Sorrow and Starlight: Zodiac Academy 8

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, antigay bias, self-harm, sexual content, and substance use.

The war council devolves into arguments as the Celestial Councillors question the Vegas’ ability to lead, while Geraldine defends them. Seth interrupts to share that Lavinia has birthed a monstrous Heir for Lionel. Though the council is shaken by the news, they soon devolve into arguing again. Desperate to escape, Seth joins Caleb at their secret hideaway. Just as they start to relax, Washer interrupts and invites them to a full-moon ritual on the beach.

The ritual ends up as a wild beach party full of sex and heavy drinking. Seth approaches the tattoo artist Carson for a design on his back. Carson agrees, but only so long as he gets to break Seth’s fingers at will while working. Seth, lost in a self-destructive spiral, accepts.

Geraldine provokes Max by positioning herself seductively on a rock and calling him over. Max resists, telling her that he’s frustrated that others see her affection for him as temporary, only for her to challenge him to prove to the world that she belongs with him. Max finally agrees, and he has sex with her in full view of everyone else on the beach.