Page 97 of Frosted Torment

“I know,” I choked out and gestured for him to wait. “Hold that thought.”

My stomach churned at the thought of Vincent and his band of fallen angels. Their faces haunted me, reminders of endless agony. As I moved toward the patio, Dust Bunny bounded into the living room, her fur brushing against my ankles.

I scooped her up, cradling her close to my chest. “You’re coming with us,” I whispered fiercely and closed the door.

Vallen’s eyes narrowed at Dust Bunny, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. “She may not survive the trip.”

“She’s mine.” I cupped her tighter to my chest. “She’ll survive.”

He nodded in understanding, then stooped down and lifted Ivy’s bones into his arms. It was a somber sight, but it only served to remind me of how much was at stake. Portaling back to the ranch would be no easy task given my emotional state, but if I channeled the hatred for Vincent and Maros growing inside me, I would get us there.

I placed my hand on Vallen’s forearm and closed my eyes. Focusing on the familiar hum beneath my wrist, its rhythmic pulse invaded my senses as the world around us dissolved into a swirl of colors. When the dizziness subsided, we stood in the middle of camp—a hundred eyes fixed on us—ready to fight.

CHAPTER 34

Every muscle in my body tensed as we braced for an attack, my heart pounding in my chest. Dust Bunny nibbled at my finger, and I breathed a sigh of relief right before she puked in my hand.

“Come on!” I groaned, then shook off my hand.

I bent down to wipe it on the ground, and Vallen didn’t move. He scanned the crowd, searching for an ally.

“Stand down!” Jossy’s voice rang above them all as he walked through the middle of everyone huddled around us. Once he saw me, a flash of relief washed across his face.

I tucked Dust Bunny under one arm, then flung myself at my friend, wrapping the other around him. He held onto me so fiercely that I thought I would burst, but I didn’t care.

Then, behind him walked Dawson, Nevaeh, and Nakoma. Vallen released me, and I searched the faces until I landed on the one I was most excited to see.

“Welcome back,” Ena smiled and hugged me. Releasing me,her eyes filled with concern as she stood paralyzed, looking at the skeletal form Vallen held.

“Noa?” Jossy swallowed hard. “Who is he holding?”

Vallen stepped toward us and held out Ivy’s remains. “I’m sorry for this, brother.”

“It’s Ivy,” I sighed and closed my eyes while stroking Dust Bunny’s head.

Everyone sighed in relief, which shredded me up inside because they didn’t seem to care that she was missing her wings. All they saw was her betrayal, but it wasn’t the time to discuss it. Vallen handed Ivy’s remains to two other angels as Jossy doled out instructions to take her to the Valley of the Fallen.

“Wait,” Ena stopped us and smiled. “We thought Lex was with you.”

A lump formed in my throat as I realized I had to break the news about Lex. “Can we go inside Baz’s tent to talk, please?” I asked.

Dawson held open the flap of Baz’s tent, his face drawn with concern. Ena, Jossy, Nevaeh, and Nakoma walked in ahead of us, their steps heavy with anticipation. Vallen and I followed after Dawson. My chest tightened as I glanced at Ena, who clung tightly to her grandmother.

Once we gathered inside, Dawson looked down at me, a small but genuine smile crossing his lips. “Glad you’re safe, Noa.”

I guess my portaling skills are improving,” I said with a choppy laugh that did little to hide my discomfort.

Vallen glanced down at me, and his lips twitched. “You did well.”

My breath caught, and I blinked rapidly. “Was that... a compliment?”

“You’re embracing your responsibility. That’s all.” He lifted his head and watched everyone’s faces as they studied him.

“That was a compliment,” I whispered into Dust Bunny’s ear, tracing her soft fur with my thumb before planting a gentle kiss on her head.

Ena stepped closer, her eyes wide with anxiety. “Excuse me?” she asked urgently. “I’m trying to reach out to Lex on the radio, but I’m not getting a response. Is he doing something to help us?”

The last time I was in Baz’s tent, my guardian angel and I forged our signati bond somehow as we slept. I felt sick now, unable to hear his voice in my head. A pair of boots sat next to the bed and all his things were still in their place.

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