Page 66 of Wings of Death

He doesn’t have to say the particular words for me to understand their meaning. He is asking if we’ve been intimate. How dare he. It’s none of his business. I raise my head higher as I stand my ground.

“Well enough,” I simply say.

His nostrils flare as his body tenses.

Oh no, he’s pissed.

He storms over to me, fists clenched at his sides, and I stumble back at his sudden movement. He stops far too close to my face, but I hold my ground. I’m sick of males, particularly my father’s guards, trying to intimidate me. I’m the King’s daughter. They have no right.

His grey eyes bore into mine, and then he kisses me. I’m so shocked at first I don’t move as he slides his hand behind my neck, pulling me closer. He parts my lips with his, and his tongue moves against mine. It feels good, better than it should. And then I snap out of it and shove him back, breathing hard. So that’s what this is about? He’s jealous?

He licks his lips as a sinister smirk spreads across them, and he takes a step closer. There’s a flare of anger in his eyes, and for the first time, fear trickles into my throat.

“Zarla…” he whispers, reaching up and stroking my cheek with the back of his hand.

His gaze drops to my lips, and I hope he doesn’t kiss me again. Amaros is a handsome male, but he’s been with my sister, and regardless of all of that, I think I’m in love with Kyle. The absence I feel in my heart when I’m away from him speaks volumes.

There’s a hunger in Amaros’s eyes, and I know his feelings for me are stronger than he lets on. So why has he been messing around with my sister? Surely he couldn’t have thought that would appeal to me. Unless I was never meant to know about it. Is that the kind of male he is?

He drops his hand to his side, his expression switching back to the more serious one I have learnt to expect. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…” He abruptly walks to the door.

I don’t move until I hear the click of the door as it opens and then closes, and then I hurry over and lock it. My life is far too complicated already. Why did he have to go and kiss me? Gods above, how am I going to get to sleep now.

Guilt tugs at my chest, and I have to remind myself that Amaros kissed me, and I didn’t want him to. Did I?

I need to harness the dark magic and get back to Kyle. Fast.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

After a rough night’s sleep, that didn’t involve much sleep at all, I decide to get up early and watch the sunrise before meeting Demetros and Lacinda outside the Dark Forest. The chilly autumn air blows my hair off my face as I fly over the Kingdom. There’s a faint glow on the horizon up ahead, and I know it’s going to be a beautiful sight.

I swoop down and land softly on a large boulder at the edge of the forest. There are many boulders like this one scattered around, and I wonder whether they were intentionally placed there. Sounds emerge from the trees, filling the calm morning air as it comes to life. Gorgeous colours consume the sky, with golden and pink hues, and I tell myself I have to do this more often. It truly is worth the early rise.

I let out a yawn and stretch my arms above my head as I perch on the edge of the boulder. I’m wearing my guardian leathers with a thick black cloak overtop, and I huddle beneath it, thankful for the extra layer. My thoughts drift to Kyle, and I wonder what he’s doing down on Earth. It feels like it’s been a week since I last saw him, rather than just yesterday, and I miss him.

Guilt tugs at my chest as I remember my kiss with Amaros. What was he thinking? It’s going to be awkward when I see him next, especially around my father. He shouldn’t have kissed me, and I shouldn’t have enjoyed it like I did. But compared to my kisses with Kyle, it meant less than nothing.

I’m so distracted by my thoughts I don’t notice right away as Lacinda and Demetros swoop down toward me. There’s something about the two of them that has me suspicious. They seem verycosywith one another, and I can’t help but wonder if something may have happened between them. But today is already nerve-racking enough, so I decide to file that question away for another time, when we’re not about to go on a hike through the Dark Forest to find the God of Death.

“Morning,” Lacinda says cheerily as she lands at the base of the boulder.

My wings spring free, and I swoop down to meet her and pull her in for a hug.

“Thank you for coming,” I say before moving back. “I know it wasn’t an easy decision for you.”

She tilts her head and smiles. “You’re right about that. But I’m here for you,” she says before adding, “but I better not be eaten by a Zelon, or I’m gonna be pissed.”

Demetros gives me a hug, too. “We’ve got your back,” he tells me, and I remind myself how damn lucky I am to have these two.

We all turn to face the forest. Despite the morning sun being well and truly up, the forest is dark, and it holds an eeriness about it that prickles my skin. I suppose its name, the Dark Forest, is fitting. There’s a howl in the distance, and Lacinda tenses beside me. It’s almost certainly a Zelon, and I’m sure she knows it.

“Hey,” I say, rubbing her arm, “they’re not as scary as you think. I’ve ridden one and spent time with them. Once they see you’re not a threat, they’re like big teddy bears.”

She swallows hard, and I’m not sure she believes me.

“Can’t we just fly over the forest and then land in the right spot?” she asks in a high-pitched tone.

Flying is something I have considered, but in all honesty, I don’t think we’d be able to see anything from above the tree line. The trees are too dense. It will be difficult to spot what we’re looking for, and something tells me it won’t be easy to find.

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