Page 14 of Wings of Betrayal

“Believe me, I am sure there are other ways. However, our King has made his decision. One he feels is in the best interest of the Kingdom. Can I assure him you will at least try?”

I let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Fine. But there are absolutely no guarantees. And if I get eaten, it’s on him.”

The edges of his lips twist into a small smile. “Very well. I will relay your message.”

He releases his wings and disappears into the sky. That was interesting. How he expects me to convince I don’t even know how many Zelons to guard the borders is beyond me. But I suppose Keva trusts me. So maybe they will, too.

I reconnect my bond to Finlay and head for his manor, which is only a few minutes away from my castle. It’s strange having our bond back. I originally hated it, and I wanted to sever it at all costs. But it doesn’t bother me so much now, and it’s almost a comfort knowing someone has my back. Especially in these uncertain times.

I swoop down to land outside the entrance of Finlay’s manor, my feet hitting the ground as I spot him walking around the side of the grand building. He sees me, too, although you wouldn’t know it by the way he hurries in the opposite direction.

“Finlay!” I call out to him.

Great, he’s avoiding me. Still, I hurry to catch up to him.

“Finlay, please just stop!”

He abruptly halts and turns to face me. His gaze darts around, as if he’s trying to avoid looking at me.

Please look at me,I say through the mind link.

He immediately focuses his amethyst eyes on mine. Silence passes between us, but I hold his gaze. Then instinct takes over, and I rush forward and wrap my arms around him. His large frame tenses under my touch, but after a moment, he relaxes and hugs me back. When I pull away, he maintains eye contact, but the hollowed, pained look in his eyes remains.

“I don’t blame you for what happened,” I blurt out, searching his face for a reaction.

His brows crease together, confusion twisting his features. “I don’t understand. I thought you’d hate me for what I did. Hell, I hate myself.”

He runs a hand through his messy blond hair.

I tilt my head to the side and look him dead in the eyes as I regard him, a pang of his hurt seeping into my chest.

“No, I don’t hate you. And I know why you did it. Hethenos told me everything.” I gently take hold of his arm. “It’s not your fault.”

His focus drops to my hand, and I quickly remove it. I may be okay with the proximity, but it’s clear he’s not.

He swallows hard and nods. Thank the gods, he seems to accept that. He opens his mouth to speak then closes it, shuffling from one foot to the other.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Do you want to come inside? To talk?” He rubs the back of his neck, and I appreciate the effort he’s making, despite how uncomfortable he appears.

My lips twitch, shifting into a wide smile. “I’d love to.”

I follow Finlay through the vast entrance to his manor, and to my luck, I spot Kastal heading our way. I swallow hard and hope he doesn’t mind me being here in his home.

Sorry, he wasn’t supposed to be here,Finlay says through our mind link.

It’s okay,I reply.

“Zarla,” Kastal says in greeting, and his tone is surprisingly warm. “How lovely to have you in our home.”

He takes hold of my upper arms and kisses me on both cheeks. Okay, a little unexpected, but I’ll take it.

“Hi, Mr. Kallis. Thank you.”

I awkwardly kiss him on the cheeks, too, and he takes a few steps back, giving me some space.

Finlay looks between me and his father, seeming unsure if he’s supposed to say anything.

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