Page 27 of Wings of Valor
“Now, let me introduce you to Archangel Remiel,” Castiel says, and my brows nearly reach my hairline. He’s really just going for it, huh? “I know your trust of his kind isn’t very high at the moment, but I’ve known him for a long time, and he wouldnevergo along with what’s been happening.”
My gaze darts to the Archangel we’re being asked to trust. I wonder if he knows what we did in his offering tent.
“Hayliel.” Remiel’s voice is soothing. A comforting timbre that could lull me into a happy slumber, even under the worst circumstances.
Dangerous.
“I’ve often seen you in my visions,” he continues. “So often that it feels as if I already know you.”
Hayliel ignores his pleasantries and practically begs, “Can you see a way to help my parents? To save Zeke?”
“I see many things—most of which I cannot share, otherwise the future will shift. But there are possibilities, many of them, that may offer what you seek. I would like you to come with me to the Archangels’ Sanctuary. There, we can speak more freely.”
My first instinct is to laugh and tell him, absolutely fucking not. Isn’t that where Auriel lives? Where he plotted to kill and maim angels? Where he conspired with demons right beneath their noses while they remained completely oblivious? Hell, for all we know, he could show up while we sleep and slaughter us all.
But what other options do we really have? Go back to school and take our exams like the world isn’t fucking ending? Neither sounds particularly pleasant.
What do you think? As much as I’m wary of trusting Remiel, at least we could be close enough to make sure they’re actually doing something, Theo says to us via our mental connection.
Hayliel’s sigh rings loud in my head.Uriel was here with them. The sicko was itching to stick an angel blade in my chest, so as shitty as it might be, I don’t think campus is a safe place for me anymore.
That fucking garbage ass angel, I hiss mentally.Then I think we go, but we stay alert just in case. We can’t let our guard down with another Archangel, even if Castiel swears he’s trustworthy.
Agreed, they say in unison, and then we turn back to Castiel and Remiel.
“We’ll go with you,” I tell them, not missing the look of relief on Castiel’s face.
“But the rest of our trusted group should come as well,” Hayliel adds, like she’d just thought of it. It’s smart, though I can’t say I’m not surprised that she’d want to see Mira again so soon after feeling betrayed.
Theo brings out his slate and begins typing, but stops to ask where they should meet us. None of us have been to the sanctuary before, and the only thing we know about it is that angels actually compete to win the chance to go there.
Remiel lists off numbers to the coordinates, and Theo dutifully types them into the chat and hitssend.Before anyone can reply, Remiel spreads his four wings, signaling that it’s time to leave.
We fly in silence.
Theo and I send small, reassuring comments to Hayliel through our mental connection, letting her know she’s not alone, and by the time we arrive at the entrance to the Sanctuary, Mira is there. I don’t see Dina anywhere, but I’ve come to realize that her father might just be more controlling than my family.
The angels guarding the entrance look annoyed, making me wonder just how hard Mira has been trying to get past them, but with a nod from Hayliel, Remiel confirms to the guards that she’s with us.
Mira gives a sharp look to them that screamstold you so, assholebut no fight breaks out. We’re on the move, crossing through the threshold into the Archangels’ Sanctuary. Something settles over me, causing the hair to rise on my arms and a shiver to race down my spine. If this is a protective rune, it’s the strongest one I’ve ever felt.
I watch as Mira makes a beeline for Hayliel, her expression almost pleading. It’s not a look I’ve seen on the confident angel’s face before. But Hayliel only turns her back on Mira.
“Give her some time. She’ll come around,” Theo whispers to Mira, who looks like she wants to push but doesn’t.
With the impending drama settled for now, I let my gaze focus on the elusive area that very few angels have the privilege of seeing. From outside the gate, the area appears to be nothing more than rocky mountain terrain, but inside, it’s entirely different. There isn’t much to see right away. A sprawling landscape surrounds a path that leads to tall castle-like walls and a massive arched gate. More guards are stationed at the next gate, which just seems like overkill considering how powerful the Archangels are, but what do I know?
I take one step, then another, fully intending to continue down the path to the high walls, but Remiel clears his throat. We all stop and turn to him.
“Now that we’re within the shields that protect this area, I want to hear from all of you. Once we’re behind those walls, things will escalate quickly, so I’d appreciate as much information as possible. Castiel told me some things about an uprising, strange demon behavior, and a supposed traitoramong the guild and within our leadership. But I fear he only scratched the surface.”
“Did he tell you I’m a Seraphim? Only recently discovered that bit, but now Auriel and his followers know, too. That’s why he kidnapped my parents—so he could blackmail me into joining his cause.” Hayliel’s scowl deepens. “When I refused, he took Zeke, my … well, he’s very important to me. We have to get the three of them back right away. Alive.”
Theo grabs her trembling hand, and I watch as she relaxes into his hold.
I give her shoulder a squeeze before sharing more of what we’ve learned. “We know Auriel is working with demons, and we suspect he’s made some sort of agreement with the demon king. They’re providing him with angel blades, though we’re not sure what the demons are getting out of it.”
“Very strange indeed.” Remiel turns his midnight eyes to Hayliel. “And did Auriel give you any indication of what he’s planning?”
