Page 62 of A Love of Wrath and Rapture

Perhaps that was a mistake.

Perhaps she and I don’t belong here after all.

I realize the decision is not mine to make as I pace around the living room, picking up various items to gain an insight into Evangeline’s thinking.

I should find her and talk to her.

The more I sit here, the more anxious I become. I don’t like it. I know that she doesn’t like it either.

Against my better judgment, I push open the door, amazed at how few humans are in the streets.

Don’t these creatures sleep at night like I do?

Where has everybody gone?

I search the streets, looking for signs of Evangeline. I can feel her anger growing, and as I move about the settlement, I slowly realize that she might be in trouble.

That’s when I reach a more official-looking structure, noticing guards stationed outside its perimeter. They aren’t well-armored, and don’t offer much protection for this settlement.

“Where has everybody gone?” I ask them, noticing how they recoil in fear as I approach.

I’m used to that reaction. But I accept it quietly, understanding that I need their help to find Evangeline.

“Haven’t you heard?” the man on the right offers, his voice shaking. “She’s meeting with the council about you.”

I’m surprised when they let me through, guiding me to a large door with a creature etched into its metal.

Pushing the door open, I enter a darkened room, finding myself surprised that Evangeline can see in here.

“All I’m asking is if it was self-defense, why aren’t the injuries anywhere near equivalent?”

I recognize the small man from the night before standing up in the crowd. I feel my blood growing hotter.

“If he attacked you in the middle of the night last night, why is he suffering from a broken wing while you only look scuffed up?”

“That’s enough, Evangeline,” a bored-looking elderly man says from the front of the room. “You’ve made your point already. But you need to deal with the consequences of that creature’s actions.”

A swell of anger courses through me and I realize that it isn’t my own. Then I feel a burst of pride, recognizing the powerful way she carries herself. These men and women gathered around her appear ready to lunge, but she still holds firm.

“Scuffed up! He took my face and he ruined it,” the small man says.

As I enter the room, he shies away, lowering himself back to his seat.

The room stares at me. I can feel their terror.

I can feel their hatred.

Evangeline watches me, not scolding me for my disobedience, but curious.

“All I’m saying is that he’s done nothing but protect you,” she says, taking my hand as I approach her. “But you attack him in the night. You scowl at him. You make him, a godly being who should be capable of burning this entire village to the ground, afraid of you, even though he shows you mercy.”

She addresses me, whispering quietly. I’m relieved to feel her warmth.

“I thought I told you to stay back at the house.”

I nod in response.

“It felt like you could use the help,” I reply. “But from the looks of things, you’re doing just fine without me.”

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