Page 33 of Wings of Valor
“I wouldn’t,” Auriel whispers in my ear. I whirl around, but he’s not there. “See? You’re no match for me.”
I turn again to find him standing beside the table, his staff leaning against the wall while he holds what looks to be a pair of pruning shears. He opens and closes them, thesnip snipsound making me want to throw up. How the hell did he get over there?
I plunge my hand into my pocket, searching for the protective amulet we’ve all carried since I stole them from the guild, except it’s not there. When I look up, I find Auriel grinning. He must have taken it and my slate when I was unconscious.
Before I get the chance to do or say anything else, I’m grabbed from behind and forced into the chair. I try to fight the demons off. I kick and strain to free myself from their hold, but the drugs still flowing through my system keep me weak.
“Now, now. Calm down,” Auriel says while the demons wrap a chain around my waist, tying me to the metal rod at my back. “We’re only going to ask you a few questions about the Seraphimgirl. Answer them, and we’ll bring you back to your cell with barely a scratch.”
He wants information about my hummingbird? I’d rather die. “No.”
Auriel only smiles. “Suit yourself.” He nods to one of the demons, who hands him a vial of green shimmering liquid. I clamp my mouth shut, unwilling to let the bastard pour whatever the fuck that is down my throat.
With my arms and legs still free, I manage to dig an elbow into the stomach of the closest demon, but that only pisses him off. The demon holding the vial of green fluid grins, his sharp teeth glinting in the fluorescent lights as the other demon grabs my arms in a punishing grip. I cry out as he twists them the wrong way, giving the asshole demon the perfect opportunity to pour the contents down my throat.
I spit out half of it before they clamp my mouth shut, and I’m forced to swallow the vile liquid.
The concoction takes effect instantly. My back tingles, my shoulders ache, and then my wings spring free.
What the fuck?
The demons step back, giving Auriel room to walk around me. “Now, where to begin?” The piece of fucking shit trails a finger along my feathers until he’s in front of me again. “An easy one first. What does the Seraphim intend to do about her parents?”
I glare at him, and he smiles. “Hmm, okay. What about … ah. Got it. Where does she spend most of her time on campus?”
This fucking guy. If he actually thinks I’ll give him any answers, he’s delusional. I look away, but Auriel grips my chin, forcing my gaze to his.
“You will speak,” he snarls.
“I willneverbetray her.”
Auriel sighs. “Right. Of course. It’s no matter. I was hoping you’d say that, anyway.” He releases my chin, and before I cantwist around to see where he went, I feel someone touch my wings. “For every answer you refuse to give, there will be a consequence. That’s two so far, right, boys?” The demons only grunt in answer.
One second passes, then two, before a searing pain like nothing I’ve ever felt before shoots through my wings. It happens again, and I turn to find two black feathers floating to the floor. I grit my teeth to stop from shouting as my body tightens, preparing for another feather to be torn from my wings. But nothing happens.
“Answer my questions, and you might just have enough of these left to fly with.”
14
Iturn over in my sleep, snuggling into my guys.
They’re warm. Too warm. But I stay sandwiched between the three of them, peaceful and happy.
My eyes flash open, showing only two bodies aside from my own.
Reality crashes into me.
My parents are gone. And Zeke is … he should be here, at my side and in this bed. But this bed isn’t mine, and Zeke isn’t anywhere I can reach him.
Pain shoots through my chest, making it hard to breathe. It’s too hot in here. I need to get out before I suffocate.
Grabbing my slate and the robe I find hanging on a hook by the door, I put it on and tiptoe from the room. Thoughts and fears race through my mind as I step into the empty sittingroom. Castiel and Mira must still be in bed or wandering on their own.
Good. I’m not quite ready to be around anyone just yet, especially not angels who can read me so easily.
The hall is blissfully quiet. I release a sigh and make my way toward the one place I think will help clear my head. The garden. I only get lost once, and when I step through the beautifully carved wooden doors, I know every ounce of effort I put into finding this place was worth it.
The space before me is an oasis. Somewhere nearby, a fountain gurgles. I follow the sound until I’m standing in front of the most exquisite creation I’ve ever seen. Silver and stone meld together to create a one-of-a-kind spout, with wings and angels coming off the top and reaching for the sky.
