Page 112 of Wings of Betrayal

Images of the dead forest, lava river, and those awful creatures come to mind, and I shudder. “It was scary. I neverknew such a place could exist, and I definitely never want to go back. It was dark, with barren lands, dead forests, and terrifying creatures that lurk in the shadows.”

Apollon steps closer to me. “Was there anything else, anything of importance that we should know of?”

I immediately picture the blue, glowing orb. One of the weapons of the gods, and I know I need to tell them about it. But I don’t trust Em, and I would much rather have this conversation in private.

As if sensing my hesitations, Kyle pulls me to his side. “I think that’s enough, Father. Zarla’s been through a lot tonight. She needs to rest.”

Apollon nods, his eyes focused on mine.

Zeta gently tugs on his arm. “Apollon, let her be.”

Em rolls her eyes and storms off, and Atticus paces around the field.

“That one needs to be pulled in line,” Atticus says, pointing at Em. “How can you stomach such disrespect, Apollon? Or shall I deal with it myself?”

Apollon slips his hands into his trouser pockets and moves closer to Atticus. “That’s not the way we do things anymore, my friend.”

Atticus chuckles and stops pacing. “Yes. I can see that.”

They stare at one another for a moment before laughing and embracing with a slap on each other’s backs.

“It’s good to see you again, old friend,” Atticus says.

“And you,” Apollon agrees. “It has been some time. But I can see that even time has been kind to you. You haven’t aged a day.”

Atticus tilts his head back, and a deep, throaty laugh leaves his lips. “And neither have you, it would seem,” he says with a wink.

“Now that this conversation is more private,” I say, glancing in the direction Em has gone, “there is something you need toknow. I found one of the weapons of the gods in the Realm of Lost Souls. It’s the same as the one I found in the Spirit Realm. A blue orb. Also, the same as your spies described they saw in Galespo. I think this weapon is comprised of the three orbs.”

Apollon scratches his chin. “So there are at least three orbs.”

I glance at Atticus, who folds his thick arms over his wide chest, appearing deep in thought. He is an enormous male, the biggest male I have ever seen, in fact. It is so clear that he is a god, and it leaves me with endless questions.

Atticus cracks his knuckles. “How did Amaros and Zalore come to be in possession of such weapons?”

I narrow my eyes at Atticus, feeling as though there’s something he’s not telling us. But what would it be?

“Why are you even here? Why do you care?” I question.

Atticus looks at me but doesn’t respond.

Zeta places her hand on Apollon’s shoulder. “I’ll leave you to discuss these matters. I have to get back to check in on the injured.”

Gods above, I haven’t even thought about the archangels who were injured in the battle on Earth.

“Zeta, I will stop by and offer my healing abilities when I can,” I say.

She smiles, her kindness and appreciation showing in her eyes. “Thank you, Zarla. That would be much appreciated. See you soon.”

Kyle presses a kiss to my head, and I sense Atticus watching. He has no doubt picked up on the fact that Kyle and I are mated. Although he has no right to comment, I still find myself anxious about what he thinks. He is my father, after all. Even if I don’t know him.

“There’s more,” I say. “I overheard some watchers talking about Zalore, and how he instructed them to guard the weapon. Didn’t stay much longer after that because I was spotted by a lostone. I was lucky to escape, and I made it through a portal back to Earth.”

Apollon wanders away and stares out at the horizon. The clouds in the sky light up with the last of the sun’s rays as it makes its descent behind the mountains, casting the most gorgeous pink, purple and gold across the sky.

Zarquon is a beautiful Kingdom, and I have come to find I enjoy it here more than my own. Silanthia isn’t home to me anymore. I never want to go back.

The wind picks up, blowing through my hair, and I shiver. Kyle steps in behind me and curls his arms around my waist, warming me instantly.

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