[Bonus chapter] Flower Guards

We returned to our temporary hideout, a small, nondescript room that we had commandeered for our use in Diabon Alley. Knowing that she was the focus of our next conversation, Cestia stood nervously in the middle of the space, her eyes darting around as if searching for a means of escape.

I looked at Cestia, my heart heavy but resolute, "Cestia, we need to talk about what's going on between you and me. Ever since we first met, it seems like we've been at each other's throats, and I want to understand why."

Cestia scoffed, clearly not in the mood for a heart-to-heart conversation. "Why bother? It's not like we'll ever see eye to eye."

I reached out, trying to place a gentle hand on her shoulder, but Cestia pulled away. "Don't touch me. You had your chance for that long ago, but you have Cancer now!"

"And you have Scorpio," I said, but that made her turn on me with fire in her eyes.