Gemini by Dylan Quinn

any of this." She turned to face me. Her shoulders sank, and her gaze fell to the floor.
    I crouched before her and lifted her chin with my fingers. "Come. Let's sit on the balcony." I stood and offered my hands, helped her to her feet and led her outside.
    We sat on a bench on the terrace overlooking Lake Michigan.
    "Remember Remie?” She asked. “You met him in the park."
    "Yes, I do.”
    "He told me a lot this morning. About Aravot, and the Firstborn Daughter." Her gaze was pleading. "Is that me?" When I did not answer, her cheeks reddened. "Am I your Gemini or not, Cade? It's a simple question."
    "You already know the answer to that. I’m not trying to keep things from you.”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. "You know, this isn't a great way to start off…" She inhaled a harsh breath. "Whatever this is.”
    I diminished the space between us and picked up her left wrist.
    Her hand trembled in mine.
    I turned it over, exposing her Gemini Seal. Ran my middle finger down her palm, from her fingertips to her wrist, and traced along the thin line of the seal.
    She stared intently as I brought her hand to my mouth and pressed my lips against her mark.
    I held her hand and set it on my chest, allowing her to feel my heartbeat’s rapid pace, which unbeknownst to her, was becoming like her own.
    Her body shuddered at my touch.
    I desired so much to tell her. To share everything, but I couldn't. I could only hope my actions would give her the answers she sought.
    "You can’t tell me anything?" Picking up my wrist, she rubbed her thumb in a circle over my Gemini Seal.
    “I would like nothing more, love. But none of that matters. You mustn't focus on titles. Listen to what your soul tells you to be true." I gazed into her eyes. "We do share a connection, one deeper than any other. And an epic history, but it’s one that in time, you must discover for yourself."
    "So, that’s it.” Her expression fell. “It’s all true." She appeared distraught at the news, and I must admit, it hurt a little.
    I wasn't sure how much information the Firstborns had shared with her or even what their guardians had shared with them. But it was important for Zoe to choose me—to choose to love me of her own free will. That her decision not be muddled by a sense of duty to saving her Tree, or from loyalty to the Eternals and Firstborns whose lives would also be affected.
    Her decision proved to Gabrielle and the Council that despite all the chaos and darkness in this world, love still remained, and humanity was worth saving.
    It was an admission of love—one that must be made by her, alone.
    "What or who you are is unimportant. It’s what’s inside your soul that matters."
    Her gaze dropped to our hands.
    "Your heart will lead you, love. When it’s open, it will reveal to you all the answers you seek."
    "You sound like you’re a hundred years old.”
    I could not hold back a laugh.
    "Happy to entertain you." She pulled away. "So now what?"
    "Spend time with me. Learn about us, and your heart will open to me." I placed my hand on her cheek. "In time. But first, you must learn to trust your instincts. Listen to your heart. Not your head."
    I truly yearned to tell her everything. Zoe was my best friend. Keeping secrets from my Gemini pained me.
    The answers she sought burned inside me—that if she didn’t choose me, the Tree of Souls would cease rejuvenating, and the remaining humans would bear soulless children. That evil would take over the earth, and death would come to all.
    That I would lose her—my Gemini and Twin Soul—for all Eternity.
    I longed to beg her to love me, but I couldn’t. I could only sit by, helpless. Plead silently that the imprint she said I had left on her soul would always lead her heart back to me.
    "It’s not that easy. I don't trust anyone. Not anymore," she whispered, then turned away. "Not even myself."
    I stood from the bench and faced her, placing my palms on her cheeks. I had to make her understand.