Chapter 23

“We’re not sure why you went into a coma,” Alfred spoke for the first time. “You had a seizure and you just...passed out for two weeks.”

Hellen looked at me with concern. “Annabelle, do you know why something like that could’ve happened to you?”

I opened my mouth once or twice but no words came out. “I have no idea,” I confessed, finally.

“This is not the first time this has happened to her.” Hellen recalled, she stared at Anthony for an answer.

“Yes, but this is the first time she’s been in a coma.” he confirmed.

“Why is this happening to her?” Alfred asked.

“I’ve looked into it and got a few other doctors to research,” he told. “We’re still running tests but we need one final blood sample to confirm those results.”

“Confirm what?” Hellen said a bit too harshly. I was surprised at her worriedness. I didn’t know her feelings towards me.

Anthony waited for her to calm down but he got the message that she wasn’t going to. “We think Annabelle’s genes are changing.”

“Excuse me?” Hellen and I chorused.

“How is that possible?” Alfred demanded.

“We’re not sure,” he continued. “Something to do with your Constellation.” He wasn’t sure but it still made me sick.

My insides twisted into a pretzel. My breathing fastened again. Hellen patted my shoulder and glared at Anthony.

“And you don’t know which Constellation?” she asked.

“It could be either one,”

“But, why?” I demanded. My voice echoed and the words hung in the air.

“We don’t know,” Anthony repeated. A nurse brought a needle and took one ounce of my blood. Anthony said we’d get the reports in a few hours. But I wasn’t discharged, he allowed visitors though.

Hellen coaxed soup and chicken into me. For someone who hadn’t eaten in two weeks I wasn’t hungry at all. That’s probably because I was being fed through IV drips.

“Is it true?” I asked Hellen as she was setting me tray.

“Maybe it is but...why would this happen?”

I shook my head.

“How can one go into a coma, just like that?” she almost yelled. It’s a good thing no one was here except the two of us otherwise we’d get complaints from other patients.

“I’m going to find out about this,” she promised. “You take care of yourself while I go do some research.”

My entire body hurt and I felt nauseous. I couldn’t even think straight without having a headache.

Something to do with my Constellations? Great, just what I needed. But that does explain why I used to feel drowsy and weak every time I stargazed. While opening the barrier I didn’t feel any of that. I felt strong and empowered. Then, what is it?

Tristan, Lewis and Amara came to visit. They knew what had happened but they didn’t know why.

“They’re still working on that part,” I answered.

“Belle, the next time you go into a coma you have to warn us because someone was overreacting.” Lewis stared at Tristan. He ignored.

“You didn’t tell me this was happening to you?” Tristan whispered.

“I thought you knew,” I swallowed. My eyes fell on the Ophiuchus Sign. It was now stinging and burning. Trying to escape.

“Get well soon, Belle.” Amara smiled and dragged Lewis outside.

“It’s got to do with Ophiuchus,” I said.

“That would explain what’s happening to your Sign but why?”

“I’ve got no clue.” I confessed. There was a long pause. “What did I miss?”

Tristan sighed as if he was going to deliver bad news. “Mostly Lyra,”

“What now?”

“Same result as you, we don’t know.” he told. “The day you went into a coma she acted like she didn’t even know you. She spent a whole week away from all of us and trained exactly the way Phoenix does. Rough, harsh and even more determined. Phoenix doesn’t mind, though. It’s good to have competition, she says.”

“But?” I prompted.

“Last week, she woke up screaming about her own appearance,” he continued. “She got one pimple and she blames it on the unhealthy lifestyle we have here. She was fine before, then all of a sudden she’s worried about you, but you weren’t allowed visitors. Only Hellen and Alfred.”

“She has on and off amnesia.” I guessed.

“Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds?”

“No.”

“But, she’s forgetting who we are. Sometimes she remembers sometimes she doesn’t. Amara thinks it’s something in the drinking water here.”

I stared at him. “What sounds more realistic? Filthy water is making her go nuts or she has on and off amnesia.”

“Surprisingly, neither one,” he confessed.

“You’re impossible.”

“I could say the same for you.” he joked.

“Should we take her to a doctor?” I suggested.

“Lewis and Amara are studying about it but so far they have nothing,” he said. “Let’s keep it a secret until we’re desperate for answers.”

“Alright,” I promised. “But we can’t lose Lyra. She has to fight with us so please hurry up with it.”

“She’s fine with training,” he reminded. “But, she has different...phases.”

I noticed his hesitation before phases. “One minute she’s in the mood to fight and the other she’s disgusted by even lifting a sword.”

“Yeah, but you don’t have to worry about this. You need to get better.” he said.

“I know,”

He left for an obstacle course thing Phoenix was making everyone do. She invited me if I was okay but I hadn’t been discharged yet.

I knew one person who could help me figure out what was wrong with me. I calmed down and focused my mind on her. After the first two times didn’t work. I considered going to sleep so she could contact me in my dreams. But then blue dust appeared on the edge of my bed and the Star Spirit’s image flickered. She became more prominent after more blue dust erupted out of nowhere.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I’m fine, thank you.” I rolled my eyes. My legs felt numb but it’s not like I could shake them out, a side effect of lying in bed for two weeks.

“I see you survived the attack, thanks to me.” she pulled back a curl from her face.

“What did you do?” I shrieked.

“I woke you up....last minute.” she tried to hide her embarrassment. “I’m trying.”

“Thanks for that.” I snorted. “Did you find anything about the Hydras?”

“Not really. I knew about the attack but I got delayed on my way here.” she said.

“What happened?”

She lowered her gaze, embarrassed. “Well, you have to admit, Prince Alec is really good looking.”

I rolled my eyes. “I am disgusted.” I said. “I didn’t expect this from you.”

She crossed her arms. “Then, why are you blushing?”

I didn’t even realize how hot my face started to feel. I’m pretty sure my cheeks were redder than my hair.

“It’s just my fever, probably.” I lied hesitantly.

“Anyways,” she said. “I don’t know why you went into a coma, if that’s why you called me.”

“Then, why do the doctors think my genes are changing?”

“I really don’t know.”

“Does it have anything to do with Ophiuchus?” I asked.

“If you think King Jaxon had taken over Ophiuchus then: Firstly, if he could, he would’ve already done that. But he can’t since you’re the only Ophiuchus alive and taking away your Constellation would nearly kill you and that would be pointless for him because then he wouldn’t be able to have even one Star Stone from Ophiuchus if there was no descendant to manipulate and control”

“Secondly, if he did take over Ophiuchus he’d have control over you and you would be under his power.” she finished.

“That’s why he wanted me to marry Alec,” I said as if realizing for the first time. “Because he wanted a double bond in his family.”

“More like triple bond since you have two strong Constellations and plus you’d become a Hydra which is like the ultimate point for astrological power.” she corrected.

“Don’t tempt me,” I joked.

“It had nothing to do with Hydra, your coma.” she assured. “But, there must be a valid reason as to why your genes are changing.”

I had a thought. More like, I remembered something that was a piece in a puzzle. I gasped.

“What is it?” she demanded. “Breathe!”

“No, no.” I said. “I’m fine but could it be because I got so close to a Star while Astral Traveling and it’s power radiated on me?”

She snorted. “Obviously not. If the Star was from Virgo or Ophiuchus then it couldn’t harm you. In fact, it would make you more powerful.”

I knew she was telling the truth.

“You’ll figure it out,” she said with so much certainty it actually gave me hope. “I’ll see you soon.” She waved and dissolved into blue dust. I sneezed when some of it got close to my nose.

Hellen arrived with my lunch of fried fish and a glass of freezing cold water. I imagined how disgusted and terrified Nathan would be at the cooked fish.

“I got extra fish for you since Nathan decided he’d rather starve than eat the representer of his Constellation. Even Mrs. Pisces refused to cook it.” Hellen said as she placed the tray in front of me. I tried not to laugh. I ate without any complain.

Few minutes later Anthony walked in with an expression on his face that said bad news.

“It’s confirmed,” he announced. “Your genes are changing but none of us can figure out why. I’m sorry, Annabelle.”

I was speechless. There was that nauseous feeling again. And the pretzel twisting. Hellen snatched my reports from him and read them as fast as she could.

“Are you even trying?′ she demanded.

“We’re doing our best,” Anthony said, defensive.

“I’m going to help you all out,” she decided. “I will do my own research. I want Annabelle’s medical record.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Anthony said and rushed out the door. I guess he didn’t like being bossed around but he was obviously used to it. Especially by the head of Crimsyn State, she probably demands anything she wants when she’s determined to get it done.

“I’ll also need a DNA scan and a blood sample,” she said to the nurse who returned with a red folder. It had my name written on it. She took the folder and added my reports to it.

“Yes, ma’am.” she said and sauntered to the end of the room.

“Don’t worry, Annabelle.” she smiled. “I will help you get better.”

I realized on my own that if my genes were changing it had something to do with my Constellation. More specifically, Ophiuchus. I showed Hellen my Sign and she said it was a step towards the answer. She took my blood sample and collected it in a vial. I saw golden Stardust mixed in with it. That’s how we know that someone has the ability to manipulate Constellations.

“DNA scan won’t be necessary,” Hellen said. She ripped out a strand of my hair, wrapped it in tissue paper and quickly hid it in her pocket. She left me alone in the hospital wing. I ate a little more even though it made me nauseous.

Anthony poked his head in, “Is she gone?” he whispered to me. I nodded and tried not to smile. He sighed out of relief and approached my bed.

His expression changed from scared to bad news face. I wondered how many people got that expression from doctors. “I just wanted to tell you that I can’t prevent what’s happening to you. Your cells, your DNA...having the power to manipulate Stars, it can affect your personality if your genes start to change. Your health and mind as well.” he said in one breath.

“After much research, all the doctors including myself think that there is no way we can keep it under control so we should just discharge you.” he told. “I’m really sorry, Annabelle.”

I tried to smile. “It’s okay. Not your fault.” I coughed. All of a sudden my throat was sore and my forehead was burning. “Do you know what’s going to happen to me?”

“Medically speaking: you’ll experience nausea, headaches, fevers and bruises on your body. Astrologically speaking: you might hallucinate, have visions or dreams meant to scare you, you’ll feel your traits get mixed up in your two Constellations. Your personality will change since your Constellations might be involved.”

“That’s it?” I asked.

“Did you want more?” he joked.

I didn’t tell him that those things were already happening to me. And there was no point because he couldn’t do anything about it. He asked me to sign a few papers and he let me leave.

I saw Tristan along with Lewis waiting outside the girls’ room for Amara. Tristan embraced me which made my stomach churn and bile rise in my throat. Normally, it would make me blush and stutter but not today.

“How are you feeling?′ he said, letting go.

“Fine,” I lied since I was dizzy all of a sudden. I saw two of everything until I sat down and massaged my temples.

“You’re not good at pretending, you know?” Lewis said.

“Is it that obvious?”

They both nodded. Amara stumbled out of the room, she looked like she’d been pushed.

“Belle!” she exclaimed as soon as she got on her feet. “How are you?”

“Fine,” I said. “What’s going on in there?”

Amara dusted her clothes. “Two words: Lyra Gemini.” she snorted.

“What did that girl do now?” Lewis sighed.

“She’s arguing with herself!” Amara told. “How is that even possible?”

“Anything is possible, trust me.” I muttered, crossing my arms. Three pairs of curious eyes feel on me.

“We will talk about this later,” Tristan whispered to me and faced Amara.

“She keeps switching between training uniforms and flashy outfits.” Amara said. “She mumbles stuff to no one in particular and groans in pain while holding her head. Sometimes I think she’ll rip her own hair out. Which is odd since her hair is her best friend, next to us.”

“I’ll talk to her,” I promised.

“Yeah,” Lewis snorted. “If she remembers you.”

I glared at him. Amara punched him in the chest. He yelped. “I meant, if she remembers any of us.” he rephrased.

“What did Anthony say?” Amara wondered, changing the subject.

I told them everything I knew. I showed them my Sign. Three Constellations twinkled in the sky as they swore not to tell anyone. When I was done, Tristan was more horiffied than me.

“We still have hope, though. Hellen has offered to help.” I comforted him. Expecting to be consoled by him, I rolled my eyes and tried not to laugh.

“For now, let’s worry about Lyra.” I decided. They nodded in agreement. I grabbed Amara and entered the girls’ room. Raelynn and Phoenix asked if I was okay. I lied again. Lyra was sitting on her bed with clothes scattered around her. She hugged herself and rocked back and forth.

“You have to get her under control,” Phoenix said.

“She’s making a scene,” Raelynn complained.

I walked up to her and sat down. “Lyra,” I spoke softly.

She looked up. Her makeup was smudged and her hair was a mess.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” Amara and I pretty much carried her to the bathroom. She didn’t walk by herself, she didn’t even turn on the tap. Lyra looked like she hadn’t slept in days. We washed her face. She insisted we go through her skin care routine before bed. Amara rolled her eyes but didn’t protest.

Finally, I helped her apply moisturizer. “What is this gooey stuff?” she gagged. Her voice didn’t sound like her own.

“It’s good for your skin,” Amara imitated Lyra.

“It’s too oily,” Lyra complained. “And what are you doing in the bathroom with me?”

“Helping you get your life together,” Amara muttered before I could answer.

“I don’t need help with that,” she almost yelled.

There was a knock on the door. “Everything alright in there?” It was Raelynn.

“We’re fine,” I said, loud enough for her to here. Amara tugged on my sleeve. I packed up Lyra’s skincare bag and swung the door open.

“I’ll give you your night suit,” I offered before she slammed the door in my face. I got out her suitcase, stuffed the skincare bag under her clothes and pulled out a pale pink nightgown. She opened the bathroom door and snatched it from my hands. A minute later the door opened and Lyra threw her clothes in my face.

“I thought you two were going to help me,” she said. Back to normal all of a sudden.

“Help you with what?” Amara raged, stopping my words.

“Help me get the dirt out of my hair. It’s going to take more than one person to put this back to what it used to be.” she answered.

Something sparked inside me. I gritted my teeth. “What are you talking about?”

“What do you mean?” Lyra looked at me like I was dumb.

“We were helping you before you made it very clear that you are functional on your own.” I yelled.

Lyra rolled her eyes and sighed. “When did I do that?” she shouted. “I’ve been in the bathroom by myself this entire time.”

“Oh, really?” Amara joined in. I felt all the girls staring at us but I ignored them.

“You two are insane!” Lyra bellowed. “You make me think that I’m the crazy one. Telling me things that never happened.”

“We have done nothing of the sort!” Amara insisted. She nudged me for backup but I was so angry I was shivering. Or that may have been a sign that I was going to convulse again.

“Lyra, do what you have to because I am tired of dealing with your problems.” I said harshly. “You make a mess with your wardrobe and you claim you know nothing about it. What has gotten into you?”

“Nothing has gotten into me,” Lyra said defensively. “You’re one to talk. I have no idea what...”

Lyra groaned as if in pain, still standing in the door frame. She put her hands on her knees. Amara pulled her away and sat her on the bed. Lyra’s face was swollen and red. She ran her fingers through her hair and tried to rip it out.

I was surprised that no one, including myself offered to help or even ask Lyra if she was okay. I glanced at the other girls, they were all stepping away as if Lyra’s condition was contagious and alien to them. Phoenix approached us slowly, Raelynn in her shadow.

“Let’s take her to the infirmary,” Phoenix whispered.

Lyra sucked in a deep breath. “Take who to the infirmary?” she asked in a strict voice.

“Not again,” I sighed.

Amara glared at me. “Lyra, don’t you know what just happened to you?”

“No,” Lyra answered. A part of me thought she was joking but her expression confirmed she was clueless. Amara and Phoenix exchanged looks.

“Lyra,” Raelynn spoke softly. “Come with me to the infirmary. We’ll get you some help.”

“I don’t need help,” Lyra insisted. She stared at her nightgown. “Who put me in this?” she gagged.

“Are you kidding me?” I shouted. I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“Belle, calm down.” Amara said.

“Ohhh,” Lyra realized. “So, you’re Annabelle. I’ve heard about you. That other boy...he told me you were unconscious. He claimed we were best friends but I didn’t even know your name until he told me.”

My mouth fell open and my eyes widened. She spoke as if she was meeting me for the first time. Like she had forgotten who I was and had to be reminded.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she demanded.

“Belle,” Amara whispered as Lyra pulled out her suitcase and looked for a new night gown. “Please, knock some sense into her.”

Amara was clearly as annoyed as I was but she still had it under control. I, on the other hand, was furious and defiant with my actions and words towards Lyra.

Lyra squinted at the sweatpants she had chosen. She massaged her suddenly red and swollen temples. “Where did these sweatpants come from?” she asked no one in particular, the same way she had gagged at her pink nightgown a few minutes ago.

“You just took them out of your suitcase!” Phoenix reminded but Lyra was confused.

“No, I didn’t.” she claimed.

“That’s it,” I said through gritted teeth. Lyra was being a nuisance and it was irritating. I pushed her suitcase under the bed, ignoring her protests.

What happened next was unanticipated, even by me. Something sparked inside me, I clenched my fists and punched Lyra in the face. She fell on the floor screaming. A few girls gasped, some had hands over their mouths in shock. Phoenix said something to Raelynn and she rushed out of the room. No doubt getting help.

“Annabelle!” Amara scolded as she helped Lyra up. Tears were streaming down her face and blood trickled down from her nose.

“Why would you do that?” Amara raged.

“You’re the one that said knock some sense into her.” I recalled. But even I didn’t know why I did that.

“I didn’t mean it literally!” I had never seen Amara so furious.

“I’ll get some ice,” Phoenix said and rushed out.

Amara held my gaze, her eyes begging for an answer. Lyra’s expression changed. Her face was red and like a balloon.

“Why does my nose hurt?” she touched it. “It’s bleeding!”

“It’s okay,” Amara comforted. “Phoenix is getting some ice for that.”

“Did I fall during training?” Lyra asked.

Amara shook her head. She got to her feet and whispered: “Apologize!”

“I’m sorry,” I said to Lyra. “I’m sorry I punched you. I don’t know why I did that.”

I expected her to be angry but instead she was confused. “That’s strange,” she said. “I don’t remember you doing that.”

She chuckled as if I had told a joke. Her giggles turned to laughter. I was frightened, as if I was dealing with a mad girl. Which i probably was, at this point. Amara sobbed, I knew it was because of Lyra going crazy. She was now cackling.

“Lyra,” I said. “Please go wash the blood off your face.”

She knitted her eyebrows in confusion. “Alright,” she stood. “And will you please stop mispronouncing my name?”

Amara stared at Lyra. We exchanged looks.

“A few days ago these strange two boys called me Lyra and claimed that they’ve known me for years but I had no idea who they were. I tried to explain that they were mispronouncing my name but they acted as if I was the dumb one.”

“How do we say your name then, Lyra?” I emphasized.

“I’ve seen you before but I don’t think we’ve officially met,” she said, ignoring my question. “Who are you?”

I knew now that she wasn’t joking. “Annabelle Virgo,” I said. Lyra smiled.

She held out her hand, expecting me to shake it and spoke: “Lyla Gemini.”