Page 46 of Wings of Betrayal

The Master stops near a group of angels training on one of the fighting mats. “These angels are impressive. They are all just about ready, too.”

They pause their fighting, and all gather around Finlay and me. There are four males and four females, and they must be around sixteen. Maybe younger, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at them.

That’s the thing with most angels. We are all built tall, some more muscular than others. Compared to humans, we appear older than we are, just because of our size, I think.

“Recruits, this is Zarla Quinn and Finlay Kallis. Zarla has a few words to say to you all.”

I stare wide-eyed at the Master. A few words? What? I try to scramble my brain into gear. What could I possibly have to say to these angels?

But then somehow the words come to me, and I step forward. “I was once in your shoes. And although I was never trained for a potential battle such as the one we may face here in Silanthia, or down on Earth, I have fought many battles of my own. I can help prepare you all for what you may face.”

I pace slowly before them. “I want to teach you a few of the tactics I have picked up from my experience in battling angels, watchers, and lost ones.”

The angels before me gasp and whisper amongst themselves. Hearing about the lost ones is new to them, I’m sure. But the more they know about them, the better.

The Master instructs all the angels in the arena to break into ten groups containing twenty angels each. We then show each group a new fighting tactic for them to practice. Despite the old rule in the arena about no powers allowed, the Master has agreed, given the circumstances, that we need to teach them how to use their powers. However, to avoid damage to the building’s infrastructure, we have decided to practice that outside another time.

I approach the group containing the same angels I spoke with before. “You must never, ever allow a lost one to scratch you with their claws.”

One of the females speaks up. “Why’s that?”

Her expression holds a mix of uncertainty and fear. Good. They need to be afraid.

“Because if one scratches you, and you die…you will become one of them,” I explain.

Finlay moves to my side.They’re not bad, right?

No, they’re pretty good,I reply.I can’t remember whether we were as good. It feels like a lifetime ago.

He scoffs.We were much better. And yes, it does, doesn’t it?

I can’t help but smile at that. Typical Finlay with his “I’m better than everyone” attitude. Got to love him for it, though. Confidence is never a bad thing.

Some students whisper amongst themselves.

“What is it?” I ask.

One male steps forward. He’s stocky with black hair and pale skin, and he towers over even Finlay. What in the gods are they feeding these angels?

“Is it true? That you’ve ridden a Zelon?” he asks.

I laugh as the image of Keva immediately shifts to the forefront of my mind. “Yes, it’s true.”

They gasp and all start asking questions at once, and I have to raise my hands to quiet them down.

“One at a time,” I say.

“Do you have one as a pet?” a female asks.

“Sort of. Although I don’t consider him so much of a pet as I do a companion. We share a mutual bond, and we help one another as equals. Zelons are special creatures within our Kingdom. They are the protectors of Silanthia.”

The angels remain silent, staring at me in awe.

Then I have an idea. “Who wants to meet them?”

They all raise their hands and take a step forward, but one female hovers at the back.

“Everything all right?” I ask.

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