41. Lies And Deceit

**Rosé**

There is no way. Why... why is she here.

The goddess standing in front of me stepped forward. I took a step back.

"I'll only allow you to come near me if you tell me why you're here." My hands acted as a shield between her and I.

Kara frowned. Her eyes appeared glossy, as if she would cry at any minute.

"I have no intention to hurt you, dear," her voices said. "But I need to remind you of the danger of what you're doing with Syll."

A sour laugh flowed out of my mouth. Of course. Was this the deception Syll warned me about?

I placed a hand on my hips. "You don't need to worry about that. I've been hanging on just fine."

"Syll has been teaching you how to extract energy and use it for your own will, didn't she?"

I frowned. "What about it?"

Kara closed her eyes. She lowered her head.

"Such power will only do more harm than good. As a Tempester, there's so much light you can bring to the world."

"There's nothing else you want to say, right?" I glanced over my shoulder, back at the camp. "Then I'll be taking my leave."

"She only wants you for your power!" Kara raised her voices. "She's an evil goddess that wants to take the throne from me. She has successfully silenced the other powerful gods. It won't be long now before she has this realm in her hands. Whatever it is that you need her for, I'd be happy to help you. I'm certain that together, we can put an end to her."

It started with a giggle, then developed into full-blown laughter. Help, she said?

"Where have I heard this before?" I tapped my cheek. "Where was this 'help' the gods offered me when I needed them all these years ago? Recently, only one of you answered my prayers when I needed divine intervention the most. You gods only seem to make an appearance when there's something you want from us mortals. If so, then I'd rather stay with the devil I know, thanks."

I walked away. I was so done with people getting on my nerves and acting like they give a damn about me. If she thinks she can truck me, she has another thing coming. Only one so-called "god" has proven themselves to me, and that's Syll.

There is always the possibility of there being things I don't know, but isn't that always how it works? I won't know the future unless I stare my present down in the face. And my present tells me that I'm not in the clear yet. I still have more training to do. I need Syll just as she needs me.

"Please, don't go!" Kara begged. "At least consider what I've said, even if it sounds like a lie! If you want to meet me again, keep my name and the image of me in your mind. Your power will call for me."

"If that time comes, you'll know."

Just like I promised, I left the woods, leaving that being who called themselves a goddess behind. Sure, there is always a chance that neither of them are trustworthy.

But I refuse to think otherwise. There is no one in this world that I can trust. The only thing I can rely on is the hand that feeds me. And right now, that hand is Syll.

_____

"We know that it was a long drive," one of the teachers said. "And you must be hot. So we'll head onto our first challenge of the day. Water Relay! You'll form teams of five and compete with two other teams at a time. Just a reminder, we brought a jar with us with money to buy things for the halloween party tomorrow night. If you would like to add to that, feel-free to. It's not a requirement. You have thirty minutes to change into your bathing suits. If there are any issues, discuss them with Mr. Montgomery."

I looked at the jar sitting where the eating area is. A thought popped into my head. I couldn't help but smile. A smile I quickly dropped. No one here deserved to see it.

And just like that, we were dismissed.

"I think I'm gonna have to sit this one out," Keona said as we were walking back to our tent. "I didn't bring any bathing suits."

"Sorry," I sheepishly apologized. "If I knew that there would be a lake here, I would have told you."

"Hehe, it's okay. Can't be helped, right? Are you going to participate?"

I thought about saying no, then I shook my head. "Might as well." This is my last year of highschool. I can't stay on the backburner forever. That would make too many people happy.

I planned to wear something else in place of a bathing suit, however I found one packed to the side of my bag. Mom must have put it there in case I needed it. I missed her, and Dad. I wonder if they are taking care of him at rehab…

After getting changed, Keona and I walked back to the clearing. We strode by a tent close to the edge of our camping grounds. Someone was inside talking. I froze. I recognized that voice.

The closer I was to it the clearer it became. Margo. She sneaked her damn way into this stupid school trip. How come no one caught her yet? Should I tell the teachers?

No. My hands clenched into tight fists. Why waste such an opportunity? I'll take care of her myself.

Keona touched my shoulder. "Are you good, love? Your fingers are…"

"Oh!" I relaxed my muscles. "It's fine." I tried to smile, but my smile didn't quite meet my eyes.

"Hmm."

Keona took my hand into her. She turned it so that my palm was facing the sky. Once she accomplished that, she started massaging it with her thumb.

"Whenever I'm stressed," she said. "My mom would massage my hands. If she couldn't, then my brother would. It helped put my mind at ease when I didn't feel like talking about it. It's a nice reminder that someone is there to support you. Just like I'm here. So don't sweat it, love."

I smiled. "Thanks."

"Of course. Just so you know I take payments in donuts."

We giggled and walked side by side the rest of the way.

"Alright, alright! Almost everyone participating." The teacher from before pointed to his left. "Over there is the lake we'll be hosting the race. Now I'll list off the teams."

I sighed and took a deep breath. Out of the corner of my eyes I noticed Robin and my ex standing a small distance away, also in their swimwear and waiting for their names. I focused on what's in front of me.

"...And Team 3. The members are: Camelia Josey,

Joshua Marcus,

Manuel Hawk,

Robin Sharpe,

And Rosé Myers. One of you come to collect your buton."

Manuel and I turned to look at each other at the same time.

Manuel was the first to stop staring and scoff.

"No matter what, don't get in my way," he snarled. "I don't need you of all people to tarnish my immaculate reputation."