The journey to the planet Scylla was over. They had returned home. She no longer hoped for her parents and knew that there was no one she belonged to on Scylla. As soon as the rocket doors opened, she stepped out and noticed Liv running towards her, throwing herself into a hug. She could feel the strength of her love. She hugged her tightly, and Arabella felt as if she wasn't alone after all. She had Liv and Orion.
– Arabella... Arabella, I'm sorry for everything and for not being there for you – she said as she held her tightly.
– That's why you're here now, and I appreciate it a lot.
– But I was needed the most back then! Losing parents is not a small thing – she slowly released her grip.
– I survived it, and now everything is okay.
– And you had Orion by your side. I should have left with him when he told me the news.
– How? Did he tell you?
– Yes, as soon as he arrived, I guess. He looked for me to tell me. He didn't let me go with him. We had a fierce argument, but I couldn't win. I'm sorry about that.
– It's okay. Why didn't he let you go with him?
– Probably because he didn't want you to ruin his plans.
She shrugged.
– What plans?
– Come on, Arabella, how do you not notice? – she said excitedly.
– What?
– Him and his actions.
– Where is he now? – she asked, looking around.
She tried to change the subject because nothing had happened between them. They remained trapped in that time. Everything that happened stayed there, waiting for an answer. She was curious where he was now because she hadn't seen him since they left the rocket. They had spent most of the journey in silence. They exchanged only a few words. Orion mostly stayed near the rocket's main junctions.
– I haven't seen him – Liv answered, surprised, looking around.
The next day, they didn't have math class because the winner of the competition was being announced then. Arabella stood in the crowd, impatiently waiting for it to end. She wasn't very happy that people still considered her a cheater and nothing had changed in that regard. She hadn't seen Orion since yesterday when they were supposed to leave the rocket.
***
He had one more class before the official announcement of the winner. He was heading to the geography classroom when he heard someone calling him. He turned and saw a creature unfamiliar to him. It was Aurora.
– Orion, wait – she shouted in the middle of the hallway.
– Who are you and what do you want from me? – he asked, standing still and facing her.
– I'm Aurora. I came to tell you something about the math competition.
She approached him, and he started feeling anger because of it.
– I don't have time.
Turning, he walked toward the classroom.
– Arabella is not guilty of the competition. I falsely accused her – she suddenly said.
– Why? – he asked loudly and sharply turned towards her.
– Because I'm in love with you and because she annoys me ever since that Deathower case.
– You will personally apologize to her at the winner's announcement, is that clear! – he ordered strictly.
– And one more thing, you didn't achieve anything with this because you never had a chance with me. You creatures are too horrible, and you are a perfect example.
Walking away, he felt the injustice Arabella was enduring. Soon after, he stopped and said:
– I forgot to say one more thing, stay away from Arabella and you better not do anything nasty to her again. You'll have problems with me – then he completely left her, leaving her standing alone like a statue in the middle of the academy hallway.
***
Now she saw him standing next to Professor Margaret, who was preparing to start the introductory speech. He looked great. He wore a black shirt and black wide trousers. He was driving her crazy with that look. She started burning again with the desire to touch his body in any way.
– Good day to you all. With this gathering, I want to announce the final winner of the math competition – Professor Margaret spoke, pulling Arabella out of her own thoughts.
– I hereby call Orion to take his place. He is the winner! Address us – she said, exchanging places with him.
– First of all, I want to emphasize that I am not the winner of this competition. The actual winner is Arabella, who lost the title due to a false accusation.
Hearing Orion's statement, everyone turned towards her. Numerous eyes were fixed on her. Her body became stiff. Under that pressure, she managed to notice Orion looking at her. That gave her some comfort, and she felt relaxed.
– Aurora will now approach Arabella and apologize because she falsely accused her – he continued.
Everyone watched in astonishment as Aurora approached her.
– Arabella, I'm sorry, it was my fault – Aurora said.
– It's okay – Arabella replied. She was surprised by her gesture.
Then she heard Orion's voice again.
– Okay now, Arabella, come to the stage to receive your award and diploma – he ordered her.
She pushed through the crowd and joined him on the stage. They exchanged diplomas, and thus the competition problem was resolved.