Page 27 of Wings of Betrayal

“Let me know if you need anything,” he says, stroking my arm. “I’m here for you. Always.”

I drop my focus to his hand, and he removes it before gently closing the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The following week, I pour my energy and focus into protecting our Kingdom. All angels within Silanthia are on high alert to ensure no lost ones breach the borders. Harlum sent all seconds down to Earth to reinforce the guardians and secondsalready down there. Our depleted defences spike my anxiety, but the attacks have been focused down on Earth, so it makes sense.

The younger seconds and guardians within the academy have started advanced training to prepare them for the possibility of an attack. They will become the new defence for our Kingdom if needed. I can only hope the Master can whip them into shape fast because there is a lot riding on them. It’s a heavy burden for any young angel to bear, but we have no choice.

I’m stepping out of the shower when someone bangs on my door. Gods above, who the hell is that? I wrap my towel around myself and hurry to answer it. My hair is still wet, and water rivulets drip down my chest and back, puddling onto the floor.

I yank the door open to find Nilo breathing heavily, as if he’s just run the entire way here. “Zarla, you have to see this!”

“See what?” I ask, growing impatient.

He sucks in a gulp of air. “Get dressed and meet me out front. Hurry!”

I close the door and quickly change into my leathers, use the towel to dry my hair as best I can, then run through the castle to find Nilo.

He’s pacing around outside the main entrance, and his focus shifts to me when I approach. “Follow me.”

Without giving me any explanation at all, he takes off into the sky. I roll my eyes and follow him. He flies over the castle grounds toward the Kingdom boundary, and as we near it, I see them. Zelons are spaced around the borders every sixty feet.

Wow. Keva did it. He really convinced the other Zelons to help guard the borders.

I catch up to Nilo, who hovers in the air above them, and their yelps sound out below.

“Isn’t it incredible?” he says.

I’m speechless and just bob my head in agreement. I have never seen so many Zelons in all my life, and truth be told, Ididn’t realise there are so many within the Kingdom. There must be thousands of them.

Although my heart hurts at what’s happened between Kyle and me, something about the Zelons’ display of loyalty seems to ignite a fire within me. A smile spreads across my lips, and for the first time in a long time, I feel hope.

Cool drops of rain land on my face while I run across the grass toward the patio in front of the castle. The sun’s beams warm my skin as I breathe in the floral scent in the air.

I love springtime in the Kingdom. The castle grounds come to life with flowers of every shade and scent. It’s truly magnificent.

Amaros is waiting for me under the cover of an umbrella at a small glass table, a tray of tea and a spread of various foods arranged neatly for us to share.

We’ve spent a bit of time together lately. He’s been there for me in a way I didn’t expect. As a friend.

“Tea’s getting cold,” he calls out as I dash under the shelter and take a seat in the chair opposite his.

I roll my eyes, running my fingers through my damp hair, and slip my hands around the teacup. It’s just cool enough to hold. Definitely not cold, by any standard.

“Did you hear about the Zelons?” he asks.

I take a sip and place my teacup back down. “Yeah, Nilo showed me earlier. I had faith Keva would deliver, but it was still a surprise. Had you any idea there were so many Zelons in the Kingdom?”

He shakes his head and takes a bite of a small pastry. The keepers in the castle are excellent cooks. This food is incredible.

“So, when do I get my own Zelon?” he asks, and I can’t help but laugh.

He raises his brows. “What? It only seems fair.”

What’s got you all giddy?a voice sounds in my head. Finlay.

Not now, Finlay. I’ll catch up with you later.

Fine. I’m just with the Zelons. I think I’ve found one for myself, actually.

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