Page 23 of Even Angels fall
So, this door is just a joke for everyone. And everyone knows it.
I don’t even bother with closing it completely.
Everyone is eating right now, and other than Brice, no one dares to bother me these days.
I’m a cranky bastard.
Comes with the beastly instincts and the fire.
I’d love to say those are the only reasons, though, but it would be wrong.
I’ve been on edge for the past couple of years because there’s unrest in Paris. There’s unrest all over the world, and it’s not new, but it’s become worse in Paris lately.
It’s not surprising with the way the birds treat the humans, but I can’t take a side or fight. It would be detrimental to what I’m guarding here, and I’m not talking about that thorn crown.
I’m talking about Aléa’s very own oddities.
It is the only reason I accepted Michaël’s offer.
I need theLibérationas far away from my home as possible. War and relics don’t mix well, and I’d prefer if they stop asking me to spear that rebellion, and above all, I’d prefer if Michaël didn’t end up knowing about it.
Peace. Quiet. That’s what I need.
I slump on my chair in front of my desk and retrieve the paper that vulture stuck to my chest earlier from my pocket.
They all think I burned it, but that’s the thing with fire. It’s so hot that people don’t really look at it.
So, they think I don’t have Michaël’s list of demands, and now everyone is wondering what the next unhinged thing the dragon is going to do.
I open it, and it’s not the list of demands I was expecting.
Elhyor,
You can’t refuse her now that she’s in your care. Do whatever you want with her, but don’t bring her back to me.
She had etiquette lessons, bedtime lessons, and she’s still a virgin.
Enjoy.
What the hell?
Those words sound like Michaël doesn’t care one bit about his daughter. He could have gifted me a dog or a mare, and I’m sure he would have sounded more loving.
I’m pissed off on her behalf and I don’t even know her.
My vision blurs and becomes reddish.
Oh shit.
I open my hand and nothing but ashes are left of that hateful paper.
Good.
It feels like I should have burned it the first time, anyway. Those hateful words can’t be those of a loving father… whichmakes me wonder what she’s been through before arriving at my door.
It was obvious that they forced her to arrive on foot, but what if there’s more?
Of course, there’s more.
