Chapter 026 · Welcome to the “Emotional Unloading and Strategy Planning” Workshop, Where Trauma and Tactics Meet Over Breakfast!

The cool night air wrapped around Seventeen as she contemplated Draco's words. The vulnerability she felt was suffocating yet liberating. She wanted to share her truth, to release the weight of her past, but fear held her back. "I don't want to bring any darkness into our group," she murmured, staring into the starry sky. "You've all built something beautiful together."

"Every thread, every struggle, has woven this group into something strong," Draco replied, leaning closer. "You're part of that tapestry now, Serena. You can't just ignore your colors because you think they might clash."

His unwavering gaze felt like an anchor, grounding her amid her turbulent thoughts. "I just don't know if I can face it," she confessed. "What if my past ruins everything?"

"It won't," he assured her, his voice firm. "I promise. Whatever happened before, we can face it together. But you need to trust us. Trust me."

["He says that because he knows nothing. If he knew who I am, what I've been doing, he wouldn't be treating me so well, would he?"]

※※※

Draco's heart raced as he watched Seventeen wrestle with her fears. He wanted to reach out, to pull her closer, but he knew it had to be her choice. "You've shown incredible strength during the tournament, and I see the way the others look up to you. You're more than capable of facing anything. Just let us help."

She took a deep breath, the hesitation in her eyes lingering. "I will," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just need time. And maybe… I'll start to show you who I really am."

"That's all I ask," he replied, a sense of relief washing over him. "We're in this together, no matter what."

※※※

As they stood in the stillness of the night, Seventeen felt a growing connection with Draco, one that allowed her to see a glimpse of hope. If she could be brave enough to share her truth, perhaps she wouldn't have to carry the burden alone. But more than anything she understood one truth: hope is a dangerous thing, relying on it could be a deadly mistake.

"Thank you for being patient with me," she said, her heart swelling with a mix of sorrow, guilt, gratitude, and something else she couldn't quite name it yet.

"Always," he promised, his smile warming her spirit. "Now, let's get back before they start to wonder where we disappeared to."

As they walked side by side, a renewed sense of determination filled her. She was ready to face her past, but she also wanted to make sure her friends remained close.

※※※

The next day dawned bright and clear, the aftermath of the tournament still buzzing in the air. As the group gathered for breakfast in the heart of Downtown Zodiac, the camaraderie felt palpable. Light animatedly recounted moments from their victory, and laughter echoed around the table.

Claus ordered Crownberry Scones—rich scones with a mix of golden berries and cream—and a Royal Citrus Juice—a blend of orange, tangerine, and golden berries. Hunter ordered Pathfinder Pancakes—pancakes made with a mix of grains and served with fruit compote—and a Forager's Blend Tea—a mix of wild herbs and berries, steeped in hot water. While Light ordered Flame Roasted Omelet—an omelet filled with roasted peppers, onions, and spicy cheese—with a Blazing Smoothie—made with firefruit, fireberries, and yogurt.

Sablina ordered a Green Goddess Smoothie Bowl—made with spinach, banana, and chia seeds—with a Fresh Green Juice—a blend of cucumber, spinach, and green apple. Amelia ordered Alpine Waffles—topped with goat cheese, honey, and walnuts—with Capricorn's Elixir—a warm drink made of ginger, lemon, and a dash of honey.

Draco was feeling hungrier than usual, so he ordered himself a Legal Loaf—a balanced loaf of bread with nuts, seeds, and fruits—, Equilibrium Scramble—eggs with equal portions of veggies, meat, and cheese—with his favorite Turquoise Tea—a herbal tea infused with turquoise flowers.

He couldn't help but noticed that Serena didn't seem to be hungry, but she still ordered a Lunar Porridge—creamy porridge made with moon grain, nuts, and honey—with a Cancerian Latte—a smooth latte topped with caramel and a pinch of salt. Although he still had that feeling that she wasn't quite a fan of the dishes from her district, it was something he had been quick to pick on everytime they ate around each other.

Draco also noticed Serena sitting quietly, observing her friends with a thoughtful expression, playing with her spoon on her porridge but not really eating it. He could see her walls starting to crack, even as she masked her emotions behind a smile.

["Was it the two challenges in the trials that got her like this, or the awkward meeting with Zane Doom and Gwyn Vaughn from Twinscott? She's been acting weirdly since then. Distant. I want to bring her closer, but I don't know what to do, I don't want to press her,"] he watched her, his heart clenching with his inner turmoil, stirred by her own.

"Serena, you should tell them what you did during the final challenge," Claus encouraged, gesturing toward her. "You practically saved us!"

"Yeah, you were amazing!" Light chimed in, her eyes shining with admiration. "How did you do it?"

※※※

The warmth of her friends' encouragement settled around her like a comforting blanket. They had gathered for breakfast but she didn't feel hungry, especially not when as Serena all she should eat in Downtown Zodiac not to raise suspicions was the dishes from Loveliar. She was far from fond of those. "I just did what I had to do," she replied, feeling the weight of their expectations. "But we all worked together. It wasn't just me."

"Still, your abilities are remarkable," Hunter added, leaning forward. "How did you learn to heal wounds like that? I mean, it seemed way stronger than the usual healing magic. No wonder you became such a renowned doctor in the most prestigious hospital of the Kingdom at such an young age!"

"I guess it's just part of who I am," she said, feeling her cheeks heat. "I've always been able to heal, though I prefer not to fight unless absolutely necessary."

Draco caught her eye, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. She was beginning to reveal pieces of herself, and it was a start.

※※※

As the conversation flowed, Draco felt a sense of belonging swell within him. They had come together in ways he hadn't expected, forging bonds that ran deeper than mere alliances.

But amidst the laughter and shared stories, Draco also sensed a shift in Serena. There were moments when her laughter would falter, her gaze drifting to the door as if anticipating someone's arrival. It reminded him of the unease that clouded her whenever the Gemini rulers were mentioned.

"Hey, let's not forget about our next challenge!" Amelia interjected, a spark of excitement in her voice. "We should come up with a strategy for what's next."

"Good idea!" Light exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "We can brainstorm ideas about how we can better use our abilities together."

For a second, all of them looked at Serena, she had been the smartest of them at strategizing so far, a part of them expected her to come up with something on the spot. That's what she had done before. But she remained quiet, uncharacteristically so.

※※※

After a long moment, she became aware of their gazes on her, and she quickly out on a smile, trying to keep up her act as she had the past months. Trying to lie to them and to herself.

But despite everything, the thought of strategizing with them was exhilarating, she had always loved the brain work most. "I'd love that," she replied, the sense of teamwork lifting her spirits, and the tension that had started the grow between the group dispersed. "We should definitely explore how to maximize our strengths."

Draco leaned in, his confidence reassuring. "Let's break into smaller groups and come up with a plan. Serena, I'd like you to lead one of the groups. I think it would be good for you to take charge."

Her heart raced at the suggestion. "Lead?" she repeated, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within her. She had expected that, she had been doing everything to get used to the idea of taking the lead of them soon, but for some reason, she didn't feel so confident about that.

"Absolutely," he affirmed, his voice steady. "You've got a unique perspective, and everyone respects you. This could be a great way for you to shine."

["My work here paid off. I fooled them all,"] she should have been happy, shouldn't she? But now that she had come so far with the plan, it left a bittersweet taste in her mouth. ["Focus, S. It's all for them. Remember them. Stay strong."]

※※※

Draco watched as Serena mulled over the idea, the initial hesitation giving way to determination. The shift in her demeanor was almost tangible; he could see the gears turning in her mind, contemplating the possibilities.

"Okay, let's do it," she finally said, her voice stronger. "I'll gather some ideas, and we can regroup to discuss our strategies."

"Perfect!" Light said, clapping her hands together. "Let's see what we can come up with."

His gaze fell into Serena's breakfast, basically untouched, she had just turned the spoon around and around on the porridge and ate nothing. Her drink was also nearly full still. ["She's putting up a front, isn't she?"]

※※※

The group split into smaller teams, each focusing on their unique strengths. Serena took a deep breath as she gathered her team—Draco, Light, and Hunter.

"Alright, team," she began, feeling a rush of excitement. "I think we should start by identifying what each of our abilities can contribute to the next challenge. Hunter, your agility can be a game changer. Light, your fire manipulation will give us an edge. And Draco, your balance manipulation will be crucial in keeping everything steady."

"Sounds like a solid plan," Hunter agreed, nodding enthusiastically. "But what about you? How do you fit in?"

"I think I can be our wildcard," Serena replied, a hint of mischief in her tone. "I can heal injuries quickly, which means we can push our limits a bit further than we normally would." ["Mend rather than heal. Details. It's not like they would understand the difference either way."]

※※※

Draco watched as Serena's confidence grew, her ideas flowing with clarity and conviction. "That's brilliant, Serena. With your healing abilities, we can take more risks and be more aggressive in our strategies."

"Exactly," she affirmed, her eyes shining with excitement. "And if any of us gets injured, I'll be right there to help."

Light's smile widened. "This is shaping up to be the best plan ever. I love the idea of fighting restlessly. It's exciting."

["She spoke like a true Aries."]

As they continued to brainstorm, Draco felt a sense of pride for Serena. She was truly beginning to embrace her role within the group, and it inspired him to let his guard down even further. He wanted her to know she was safe with them, safe with him, enough that would lean on him, trust him.

※※※

As they finalized their strategies, Seventeen felt a sense of belonging she had longed for. "I'm really grateful for this opportunity, you guys. I know I've been holding back, but I'm ready to give my all," ["as Serena. My all as Seventeen would overwhelm them and myself."]

"Good," Draco replied, his expression earnest. "We're ready for you, too. Whatever challenges come next, we'll face them together."

With that reassurance, Seventeen felt a surge of confidence. Perhaps she could finally leave the shadows of her past behind and embrace the future that awaited her among them. ["We are stuck together for a long time, faking to be someone I'm not or not, the prophecy won't let us part way from each other until we fullfil our entwined fates. Even we stay far away from each other, it won't lessen the ties that bound us to one another."]

As the sun began to set, the anticipation for the next challenge hung in the air. They were ready to face whatever came their way, united as a team. And for the first time in a long while, Seventeen felt hope stirring within her—a promise of brighter days ahead, but she didn't let it take over her, she always understood how dangerous hope was.