Page 96 of Dark Angel

Charles swallows loudly. “Ye-yes.”

“Splendid. I don’t like to raise my voice, but sometimes it’s necessary to get the message across.”

Tapping the side of Charles’ cheek with his palm mockingly, Emmett picks up the crate of pints and walks to the other side of the tent.

“See you in two weeks!” he yells before disappearing out the other end.

*?*?*

Kora groans herself awake. She managed to finally get some sleep after pacing around her room for a few hours until the fire burnt out and the streets of London grew quieter outside her window.

This bed is incredibly comfortable. The expensive dark silky sheets and thick blankets weighing her down are made from various materials. Fluffy, soft, knitted, and corded. At least ten pillows line the back of the bed. They’re all delicate and cloud-like.

Rolling onto her back, she wipes the sleep from corners of her eyes, before relieving herself and washing up. Warm water half fills the tub, and she settles in, allowing her muscles to relax and recover. Her eyes close as she takes a moment to ground herself.

Her mother, Tessa, might have been Uriel’s child.

The Blade of Uriel is now in her possession.

Colton may be out there trying to become another Dark Angel.

Her uncle Will might be mixed up in all of this. Or is he a descendant of Uriel as well?

Kora groans again, shoving her head under water in the hopes that dunking herself will push the overflowing thoughts out of her mind.

It doesn’t.

Lifting herself back up to inhale, she pushes her drenched hair out of her eyes and wrings water from the tips.

Stepping out, she finds a clean light grey dress decorated with sewn black birds and vines lying on the edge of the now made bed. She slips it on. It’s the tiniest bit too big, considering Valarie is a few inches taller than her, but she doesn’t complain. It’s much softer than her regular day dresses back at her manor.

Combing through her wet hair, Kora goes downstairs in search of some breakfast. She wasn’t expecting the Carter’s to be sitting around the dining room whispering quietly. They all freeze to look up at her when she appears in the doorway.

Kora can feel herself folding inward from the embarrassment of how she reacted last night. Her outburst and tears. She hadn’t meant to act like that, but it all became so overwhelming. She swallows, waiting for one of them to mention her behaviour when Josephine rises from her chair with a gentle smile, “Kora, I do hope you slept well. Come and join us while it’s still warm.”

More delicious fresh food covers the table. Taking some pastries, eggs, and fruit, Kora quietly nibbles on each piece as the family discusses other matters. Kora’s not really listening to them. All she can think about is Uriel and her mother and Colton and the blade… It’s all too consuming.

“How did you sleep?” Jordan asks beside her as his parents talk amongst themselves about an event they’re invited to.

She looks up at him through her damp lashes that cling together. He does look slightly worried, but not as much as last night. Her hair tingles as she thinks about him kissing her head like the protective man he is.

“I got some at least.” She responds honestly. There’s no doubt she has blueness hanging under her eyes, but she’s too tired to care.

Jordan nods and gives her a faint smile. “Are you going to try contacting Uriel?”

“What are you two gossiping about over there?” Valarie cuts in from the other side of the table.

They both look over to see everyone watching them.

Kora swallows loudly, “I think I need to speak with Uriel for some more answers.”

All four pairs of eyes stare at her.

Josephine is the first to speak up. “I think that is a brilliant idea then. It might put your mind at ease.”

“How do you go about contacting an Archangel, though?” Valarie asks on Kora’s behalf.

Tobias’ mouth tightens as he looks to Josephine, who gives a small shrug. “We have never tried that before. I don’t think anyone has.”

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