Page 95 of Wings of Death

I don’t respond, knowing she has no intention of being nice.

She looks at her friends and then back at me. “Are you wearing your mother’s gown? That’s a bit tacky, isn’t it?”

I grit my teeth together as my powers surge within me.

Contain yourself, Zarla, the voice in my mind tells me.

Although it’s almost impossible when she is such a bitch all the time. How dare she.

Her red lips curl up at the sides, pleased to get a reaction out of me. It always appears to be her goal in life, to upset me or prod at old wounds. It’s some sort of sick and twisted game to her.

I eye her up and down. “I don’t think you’re one to comment on being tacky, and my mother’s choice in dresses is anything but.”

Her friends all giggle, and she glares at them before setting her blue eyes on me.

She takes a step forward. “I saw you with Amaros earlier. Do you really think he has any interest inyouwhen he can haveme?”

Is she for real? She’s totally and utterly delusional. “I’ve told you there is nothing between Amaros and me.”

She stares down her nose at me. “You could never be worthy of him. You have no idea how special he is.”

I swallow, trying to hide the small smile threatening my lips. “If you have to be this concerned about Amaros being into me, then if I were you, I would take a look in the mirror. Because clearly there’s something missing if his eyes are elsewhere.”

With that, I turn to leave, but she grips my arm, digging her nails in.

“You think you’re better than me?” she taunts. “Look at me. I’m better than you in every way. I’m a better fighter, I’m a better daughter, I’m better looking, and I’m better at giving him what he wants.”

I yank my arm free as tears threaten to fall.

“Amaros only wants you because it’s a challenge for him. He enjoys the hunt. He will tire of you eventually, and when he does, I will be waiting for him.”

I hurry away from her and run right into Amaros. When my eyes meet his, I find they are laced with concern and anger.

He steps past me and storms toward Astelle. “You do not speak to her again, do you understand? If I hear of anything like this happening again, there will be repercussions.”

His voice is harsh, but I don’t care. She deserves it.

I cross the floor, making a beeline for the exit when Amaros catches up to me.

“Are you all right?” he asks, gently taking my arm to stop me.

I wipe my cheeks, hoping he didn’t see the tears. “I’m fine.”

He studies my face before responding. “I heard what she said back there, and none of it’s true. I’ve seen you fight, and I know you’d kick her bony ass now. Your father adores you, and dare I say it, more so than her. You are the most beautiful female I have ever laid eyes on, and although you can be severely stubborn,I know for certain that you could give me everything I want, desire, and need.”

He strokes my cheek as our gazes lock, and I believe his words. He abruptly drops his hand and takes a step back when I notice many eyes watching us.

I open my mouth to speak when a sudden explosion rips through the Great Hall. I’m thrown back as darkness and screams descend upon us.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Icrash against something hard, cracking my head. Darkness surrounds me as screams and cries cut through the thick dust and ash-filled air. There’s a ringing in my ear as I attempt to move, but pain tears through my leg and I cry out. My head is throbbing, and when I reach around to the back, it feels wet. I bring my hand before my face and see red.

“Amaros?” I call out and then cough into the dirty air.

I struggle a bit, but eventually manage to stand. My legs are unsteady, and I stumble on my heels. I press my hand against my ear and try unsuccessfully to stop the ringing.

As the dust settles, I finally get a picture of the damage caused. There are chairs and tables strewn about. Several walls have collapsed into the room, leaving mounds of large hunks of stone, and several fires have broken out.

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