Up in the Stars

Zenith

We have reached the highest peak. 

I hope you've all enjoyed the climb.

♪     ♪     ♪

There was a buzzing in her ears as she stared at her reflection.

Her curls done up, decorated with small flowers.

A dress made of tulle stretched perfectly across her lithe limbs.

The blue so pale it was nearly white.

Flaring out at her waist in a dramatic sweep.

Soft makeup, rosy cheeks.

Enid did not see herself.

The girl in the mirror was a replica, a modified sculpture of who she once was.

She had haunted eyes.

A knock at the door sounded.

"Angel, five minutes until we need to leave." Alexander's voice was muffled by the wood between them.

She steadied herself against the vanity.

Taking one final glance in the mirror, her eyes caught on her neck.

The thin chain with three golden hearts resting between her collarbones.

Her finger rose, brushing against the cold metal.

She hadn't taken it off since Alexander had latched the clasp.

It had become one of her most cherished possessions.

Like a physical reminder of their love.

For the first time it felt like a collar.

Her fingers fumbled as she frantically tried to get it off.

Finally, she caught the clasp and unlatched it.

Placing it gently on the vanity, she marveled at how foreign her bare neck looked.

Another knock came and she rose from the bench seat.

Opening the door, she found all three men staring back at her.

"Little bird, you look exquisite." Dante's voice was hushed in awe.

Alexander and Theodore echoed his thoughts.

"Perfect, darling." "Absolutely stunning."

Their expressions of unbridled wonder.

Her smile was small, but genuine.

A parched quality forming in her mouth as she took in their striking forms covered in tailored tuxedos.

Alexander's coat was lined with embroidery in the same pale blue of her dress.

They were every bit the gods that they were revered as.

"We've already loaded your cello into the car." Alex reached for her hand before retracting.

They had done a good job of respecting her request for space.

She had barely spoken to them since the night of their family meeting.

That night she had gone to sleep with the weavings of a plan beginning in her mind.

The next morning she had flown through her math exam, turning it in just before 8:45.

She had found Emilia in the hallway, tugged her into an empty classroom and locked the door.

Left her phones in her bag by the door as she pulled her friend into the corner and whispered instructions in her ear.