Page 16 of Wings of Desire

“No, I’m fine.” It’s not a lie, I’m fine now that he’s with me. Still, I can’t calm the racing of my heart or the anxiety that we will never be safe, even here.

The glowing blue lights cast an ethereal glow over his body. His eyes appear brighter, and there’s a subtle glint of mischief lingering there. Once my feet are back in the pool, his hands are on my thighs, holding me like I’m an anchor.

“If I were notarcanil, I could have protected you.” He lets out a rush of air from his nostrils before his lips find the inside of my left thigh peppering soft kisses there.

My hands settle on the tops of his shoulders, running my fingers in the little ruff around his neck. “What does that mean?”

Xakiras glances at me with a flicker of pain in his eyes before briefly closing them. “Anarcanilis someone without magick. I was born without the gift, which means I miss out on many of the comforts others enjoy. Still, I do own my own home.”

I tip my head, intrigued. “So, you are in a caste system here on this planet? Does this mean you have kings and queens?”

He nods his head slowly, his expression clouded with sadness. “Yes, there is a hierarchy. Thearcanilare a lower caste, lacking in magickal ability.”

I’m captivated by the layers of history of his society that he’s revealing Xakiras’s demeanor, however, reveals the weight of his struggle.

“How difficult would it be for someone without magick to live here?” I ask, wondering about all the challenges he may face.

“We have thekunisket;they are a family who rules us alongside the caliphate. The Volese are our working class, and anyone without magick is often relegated to whatever skill set they may have. Why do you ask, Echo?” His hands softly continue trailing up my legs, until they rest just at the inside below my pussy.

“Stop distracting me. I have a lot of questions. Like the Volese, they are a slave class?” I kick my leg at him, and he grabs it with another hand, smirking deviously.

“They are not slaves. They work for our protection. Without us, they would have been murdered by the Sagath when they took their territory. This forest is very unsafe for most of our people. Only hunters and the Volese farmers come here. It is far too easy to get lost or lose your life in the forest. This area especially is unsafe. TheAmae’silshift and move. One area may look entirely different the next time you venture inside. It is very easy to die in the forest.” His fingers rub small circles on my leg with a tender look on his face. It’s clear that he doesn’t want this conversation to last, as a dark rumble comes from his throat.

I’m flabbergasted by how horny he is.

“I’m glad you rescued me, then. I would have hated being eaten by those trees or potentially being lost forever.” Finally,sliding into the water in front of him, I grab onto his shoulders for support so that we are face to face.

Xakiras’s hands come up to brush away my hair that has stuck to my face. “I would not allow you to die regardless of our differences.” He looks at me tenderly, and I realize he means every word. “I hope the caliphate will allow you to find your people soon.”

“We were supposed to be here to terraform your planet for us to live on. We had no idea there was intelligent life here, but I worry that they’re gone for good. What if all of them are dead?” I bite at the edges of my lips and look up into his eyes, finding that he’s turned his eyes away from me.

“Otoki,they are all dead. The Krel leave nothing alive, and if they do, then it will not be a pleasant experience for them.”

Tears sting at my eyes and the weight in my stomach overrides the lump in my throat. “They can’t all be dead. Someone has to be alive?—”

Xakiras turns to me with a pained expression, slowly shaking his head. “They are gone,” he whispers.

“If I tell the Imperium about this, they’ll retaliate. They’ll go to war with whoever is responsible for my crew’s death.” I manage through choking sobs. “Your planet will never be the same.”

With a deep sigh, Xakiras pulls me into his strong arms to comfort me. “Echo, do not ever say that to theKugitauriwhen you meet them.” His tone is sharp, commanding, and yet his eyes are still filled with care. “We will never speak of that again.”

His tight grip on me forces all my emotions to come out all at once. “It’s unfair; we had no idea there was sentient life here,” I say sobbing.

Tears stream down my face uncontrollably as I cling to Xakiras. His touch on my back and in my hair brings me a sense of comfort. The thought of the Imperium coming to destroy thisplace fills me with guilt. I can’t bear the idea of being responsible for the annihilation of everything Xakiras holds dear.

Pretending

Echo clings to me in the warm waters, her body pressed against mine as if she never wants to let me go. Stars, I can’t stop thinking about how much I want to keep her safe and never let her leave. Her shoulders tremble with her violent sobs, and I continue to stroke her hair, whispering reassurances that everything will be alright. It’s likely a lie, because I am unsure it ever will be.

As we hold one another, I hear the soft patter of tiny feet on the cave floor. The Volese have returned with food as promised. They are considerate enough not to disturb us, instead quietly placing the food on the edge of the pool before leaving.

“Otoki,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “You must eat. The water will help us both heal. After we rest, we’ll search for my men. My wings will heal but, I will need time to dry them.”

She shakes her head, sniffling. “I don’t know if I can eat.”

The tiny thread of composure I have left snaps, and I pull her from my hold. “You will eat.” My voice is firm as I tip her chin up with my finger. “Do you understand me?”

Echo’s eyes smolder with defiance, narrowing indignantly. “Are you fucking serious?” Her tears are still fresh, but herlips twist into a grimace that stirs my temper. She’s intent on pushing back. Does she not understand that I’m wanting her to gain her strength back?

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