Page 45 of Frosted Torment

My eyes widened at this revelation. “Fascinating,” I murmured, my mind racing to comprehend that detail.

“And if depleted,” she continued, her voice dropping to a rough whisper, “they die. Like us, but it takes longer.” Her gaze met mine—piercing and profound—offering a glimpse into a mystical world I had only begun to grasp.

“Why would they give it away?” I asked, dropping the rope.

I walked over to the rock and used the tip of the boot to make an indentation around it. Ena didn’t complain, which surprised me. Due to the way she leaned against the gate, I could see she needed a break.

“The angels need a human connection to our land,” Ena noted. “It all comes together in their formula so that the ceremonies will work.”

After scooping out what dirt I could from around the rock, we summoned one final burst of exertion to wrench the gate open. I wedged my boot under it and overcame the stubborn rock’s tenacious grip on the soil.

“Finally!” she exclaimed with fervor and punched the air.

My mouth curved into a smile. “Not bad.”

Wrestling with the gate left my skin flushed and damp. I peeled off the gloves and jacket, then swiped my gritty hands across my jeans. The brisk wind kissed my skin, and I closed my eyes, savoring the moment until Ena’s voice stirred me.

“You gotta help me close this thing from the other side, Noa.” She laughed, nearly breathless.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” I panted as I looked back toward the truck, nervous that she had forgotten to grab the gun.

“We don’t need it through here, and by the time we reach Dawson’s, we’ll have all the protection we need.”

I decided to trust her, so I laid my jacket and gloves on the rocky ground to help close the gate. Once we tied it up and padlocked it again, I felt trapped. We were two vulnerable humans surrounded by a forest brimming with guardian wolves and other wild animals.

CHAPTER 18

“Let’s move on,” she said, urging me forward with an outstretched hand.

I took a deep breath and followed her along the worn dirt road. Its once-distinct tire ruts were now obscured beneath lush grass and tangled underbrush. Demons could be anywhere, and even if the wards had returned, they had failed before, meaning it could happen again.

Not to mention real wolves that could jump out at any moment. Even with angel essence, how could Ena, another human, protect us?

“So, the essence helps you perform ceremonies,” I stated for confirmation. “Does it let you do anything else?”

“A few rules,” Ena declared, ignoring my questions and treading ahead.

My pace now matched hers, and she removed her work gloves and shoved them into her back pocket. I threw my head back and groaned when I realized I had left mine back at thegate. She produced another pair of gloves from the inside lining of her coat.

These were different and made of a thin rubber-like material to match the russet hue of her flawless skin. A group of three small bumps gathered on the tip of each finger. She pulled them on, then peered over at me.

“What in the world are these?” I asked, taking her hands without asking, flipping them over to inspect them.

“Silicone gloves.” A coy smile spread across her face, and she continued forward.

“If you’re going to wear them, at least tell me why,” I implored her.

“You asked if I could do anything else by having angel essence, so I’m going to show you.” She stopped and faced me, taking a moment to study my reaction. “Many people think we are magical. We’re not.” Her lips pursed as she eyed me like she was making sure I was willing to listen. “We are spiritual, and we have a deep appreciation for the universe and all beings.”

I acknowledged with a nod. “Yes. Of course.”

“What we do and how we celebrate our existence is important to our heritage. It keeps our ways and culture alive.” Her eyes glinted as she stared at me.

“Absolutely.” I beamed. “We should admire and respect it all.”

“Nakoma and I are both medicine people. But I can’t perform the ceremonies for the angels without their essence,” she continued, worry crossing her face.

“What is it that you do for the angels?” I asked with a flutter of excitement in my stomach.

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