li
ttle b-ball?” I asked, hopeful.
“I kind of have plans tonight. Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. Would you mind if Marla and I dated?”
“Oh. I don’t mind at all. She deserves someone like you.”
“Really? Thanks,” he smiled, appeased.
“Just treat her well or you’ll be sorry.”
“That won’t be an issue. Trust me. She has me—don’t laugh now—smitten.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind. See you around,” I snickered. I ran back to meet with the girls for our strength-training portion, waving goodbye to Landon.
Although I was initially shocked, I was not oblivious to their budding relationship as they had gone to formal together. Evidently, there were sparks flying between them.
After our workout, we grabbed lunch and ate in Central Square, just outside the student center’s north doors. Orion strolled out of the Behavioral Science Building just adjacent to us.
“Hello, girls. Fancy seeing you here, Xenia,” he said, pleasantly surprised.
“I don’t fancy seeing you at all,” I scowled. He stood awaiting introduction. “Orion, this is Calliope and Marla. Okay, see ya!” I willed him away in my mind.
“Marla. Calliope. You are both looking well,” he winked, toying with my nerves. “Pleasure to have met you both…formally.”
I placed my Thai food container down, furiously and he sensed my growing hostility, backing off. “I’ll leave you girls to your lunch. Have a nice day,” he smiled, retreating gracefully.
“He’s such a jerk, I swear,” I vented.
“He’s so hot though. You’ve got to admit,” Calliope said, transparently swooning over him.
“He’s easy on the eyes, that’s for sure. But promise me you’ll stay away from him. He is seriously bad news,” I warned.
“I’m not promising anything,” Calliope said, reluctantly.
I snarled, annoyed.
“Fine, fine. If you’re that concerned about it, I’ll refrain. Whatever. There are plenty of guys around here anyhow,” she said, vividly.
“I say we go to the mall. I need me something pretty,” Marla announced, changing subjects.
“Sounds fun. Count me in.” Calliope was immediately sold on the idea.
I felt indifferent about an afternoon at the mall. I had too much on my mind to fully enjoy it. For starters, I felt fairly guilty keeping everything from my closest friends—family really. Each day became progressively harder to endure.
“I can’t. I’m supposed to meet with—” I paused, contemplating a cover.
“Me,” said a familiar deep voice. I turned around, facing Nicholas. Calliope and Marla picked up our empty Thai boxes and tossed them in the garbage. They trailed off, snickering. “Bye,” they said in unison.
Nicholas smiled at the girls, coyly.
“Perfect timing, Mr. Wyles.” As strange as my new life seemed, I felt like a regular girl around him. On the other hand, being around Marla and Calliope, I knew I was different—just how different, I would have never imagined.
I longed to tell my dear friends everything, but I did not want to implicate them. Maybe one day, I would be able to tell my two dearest friends about who I really was.
“Would you like to come over to my place for dinner?”
“I’d love to but I have a meeting,” I grumbled. I was meeting Kiran to research my lineage.
“Another time then?” he asked, amicably.
“I could go for some dessert,” I added.
“Now?”
“Unless you’re busy. I’d love to see your place.”
“It’s manageable. I have amazing dessert at home that I think you’ll approve of—it’s from a farmer’s market,” he explained, cordially.
“Sounds delish,” I replied, biting my lower lip.
“Great. Shall we?”
“We shall,” I giggled, taking his hand.
In a short while, we reached his condo just north of campus. Once inside, I was impressed by the cleanliness. The interior décor was simple yet sleek.
“Let me give you a tour,” he offered, taking my jacket. “This is the living room,” he said, extending his arm theatrically, showcasing the space. “The kitchen is over here, and the dessert we’re having is strawberry cheesecake.” He raised his eyebrows in anticipation.
“From a farmer’s market?”
“I lied. It’s from a local bakery. It just sounded more enticing to say farmer’s market,” he smiled.
“That’s alright. I love cheesecake,” I said, quickly clapping my hands.
He cut two pieces and handed me a plate. “Back to the tour. Here’s my study where I spend countless hours working,” he rolled his eyes just before revealing the last room. “And this is my bedroom,” he said, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck.
I took a bigger bite of cheesecake. “Do you live alone?” I mumbled.
“Yes.”
“It’s a great place,” I took another bite, dropping a piece on the hardwood floor. “Sorry. I’m such a klutz.”
He knelt down beside me, helping. “It’s okay. I’ve done worse.”
A strand of hair fell across my face and he leaned in, brushing it aside. I flinched as he hesitantly placed his hand behind my neck. Nicholas pulled me in closer, kissing me gently. His lips felt soft and his breath warm against my skin. Slowly, he moved down to the hollow of my neck, tormenting the rest of my body.
He placed one hand on my hip and the other edged to the small of my back. My skin boiled under his hand as every inch of my body longed for his touch. I pulled back—out of breath and lightheaded—resting my head on his shoulder.
“I don’t know anything about you. Where are you from originally? Did you have a big family? How did you die, the first time?” I asked, rampantly.
“Where do I start?”
“How about from the day you were born,” I offered, eagerly.
“Here goes. I was born in Greece in eighteen twenty five. My family and I lived there for a short period before relocating to Norway—we moved a lot. I had an older brother who died from pneumonia, and a younger sister who died at birth,” he said, tightening his jaw. “My parents died when I was five. Pneumonia too.”
“That must’ve been rough,” I whispered, sympathetically.
He nodded, continuing, “I was orphaned in eighteen thirty. Fortunately, our neighbors were dear family friends so they adopted me. Somehow I—the least deserving of my family—was the only survivor.”
“Don’t say that,” I objected to his guilt ridden conscience, swiftly changing topics. “What’d you do when you were my age? Tell me everything,” I asked, sitting on edge.
“In my late teenage years, most nights, I spent in taverns drowning away my sorrows,” he sighed, continuing, “With time, I began to feel hopeful once more. I met some other Diplozoes and eventually found out what I was.”
“Your parents weren’t Diplozoes?” I asked, puzzled.
“Some humans began to evolve as early as the eighteenth century, but not everyone. I evolved faster than the rest of my family and was able to fight off infection and disease. I died for the first time when I was seven, escaping from the Dome.”
I listened intently, while nibbling on my nails, which were too tough to chew on.
“When my parents died at home, I was afraid to leave because I knew once I left, it would be the last time I’d ever see them. I thought by some miracle, they’d awake. Surely, they’d open their eyes and smile as they always did. I was eventually discovered by our neighbor.
One day, consumed by this foreign rage against the world for taking my family away, I unintentionally travelled to Styx. The heightened state I reached was in the same energy level required for shifting. After discovering the portal, I started travelling between the two worlds. It only became easier each time,” he explained, continuing meticulously, “I’ll never forget the day we were visited by these men disguised as doctors. They told my guardi
ans that I was inflicted with a plague and I was to be quarantined immediately—I couldn’t recall much after that. I was six and trapped in the Dome, unable to travel for a year, constantly under monitoring and questioning,” he mused. “One day, I decided to break free. We were out in the field and I trailed off from the rest, running as fast as I could toward the open forest ahead,” he explained, looking up to face me. His eyes were blood shot, and his expression was solemn.
I placed my hand over his and closed my eyes, visualizing what he could no longer describe.
He ran in the vast field far away from the others. The guards trailed from behind in a desperate attempt to stop him—they fired.
“No! Don’t shoot. He’s a child,” screamed an attending nurse.
“We can’t let them escape. The ESOM cannot be implicated,” said the young guard, coldly.
I released his hand and gasped petrified.
“Although the ESOM had studied the extent of our capabilities for over a century, they weren’t prepared for me, so it seemed,” he furrowed his brow, lost in thought. “My fragment traveled to the Dome, searching for someone—you, nine. Our connection formed at an early age and it was impenetrable,” he said, continuing, “I traveled to Styx in search of my lost fragment and that is when Nyxta granted me immortality, conditionally. My living fragment continued to live a normal life until the age of twenty five, the age that I became immortal. The Fates determined my restoration or demise at that age, and Nyxta guaranteed I’d have a fighting chance at restoration—she said I was different,” he explained, sullenly. “I waited for more than a century and a half for you, Xenia.”
“Why you? Why did Nyxta grant you the exception?” I asked, bemused.
“She said you’d be worth the wait—however cryptic that sounds.” Nicholas placed a pendant in my hand. I turned it over and the number nine was engraved on the back. I reached into my pocket for the silver pendant, handing it back to him, rightfully.
“How does one become immortal?”
“Nyxta grants immortality to those she deems worthy. She anoints you a Theodiplozoe in the River Styx.”
Nicholas brushed his hand down the side of my face, seemingly distracted. “Is there anything else you’d like to know?”