Page 142 of Wings of Betrayal

But first, there’s something I must do. I sprint as hard and fast as I can until I reach the end of the tunnel that opens up into the familiar cave below. I peer down, and my breath catches when I spot him.

Finlay’s lifeless body.

Hold it together, Zarla. You can’t break down yet. There’ll be time for that later.

I release my wings, swoop down, and land next to him. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I crouch down next to him as tears sting my eyes, and I roughly wipe them away.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, then lean down and hug him. His body is cool to the touch, and it startles me a little. “You didn’t deserve this. I should’ve been here.”

Taking a deep breath, I know what I must do. I get to my feet and reach for my ability then open a portal to the Realm of Lost Souls. I close my eyes, search for every lost one trapped in this Kingdom, and then take hold of them. I will them to come here, to this portal, so I can send them home. I remain focused as I control them, and soon, a buzzing noise comes from up above.

I glance up as hundreds of lost ones drift down and then pass through the portal. Despite the terrors these creatures havecaused, it settles me knowing they are back where they belong. Once I am sure they are all through, I close the portal. I’m going to have to do the same back in Zarquon, and on Earth, too.

I then open a portal into Zarquon, thankful I still have the energy to do it. Taking hold of Finlay’s arms, I gently drag him through it and then lay him down on the soft grass. I breathe in the scent of salty sea air, thankful to be back here.

Then I notice I feel off balance.. I pat my hips for my daggers, but one is missing. Shoot. I step back through the portal into Galespo and spot it lying on the dirt ground.

I walk over and grab it, then slip it back into my thigh straps. I’m about to pass back through the portal into Zarquon when someone grabs me from behind.

“You really think I’m going to let you go back there? You’re coming home with me, where you belong.”

I struggle against his hold, and in doing so lose focus on the portal. It closes.

“No!” I scream.

“Shhh,” he whispers in my ear. “You’re safe now. Zalore’s dead, and he will never be able to touch you again. You are mine, and you’re not going anywhere.”

I use all my strength to struggle against the male to try to free myself, but it’s no use. He is way too strong for me.

Amaros frowns at me, his features twisted in confusion. “Why are you fighting this? We can finally be together. This is our Kingdom now. We can rule it, along with Silanthia and eventually Zarquon as well.”

I slap him. “No!”

He releases me for a moment as he rubs his cheek, giving me the chance I need. I blast him with my powers, then quickly open another portal into Zarquon. He storms toward me, but I blast him again then jump through the portal and snap it shut behind me.

I lie on the cool forest floor, breathing hard.

Kyle appears above me, his black wings outstretched at his sides. He crouches down and pulls me into his arms. I glance over at Finlay’s lifeless body, and Kyle follows my gaze.

My lip quivers, and before I can stop them, tears blur my vision.

“Thank the gods you’re here,” he tells me. “I’m so sorry I abandoned you. I tried to get back to you, but I couldn’t.”

“Zalore’s dead. Amaros killed him.”

“Did he harm you?” He scans my body, searching for injuries as I wipe my tearstained cheeks.

“Nothing I can’t handle.” Worry settles into my throat, and I try to swallow it down. “What if he comes for me?”

Kyle takes my face in his hands. “You’re safe here with me. I will never let anything happen to you again, I promise. I don’t care if he comes here. I hope he does so I can kill him myself.”

Although I believe Kyle’s words, I know he can’t make that promise. Amaros is out there, and he won’t stop until he has me. He has some strange delusion that I am his, and I don’t think he’s going to stop until I’m under his control. He also harnesses the power of one of the orbs, so he’s able to open portals now, too.

I glance over at Finlay’s lifeless body again and quickly avert my gaze. “We have to get him back to his family. It’s going to break them.”

He caresses my cheek. “I will arrange messenger angels to take him home. We can’t do it ourselves. It isn’t safe for us to venture into Silanthia.”

I nod in agreement, knowing he’s right. I wish we could bring him home ourselves.

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