The Daughter's of Helios and Nyx

15Celena

The coliseum was already packed with students, teachers, and staff. Enoch leads us up the massive stone stairs up to his group of vampires, clad in black and deep crimson. Everyone gives each species a wide berth, except Oriana and I. With us being the only Goddesses at this school, the rule “stay in your own lane” surpasses us, rightfully so.

As we make it to our seats, I nod a hello to the group, I open my mouth to ask Iyah if she knows what the assembly could be about when the ground begins to rumble beneath us. A loud c***k of lightning shoots down from the clouds with blinding white light that makes the dragons whoop, and the vampire's wince and shield their eyes, some even going as far as hissing at the brightness. Once the light fades, there are two figures posed where the lightning struck. All around the coliseum are intakes of breaths and gasps because none other than Athena and Ares are standing right in the middle of the large circle.

Our headmaster graciously bows, followed by the staff and students. We all lift our heads once Ares begins speaking in a deep thunderous voice, “Thank you. Welcome students and staff for this gathering today.” He smiles broadly, holding everyone's attention. “Today is a very special day for our school. It is the fifth anniversary!” Ares bellowed as the teachers and staff clap; the students roar with pride for their school.

Athena steps up smiling for a moment before she holds up her hand to silent her students. Radiating strength and beauty with her dark curls whipping through the wind, her grey-blue silk gown covering one shoulder billowing, and her piercing eyes, the same color of the gown; taking in each face, landing lastly on myself.

Athena breathes in awe. “Amazing. You all are so spectacular. I love that everyone here is getting along and mixing well.” She purses her lips together in contemplation, “though I see we are blending well. There have been some things we need to work on. Ares and I have come up with an array of uniform options.” She nods with a smile.

Out of thin air, pictures of... Of course.

Of course, my too perfect sister and her loyal warrior boyfriend would be the ones modeling the uniforms. Grey, light blue, yellow, and white mixed and matched in the various photos floating in a circle, showing all the ways, you could style the hideous uniforms.

The rage and bitterness she tried to keep locked away began to seep through, beginning to boil her blood. Her otherwise creamy white face burned; Celena knew without a doubt that it was now scarlet. Oriana and Celena weren’t always on good terms with one another. They each always had different views and opinions, as well as a long list that they truly loathed about one another.

One thing in particular on her list is the “perfect daughter” role, or in this case, the “perfect sister” role. Also, Oriana should have given me a heads up about the uniforms we are about to be forced into. Figuring Athena and Ares could most likely sense her rising anger, Celena took a deep breath of the frigid air to try to settle her nerves.

“These uniforms are mandatory starting tomorrow; a variety of items will be awaiting you once you arrive home.” Athena continued, telling us about disciplinary steps for those who attempt to break the new dress code.

Ares clears his throat before speaking, “I know most of you are in extracurricular activities, which is great. We encourage more to find out what niche suits you. However, for those who must change for practice clothes, you will change from your uniform to practice clothes in the new locker rooms near the warrior training pit.” He was brutal, stone cold serious. His body and face sculpted so perfectly. It made Celena nauseous.

“Students will only wear their extracurricular attire on appointed school spirit days. No exceptions. I don’t want to hear about anyone causing problems over the new rules, or you’ll be dealing with me.” Ares raises his eyebrows looking over the crowd, then smiles. “Now we are done burning your ears off. We will be having a celebration after school for our five-year anniversary celebration. We hope everyone attends. You may be dismissed by your teachers, have a wonderful day.”

Athena bows her head to us, as another thunderous lightning strikes, in a blink of the eye, the God and Goddess were gone.

Most were clapping or waving into the cloudy sky. I, however, had my sights set on something else. Or should I say someone else. It only takes me a second to find Oriana already staring at me with her huge, pleading sea green eyes. She already knows how I feel about a uniform, controlling what I can wear always pisses me off. I want to wear whatever I want. I prefer not to wear dresses or be controlled by anyone- except my parents. Even then, I put up a fight. My usual orange eyes become darker as the indigo specks become larger, until my eyes are dark as night. Oriana pales and mouths “sorry” as her section is dismissed. I only glare at my twin, lips pressed together in a thin line. My eyes pin her like daggers, tracking her every move.

Someone nudges me; I come back from the dark place I was spiraling down into. Turning to whoever nudged me, and looked into the simmering eyes of Enoch, who looks more out of control than I was moments ago. I forgot that he absolutely can’t stand the Gods of Olympus, all except my family, who volunteered to come to earth and oversee the peace between all species a few years ago.

My irritation begins to flare up once again, running my hands through my hair as we wait for our section to be dismissed. I grab Enoch’s hand and begin to walk, though he’s not budging.

“Come on, they won't excuse any rule breaking.” I pull him again, instead of walking, Enoch grabs me, turning me, making me face him. I step to the side to let the others pass so they can get to class on time.

Finally, I look into Enoch’s questioning eyes, I raise my eyebrows “Yes?” I put my hands on my hips.

“What’s wrong?” Enoch whispers so no one will overhear.

His words stop me, how long was he watching me? How much did he see? I thought that the look on his face was because of his dislike for the God and Goddess, not concern for me.

I take a deep breath and give a half smirk, rolling my eyes “oh, you know, Oriana being her typical perfect self.” I shrug off his hand that is resting on my shoulder. “Really, it’s nothing. I’m just irritated that she didn’t tell me about the damned uniforms.”

Enoch chews his bottom lip, scanning me over, then once he’s deemed that I am okay, he shrugs “okay, let’s go.”

We finally begin walking to class, we’re some of the last students to leave the coliseum, we are walking behind a group of dragons, sticking out like a sore thumb while they are decked out in flashy clothes and a bunch of jewelry, we are in dark clothes that are decorated in dark lace and velvet. Enoch doesn't say anything, letting the subject drop while we’re in hearing distance. Dragons, wolves, and vampires have enhanced hearing, but doesn’t come anything close compared to a Fae. He won’t speak unless he wants the dragons to hear.

I need to get to ‘The creation of species’ in two minutes. Professor Rupert has been on my ass since I haven’t created a new creature. Of course, Oriana created something called the Pheonix last spring. I turn to Enoch, running my fingers through the ends of his hair as I tell him that I’m going to fly to class so I’m not late. I go back out the door I just came out of, bursting through the double stoned doors in my owl form.

In her black-blue owl form Celena is able to clear all her thoughts. She circles around the perimeter of the school a few times before landing on the snow sludge ground at the fat end of the school.

On her two feet again, her thoughts clear; she lets out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. A triumphant grin splays over her face, knowing she will surprise the professor when she reveals that she has already created a serum. All she had to do was convince a little lonely vampire to be her subject.

“Yes, this will be quite simple.” Celena purrs as she struts inside her second period class.