Page 117 of Falling in Love with A Tiny Bat

Clenching my fist, I glare down at my lap. “Xios has already told you. We aren’t taking sides.”

“Pity, seeing as I find myself taking yours.” Releasing me, Castor rises. “I am here for you, Razah. If there is anything I can do, you know where to find me.”

?

Once upon a time, there was a city so evil, God sent a man to warn it that it might be destroyed if all the people did not repent. Once upon a time, that man ran from God, hating that city while knowing his God’s great love would spare any—no matter how terrible—if they returned to Him.

It goes on to show that the main character cared more for a tree giving him shade than a city full of people.

The entire book about it is only four chapters long.

So I read it before bed, and then I pray—not for the city and not for the tree. I honestly haven’t made it far enough to reach either…

Right now, I just need to stop running long enough for the pain to heal.

Maybe then, I’ll be able to give my hatred away and rejoice in the fact that there is no sin too great for God to forgive, so long as we sincerely repent.

Chapter 30

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What exactly does one do with a villain’s gratitude?

Monday morning arrives, bringing with it unexpected messages from…Dani.

My chest constricts as the white text on my dark-mode Discord background seers itself into my eyes. I’ve barely started breakfast, but now my eggs are burning.

DaniBird153: I’m so sorry I keep doing this. Mom hasn’t left me alone for weeks.

DaniBird153: I’m scared, and I don’t have much time to talk, but I’m okay. I am okay.

DaniBird153: I might be able to sneak away in a few days.

DaniBird153: It’s risky, but I can’t stay here. Once I go, I can’t bring my phone, so I won’t be able to reach out again for even longer.

DaniBird153: I wanted to thank you. For everything. You’ve been a bright spot in my life for years, and I appreciate all your care and friendship. I will be okay, so don’t worry, and I will talk to you as soon as I can.

Frantic, I pull my burnt eggs off the stove and tap out a reply as fast as I can.

CapyZahra: I can help. I can’t quite explain how, but I can. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll come get you.

DaniBird153: No, that’s okay. I don’t want you getting involved in this. I can’t let you get hurt.

DaniBird153: I’m going to become someone else, Zahra. Someone else entirely. But you are the only thing I’m bringing with me into my new life. I promise. We will talk again. Just maybe pray for me, okay?

DaniBird153: I love you.

Before I can beg her for a chance to let me try and explain the insanity of magic and faeries and faerie paths and actually, literally disappearing—before I can promise her that I have multiple overpowered creatures ready to keep me fromgetting hurt—she goes offline.

And I fear I won’t see a little green light by her name until she is able to get away from whatever she’s facing right now.

“Ash decided he no longer aspired to be awake,” Alexios drawls past a yawn as he enters the kitchen in his nightclothes.

I look up at my lop-eared rabbit husband, at a loss for words.

His arms open as a tender smile overwhelms him. “Come here, snowflake. Tell me everything, and allow me the opportunity to make it all better.”

My brow furrows.

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