Page 34 of Wings of Valor
Around me, birds chirp and splash in the birdbath that sits in the corner as shafts of late morning light shine down. I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face, but it falls just as quickly. How did I sleep through the day and night? And how much suffering have my loved ones endured while I slept?
A slab of stone, stained green with moss, sits off to the side. Plush red cushions sit atop it, looking out of place but making the bench significantly more comfortable. I close my eyes as I sit and try to reach them, starting with Mom, then Dad, and finally, Zeke.
No one answers.
I can’t even feel them anymore, as if the link that connects us mentally has been severed.
Torn apart.
A tear falls down my cheek, but I quickly wipe it away. Now is not the time to break down. I need answers, and to do that, I need to be strong.
When I finally feel stable enough to open my eyes, I spot Mira entering the garden. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I take theopportunity to watch her. She looks worn out, like she didn’t sleep at all last night.
Could she be worried about Zeke? Or maybe she’s upset with how I reacted yesterday.
I know the moment she realizes I’m here. Her body goes stiff, hand coming up to touch her throat. Even though I’m still pissed off about what transpired yesterday, I hate that this is what our friendship has come to.
“I’m sorry,” she says, “I didn’t realize this place was already taken.”
“I think there’s enough room for both of us to wallow,” I tell her, tapping the empty cushion beside me. It’s obvious she’s beating herself up over what happened without me piling on.
She hesitates. “Are you sure? I know we aren’t on the best of terms right now because of what I did.”
I give her a soft smile. It’s the most I can manage under the circumstances. “We’re fine. My reaction yesterday had less to do with you and more to do with me. I’m sorry I made you feel unwelcome. After talking with Raphael and Theo last night, I think I understand them, and even you, a little better now. They shouldn’t have tried to control me, but keeping my plan a secret from everyone was only doing the same to them. I get that now.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t get your parents back.”
My laugh is bitter. Poisoned. “It was silly of me to think he’d let them go. I should have known he’d go back on his word and change our deal.”
Mira’s brows furrow, and then she asks, “What did he want instead?”
“Everything.” My chest turns hot as my inner fire grows, along with my frustration and self-hatred. “Instead of trading myself for their freedom, he wanted me at his side. He said my parents would stay with him too, so we’d all be together, but I knew, Mira. I just knew if I agreed, they wouldn’t survive it. He’d forceme to do something unforgivable, and they’d see everything. Even if he allowed them to live after, they’d never have looked at me the same again.”
Mira puts her arm around me, pulling me into her. I go easily, needing the comfort and reassurance of her embrace.
I breathe in, counting to five before letting it out. “Looking back now, though, I probably should have agreed. At least then I’d see them. At least then I’d know they’re safe. And maybe if I’d just fucking agreed, Auriel wouldn’t have taken Zeke.”
“It was a lose-lose situation, babe. Like, yeah, you could have gone along with his plan. Joined his army and seen your parents, but he’d more than likely only use them to control you. As for Zeke”—she shrugs—“he knew the risks. They all did, and you’d be crazy to think for even a second they wouldn’t risk everything to get you back from Auriel. Besides, Zeke’s a tough asshole. He’ll handle whatever they throw at him—and maybe even be able to help your parents.”
“Maybe.” My slate vibrates inside one of the large pockets of this comfy-as-hell robe. When I pull it out, I find a novel-sized message from Dina. Heavy stones settle in my stomach as Mira and I read it together.
Dina: I’m sorry I’ve been MIA. Dad is essentially holding me hostage at home until the school “does the right thing.” Please don’t reply to this. He’s monitoring my slate, so I’ll delete this message, but I had to warn you. Enough parents have complained to Principal Cael about you that he’s called for an internal meeting. Today. Avoid campus, at least until you know what’s going on. Love you, Hayles. I’ll try to message you again soon.
It vibrates again with an email from the university. Looks like I failed Wingology class due to not completing the final exam.Great.
“Do I have ‘garbage truck’ written on my forehead, Mira? I must, because everyone keeps throwing their fucking trash my way.”
“That goddamn piece of shit, Uriel,” Mira mutters angrily.
“He was there, you know. With Auriel. The bastard was going to fucking inject me with something, and he looked more than happy to do it.”
Mira goes still. “I’ve seriously had enough of that asshole. They should have removed him from the SCU faculty ages ago. He deserves to rot away in the dark cells at the guild.”
A commotion outside the garden has us both turning to see what’s going on. Raphael, Theo, and Castiel stand with Remiel. Everyone, including the Archangel, looks exhausted. Something tells me it wasn’t just me that had a shitty night’s sleep.
We might be in the sanctuary, but there is certainly no peace to find here.
“Ah, perfect. You’re both here,” Castiel says, offering me a half smile.
