Page 111 of Wicked Heirs

Just. Like. Her.

As we pulled apart, I asked her, “When was the last time you released your wings?”

Realization shone in her eyes. “So, that’s why you wanted to have this conversation up here?”

“That and the added privacy without needing to erect a glamour or an illusion. So, how long has it been?”

“A little over three years.”

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t look so shocked, you know about me putting my powers and abilities on lockdown.”

“Your wings are a different matter. They’re a physical part of you that you’ve been clipping. And you know what? I have a similar issue.”

“What? You’re giving me shit and it’s the same for you?”

“I saidsimilar.I don’t use my wings as much as I used to. Ever since I came here, withthe domeand all the restrictions, flying just feels wrong. Like I’m an animal in a cage when I bringthem out. I did get the urge the other day, but it’s rare where that’s concerned.”

“For me, it’s the worry of feeling too free, too powerful, and what it might do to my head. It’s dangerous with my level of power, not to mention if I reach my full potential.” She stepped right to the edge and gazed over our surroundings below. “But we’ve talked about my fear of the dark and all of that, and I don’t want to live with all of that holding me back anymore.”

“You’re already making great strides, using your magic again, relaxing into itandenjoying it, excelling at your studies here—yes, I’ve been keeping an eye on your progress. You battled a raging phoenix, slept with the Dark Fae Prince, you’re sleeping with a vampire now too, you managed to win Talon over. Through it all, you’ve handled it exceptionally well.”

“Wow, high praise, especially from you.” She frowned at me, suspicion sparking. “Hold up, what do you want?”

I rolled my eyes. “Why do people always think that? Icanbe nice without having ulterior motives.”

“You can, huh?” she said, nudging me.

I tickled under her chin. “Yes, I can, little angel.”

She released the sweetest giggle and it rolled right through me in the best way.

In an all-consuming way.

She grasped my hand, stopping my tickling.

“Let’s fly.”

“Yeah?”

She nodded, then moved a few feet away from me.

I called my wings forth, spreading them wide.

Her jaw dropped.

It was an odd sensation—I’d never felt exposed before.

But standing here now with them on display in front ofherI did, and I realized I cared about what she thought of them. Of me in relation to them too.

“Wow,” she said, studying them intently. “They’re extraordinary, so darkly beautiful.”

Relief rolled through me.

And something else.

Pride, it seemed like.

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