Page 12 of Pisces Rising

Pisces walked down a long hall. The walls looked like they were made of stardust. Purples, blue, and soft pinks glittered atop the gray stone. She slid her delicate fingers across it and watched as an ethereal dust sailed to the ground. Shadows danced across her face, interrupted only by a low growl that echoed from the darkness. She perked her ears and cautiously approached the sound, keeping her eyes alert as she crept closer to the darkness.

The air grew warmer with each step and suddenly erupted into flames, heading straight for her. She turned to flee, but a firm hand caught her wrist, swiftly turning her around and pressing her back against a wall of twinkling stars.

The fire retreated like a receding tide, revealing Aries standing nose to nose with her, his dark eyes burning into hers. The fear that had consumed her dissipated along with the flames, leaving her panting between starlight and a man-formed inferno. The celestial warrior traced his nose down her cheek and neck like a predator surveying its prey. She flinched as he reached her breasts, closing her eyes tightly as his hot breath grazed over her skin before rising again with one large hand possessively gripping her waist, pressing her flush against his bare chest.

The beast, the ram, the flames. The man exuding raw power held her captive in his powerful arms, and the intense heat radiating off him seeped through her skin, coursing through every inch of her being. She faced him head-on, opening her eyes to meet his dangerously dark gaze, and a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

She could feel her heart pounding fiercely as Aries held her captive against the wall of stars. His dominance was palpable, his desire evident in how he looked at her with a hunger that matched the intensity of the flames that had just surrounded them. But she was not one to back down easily.

With a daring glint in her eyes, she raised a hand to trace the sharp lines of his jaw, feeling the stubble beneath her fingertips. A small smile played on her lips as she leaned in closer, their breaths mingling in the space between them. She could sense his surprise at her boldness, his grip on her waist tightening.

In a swift movement, she brought her lips to his ear and whispered, "You may think you have me under your spell, Aries, but remember this—I am no mere mortal to bend to your will." Her words were met with a low growl from deep within his chest.

The game was on, and only one of them would emerge victorious.

Pisces’ mind was abruptly yanked from the star castle and Aries’ embrace by a voice she recognized all too well. “Wake up, little fish. We’re almost there.” It was Sag, pulling her back to reality with his words. She opened her eyes and tried to orient herself as the SUV rumbled along the dusty road, bringing them closer to their rendezvous with Cancer.

Chapter

Ten

The winding coastal road led them to a secluded cove, the salty breeze carrying the familiar scent of the ocean. Pisces inhaled deeply, letting the comforting aroma wash over her senses. Though she couldn't see the vast expanse of water, she could feel its presence, a calming force that resonated within her soul. As they drew closer, a quaint cottage appeared, nestled amidst the rolling hills and hidden from prying eyes. Its whimsical exterior, with a thatched roof and whitewashed walls adorned with climbing vines, exuded a warm, inviting charm that beckoned them forward.

Gemini quirked an eyebrow as she took in the idyllic scene. "Well, this certainly isn't what I expected. With Aquarius’ club and Cancer’s little fairy cottage, maybe we should get out of the Zodiacs and get into real estate development," she remarked, a hint of amusement coloring her tone.

Sagittarius simply shrugged. "Cancer has always been one for surprises." His gaze swept over the cottage with an admiring gleam.

As they approached the front door, Pisces felt a sense of tranquility wash over her. The cottage radiated a welcoming energy as if it were a haven from the chaotic human world not far from its door.

Gemini stepped forward and rapped her knuckles against the weathered wood, her impatience evident in the rapid succession of knocks. After a moment's pause, she let out an exasperated sigh. "You'd think she'd be a little more prompt, considering we're here to save the universe and all."

Sagittarius smirked.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, and Cancer emerged, her petite frame delicate against the backdrop of the cottage. Pisces’ gaze was immediately drawn to the water sign's round, youthful face, framed by a halo of short golden hair and piercing blue eyes that shone with a depth belying her innocent appearance.

“Going for spritely cottage-core, I see,” Gemini said, hugging Cancer.

Then Cancer turned her attention to Pisces, and her blue eyes seemed to dull with sadness. She tilted her head and opened her arms. “Oh, Pisces. Aquarius called and told me everything. I can’t believe this has happened to you.” She pulled Pisces into an embrace and held her there momentarily, rubbing her back. Cancer’s touch was like a cool waft of air over her skin, calming her from the inside out. When Cancer pulled away, she gave a wink. “Just a little soothing energy and a protection barrier to help for now.”

“Thank you,” Pisces said. “I need all the help I can get.”

Cancer's features broke into a warm smile as she ushered them inside. "Come in, come in," she urged, her voice carrying the gentle cadence of the ocean's waves.

As they stepped into the cozy interior, Pisces felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity wash over her. The cottage reflected Cancer's essence—warm, inviting, and brimming with nurturing energy that enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Pisces’ intuition, currently her only guiding force, whispered reassurances to her troubled mind. Friend. Cancer was a friend, a kindred spirit whose loyalty ran deep.

They settled around a rustic table, the aroma of freshly brewed jasmine tea filling the air, mingling with the logs burning in the small fireplace. Cancer busied herself with the preparations. Gemini and Sagittarius helped themselves to shortbread cookies set before them and exchanged idle chitchat, their words a pleasant backdrop to the calm that had momentarily settled over Pisces’ soul. The Universe and her very existence might be at risk, but for now, she would embrace simplicity.

Finally, Cancer joined them, her movements graceful as she poured the steaming liquid into delicate porcelain cups. Pisces cradled the cup in her hands, savoring the warmth that radiated through the ceramic, a tangible reminder of Cancer's nurturing presence.

Aquarius’ club had overwhelmed her with energy, and she’d let Sag and Gemini take the lead, but this quest was about her and what she’d lost. Even though her friends took on the mission like it was their own, she felt she had to be more assertive. After all, she was the Mistress of the Zodiac...apparently.

“Now,” Cancer said, setting down her cup. “I want to know everything that’s happened and how I can help."

“My memories are gone,” Pisces blurted, feeling like Cancer, of all the Zodiacs she’d encountered so far, would understand not just her light but her pain. “I wish I could remember our shared history, but I can’t. My heart tells me you are a friend, and I can trust you.” Pisces set her cup down and met Cancer’s gaze. “I need to know the truth about Scorpio and the missing Cerulean Tear."

The blue of Cancer’s eyes clouded like a storm rolling over the sea, and she cast them down just as a cloud of empathy danced across her features. "I'm afraid I don’t know anything that can help you find it.” Her voice was tinged with regret. “And I don’t know why Scorpio decided it was appropriate to betray you. We've all had our issues with him, but this is beyond anything I ever thought him capable of.”

Pisces nodded in understanding. “If I had my memory, I’m sure I would agree with you.”