Chapter one

Aliestar - 13

Zara - 12

Zara

I snuck a glance around the rooftop, my heart racing with excitement. Dad would kill me if he knew I was here alone. He's always attending to his "important business meetings" I mimicked his serious tone in my head, rolling my eyes.

I climbed up like we had planned, settling on our usual spot near the edge. The stone was cold beneath me, but I didn't mind. I wrapped my arms around my knees and I looked up.

I then looked around, no Aliestar yet

He was late. Again

But I waited, because he Always came.

I pulled out a juice box from my pocket, a little squished from the climb. It was grape, my favorite.

I tried to poke the straw in but it bent sideways. I flipped it, squeezed to hard, and a bit leaked on my hand.

Ugh!

Aliestar always did this part for me. Always with that smug "you're hopeless" look on his face before handling it back like he'd just saved the world.

I tried again, stabbing the straw at the box in frautration.

"That's not how you open a juice box"

My head snapped around and there he was, standing behind me. That same teasing grin on his face. Hair messy from the wind, backpack half unzipped, like he'd run to get here

"What took you so long" I said, trying to sound stern. And he chuckled, taking the juice box from me.

"It wasn't easy sneaking past my parents" he said as he took the box from my hands like it was the easiest thing In the world, slid the straw I perfectly and handed it back to me

I took a sip, feeling more relaxed he was here.

"I'm happy you made it, i was starting to think I was going to watch the stars alone"

"I would never miss star gazing, with my zee" he said jokingly.

From his bag he pulled out a folded mat, shaking it open with a dramatic flair. "Tonight is our third time this month. We are practically professional now"

We giggled as he dropped it clumsily, patting the space beside him.

I lay down beside him, shoulders brushing his. Both of us staring at the sky, like it was telling a story.

"You know, I don't say this much but.We've been friends since I was six" I said quietly, "because your dad works for mine"

He didn't say anything, just kept looking up, listening like he always did.

"I never really... connect to people, even when I tried. But with you....." I glanced at him, and he was already looking at me

"....It's like you just get me" he smiled, soft this time. Not teasing, just real.

We weren't just friends, it felt like more. Something unspoken, something safe.

I turned back to the sky

"I never want to leave your side, Aliestar"

I whispered.

He didn't answer right away, but his pinky reached over and hooked around mine.

"I never want to leave your side either" his words stuck with me.

Until he added, almost like a whisper

"But what if we don't stay friends... forever"

I sat up blinking

"what? Why would you say that"

He didn't look at me right away, his eyes stayed on the stars. But the light in them dimmed.

"I've been noticing things" he said quietly "our parents, i don't think they are okay."

He finally looked at me

"Zara, if they part ways... if something happens between them, they'll pull us apart too. We're kids, we don't get to choose. We follow our parents"

I wanted to argue, to say he was wrong. But deep down, I knew he was right.

My father was always complaining to my mom when he thought I was asleep, about how thier partnership wasn't working anymore. How they were "drifting in different directions" and how soon, it will be better for everyone to part ways.

I knew this could affect us.

So, I slid the bracelet off my wrist. It was just a simple braided one that I always wore. I held it out to him.

"If anything ever happens, this willl remind us"

He looked at me, confused.

" We'll exchange" I explained "these bracelets... they'll mean we are still connected . Even if our parents mess everything up, even if we are far away. They'll mean we are still friends. Always"

He slowly took of his and gave it to me. We tied them around each other's wrists, small fingers fumbling but determined.

I smiled

"When my father gets old, I'll take over his company" I looked him in the eyes " we'll run it together. Just like now. You and me....."

*******************

13 YEARS LATER.....

Zara

"It's just me" I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible. "I've never felt so alone"

I looked deeper into my own eyes, searching for something. Answers maybe...or the girl I used to be

"But powerful" I added, louder but this time, steadier.

When did responsibility and power become the sharp line dividing who I was.....and who I'd become.

I remembered the night....Everything changed.

I was sixteen

I watched my parents get assassinated... watched thier blood spill over me as I stood there, frozen, helpless. The screams still echoes in my head, a scar that never fades.

It took away my innocence, and gave me a new purpose, power and revenge.

They thought I was too young, but it's been eight years now and I'm still running my father's empire. I built it with blood in my hands, and I would do anything to keep it.

I am Zara forensk.....

"Ma'am, I'm done" the makeup artist doing my hair said, as she cut through my thoughts.

I stared into the mirror. My hair, dark, Rich Cascade fell in glossy curls. My lips painted a deep blood red, deliberate. Adding a dangerous shine to the power I wore like a second skin.

I stood admiring my reflection, Zoey rushes in, slightly out of breathe. "Zara the engagement is about to start, we should head out"

I glanced at her briefly before turning back to the mirror, my voice calm and composed "Is he here yet?" I asked, referring to the groom.

Zoey hesitate for moment before answering, with fear as she carefully picked her words "no ma'am, but his on his way"

I let out a laugh, the sound dripping with sarcasm "so, he wants me to wait"

Zoey rushed to defend him "No, he just had some slight delay"

I fall silent for a moment, my gaze drifting away from the mirror as my mind seems to shift into a different gear. My voice calm

"I'm calling off the wedding"

Zoey eyes widened in shock, she took a step closer trying to plead "please don't do this, the board wants you to marry. You can't continue running this empire alone"

I turn to face her, my expression unyielding

"I've been running this empire since my father was murdered .For once I wanted to please the board. But men?" I scoffed " Men will always disappoint"

She opened her mouth to argue but I didn't let her

"I won't beg for punctuality. If he can't show up on time for our engagement, he doesn't deserve me. Or this alliance."

I walked pass her, heels echoing with purpose

"this empire is mine. And from now on, I won't let anyone forget that"