Page 65 of A Love of Wrath and Rapture

“You stopped being my people when you drugged me and dumped me far away to die.” I take a step back. “I should have realized that sooner.”

Xeros’s grip on my hand tightens, and I know he’s got my back. This fills my heart and strengthens my resolve.

“I know that the waira threat will persist and that they’re growing in strength and ferocity, but that’s no longer our problem. I wish you the best in facing them.”

I turn to walk away, a guilty, sinking feeling in my stomach.

“If you leave now, Evangeline, you’ll be considered a traitor. You’ll never be welcomed back.” Hilda’s voice is as cold as a blizzard.

My head held high, I keep walking without giving her the satisfaction of a response.

Xeros ruffles his wings as if in defiance to the council, his thumb caressing my hand.

The sun is bright in our eyes as we exit the council’s chambers, and the sight of the village bathed in sun rays tugs at my heartstrings.

This is probably the last time I’ll see any of these people.

Xeros lets go of my hand and grabs my chin to make me look at him. “I’ll forever be at your side. Don’t ever doubt that.”

I can’t help but smile. “I know that. Thank you.” For a moment I want to resist the urge to kiss him, but then think better of it.

Fuck it. Let them watch in shock.

I grab at his chest, pull him lower, and kiss him on his ever-tempting lips. He smiles into the kiss and wraps his arm around me to pull me closer.

There is an audible gasp from somewhere behind us and I start to feel spiteful. I deepen the kiss. With satisfaction, I can feel people around us staring.

When we finally break apart, only because we’re breathless, there’s a grin on Xeros’s face.

I mirror his expression. “We don’t need anyone or anything else.”

He nods, takes my hand, and leads me towards the home we’ve shared here for the last time. We walk slowly as if to take in the sights and sounds of the village and imprint them in our minds.

We pass Idel’s stall, where she's preparing special meat cuts again. This kind of promotion is unnecessary in such a small village, but she’s always been stubborn about that.

She gives me a small wave before calling me over. “Why don’t you two try out this new type of meat? It’s got a funky taste but I think it’s pretty good.” She hands me and Xeros each a skewer with big chunks of fried red meat.

I take a small bite and immediately get overwhelmed by the wild flavor of the meat and the sharp bitterness of the herbs she used.

Before I can say a word, Xeros lets out a satisfied grunt. “It’s good,” he says in between bites.

Laughter bursts out of my mouth and I don’t try to stop it. I’m allowed to at least enjoy my last day here, right?

“Thank you, Idel. It’s… interesting.”

Her grin is wide and she starts preparing more meat skewers with increased fervor.

We continue our walk and I hand Xeros my unfinished meat. He’s too grateful and the enthusiasm makes me chuckle.

As we follow the same path through the village I’ve taken so many times before, the sinking feeling in my stomach becomes heavier. A sick, green tightness envelops my heart.

It’s not fair. This was my home, and I loved it so much. Why did things have to work out this way?

Xeros intertwines his taloned fingers with mine and I instantly feel reassured. We are in this together.

Determined to actually enjoy our time left in the village, I lead Xeros through my favorite areas. From the wishing fountain to the shops I frequented when looking for something nice to wear, I take a literal walk through memory lane.

The sun starts to set as we wind our way through my favorite haunts. While most of the people on our way keep their distance, a few of them greet us and make small talk.

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