Page 33 of Court of Twisted Angels

Then, I was dragged into council meetings. Gavreel even teased me about being here, playing trainer, when I had an estate to run in my father's absence. The whole day was draining - partially annoying - and now, I am finally here.

I hate that I've been gone all day. A day I should have been watching her, studying her movements, finding the perfect moment to?—

No. I can't think about that now.

I slip inside with ease. There is no security when it comes to the tunnels and quarters beneath the arena. There is nothing but a door, and while I hate that, too, there is little I can do about it. I

The arena's training halls empty as night descends, contestants dragging themselves to their assigned chambers. I keep my footsteps silent against stone floors worn smooth by centuries of use as I approach Kyrie's door.

I carefully nudge it open, and while she's shoved some furniture in front of it, I'm able to use my magic to move it silently. I slip inside, wings folding tight against my back as I approach her

Kyrie lies curled on her side, one hand tucked beneath her pillow—likely gripping a weapon. Smart girl. Her auburn hair spills across the pillow, and even in sleep, tension lines her face. The scar on her neck catches the lantern light, a reminder of why she should hate my kind.

I shouldn't be here. Shouldn't watch her chest rise and fall with each breath. Shouldn't remember the taste of her skin, the way she arched against me, the sound of my name on her lips.

My wings rustle, betraying my unease. This wasn't part of the plan. Getting close to her? Yes. Gaining her trust? Necessary. But I never meant to take her to bed, to learn how perfectly she fits against me, to discover the fierce joy in her laugh when I?—

I drag a hand down my face. All around us, similar scenes play out. The arena breeds desperation, and desperation breeds connection. Humans and xaphan alike seek comfort in the dark, knowing tomorrow might bring death. It's nothing special.

But when she'd looked at me after, green eyes bright with challenge rather than submission, something shifted. Something dangerous.

The curse pulses through my blood, a constant reminder of my purpose. I can't afford distractions. Can't let myself forget why I'm here, what's at stake. My family's survival depends on using her, on taking what she doesn't even know she has.

But at the same time… I find myself far too attached to this human. I think a part of me already knows there is no going back.

Kyrie stirs, mumbling something in her sleep. Her fingers clench around whatever weapon she's hiding, and despite everything, my lips curve. Always ready for a fight, my little bird.

My gaze shifts around the room, taking in the space. I'm not ready to leave, just because she's asleep, but that's when I spot something odd in the corner.

There’s a spot at the bottom of the wall where it looks like someone has chipped away at the rock. It’s been crudely moved, almost like something is behind it.

Kneeling, I work my fingers beneath the edge. The rocks shift with barely a whisper, revealing a hollow space behind it. Inside lies the gemstone – and a carefully folded piece of parchment, the edges worn from handling. My chest swells with a mix of pride and wariness as I unfold it.

It's a detailed map of the arena - and what looks to be a trial. If I were to guess, it's the next trial.

"Clever little bird." The words slip out before I can catch them.

Because while the xaphan would see this as stolen property, it is a brilliant thing to have. I'm not sure how she got it, but it could ensure she makes it through the last trial.

Then I see smaller markings, and my breath stutters in my chest. I recognize what they are. It's the rest of the gemstones. They will all be in the final trial, probably to distract the contestants and stir up more competitions. But now I know exactly where they are and how I can get them.

How I can break my family's curse.

Behind me, Kyrie shifts in her sleep, the blanket sliding to reveal the conduit band wrapped around her palm - the one I gave her, taught her to use. The one that let her sense the gemstones' locations easier and got one out of the trials already.

I didn't know then that her natural affinity for magic would make her such a perfect tool. Didn't know she'd map out exactly what I needed to save my family.

Didn't know I'd grow to care.

My jaw clenches as I look at her sleeping form. Trust is rare in the arena, yet she gave me hers freely. Showed me her strength, her determination, her heart. And I'm about to shatter it all.

But I have no choice. My family's survival hangs by a thread, and I won't let them fall into oblivion. Not when salvation lies within reach.

Even if it means betraying the one person who saw past my cursed bloodline and chose to believe in me anyway.

Just as quietly as I came in, I slip back out, tucking the map and gemstone into the inside pocket of my overcoat. I don't encounter anyone all the way back, and as soon as I'm out of the arena, I do something I rarely do these days - I launch into the sky.

Magic ripples around me as I cut through the night air, my wings catching thermal currents that spiral up from the heated crystal towers. Each powerful stroke carries me higher, past the floating gardens where night-blooming flowers release their luminescent spores into the darkness.

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