Page 383 of Castings & Curses

"Are you sure he didn't do it?" I asked with unease. Hopefully she wouldn't take offense at that, but I wasn't feeling especially trusting right now.

"I'm sure. I was right there beside him. One moment Riga was there, talking to us, and the next she was gone."

"An angel must've done this," Melinda replied with a shake of her head. "Any of the old gods with unlocked powers are too well-watched by the authorities."

"Perhaps," Aurelia replied, "but we're still investigating. I'm surprised the sentinels haven't caught up with us yet. Do you still want to go to the restaurant?"

I shook my head. "No, I want to go back and check on Riga."

"Then hold on to me," the angelic woman said, "and I'll take you back to Enchant. Raphael is there, but he would catch up with us eventually anyway."

I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around her tightly, almost in a hug. I was afraid of not gripping her tightly enough, but I also felt shy, holding this lovely young woman. The fact she was an angel only confused my thoughts more, but my instincts told me she was trying to do the right thing. If I was going to trust an angel, it would probably be her.

The flight was quick and terrifying. I hung on for dear life as the world flashed by. It was like being on a rollercoaster. I closed my eyes, just focusing on her and the sweet, fresh scent of her perfume until we were on solid ground again. Only then did I let her go, and she glanced at me with wide blue eyes and a smile on her face.

My heart skipped a beat, but then as I looked around, I found two others staring back at me. One was Riga, thank the gods, but the other sent a shudder of fear through me — it was the archangel Raphael.

AURELIA

"Aurelia,please step away from the goddess Melinda." Raphael approached us both, one careful step at a time.

We were in the beer garden outside Enchant, and Riga was seated at the table with a pot of tea in front of her. She rose to her feet as she witnessed the confrontation.

I moved away from Melinda, but I raised my hands in a calming gesture. "She's innocent, Raphael. Most of her powers are still locked away, and she couldn't have done it."

"Locks aren't infallible. They could have been removed by another supernatural being if they're powerful enough. She might have an accomplice."

"It wasn't me," she declared with a hint of anger in her voice. "Scan me. Do whatever you like, but I'm telling you the truth. I cared about Misha. Just please, stop chasing me, and let me help you find out who did this. I want them caught as much as you do."

"I can tell you speak the truth," he replied, "as far as you see it. We have our orders, so we have to take you in so this can be resolved."

"I suspect that's not a good idea," I told Raphael, "and I'll tell you why. Not many beings could've teleported Riga above the city the way that happened tonight. Most of those possessing the power are angelic."

'I don't like where this is going,' Raphael said, speaking solely to my mind. 'Are you implying that an angel did this?'

'There are many reasons to believe one could be responsible,' I replied. 'I think it would be a mistake to send Melinda up to heaven before we know more. Besides, she sensed the murder from afar. She might be able to help us with our investigation.'

Raphael studied the red-haired goddess, apparently deep in thought.

I wasn't sure whether the others could tell that we were communicating telepathically, but I suspected Melinda must've known a conversation was taking place, even if she couldn't make out the words.

'If she is responsible and harms anyone, it will be on us,' Raphael said. He continued the conversation aloud. "We were ordered to bring you to heaven. They didn't say when. You may remain while you help us with our investigation," he said. "But you will get rid of that pin." Raphael indicated the talisman that disguised her presence.

Melinda smiled, and there was more than that in her eyes — a deep sense of gratitude.

She removed the talisman from her coat and handed it over to him. "The killer will be able to find me now."

"That shouldn't be a concern, as we'll protect you," he replied. "Do you feel you might be targeted because you sensed the murder?"

"Yes," she replied, glancing between us. "I also think the killer intended me to be a scapegoat, and they won't want me going after them."

"That's entirely possible." Raphael's tension seemed to ease, though the difference might not have been noticeable to anyone who hadn't got the opportunity to know him.

"What of the Nephilim?" Riga asked.

"I'm not planning to have any," Melinda replied. "I'm a lesbian, in any case."

I grinned. There went Raphael's theory that she was secretly in love with Misha. Unless, of course, he meant Lucia?

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