Page 5 of Wings of Betrayal

The bookcases are made from some sort of dark hardwood, and they have an antique feel, with details of the ocean carved into them. Fish, waves, and other unknown creatures from the depths.

Zeta is sitting on a couch reading a book when we approach, and she sets it down to greet us with a wide smile. When she catches our expressions, her smile soon disappears.

“What’s wrong?” She’s on her feet in a flash, standing before Kyle.

I look at him and find that same concerned look etched into his features, his brows pulled tight.

“We saw something near the edge of the forest.”

Zeta waits for further explanation, but something about her lack of surprise tells me she’s aware already.

“There was some sort of creature out there. It was difficult to see clearly, but it had these?—”

“Glowing eyes?” she interrupts.

Kyle frowns. “How did you know?”

She takes in a deep breath and sits down, gesturing for us to join her. Kyle tugs me over to the couch next to hers, and we sit. My stomach swirls with nerves, not just from being around his mother again, but from what she’s about to tell us. I already know it’s nothing good.

“There have been attacks on Earth. Both guardians and archangels have been killed,” she says, her gaze moving between the two of us. “We’ve been hearing reports of creatures being seen on Earth, just as you have described. But until now, we haven’t seen one within the Kingdom.”

I take in a sharp breath. How have I not heard about this? My mind immediately jumps to thoughts of Demetros and Lacinda. Gods above, they better be okay.

Kyle sits forward. “Shouldn’t we alert the guards?”

She shakes her head. “The guards are aware of the situation, and we have increased our border patrols. Whatever the creature is, it must be alone to have slipped through. It won’t make it any closer to the castle, though, so no need to worry. Our wards are strong, but this is a good indication that we must strengthen them around the borders of the Kingdom, as well.”

The doors open, and Apollon enters. Zeta stands and embraces him with a kiss to his cheek.

His gaze shifts to Kyle and me, and we stand. “Zarla, nice to see you again. Our son has been worried about you.”

I don’t miss the protective glint to his words, but I understand. It devastated me to be away from Kyle, and I knew what was keeping me from him. Kyle was completely in the dark about it all. As far as he knew, I didn’t want to come back the night I left. As if sensing my change in mood, Kyle reassuringly rubs my back.

“I went through a difficult time back in Silanthia and wasn’t able to get back to Kyle,” I explain.

He nods. “I see. Well, for my son’s sake, I am happy to see you here.”

For the first time, I think he may actually mean that. “Thank you.”

I can’t help but wonder what Kyle went through while I was gone, not knowing whether I was okay. I went throughsomething similar after the watchers attacked us on Earth, and Amaros forced me back to Silanthia, leaving Kyle alone and injured. It was unbearable.

“Father, we saw one of the creatures near the edge of the forest,” Kyle explains. “You must alert the guards. Increase protection.”

Apollon glares at Kyle, and the tension in the air kicks up a notch. Apparently, the King of Zarquon doesn’t enjoy being told what to do, even by his own son.

“I can handle it,” he coolly replies.

Kyle nods. “Of course, Father.”

Sensing a change in topic, Zeta takes my hand. “Zarla, shall we go for a walk, just us girls?”

Kyle gives my other hand one last squeeze before letting go. I follow Zeta through the large room to a more private area, leaving Kyle and his father to discuss what we saw.

We take a seat at a small table, and one of the keepers brings us some herbal tea in a fancy blue teapot with gold detailing on a gold tray and sets it down on the table before us. Zeta pours some into two glass teacups, and the colours are gorgeous. The tea swirls in layers of pale pink down to a darker shade of pink, and I can tell there’s something magical about this tea.

“It’s a calming tea,” she explains. “It will help us relax a little, and given the evening’s events, it’s probably a good idea.”

I pick up my teacup and immediately scent a sweet and floral aroma that makes my mouth water. I take a sip, and the warm, delicious liquid travels down my throat, relaxing every muscle in my body as it flows through me. It’s incredible.

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