Chapter 1
Stark
My eyes were forced open and blinded by the afternoon sun. The curtains were parted. My skin started to ache. The ache turned into a painful burn. I rushed to the window to close them. I was full of instant relief.
A knock sounded from the door. "You up, Stark?" Zoey's cheery voice made me smile.
I strode to the door and opened it. Her long hair was draped over one eye. She had jeans and a blue hoody on. Her marks seemed to shine extra bright today. I enveloped her in a huge bear hug. I kissed her head then pulled away.
"You're up early," I said.
"So are you," she countered.
"Well it's not my fault I opened the curtains last night before I went to bed."
"Uh, yeah it is. But why would ya do that?"
"The weather channel said it would be overcast."
She shook her head. "The weather channel is hardly truthful."
I smiled the crooked smile she loved so much. "What'd you want?"
"What? I can't just drop in and visit my Warrior? Well, I may as well leave," she said, turning away.
I grabbed her wrist. "I didn't say I didn't want you here. Come on." I led her in.
She sat on the bed next to me.
"So, Ms. High Priestess, what's on the agenda today?"
"A cleansing ritual at midnight and an assembly afterward."
"Interesting," I lied.
"School activities never interest you. Get involved more," she suggested.
"Nah, I'm good. You're the only person I can actually stand at this stupid school. Wait. I like Dragon, too."
"The twins?"
"They bicker too much."
"Damien and Jack?"
"They're okay, I guess."
"Aphrodite and Darius?"
"Too lovey-dovey."
She sighed. "Beggers can't be choosers."
"What do you mean?"
"You want good friends, but you got some that you don't completely like."
"Whatever," I muttered.
She held my hand and leaned in to kiss me. "Breakfast?"
"Sure."