Page 29 of Wings of Betrayal

He reaches out and places a hand on my forearm. “I know it’s a big ask, but these angels need guidance. Someone they can look up to. Someone they can trust. It would mean a great deal to me, and to them, if you could show your face around here a little more often. I see the respect they have for you, and I think it would go a long way.”

I stifle a gasp. I never would have guessed that any of these angels would feel that way about me. Sure, learning I’m a goddess and defeating Hethenos probably sounds cool to them, but the reality isn’t what they think it to be. She almost killed me, and if it hadn’t been for my mother, I don’t think I would be standing here right now.

I suck my bottom lip between my teeth as I mull over his request. I’m not some sort of mentor, if that’s what he has in mind for me. Surely they could find someone better suited for that task.

He’s waiting for an answer, and guilt gnaws away inside me at the thought of letting him down.

“Yeah, I guess I could do that.”

He gives my arm a squeeze. “Brilliant.”

“Zarla Quinn?” a soft voice asks.

I spin around to face a short redheaded female, her curls tightly bound and hanging down her back. She reminds me so much of Lacinda. A smile touches my lips as I look her over. She can’t be much older than ten, perhaps.

“Hey, what’s your name?” I ask.

She beams at me with a wide smile that takes up much of her face. “I’m Fraya. Is it true that you’re a goddess?”

Before I can answer her, a bunch of other females rush over to join her, and they’re all looking at me like I’m some sort of magical being or something.

“Is it really her?”

“Oh my gosh! It is!”

“We think you’re amazing!”

I can’t help but laugh. “Well, thank you. I hope you’re all learning many new skills to help protect our Kingdom?”

They all nod enthusiastically, and the Master gives me a knowing smirk as if to say,I told you. I roll my eyes at him.

“Good. I’m sure we will all be much safer with you guarding the Kingdom,” I tell them.

They giggle and run off, leaving me and the Master watching after them.

“You see? You have quite the fan base here.”

I leave the arena feeling better about what the Master has asked of me. He was right. Showing my face there more often will help. If I can somehow give these young angels hope, then I have to do it. I can’t imagine how scared they must have been when they learned of the lost ones getting into the Kingdom.

I fly toward the Dark Forest to find Finlay when his voice enters my mind.

Sorry, Zarla. Had to leave. My father was expecting me.

That’s okay,I reply,we can find you a Zelon another time.

I swoop around and head back toward the castle.

Good. I am sure I have found the right one, but I’d rather you be there, just in case. It might bite my head off if I approach it.

I laugh at that.I highly doubt it, but it depends on if you offend it or not.

I don’t think I’m an offensive angel,he says.

I scoff at that.

What? Everyone loves me.

I roll my eyes at his arrogance.Whatever you say, Finlay. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.

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