Page 131 of Wings of Death

I couldn’t disagree with him there. I don’t mention my mother’s journal, which I have safely hidden in my room, for fear he will seize it, stealing my chance to learn more about her past.

Amaros takes a step forward. “I think it’s best you go. He needs time to rest before the healers return to continue their work.”

I let go of Harlum’s hand and take a step back from his bedside. “This may not be the best time, but I need my guardian markings back. I need to be able to leave this Kingdom.”

“No,” Amaros says with a stern voice, and I glare at him. “It’s not possible.”

“I was asking Har—my father,” I tell him.

Harlum coughs a few times, and Mikel hands him a glass of water. He takes a sip before looking at me.

“Amaros is right. The answer is no.”

Despite my protests, Amaros escorts me back to my quarters. He explains Hethenos will remain in the cells under heavy guard until her sentencing, which takes place in two days’ time.

“I need my markings back, Amaros,” I tell him. “I need the ability to leave the Kingdom. There are no more threats, or at least I don’t think there are,” I say, giving him a side eye.

He grabs my arm and hauls me to a stop. “You and I both know that you can leave through the Gateway of the Gods if you so choose. Don’t play games with me.”

I grit my teeth. “I’m not. And yes, I can, but it’s temperamental and doesn’t always take me where I wish to go. Using my markings would be much easier.”

“I forbid you to leave the Kingdom. Is that understood? Via any means. You will remain here.”

I yank my arm away, but he refuses to release me from his iron hold. “Amaros, you're hurting me.”

His eyes bore into mine. “You are too important to lose. You are staying right here where I will guard you myself.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “What, am I your prisoner now? I don’t want you as my guard. I don’t trust you!”

He drops my arm, and hurt swirls in his eyes.

“Can you blame me? After everything I’ve just been through. You’re a god, Amaros. Astelle and Hethenos are both goddesses too, just like me. And you knew this all along, didn’t you?”

He simply looks at me and doesn’t respond.

“Did you know about him?”

His brows knit together. “Know what?”

I cross my arms as tears sting my eyes, trying desperately to stop them from spilling over. “That Harlum’s not my real father.”

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. So yes, he knew.

I storm away from him toward my quarters. Footfalls echo in the corridor behind me as he runs after me.

“Zarla, wait,” he pleads as he grabs my wrist.

I yank myself away, but he doesn’t let go. Again. I struggle, and he uses his muscular frame to box me in against the corridor wall, bracing his hands on either side of my face while he leans in close. His breath is warm on my cheek as his gaze drops to my lips, and I can sense his lust.

I close my eyes, breathing in his delicious scent. Despite everything, I still find myself wanting him to touch me, to kiss me. Gods above, what is wrong with me?

“Please just listen,” he asks as I reluctantly meet his eyes. “Yes, I knew.”

I reach up and slap him, and he grabs hold of my wrists, pinning them above my head while his eyes search mine.

“How could you keep that from me?” My voice breaks, and the tears finally fall.

“Because I knew it would devastate you to learn the truth. I was protecting you. You may not see that now, but you will. Everything I have done has always been for you. I love you, Zarla.”

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