Page 29 of Wings of Valor
I’m not sure what I expected to find as we finally pass through the large gate, but it wasn’t this. The inside of their sanctuary is massive. Most of it appears to be stone or marble, with large columns lining the hallways that lead off in all directions. Even the railings are made of polished stone as they overlook the openroom below. There is no ceiling above to protect it from the elements.
We take a turn and pass by a hallway with tall windows on all sides, with views of sprawling fields and a stunning garden tucked into the corner. In the distance, I see the burning embers of a tree. It stands out amidst the perfection that is the rest of the landscape, and it’s not just me who notices.
“What’s that?” Mira asks.
I want to be pissed that she’s here and Dina isn’t, but I know my best friend has a good reason for not joining us. Besides, it’s not like Mira’s question isn’t a damn good one.
When Remiel answers, his voice betrays his dissatisfaction. “The demon blood tree.”
My gaze darts to Theo as recognition clicks. Didn’t Castiel say that’s where those pouches came from, the one Zeke stole from the guild?
“Why is it burning?” Theo asks, hesitation lining every word.
“There is no proof, but I would guess Auriel is to blame. We believe he came by last night, grabbed what he could, and ran. I doubt he’ll try to come back, but we’re making alterations to our wards, so even if he does, he won’t get far.”
I want to ask why he’d burn the tree down completely if it’s the last one of its kind, but the answer is obvious. If that tree can be used as a weapon against the demons, he’ll take it from us, just like he tried to do with our remaining sunblades. Too bad he didn’t account for someone to make new ones.
Me.
We continue on, passing rooms with plush pillows lining the many rows of seating and some with long tables where one might hold important meetings. It makes me think of what Raduriel said he does. Is this the type of room he was in when he learned of war?
What would my parents think of all this? Or Zeke? My chest squeezes at the thought until I have to clutch my middle just to make sure there isn’t an open wound there.
Even though I know it’s pointless, I try to reach them through the tether that connects us mentally.
And just like before, no one answers.
Remiel stops to open a door in a long hallway. We all pile into the room, and I’m surprised to find an empty sitting area. I expected him to take us to the others so we could discuss what’s been going on, so what are we doing here?
He spreads his arms wide, and I notice a few more rooms built off this one. Their doors are shut, so I can’t tell what’s inside. “This is where I’ll leave you to clean up and rest.”
“What? No.” I step forward. “We don’t have time to rest while Zeke and my parents are in danger.”
“I understand your concern, truly, but we must do these things in a certain manner. Wash up and grab a spare change of clothes from one of the bedrooms while I alert the other Archangels.”
At my side, my hands are balled into fists as anger radiates off me. “We don’t have time to waste, Remiel. They can’t afford it. How can you not see that?”
I expect him to be mad at my outburst, but when our eyes lock, I see understanding instead. For some reason, that only pisses me off.
“It is not a waste of time to collect yourself and rest your body. In fact, it would be doing a disservice to them if you don’t. Saving them requires we all be at our best. I’ll call for you once the Archangels and our generals have assembled.”
Remiel doesn’t wait for me to respond—which is probably for the best. Rage is clouding my thoughts enough for me to make poor decisions.
Castiel offers me a sad smile, then follows him out the door while Mira disappears into one of the rooms on either side ofthe sitting room. Good. I’m too annoyed with her right now to have a productive conversation. I know it’s not her fault Zeke was taken. And I know I agreed she could tell the guys what I was doing when it was too late for them to try to save me, but everything is too fresh to think realistically.
The heartache inside me doesn’t allow for reason.
Raphael and Theo each take one of my hands and lead me into what might just be the most exquisite bathroom I’ve ever seen. A high, vaulted ceiling arches over a large sunken tub in the center of the room. Directly above it is a window that reveals dark clouds gathering in the sky.
Dreary—just like my mood.
“Come here,” Raph says. He’s standing near the tub where hot, steamy water pours from the tap.
I’m still pissed at them for showing up, but I’m too damn exhausted and worn down to fight anymore. Without a word, I do as he says and allow him to pull off my dirty clothes. Even though they’re covered in blood and sweat, Theo folds them into a neat little pile before setting them on the floor.
When I’m completely naked, both of them look me over with a serious gaze. I know they’re looking for open wounds, but I can already tell there are none. All of my pain is internal, anyway.
They help me into the tub without ever breaking the silence. I’m grateful they can sense how much I need this. The quiet. I don’t want to hear their apologies, their worries, or even their reassurances. I just need silence for a while.
