Page 96 of Wings of Betrayal

We hurry through the forest toward the gateway, and once we arrive, I hug her tightly.

“It was so good to see you again,” I tell her.

She strokes my hair, and it feels bittersweet, having to leave here after such a short time with her again. I wish I could spend longer with her. There is so much to discuss, and I hate that I can’t stay.

She cups my cheek and smiles. “Take care, my daughter. One day, when you master your abilities, you can visit me any time you like.”

Tears sting my eyes, and I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “I’d like that.”

Another bang echoes through the forest, and she glances back. “Go to Zarquon. And be safe.”

I hug her once more and then visualise Zarquon and Kyle before stepping through the gateway. Bracing myself, I free-fall for a brief time before landing on the grass in the forest. I immediately sense Kyle, and I’m barely on my feet when he swoops down, his black wings stretched wide.

He lifts me into his arms, and I breathe in his cinnamon and freshly cut grass scent, which instantly relaxes me.

“I missed you,” I whisper.

“As did I,” he says into my hair then presses a kiss to my cheek. He puts me down, and his brows knit together as he searches my face. “What’s happened?”

He knows me so well, and I love that.

“I visited my mother in the Spirit Realm. I found the fifth Weapon of the Gods there. It was in a cave in the forest, surrounded by angel spirits and lost ones. Amaros and Zalore are behind it, and they’re using this weapon to open portals and suck angel spirts through it and into the Realm of Lost Souls.”

He frowns. “Why are they doing that?”

“Because they then become lost ones. They’re building an army. I’m sure of it. I met a watcher in Galespo…”

He lets out a low growl, and I reach out and squeeze his hand.

“I had to find my father,” I explain. “This watcher knew him, and that’s how I found him.”

He pulls me closer and runs soothing circles over my wrist with his thumb. “How did it go?”

“Terrible. He said he wasn’t my father and then left.”

His jaw ticks. “Is it possible he’s not your father?”

I shake my head. “No. He’s my father. I’m certain.”

“I don’t like you spending time with any watchers. They can’t be trusted.”

I take his face between my hands. “You don’t have to worry about me. This watcher was different. He was kind.”

Jealousy radiates off him in waves, and I have to say, it warms my heart at how much he cares.

“Watchers are not kind. They are devious, and they can’t be trusted. But, in saying that, I trust your judgement.”

A smile tugs at my lips, which soon disappears when I remember what Grazen told me. “His name is Grazen, and he has a friend who works as one of Zalore’s guards. He witnessed Zalore and Amaros talking about this Weapon of the Gods they’re using. And…”

His forehead creases. “And what?”

“He overheard them talking about you and your father,” I say and my voice cracks. “About how they plan to kill you both.”

He takes in a deep breath, his broad chest rising with the inhale. “We must speak with my father. Come on.”

I follow him as he takes off into the air, and we fly toward the castle and land outside the main doors. Several guards give us a nod as we pass through the front entrance. Kyle leads me through the corridors to the same room we visited the last time we were here. We find his parents sitting together on one of the many couches spaced around the vast room, both with a drink in hand.

They rise as we enter, and Kyle kisses his mother on the cheek.

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