Page 80 of Wings of Death

I could’ve saved him.

Tears spill down my cheeks, and I wipe them away as Demetros rubs circles over my wrist with the pad of his thumb.

“It’ll be all right. His father, Kastal, is on The Throne, remember? He won’t allow too harsh of a sentence. I can’t say my parents will take too kindly to him, though, after what he did to you.”

I swallow hard, knowing Kastal may well not have a choice in the decision if the other eight Throne angels decide on a harsh sentence.

Despite the darkness surrounding our reason for being here, I have to admit, the Throne room is a thing of beauty. White marble with gold edging covers the round room, with staggered seating stretching to the higher levels at the back, looking down upon The Throne. It consists of a long, circular, white-marble bench that curls around the edge of the room where the nine Throne angels sit.

Before that is a marble bench, and behind that a seat where the offender sits. Angels are still filing into the room, which can hold around one thousand.

Once it’s full, a guard asks everyone to rise. Everyone stands as the nine Throne angels enter the room wearing white and gold robes and tall white hats with gold trim. They walk single file around the back of the bench and simultaneously sit. Once seated, the guard instructs everyone to sit, too.

I glance around, wondering when Finlay will enter. I easily spot his father, Kastal, sitting at the bench next to Artemis and Celene Salvon, Demetros’s parents, who are also on The Throne. Kastal is a spitting image of his son Finlay, although older. He is a very handsome angel too, just like his son. His expression is unreadable, and I can’t imagine what he must be going through.

My focus shifts to the side of the building where a door opens, and a guard leads Finlay into The Throne room. The entire room quietens down as we all watch Finlay walk towardthe bench where he will sit. I notice they have tied his hands with that same wire that prevents you from using your powers.

Finlay stands behind the bench, and his eyes scan the room before settling on mine.

I swallow the lump in my throat when we lock stares for a moment.Finlay, can you hear me?I say through the mind link, but he doesn’t respond. He simply looks down and takes a seat once the guard asks him to.

Demetros grips my hand, and I’m thankful he’s here to support me. I glance around the room and spot Lacinda sitting with her parents a few rows down. As if sensing me looking, she gives me a wave before smiling at Demetros.

His cheeks flush, and I know there is definitely something going on between them.

The guard raises his hands, and the entire room goes quiet.

“Welcome to The Throne room. We are gathered today to decide upon a sentence for Finlay Kallis, who has committed an atrocious act of treason against the Kingdom, and against the King’s daughter, Zarla Quinn.”

My cheeks burn as almost all the angels in the room look at me. I shuffle down in my seat, wishing I could disappear. I should’ve used my veil and gone in undercover. Literally.

I look at Finlay’s father, Kastal, to find him glaring at me with angry eyes. I hold his gaze a moment before I have to look away. Can he really be mad at me? Does he blame me for his son’s actions? It’s hardly fair.

For the next hour, The Throne hears from several witnesses, including Amaros and several guards. My father asked if I would testify, but I refused. There is no way I’m going to dob him in for something he isn’t responsible for. Sure, he led the watchers down to attack Kyle and me, but not of his own will. I’m sure of it.

The thought occurs to me that perhaps I could have defended him, but just as quickly as it enters my mind, I shove it aside. Given the testimonies of the other angels, no one would believe me. And if whoever is responsible for Finlay’s actions is sitting in this room, the last thing I want to do is alert them that I know. That Finlay said something to me.

“Finlay Kallis, do you wish to speak and defend your position?” one of The Throne angels asks.

Finlay stands and glances around the room before he opens his mouth to speak. His eyes seem to catch someone’s attention, and he stops himself and shakes his head before taking his seat once more.

What in the gods? I glance down the stands, searching for who he may have been looking at, but it’s too hard to tell from all the way up here.

“Very well, then,” The Throne angel says, seeming surprised. “We require a moment in private to discuss our decision.”

The same guard as earlier stands up and asks everyone to rise, and then The Throne angels file out of the room through the same side door as they entered. Once they are gone, the room erupts into chatter.

I turn to Demetros. “What do you think the verdict will be? They can’t expect his own father to choose a fate too harsh, right?”

Demetros presses his lips into a tight line. “I’m not sure, Zarla. I don’t know that he’ll have a choice.”

My mind shifts to Kyle as a deep sadness tugs at my heart. Gods, I miss him. I need to know if he’s all right, and the fact my bond won’t give me anything concerns me. I can’t bear the thought of what that could mean, so I shove it aside for later. Now is not the time.

After a torturous half an hour of waiting, the guard asks everyone to rise and The Throne angels file back into the room. Ibite my bottom lip while we await their decision. I close my eyes and pray to the gods it isn’t a harsh sentence.

Finlay, if you can hear me, I’m sorry. For everything. I’m sorry you felt you could not confide in me as your bonded guardian. I’m sorry I didn’t notice something was amiss. No matter what happens, know that I am here for you.

“Finlay Kallis, today you were brought before The Throne for an act of treason against the Kingdom, and the King’s daughter, Zarla Quinn. The Throne has decided. We hereby pass your sentence as a fallen angel.”

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