Page 51 of Wings of Betrayal

I swallow the lump in my throat as I think of an easy way to tell her it’s too late. But there isn’t one, so I just turn around and lift my top to show her.

She gasps as she touches my scar, tingling my skin once again.

“How did this happen?” she whispers.

I lower my top. “It’s a long story. I was distracted for a moment. But I’m okay.”

The worry etched in her features frightens me a little. I guess I just need to make sure I don’t die.

Should be easy enough.

I pass through the gateway and back into Silanthia. Finlay is waiting for me, arms folded as he leans against a tree.

He rushes toward me and pulls me into his arms. “Where have you been? I couldn’t mind link with you, and I was freaking out.”

He lets me go, and I can’t help but smile.

“It’s nice to know I have someone who cares when I go missing,” I say.

He closes his eyes briefly and pinches the bridge of his nose. “It’s not a joke, Zarla. How can I protect you when I don’t know where you are?”

The smile vanishes from my face as I glance down. “I know. I’m sorry. It wasn’t planned.”

“What wasn’t?”

I take a deep breath and then blow it out. “I can trust you, can’t I?”

He frowns. “Do you really feel you have to ask me that?”

I tilt my head to the side, reach out, and give his hand a squeeze. “Sorry. I know I can. I was visiting my mother. In the Spirit Realm.”

He stares at me with wide eyes. “What?”

“I don’t know how it’s possible, but it is. She said I have a special ability, like she does. A connection to the Spirit Realm. I have been there a few times now.”

He runs his hands down his face. “Wow. That’s…wow.”

I laugh. “Finlay Kallis…speechless. Never thought I’d see the day.”

He gently whacks my arm.

“I believe my father, my real father, is out there somewhere. I think he’s a god, and I have to find him. He holds the key to what’s going on, the key to my past. I know it.”

We walk to the edge of the clearing.

“Do you know where he is?” Finlay asks.

I shrug. “Maybe. I have an idea anyway.”

“Well, I’m always here if you need anything, okay? But for now, I’ve got to get home. My father is expecting me for dinner. Want to join?”

I fold my arms over my chest. “I don’t think they would be too happy if I showed up. You go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He eyes me suspiciously. “Why don’t you fly back with me now?”

I playfully shove him. “Just go. I’ll be fine.”

He rolls his eyes and releases his wings. “Just remember, I can mind link with you, and I will know if you’re up to no good. But on a serious note, call me, and I’ll be there, okay?”

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