Page 110 of Wings of Death

I unknowingly move closer to him, and he chuckles. His lips curl into a smirk, showing his perfect white teeth, and he reaches down and strokes my cheek with his icy fingers. My skin prickles at his touch, and I shiver.

“To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

Despite the dim lighting, the glow of the moonlight is just enough to illuminate the clearing so I can see him. He’s wearing the same black clothing, his hair styled to the side.

“Something bad is happening in the Kingdom. I can feel it,” I say.

He circles me like a predator does its prey, and anxiety creeps into my chest.

“Have you been enjoying the dark magic?” he asks, ignoring what I have said.

“It has been very helpful so far. How long can I use it?”

He chuckles, and his cool breath tickles my neck. “It has no bounds or limitations. Use it at will. But be warned, little angel. You may not be able to part with it, even when you feel you are done.”

He moves around to stand in front of me once more and reaches out to pick up a lock of my hair. His gaze trails down my body and back up again, meeting my own.

“Do you have a name?” I quietly ask.

He drops the lock of my hair and smirks. There’s something as equally unnatural about it as it is alluring. “I do, and I rarely give it out, but for you, I will.”

I eagerly wait for him to tell me as the sounds of the forest intensify. Zelons yelp in the distance, causing me to jump, and I swallow the fear down.

“Alaron,” he tells me

“My father removed my guardian markings and has forbidden me from leaving the Kingdom. Do you know of a way I can leave?” I ask, my voice hopeful.

He’s silent as he studies me, and I wonder if he’s not going to answer me.

“You know the answer to that already, deep inside yourself.” He presses a kiss to my forehead and then vanishes.

Once he’s gone, I suck in a deep breath of fresh air as the pressure subsides. I walk to the edge of the rocks and brace my hand against one before I step through them and back into the clearing. The pressure immediately lifts, but before I can relax, a branch snaps. My focus shifts to the tree line as several Zelons saunter into the clearing.

The one in front is male, flanked by two females. One female bares her teeth while a low growl rumbles from her chest. She lowers her head as I stand as still as possible. Will they see me asprey under the guise of darkness? Will they remember our last encounter with the watchers and see me as an enemy?

The male moves forward, as leaves and twigs crunch beneath the weight of his paws. He sniffs my neck and then licks me. I let out a long breath as I relax and reach up to scratch him behind the ears. I’m almost certain he’s the same Zelon I rode over the Dark Forest last time.

“Hey, boy,” I say, and he purrs in response.

He nudges me with his nose several times, and I know it’s an invitation. He wants to take me somewhere. I climb up onto his back as the two females spread their wings out and take off into the air above the trees, and he follows. I curl my arms around his neck and hold on tight while he soars high above the forest.

The cool autumn air whips at my face as we speed over the forest before touching down in the familiar clearing. Fear courses through me at the memories I now hold for this place. I can practically see Zalore standing at the Gateway of the Gods. I blink, refocusing on the gateway, and climb down off the Zelon. He yelps and nudges me forward.

“Okay, okay.” I laugh and walk toward the gateway.

In the darkness, it’s difficult to see, but that same shift in the air is evident, and there’s a slight glow to it that’s only just visible to my knowing eyes. I stop right at the entrance and reach my hand out to the gateway. There’s a strange buzzing sound, and when my fingers pass through it, a tingling sensation washes over me.

I step back as my mouth gapes open. Am I able to pass through the Gateway of the Gods? Fear freezes me in place, and I’m unsure what to do. Do I risk trying to make my way back to Zarquon, to Kyle? What if I end up in Galespo with Zalore? The thought sends chills slithering down my spine.

It occurs to me I don’t have a choice. I’m out of options, and it’s a risk I have to take. My father’s not willing to listen to whatI have to say about my mother’s murder. I’m unable to get back to Kyle, and this may well be the only chance I have.

I bring a picture of Kyle’s Kingdom to the forefront of my mind and jump through the gateway. My body swirls as I free-fall through the darkness. A scream ripples out of my chest before a bright light appears below me, growing from a speck to an opening eight feet wide. I drop through it and land with a thud on soft grass. I blink my eyes as they adjust to the light and scan my surroundings.

The sounds of water running nearby fill my ears, and a strong familiarity settles inside me. I’ve been here before.

“Zarla?”

I spin around to face my mother, wearing that same gold dress. “Mum?”

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