Page 24 of Wings of Betrayal

Zalore is standing near the head of the table, flanked by several guards. Apollon and Zeta step up to the table, and I wait for Harlum to follow suit. He turns to Astelle and me andgestures for us to follow, so we do. We all stand around the table and await Zalore’s signal for the meeting to begin.

Amaros seems to have some sort of silent exchange with Zalore I don’t understand. Zalore then signals for everyone to sit, and I wait for Harlum to do so first before I take my seat. My chest tightens at the amount of watchers stationed around the table, guarding Zalore.

“Thank you all for joining me here in my Kingdom of Galespo,” Zalore states in a cocky manner.

I side-eye Astelle and she continues to ignore me.

Zalore winks at her, stealing her focus. She rolls her eyes and looks away, and he chuckles.

Apollon clears his throat, and everyone’s attention shifts to him. “May I address the attendees?”

Zalore simply nods.

Apollon locks his gaze on Amaros.

“I am surprised to see you, Amaros,” Apollon says. “It’s been…what? A few centuries since our last exchange?”

Amaros remains composed, and I wonder just how long these two have known one another. Amaros tilts his head in recognition but doesn’t speak, his expression unreadable.

“This meeting has been of utmost importance to the angels of Zarquon. There have been numerous attacks on Earth, and we have lost many archangels. These creatures are believed to be lost ones, or lost souls, from the Realm of Lost Souls. Are any of you aware of this?”

Harlum shifts nervously in his seat. “Yes, we have received reports from guardians and seconds down on Earth that this has become a serious problem. One of these creatures chased my daughter Zarla.”

All eyes shift to me, and I gulp. I catch Kyle’s concerned gaze, and I reluctantly sit forward, assuming everyone wants some sort of explanation.

I clear my throat. “Yes, when I was heading back from Zarquon, I spotted one near Galespo. I had my veil up, but it still saw me. My Zelon, Keva, and I flew as fast as we could and evaded it once we crossed into Silanthia.

“My Zelon was also attacked within our Kingdom. At least, that’s what we think happened. I know because I was attacked by one down on Earth. The healers in Zarquon saved my life. It slashed my back, and it paralysed me.”

There’s a unified gasp as everyone takes in what I have just said. I look at Kyle again, and he glances down. But not before I catch the pained look in his eyes.

Harlum narrows his gaze at Zalore. “I can’t shake the feeling that you know more about this than you’re letting on. I’m not aware of any watchers being targeted.”

Zalore visibly tenses. “Because my watchers are too strong to be killed by the likes of a lost one. And I do not appreciate the accusatory tone, Harlum.”

“What do you expect us to make of it, then?” Harlum questions.

Everyone starts arguing and talking over one another, and I look at Kyle, who appears just as over it as I am. Why can’t they just agree this is a problem and discuss a solution? Bloody males.

Em shifts in her seat and somehow manages to move closer to Kyle, and I grit my teeth. Kyle doesn’t seem to notice as she gives me a knowing glare.

I shift my focus back to the males who are acting like children. Gods above, someone needs to do something. But before I have a chance to speak up, Lissian stands.

“Enough!” she shouts.

Every angel stops arguing, and they all look at her.

“This meeting wasn’t called for you to argue amongst yourselves like children. It was to come to an agreement on acourse of action! The lost ones have found a way out of the Realm of Lost Souls. Or someone is letting them out. However this is happening, we need to do something!”

Harlum doesn’t appear impressed. In fact, none of the males do. Everyone looks around at one another, but I find Zalore’s demeanour suspicious. As if he knows something we don’t.

Zalore stands, his eyes blazing with fury. “How dare you!” he bellows, stabbing his blade into the wooden table. “Harlum, control your female!”

Lissian visibly bites her tongue and looks to Harlum, who gestures for her to take a seat. She is a strong female, and I applaud her for having the courage to stop these males from bickering. She dips her chin in a forced apology and takes her seat.

Zalore sits back down and clears his throat. “May I remind you all, you are guests inmyKingdom. And I demand you show a little respect.”

Apollon and Harlum both nod. Thank the gods they aren’t arguing with this arrogant male because one more outburst and he may just kill someone.

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