Page 55 of Wicked Angel
The guard studied me for a long moment, then barked an order to his companions. Two of them moved forward, roughly grasping my arms and binding my wrists with shackles that glowed with suppressive magic.
“These will prevent you from summoning your wings or using your powers,” the guard explained with cold satisfaction. “Standard procedure for traitors.”
I said nothing, allowing them to manhandle me through the gate and into Elysium. Behind me, I knew my invisible allies were slipping through as well, taking advantage of the guards' focus on me to infiltrate undetected.
The air in Elysium was as I remembered it—sweeter, cleaner, charged with the subtle energy that permeated every corner of the realm. Under different circumstances, returning after so long would have been a homecoming.
Now, it felt like walking into enemy territory.
The guards led me along a narrow path that wound around the side of a mountain, away from the main thoroughfare that led to the capital. This was a back route, less traveled and more discreet—perfect for transporting a prisoner without drawing too much attention.
But as we rounded a bend in the path, I caught a glimpse of the main road below us, and my breath caught in my throat. It was chaos. Angels crowded the wide avenue, some in battle armor, others in civilian dress. They seemed to be gathering for some kind of assembly or announcement, their faces turned expectantly toward the central square.
And they were divided. Even from this distance, I could see the tension rippling through the crowd. Some angels stood tall and proud, clearly Rhodes's supporters, while others huddled in small groups, their expressions fearful and uncertain. As I watched, a skirmish broke out between two factions, quickly quelled by warriors in silver armor.
“What's happening down there?” I asked, unable to hide my concern.
One of my escorts gave me a rough shove. “Silence, traitor. It's no concern of yours.”
But I'd seen enough to understand that the situation in Elysium was even worse than we'd feared. Rhodes hadn't just been gathering supporters—he'd been sowing discord, turning angel against angel, preparing for a complete restructuring of our society.
We continued along the mountain path, climbing higher toward the Celestial Tower that loomed against the sky. The tower had always been a symbol of angelic authority, the place from where Adona ruled and the highest council met to make decisions that would affect all of Elysium. Now, it seemed, Rhodes had claimed it as his base of operations.
Our passage didn't go unnoticed. As we moved through a small residential area on the mountainside, angels emerged from their homes to watch. Their reactions chilled me to the core.
“Traitor!” one shouted, his face contorted with fury. “Murderer!”
“She killed her own squadron!” another cried, the accusation slicing through me like a physical blow.
But not all were hostile. Some watched with wide, frightened eyes, quickly ducking back inside when my guards looked their way. Others whispered among themselves, their expressions doubtful or confused.
An older angel, his wings showing hints of silver that denoted his age and wisdom, stepped forward from his doorway. “Is it true?” he asked, his voice cracking with emotion. “Did you really betray us, Ariella? You were always such a devoted guardian.”
Before I could answer, one of my guards shoved the elder back. “Return to your home, citizen. Rhodes will address all concerns at the gathering this afternoon.”
The elder's face hardened. “Rhodes speaks many words, but answers few questions.”
For that bit of defiance, he received a backhand across the face that sent him staggering. I struggled against my bonds, outraged by the casual cruelty, but another guard grabbed me by the hair, yanking me forward.
“Keep moving,” he growled.
As we continued our ascent, a younger angel broke away from a small group and rushed toward me, her expression wild with grief and rage. “My brother was in your squadron!” she screamed. “He trusted you!”
My heart clenched, recognizing her as Jeremiah's sister—we'd trained together, shared meals in the academy's dining hall. Now she looked at me with pure hatred, believing I'd murdered her beloved sibling.
My guards intercepted her before she could reach me, one of them catching her around the waist while another drew his sword in warning.
“Rhodes will deal with her,” the first guard said, his voice firm but not unkind. “She'll face justice for what she's done, I promise you.”
The younger angel spat in my direction before allowing herself to be led away, her shoulders shaking with sobs. I watched her go, a hollow ache spreading through my chest. How many others believed the lies Rhodes had spread about me? How many families were grieving loved ones they thought I had killed?
“Shocking, isn't it?” a quiet voice murmured next to my ear—so faint I almost thought I'd imagined it. Levi, invisible but still beside me. “How easily they believe what they're told.”
I didn't respond, couldn't risk acknowledging him with my guards so close, but his presence steadied me, reminded me why we were here. Not just for my family, not just for Adona, but for all of Elysium—to free it from Rhodes's manipulation and restore the truth.
The Celestial Tower rose before us, its crystalline spires catching the morning light and refracting it into thousands of rainbow shards. Under other circumstances, it would have been breathtaking. Now, it seemed cold and forbidding, a prison rather than a beacon.
Guards flanked the massive doors, standing at rigid attention as we approached. They stepped aside at a nod from my escorts, allowing us to pass into the cavernous entry hall beyond.
