Page 48 of Wings of Betrayal

It’s incredible.

Wow,Finlay says.

There must be hundreds of them. This clearing is easily ten times the size of the one in the forest near the gateway.

One by one, we glide down and land on the grass, and Keva spreads his vast wings out and has what I can only describe as astare-off with the other Zelons. He’s telling them it’s okay, that we’re not a threat to them.

They cautiously approach us but keep their distance as they scope us out. Keva yelps at them several times, and they yelp back in understanding.

He then pulls his wings in tight to his body and moves to my side, nudging my shoulder with his nose.

Phew. Everything seems to be okay.

Several large male Zelons bound toward us. Keva appears relaxed, so that helps, but the group of young angels panics.

“What now?” a female asks, her voice cracking ever so slightly.

I spin around to face them, and despite Keva making it clear we’re okay, their expressions show fear and uncertainty.

“It’ll be all right,” I tell them. “If Keva’s not concerned, neither am I. Just remain calm.”

The approaching Zelons grunt to one another. Keva pads forward to meet them, and they sniff one another. Keva is larger than all of them, which is interesting, but they are still huge, muscular males. Capable of tearing us all to shreds, if they wanted to.

Keva moves to my side again and licks my face, and the other Zelons tilt their heads in curiosity. They circle the angels, several of whom bob from one foot to another, as if deciding whether to initiate their fight-or-flight reflex.

“Stay calm,” I remind them as the Zelons suss them out. “They won’t harm you. If your intentions are good, they will know it.”

More Zelons approach us, including several females. The young pups have kept their distance, though, hanging back with the other female Zelons. A couple of them bound toward us, but their mothers growl and put them in their place like children. It’s cute and amusing all at the same time.

A female angel has positioned herself at the very back of the group, and she chews her nails as her focus darts around from one Zelon to the next.

“You there, at the back?” I call out and point to her.

The group of angels parts, giving me a clear view of her.

She nervously glances around then places her hand on her chest. “Who, me?”

“Yes. Come forward.”

She brushes her hands down her leather pants, slowly making her way through the group of angels, and stops a few feet before me.

“What’s your name?” I ask her.

Her attention is locked on Keva, who is staring at her in the most intimidating way, as if she’s a snack. He licks his lips, which doesn’t help one bit.

“Hale,” she replies in a high-pitched tone. “He looks hungry.”

I can’t help but laugh, and she frowns at me. “Sorry. I don’t mean to laugh, but Keva won’t eat you. Are you ready to choose your Zelon, Hale?”

Her eyes grow wide as she stares at me.

Clearly, no, she’s not ready.

“You’ll know when it feels right. Take your time, and look for that deep connection within yourself and within them,” I say, placing my hand over my chest.

She gulps, then slowly walks around between the Zelons. One turns its head a little too fast, and she jumps.

The other angels laugh.

---