Page 45 of Angel of Ruin

"What? Sariel, I?—"

"I know you by now, Raxis," I say in a low voice, fists clenched. "Let it be. No human will get through the labyrinth, so you don't have to resort to tricks."

As I lie through my teeth, I'm hoping he believes me.

He sighs, clicking his tongue. "Sariel, it looks like you've become soft."

"No. I just want to see this end fairly." I take a few steps towards his desk. "If I find out that you or Zephyr have meddled with the labyrinth, I'll tear your wings off your body. Do you understand?"

The smile fades from his face. Then, his eyes narrow at me. "Don't tell me you're starting to go easy on the damn humans."

"Not at all. But enough with this juvenile shit. Let's try to maintain the integrity of some parts of these trials, alright?"

Before he utters another word, I depart from his office, slamming the door behind me as I go. My mind races, with thoughts of Lyra and her precarious future at the very forefront.

I want to trust in my little nexari, but there's still a chance something could go wrong. And everything we've built in secret could crumble within the blink of an eye.

I standat one of the observation platforms, my heart pounding as I watch Lyra take her first steps into the magical maze. The walls tower above her, shifting and changing even as she moves forward. I've never felt this nervous about a trial before.

"Come on, little nexari," I mutter under my breath, my wings twitching with anticipation.

Lyra pauses at a fork in the path, her brow furrowed in concentration. She closes her eyes, sensing the magical currents around her. A smile tugs at my lips as she chooses the correct path, avoiding a deadly pitfall.

"That's it," I whisper, clenching my fists. "You've got this."

As she progresses deeper into the labyrinth, I find myself holding my breath with each new challenge she faces. A group of spectral beasts emerge from the walls, their ghostly forms circling her menacingly. Lyra stands her ground, her hands glowing with magical energy. She dispatches them with a series of quick, precise spells, and I feel a surge of pride.

"Impressive," I murmur, unable to contain my admiration.

My eyes never leave her as she navigates through a series of shifting platforms, her agility and quick thinking on full display. With each obstacle she overcomes, my chest swells with an unfamiliar warmth. It's more than just attraction or a sense of duty—I genuinely want her to succeed, to prove everyone wrong.

She's done everything right. She has worked incredibly hard for this, and now, she's about to achieve what no other human before her has managed to do.

As Lyra approaches a particularly treacherous part of the maze, I lean forward, my wings spreading unconsciously as if I could fly in and help her. "Careful, little nexari," I breathe, watching her every move intently.

She hesitates for a moment, and I see doubt flicker across her face. But then she sets her jaw, determination blazing in her eyes, and pushes forward. My heart races as she narrowly avoids a magical trap, her quick reflexes saving her from certain doom.

"That's my girl," I say softly, a smile spreading across my face.

Supporting her means risking everything I've worked hard to attain. My lifestyle, my reputation. But to my surprise, none of that matters. Not anymore.

The only thing that I want to see is Lyra emerging victorious, with her life intact.

And maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to create a life together where the prejudices of the world won't faze us at all.

23

LYRA

Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I take a deep breath and keep going. I can't believe I've made it this far. My limbs are screaming at me to stop, but I can't. I won't. Not when I'm so close to the finish.

Turning a corner, I take a step forward but quickly jump back once I realize what's awaiting in front of me.

My heart pounds in my chest as I face the narrow passage ahead. Gleaming metal blades swing back and forth, their edges catching the light with a deadly glint. I swallow hard, fighting the urge to turn back.

Sariel's voice echoes in my head. "Timing is everything, little nexari. Watch the pattern, find your moment."

I force myself to breathe, to focus. The blades move in a rhythm—left, right, center, pause. Left, right, center, pause. I can do this. I have to.

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