Page 114 of Forging Darkness

I break apart from Steel on a gasp, eyes popping open. Adrenaline spikes and then—

Lights burst and I’m in the spectrum world. Sagging back, I punch the couch with my fist and groan loudly.

Closing my eyes, I phase back into the mortal world. Steel’s rubbing his lower face in what is an obvious attempt to cover a smile.

“This isn’t funny.”

His eyes flare, pupils dilating before returning to normal. “Agreed. Far from funny. We were just about to get to the good part.”

Heat jumps to my cheeks in an instant, but Steel doesn’t see because there’s still someone banging on the door and he’s gone to check who it is.

If that’s room service, I’m gonna cut someone.

Steel quickly looks through the peephole and then doesn’t hesitate to throw open the door. He’s shoved aside quickly, and I jump to my feet, immediately on the defense.

It’s only right before Sable plows into me that I realize there’s no threat.

“Don’t you ever do that to me again. You hear me?”

I pat Sable’s back awkwardly as she squeezes me to death. “Okay?”

The room starts to fill with familiar angel-borns, but I’m distracted by a sniffle. Forcing space between us, I look into Sable’s face. Tears have collected in her crystal gaze. One spills over and slides down her cheek.

“Sable? I’m here. I’m all right,” I assure her.

“I know. I know. I’m just . . .” Finally releasing me, she wipes her eyes. “Just promise me you won’t do that again, Emberly. I was terrified when I learned you and the others snuck away like that. I will always have your back. Angel-borns stick together, we don’t—” Cutting herself off, she glances out the window while she collects herself. I didn’t realize that she . . . cared so much.

I give her hand a squeeze. “I hear you. It won’t happen again. I promise. And, I’m sorry.”

Her smile is watery, but she nods, accepting my apology.

“Out of the way! You’re not the only one who wants a piece of that hot little thing.”

Sable’s knocked to the side when Sterling rushes past her and picks me up. She throws an annoyed glare in his direction which softens almost instantly. No one can resist Sterling.

“Yo, sis! You’re still alive!”

“I’m happy to see you too,” I laugh. “Now put me down.” He sets me gently on the ground after two more spins. “And I’m not your sister.”

“Not yet,” he says and then winks at me.

Steel, who’s talking to Deacon behind Sterling starts to choke on nothing and Deacon hits him on the back a couple of times.

I shoot Sterling a look. “Not funny.”

“Was too.”

“Best friends should get first hug privileges, not last.” Ash has to push her way through several large angel-borns to reach me. She takes my face between her hands when she does. Her gaze bounces around my face and then runs up and down my body. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

Now my smile is watery. “Me too,” I admit. “Where’s everyone else?” I ask as I scan the group for Greyson and Nova. I would have thought Tinkle would be here for sure, parading as a fancy poodle or something.

“Couldn’t all fit in the chopper. Grey and Nova pulled the short straws,” Sterling answers for her instead. “There’s a few Neph outside standing guard at the door, and the pilot is waiting for us.”

“And let me guess, Tinkle didn’t want to come without Nova?” That doesn’t surprise me, but I still roll my eyes.

Ash and Sterling exchange a quick look, then glance at Steel, whose face instantly hardens.

“He didn’t return to you?” he asks, looking back and forth between his brother and Ash.

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