Page 25 of Wings of Betrayal

I nervously bite my bottom lip, unsure how things are going to improve from here.

“I am well aware of where the Lost Ones reside,” Zalore says. “I do not need a history lesson from a female on such topics. Nor do I need one to tell me how to do my job as King.”

I roll my eyes, and Kyle glares at me, silently telling me to behave. I glance around, somewhat thankful Zalore didn’t see.

Just keep it together, Zarla.

“I apologise for Lissian’s outburst,” Harlum chimes in. “But I tend to agree with her. We need to know how the lost ones have escaped. We cannot afford for our angels to be carelessly slaughtered as they are.”

“Nor can we,” Apollon adds.

Zalore leans back in his chair and runs his fingers along his jawline as his focus shifts around the table from one angel to another. “It has been an age since the three Kingdoms united for the greater good. I am willing to call a truce, even a temporary one if need be, so we can all focus our interests in the same direction.”

Harlum and Apollon exchange looks, and Harlum leans in to whisper to Amaros. I narrow my eyes at them. It bugs me that Harlum still sought his counsel. Does he know the depths of Amaros’s deception?

After they speak for a moment, Amaros looks at me. I hold his gaze, as if I can somehow understand what he’s thinking the longer I stare. Gods above, this male is infuriating.

Harlum leans forward, resting his arms on the table. “I propose each Kingdom puts forth their strongest and fiercest angels to protect those down on Earth. Each Kingdom should increase their border security, if you haven’t already, and we need to be vigilant. We must allow free travel between our Kingdoms so we can work together until this matter is resolved.”

Apollon opens his mouth to speak, but Zalore silences him with a wave of his hand. I’m surprised the male listens to him, but then again, we are in Galespo, and Zalore seems to be in charge of this council meeting.

“It’s settled, then,” Zalore states. “I will instruct my guards to allow angels to come and go at will. If any angel takes advantage of my generosity, mark my words, we will not hesitate to kill.”

Apollon stands, which seems to agitate Zalore further. I’m guessing no one is to do so before him. But he seems to allow it nonetheless.

“We, too, will allow free travel into Zarquon,” Apollon announces. “For the time being, and only to report to us or to seek counsel on the evolving situation.”

Ignoring the fact Zalore is still seated, Harlum stands. “We agree to do the same. But if any archangel or watcher takes advantage of this, there will be repercussions.”

Zalore chuckles then shoves his chair back and stands. “Steady on, Harlum. I wouldn’t go threatening the gods. I will send watchers to patrol the borders of the three Kingdoms for suspicious activity.”

There’s something about the smirk on Zalore’s face that sends a pang of unease through my chest, but now’s not the time to show my concerns, so I bite my tongue. Again.

After the meeting, everyone mingles for a while before they disperse back through the Gateway of the Gods. Kyle is standing near the cliff edge overlooking the barren lands below, and I walk to his side. He looks my way and gives me a tight-lipped smile.

“You didn’t mention you were ambushed by a lost one. I sensed you ran into trouble, but by the time I got there, you were gone.”

I raise my brows. “You came looking for me?”

He turns to me and cups my cheek, gently tracing his thumb over my skin. His eyes hold concern and regret, but what could he regret?

“Of course I did. How are you feeling?” he asks. “Can I see your back?”

I bite my bottom lip and turn around, moving my cloak out of the way so he can see. I’m not entirely sure what it looks like now. There must be a scar there, because when he glides his fingers across my skin, it feels raised in places. I shiver under his touch, and when he removes his hand, I miss it. I allow my cloak to fall back into place and catch Em watching us. She’s standing with her mother, Klara, Apollon, and Zeta.

“I’m glad you’re okay. I’ve been worried about you.”

I refocus on Kyle, who is looking at me through worried eyes. His dark lashes appear longer, framing his blue eyes in the most mesmerizing way. I swallow hard as my mind drifts to thoughts of kissing him. Gods above, I want to kiss him, but I can’t. Not here, in front of everyone.

I reach out to take his hand, but he shifts out of the way. I frown at him, and he glances down.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

His forehead creases. “I can’t risk getting you hurt again, or worse. It’s my fault.”

What in the gods is he talking about? “Yourfault? Nothing is your fault, Kyle.”

“Those creatures were after me. You were right. Everyone saw it. I won’t risk you getting hurt again because of me.”

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