Page 40 of Wings of Death

The Ring of Rykel is one of the five weapons of the gods.

My gaze snaps to Suda’s. I’m wearing a handcrafted weapon, made by the gods.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Suda stares cautiously at my ring, and I can’t help but touch it, absentmindedly twirling it on my finger.

“Be careful, Zarla. I can’t imagine what some would be willing to do to you to get that ring.”

Her words twist my stomach. She’s right. I quickly slip the ring off and tuck it into my pocket.

“Wise idea,” she notes.

The musky scent of the book refocuses me on the pages, and I turn them, eager to learn of the remaining four weapons. But there’s no more information about the weapons. I flick through the pages, but there’s nothing. Suda steps forward and frantically searches through the book before slamming it shut.

“Gods above!” she shouts, and then she holds her hands over her mouth as she paces the small room.

I frown at her. “What is it? Where are the remaining pages?”

She waves a hand toward the book. “They’re gone. Someone’s taken them.” She curses under her breath. “If your father finds out, he will put me before The Throne.” She continues pacing, her features wrinkled with worry.

“It’s okay, Suda. It’s not your fault,” I tell her, placing my hands on her arms to stop her.

“You don’t understand, Zarla. I am the only one who holds the key. I keep it with me at all times. How could someone have gotten in here? It’s not possible. Unless…” Her voice drifts off as she stares at the door.

“Unless what?” I ask.

Her gaze finds mine, her eyes brimming with fear. “Unless someone has found another way in.”

Is that even possible?

“How?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I have said enough. I think it best you leave now, dear. Wouldn’t want to put my foot in it any more than I already have. But please, no one can know of this,” she pleads, pressing her hands together.

I reach out and take her hands in mine. “I won’t tell anyone, I promise.”

I head back to my quarters, carrying the ring in my pocket for fear of anyone else seeing it. So far, Amaros, Zalore, possibly Finlay, and now Suda know. I can’t risk anyone else finding out, especially now that I know how powerful it is.

Something she said about my father concerned me. Why was he so hell-bent on hiding that book? Was it simply because he didn’t want it to end up in the wrong hands? Of course, that would make sense. But something unsettles me by it. By his need to hide that information. And I can’t help the anxious feeling building within.

How have I lived a full eighteen years and never once learnt or heard about these weapons of the gods? One of which my mother had. Where did she get it from, and did my father know she had it? My thoughts drift to my bed where I have hidden herjournal beneath the mattress. Perhaps I will find the answers in there.

The corridors of the castle are silent as I make my way back to my quarters. I’m thankful not to bump into anyone on my way. The last thing I need is someone to pick up on my nerves. I’ve always been a terrible liar. I hate lying, and I would rather avoid it.

As I touch the handle to my door, a sudden wave of power washes over me, and I fall to my knees. Gods above, what was that? I scan the corridor, thankful I’m still alone as I climb to my feet.

And then it hits me again. I brace myself against my door, taking several deep breaths.

Kyle. This power is coming from Kyle.

Kyle, I’m coming, I say through the bond, not that he can hear me.

Zarla? What’s going on? Is Kyle okay?

My body shakes as anger builds. Finlay isn’t with Kyle, again.

Where the hell are you, Finlay?I demand through the mind link.

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