Page 126 of Dark Angel

She gives him her weakest smile when he clears his throat. “Miss Hamilton, might we have a word quickly before you leave?” he asks gently, raising his hand to point towards his office.

Kora doesn’t know why, but she hesitates for a fleeting second. A cold, eerie feeling rushes over her. “Oh, certainly, Mr Bladesmith.”

She follows him into the room, sitting down opposite Robert as he takes his seat. His elbows rest on the mahogany desk between them, his older face looking squarely at hers. It’s tidy in here, which Kora didn’t expect. She always assumed Robert’s space to be jumbled and cluttered.

“I am sorry to hear about your uncle,” he begins, his face tight with sorrow. Kora can only bring herself to nod, waiting for him to continue. “But I have asked you in here to talk about your blade.”

Her pulse falters in her neck as she stares at him. “My blade?” Kora echoes cautiously.

Robert clears his throat before continuing, “I don’t doubt that you are aware that the blade belongs to the Archangel Uriel.”

Kora’s throat works nervously. Her fingers begin fiddling in her lap.

“And I think it will be better protected if it stays here, locked in the Ascendancy, under the many enchantments placed on this estate.”

“No.” She’s quick to respond.

“Miss Hamilton,”

“No. I won’t let you. I need this blade!” her voice sounding frantic.

Robert shuffles uncomfortably in his chair, his jaw muscles tensing. “Why won’t you hand it over, Miss Hamilton? It will be safer here in the Ascendancy than in your possession. Colton can’t breach the enchantments.”

Kora shakes her head. “I need to hold on to it. I’m the only one who can bring Colton down, and the only way I can is with this blade. I have to protect it myself.”

Robert’s olive eyes bore into her own. “It’s not confirmed yet if Colton is behind these attacks.”

“I spoke with Uriel,” Kora grits out. “He told me that all of this is Colton’s doing. I am his twin sister. I’m the only one strong enough to kill him, so I will be keeping this weapon to do just that!”

His lips flatten. “You spoke with Uriel?” he questions her harshly.

“I did.”

“And he toldyouto keep the blade to use?”

She nods in response.

“But, the enchantments…”

“No!” Kora bites out. “I will not let you take this from me. I need to keep it.”

Kora stands from her chair at the same time Robert does. She moves towards the door, but he blocks her path with his taller stature. All sorrow has drained from his face, which has been replaced with an expression of anger and displeasure. “I won’t ask you again, Miss Hamilton. Hand over the blade to me,now.” His sharp tone cuts through the silent air.

Kora shakes her head hastily. Her pulse pounds through her ears.

His lips purse together with irritation. “All right then.” He pauses, stepping closer to her. Kora’s breathing becomes unsteady with his nearness. “If you do not hand it over, I will have a very important announcement to make to the Ascendancy. One which I think will bring a lot of shame to the Hamilton name, and your brother Clarence.” His voice calmly threatening her.

“You wouldn’t…” She breathes out.

Robert’s face softens, clearly seeing the distress in her features as she gapes up at him in disbelief, “Oh, but I will, Miss Hamilton. How do you think the other Elders will react when they hear about Clarence drowning in debt, owing money to help pay for you and…”

“Stop!” She shouts at him, tears prickling her eyes. She’s tired of crying today.

His chin rises, a faint smirk curving in his mouth. “All you need to do is hand over the blade, and nobody has to know. They won’t know how much money is dwindling in your accounts, or how desperate your brother is for money.” He steps closer, his warm breath breathing down on her. “You wouldn’t want to be the one to ruin your brother’s chance of becoming a leader, or being wedded, would you?”

Rage flares through her. Burning red rage as she unsheathes Uriel’s blade and hesitantly hands it over to him. A single tear rolls down her cheek.

She swallows anxiously as he places the blade behind his desk. Her blood continues to boil as he grins at her, pleased with himself, “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Hamilton. And I am truly sorry about your uncle.”

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