Page 17 of Fallen Angels

“I’m listening.”

The forest spirits take notice of us and begin to draw near, causing the trees and shrubs to glow with ethereal light. I welcome them.

“The female with whom you came into contact in Earlann,” I begin.

“Eilish,” Pyre interrupts.

“Yes,” I answer with a brief nod. “She is… important. I have made it my business to ensure her safety, but I’m afraid the closer she ventures to Morrigan’s territory, the less my ability to protect her.”

“I understand.”

I turn to face the Necromancer and find his rapt attention already mine. “I ask your favor in this matter, Pyre.”

“You wish for me to protect the Angel-Succubus?”

“I do.”

He nods. “You know you need only ask me and I will happily do your bidding.”

“I appreciate your help.”

“Of course you are aware that the Kings’ mission is to release the Midnight Queen from her imprisonment within Variant’s castle?”

“Of course,” I respond. He is cognizant of the fact that there exists little of which I am not aware.

“And?”

I glance at him with a smile. “You forget yourself, Pyre.”

“Apologies, Silvanus,” he says with a quick nod. “But, I believe I can be of more assistance to you, perhaps, than the little you ask of me?”

“You wish to know whether I believe Morrigan should be released from capture?”

“I do.”

I nod as I allow the subject to penetrate my already overwhelmed mind. “Whether Morrigan is released from her prison, or not, is hardly the question, Pyre. Morrigan is a threat to me no matter her location.”

“TheCosmosseem to believe Morrigan does not belong in Variant’s castle,” Pyre informs me. “The whispers I hear from the ethers reinforce this notion.”

“Morrigan does not belong there.”

“Then do you support the Kings’ cause?”

“I support any actions taken that will bring us closer to our goal of reinstating the balance between the realms.” I take a deep breath and glance out at the beauty surrounding me. “Morriganis a threat not only to the realms but she is a threat to you as much as she is a threat to me.”

“I understand.”

“Would that she were not as powerful as she is,” I say on a deep sigh as I shake my head.

“Then you do wish for her to be released from Variant’s influence?” Pyre asks, eyeing me with interest.

“If theCosmossupport that action, then I am hardly one to argue.”

“Very well,” Pyre answers with a brief nod. “I shall make it my mission to release Morrigan from Variant’s hold and to ensure the safety of the Angel-Succubus.”

“You have my gratitude, Pyre,” I finish as I fade into the ether that surrounds us, relieved to know the female will be safe within Pyre’s hands.

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