Page 21 of Wings of Betrayal

These lost ones are dangerous. What do they want? And where are they coming from?

This meeting with the three Kingdoms better go well, because if these slaughters continue, the angel race could be in danger of extinction.

Kyle takes me back to his quarters after I assure Finlay and Nilo I’m okay and that they can head back to Silanthia. Finlay refuses to leave, saying he will wait and accompany me back when I’m ready. Nilo heads back with the other guards to explain what happened and prepare for the meeting.

As we step into Kyle’s quarters, I can’t help the worry gnawing away inside me. He’s acting off, and it better not be because he still blames himself.

I ease myself down onto the edge of his bed, expecting him to join me, but he crosses the room and leans against the far wall, folding his arms over his chest. The tail of his dragon tattoo catches my eye, swirling around his muscular arm.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

He glances down at his feet, as if he can’t even make eye contact with me.

“Kyle?” I stand and walk over to him and run my hands over his arms, craving his touch, but he doesn’t react the same way as he usually does.

Is he feeling guilty for what happened with the lost one? Or has this got something to do with Em?

He reluctantly meets my gaze. “Nothing.”

My heart sinks. Why is he being distant? “Is this about Em?”

His focus snaps to mine. “Of course not. She’s a powerful fighter. I didn’t get to choose my team. They sent us down to Earth after being made aware of a group of archangels in trouble, but when we got there, we couldn’t find them.”

Something occurs to me then. “Did you notice the lost ones seemed to gravitate toward you, as if you were their target?”

“No, you must’ve imagined that,” he says, brushing off the idea.

I wrap my arms around his waist, hoping my touch will soothe his guilt. “I’ve got to get back to Silanthia to prepare for the meeting.”

He nods but doesn’t respond, and instead slides his arms around me.

I take his face between my hands and force him to look at me. “I love you. More than anything, and I will always protect you.”

I kiss him, and he hesitates at first before curling his hand behind my neck and deepening the kiss as strong passion takes hold of us both.

I can sense his lust, but there’s more to it, and I can’t help but feel like this is a goodbye kiss. Without overthinking it, I give in to his touch, devouring him. He moves me around, pins me against the wall, and runs his hands down my sides before settling them on my ass and lifting me up. I wrap my legs around his waist, and his desire presses against me. I want more. But he sets me down, breaking the kiss as he leans forward to rest his forehead against mine.

“I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you, too.” There’s an unsettling sadness in his words that knots my stomach.

I reluctantly leave his quarters and meet Finlay outside the castle. We make our way to the Gateway of the Gods and back into Silanthia to prepare for the council meeting and find out what the hell is going on with the lost ones.

The entire way, unease grows inside me at how distant Kyle felt, and why that kiss seemed like it may well have been our last.

CHAPTER SIX

My arrival back into Silanthia is chaotic, to say the least. Angels are rushing about, no doubt to prepare for the upcoming council meeting. It’s the first time the three Kings have come together like this in, well, gods know how long. Centuries, most likely.

Finlay follows me into the castle, despite assuring him I don’t need a guard in my own home.

I suppose that’s not entirely true, though. There have been plenty of times when a guard would have come in handy, even here in my castle.

“You good?” he asks, and I realise I’ve been silent the entire way back.

I lean up against the corridor wall and run my hands down my face, hoping it may help calm my racing mind. It doesn’t.

“Yeah, I’m okay. There’s just a lot going on.” I meet his gaze, and he gives me a sympathetic nod.

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