Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

O ver the next few days, I teach Kyle everything I know about the Angel Kingdoms and our history, most of which I learnt at Guardian Angel Academy. He teaches me about his Kingdom, what he can remember at least, and it both shocks and amazes me. Shocks me that we were barely taught anything about Zarquon growing up, and amazes me what angels from his Kingdom actually do.

They’re called Archangels. That much I knew, and their purpose is to prevent humans from committing acts of violence against other humans, which I did not know. We were taught a very skewed version of their purpose growing up, one that left us condemning them as our evil and dangerous enemy. Although, after hearing about what their purpose really is, it makes me feel as though we may just be the evil ones.

“So let me see if I’m understanding you correctly,” I say as I watch Kyle slice up various vegetables in the kitchen. “If a human is committing a terrible crime against another human, an Archangel will step in and try to stop it. But the guardian of the human committing the crime will fight to the death against the Archangel to prevent them from harming their human, regardless of what their human may be doing?”

Kyle stops dicing the carrot and scoops the pieces up and into a bowl. “Yeah.”

I scratch my head. Although I don’t condone violence, or murder for that matter, I can understand it. The Archangels are simply trying to restore the balance to Earth and protect humans from evil, not create it. And we are preventing them from doing that.

Kyle moves around the kitchen to where I am sitting on a barstool next to the bench and rubs my back. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But it doesn’t make guardians evil either.”

I nod, knowing he’s right. A guardian’s sole purpose is to guardian their human. Of course they will prevent another angel from trying to kill them. How many watchers have I killed to prevent them from harming Kyle? The thought sends a shiver down my spine. Kyle hadn’t been trying to commit an act of violence against another human, though, I remind myself.

“It makes sense, and I guess I can see why we view one another as enemy Kingdoms.”

Kyle pulls me up into his arms, and I wrap myself around him, his touch instantly settling the feeling of unease inside me. And then it occurs to me. Now that I know Kyle isn’t human, will my father force me to bond with another, to carry on with my guardian duties? The thought twists my stomach. I can’t bear the thought of being away from Kyle, even to guardian another.

Kyle presses a kiss to the top of my head and moves back into the kitchen to continue making our dinner. The scent of onions sizzling in a pan on the stove makes my mouth water, and a low growl rumbles in my stomach. I can’t remember the last time I ate.

I slide back into my seat and take a sip of the red wine Kyle poured me.

“How about we forget about all the angel stuff for now, and just enjoy each other’s company?”

Relief washes over me, and I clink my glass to his. “Agreed.”

Although Kyle’s memories have been coming back in bursts here and there, there are still gaps that he needs filled. It bothers me I have no memories of him, and after hearing about some of his memories from when we were young, I find there are other gaps in my memories that shouldn’t be there. Someone has deliberately taken memories from me, too, and I’m going to find out who did it and get them back.

We enjoy dinner together and then head out into the yard to practice our powers. It’s just as well Kyle lives in the middle of nowhere so we can practice without freaking the neighbours out. There isn’t much I can teach him about his powers, considering I only recently harnessed my own, so we spend the time practicing together.

I find if I concentrate specifically on what I want to do with my powers, I can do it. Whether it be a sudden burst of power, a controlled ball, or tendrils that I control and wrap around objects. I feel there is probably more to my powers I haven’t yet discovered, but I’m enjoying learning about them with Kyle.

He creates a large, dark, smoky ball of power between his hands and throws it across the yard. It moves faster this time than the last, and I’m proud of his progress in just a few short days.

“I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to that,” he says before glancing at me. His eyes lower to my daggers. “Did you learn how to use those at the academy?”

I remove my daggers and flip them around in my fingers. “They taught us how to handle many weapons, but I only just got these before I became a guardian,” I say, showing him what I can do.

“You’ve got to teach me how to do that,” he says as he watches in awe.

I hold them out to him, but he hesitates.

“Something tells me those mean a lot to you. Are you sure?”

He’s right, but Kyle means a lot to me too, and I’ll be dammed if he can’t defend himself in combat.

“I’m sure,” I say.

He takes them and tries to flip them like I did, but he ends up cutting his hand and then dropping them. I rush toward him to see his skin is already healing.

“I’m okay, see?” he assures me, holding his hand up.

I pick up the daggers and slip them back into the holders on my thighs. “Maybe we could try that another time.”

We both laugh, and then there’s a shift in the air. Em lands on the other side of Kyle, her long red hair blowing up around her face. She truly is beautiful, and the thought sends jealousy coursing through me. I don’t like her being near Kyle, and I hate the fact that they grew up together.

“So, what’s going on here?” she asks Kyle, arching a brow as her black wings disappear into her back.

He watches the movement, a deep longing in his gaze that tugs at my heart. I really need to come up with a plan to get his wings back, and soon.

“Just practicing our powers,” he tells her, and I can sense his guard is up.

She takes a step closer to him. “You know we can train you in Zarquon, right? We have the best trainers in all the Kingdoms.”

I snort and quickly clear my throat, hoping they didn’t notice. Em glares at me.

“When I get my wings back, I will come home,” he says, and my heart drops.

What will happen once he returns home? Will he want to just stay there?

Em catches the look on my face and smirks. “Well then, we’d better get them back. Black wings will look great on you,” she taunts me, rubbing Kyle’s arm.

I narrow my eyes at her. She’s trying to get to me, and although it may be working, I’m not about to let her see that. Just because Kyle’s wings will be black doesn’t mean things between us will have to end.

“Thanks,” he says. “Zarla and I are working on that.” He slips his hand around mine, linking our fingers, and her gaze drops to the movement.

“Your mother and father await your return, so do hurry up, Zarla, or I will take him back to Zarquon and figure it out myself.”

And with that, her black wings spring free, and she shoots off up into the sky.

My fists ball at my sides as my body tenses at her words. Gods above, I hate her.

“So, what can we do about my wings?” Kyle asks.

The warmth from the fire soothes the annoyance plaguing my mind caused by Em, and I relax against him on the couch. “I’ll find answers in Silanthia. I’m sure of it.”

Kyle rubs my back. “Can I see your wings? I know I’ve seen them before, but not up close.”

There’s a pained look in his eyes, a longing to have his wings back that cuts through me, and I can only imagine how hard it must be for him to know he’s an angel, but to have no wings.

I stand and move away from the fire. Although my wings are large, there’s enough room inside to show him. I face away from him and allow them to spring free.

Kyle gasps, and I hear him slip off the couch and walk toward me. His fingers trace down my spine and across my left wing, and I shiver at his touch. Angel wings are very sensitive, feeling even the slightest touch. His lips press against my shoulder as he steps closer.

“They’re beautiful,” he whispers, his breath warm against my skin.

I close my eyes, enjoying his touch, and then I turn to face him, settling my wings at my sides.

He reaches a hand up and glides it over my cheek as his eyes search mine. “You take my breath away.”

His blue eyes bore into mine, and our lips collide as a deep hunger builds within me. I wind my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He tastes wonderful. His mouth moves against mine, and he nips at my bottom lip. My wings disappear into my back, and he lifts me as I wrap my legs around his waist.

He guides me back to the couch and tugs me into his lap as I straddle him, and then he yanks his T-shirt over his head. I pull back, studying his smooth, toned chest as I glide my hands over his skin.

He cups my face, stealing my focus for a moment. “You’re beautiful, Zarla,” he breathes.

He plants kisses across my cheek and down my neck as I lean back, allowing him the freedom to explore. His hands move up the sides of my leather corset, and he searches for a way to remove it. I reach around and untie it, and then I throw it off to the side, exposing my breasts.

He takes them in his hands and gently squeezes them, pinching my nipples, before pulling one into his mouth. I let out a soft moan at the sensation. His desire presses between my legs, and I rock my hips against him as he lets out a groan.

“Oh, fuck…” he breathes, closing his eyes.

I lean down and kiss him once more, tasting him, before sucking at a spot on his neck. I continue to rock my hips as heat builds in my core. Gods above, it feels good. He reaches around and grabs my ass, guiding my hips as they rock against him, before he flips me onto my back on the couch. He tugs at my pants, and I arch up off the couch as he removes them. Desire fills his eyes as he scans my body.

He runs his hands up my thighs and parts them gently. I have never been with a male like this before, and although my mind is unsure what to do, my body knows. He presses kisses along my inner thigh before moving back and pulling me into his lap, where I straddle him once more. He moves my panties to the side and slides a finger inside me, and I dig my nails into his shoulders as a soft moan escapes my lips.

He kisses my neck while he moves his finger in and out of me, circling my clit with his thumb before his lips are on mine again.

“Mmm…” I moan against his lips.

I slide my tongue into his mouth, tasting him, and I can’t get enough. Something is building deep within as he slides another finger inside me, and I welcome the sensation. He moves them faster and faster while waves of pleasure rack my body. I buck against him, digging my nails into his back as the pleasure reaches its peak. He pulls his finger out and slips it into his mouth, tasting me.

My cheeks flush, and I bite my bottom lip as I watch him.

“Fuck. That was hot, Zarla. And you taste amazing.”

I bury my face in his shoulder, and my cheeks burn. I have never felt so vulnerable before, but I’m glad it’s with Kyle.

He takes my face between his hands, and his blue eyes lock onto mine. “You don’t have to be embarrassed, not around me.”

I can’t help the small smile that spreads across my lips. Gods above, this male is everything.

He kisses me softly, taking his time before pulling back and stroking my face. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Yes, please, just some water,” I say, and he gently lifts me off his lap and sets me down on the couch next to him.

He disappears into the kitchen as I dress, and returns with a glass of water.

“Thanks,” I say, and then I drink the whole thing.

He laughs and sits down on the couch, pulling me into his lap again. “Thirsty are we?”

I roll my eyes as my lips curl into a smile.

“So, do you really think you can find answers in Silanthia about getting my wings back?”

I curl into him, tucking my knees under myself. “I do. That’s where they were taken from you, and I know that’s where I can figure out how to get them back.”

He gazes into the fire as if deep in thought, and I allow him the time to think. It won’t be easy, but I know I can do it. I will find answers in Silanthia. I’m sure of it. The Great Library has books about everything, and I know Lissian will have an idea. She is the wisest angel I know, aside from Suda, the librarian.

Kyle looks at me, concern laced into his features. “It won’t be dangerous for you, will it? Because I’m not comfortable with that if it is.”

Warmth settles inside me as I rub his arm. “I’ll be fine, I promise. We can trust Lissian.”

He lets out a long breath. “Maybe it would be best to call Em back. Maybe I can find another way in Zarquon that won’t put you in danger.”

I bite my lip, holding in the words I want to say about Em. She has ulterior motives in helping Kyle, and I don’t trust her. If he goes back there, I know she will do everything she can to influence him to stay away from me. I can see her affections for Kyle from a mile away.

Sensing how uncomfortable I am, Kyle adds, “Or we just do it your way.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I am happy to hear you say that. Look, I know you grew up with her, but there’s something off there. I don’t trust her.”

His eyes scan my face, and I can see the battle raging in his mind. “If anything happens to you, I swear to?—”

“I’ll be fine. I promise,” I interrupt.

He pulls me against his side, his muscular arms holding me. “Come back as soon as you can, okay?”

“I will,” I tell him.

Reentering my Kingdom feels strange after being gone for almost a week. I miss my friends and can’t help but wonder how they’re doing with their human down on Earth. Dark clouds loom over the Kingdom as I swoop down toward our castle to find Lissian’s quarters. She has lived with us ever since my mother died, looking after me, and remained there after she married my father.

I don’t bother landing in the courtyard first and am thankful when I don’t see any of my father’s guards as I make my descent. Lissian’s doors are closed and I land with a soft thud on her balcony. I peer through the glass and see her sitting at her desk. She’s engrossed in a book and doesn’t notice me until I lightly tap on the window. When she spots me, she looks up, her forehead creased. She puts the book down and hurries to let me in.

“Zarla, what in the gods are you doing?” she asks, confusion and concern lacing her features.

I move through the doors and into her quarters, rubbing my arms as I shiver and am thankful to be back in the warmth. She moves to the fire, and with a wave of her hand, it ignites. Her powers have always amazed me, and it makes me wonder if I might be able to light a fire with my own. I’ll have to try it sometime.

The fire quickly warms me, and I settle into an armchair next to it as Lissian prepares us some tea. She places a small tray with a cup of tea next to me and folds her arms, awaiting my response to her earlier question.

“I’m sorry if I startled you,” I say, breaking the silence. “I didn’t want to be seen.”

She raises her brows in a knowing expression. “Ahh,” she says, taking a seat in the armchair opposite mine, “makes sense now. May I ask why you didn’t want to be seen?”

I take a sip of my tea before placing it back on the tray. “A lot has happened since I became a guardian. There is much to tell.”

She waves a hand around her quarters. “I have time,” she says with a kind smile.

I fill Lissian in on all the details since becoming a guardian. How the watchers have been attacking, how someone is leaving me clues surrounding my mother’s murder, and how my human, Kyle, is actually a fallen angel from Zarquon.

Lissian’s gaze snaps to mine at the mention of his name. “Kyle?”

I furrow my brows. “Did you know him?”

“Zarla dear, he used to visit you here in the Kingdom. I never quite understood how he could pass through into our Kingdom, being from Zarquon. The two of you seemed to gravitate toward each other. I would often find you building huts in the Dark Forest, despite my concerns of him being caught.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, blinking back tears. She knows Kyle too?

She gives me a knowing look. “Something tells me that Kyle is the reason you’re here.”

I nod, clearing my throat. “Kyle has powers. He didn’t know who I was. He didn’t even know who he was before he awoke on Earth when he was thirteen, with no previous memories. I took him back here, to the sacred golden fountain.”

Lissian’s eyes widen. “Were you seen?”

“No,” I quickly tell her, “we were careful. The fountain gave him his memories back. Well, not all of them. Some are still filtering back to him now. But….” I hesitate with my next words. “My memories of him haven’t returned.”

She takes a long sip of her tea, staring off into the flames. “I always wondered why you stopped speaking of him. And why he stopped visiting. I thought perhaps his family caught on to his little visits and banned him from returning. But it seems to me something more sinister may have happened, hence your lack of memory, too.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “The first memory that came back to him was of a conversation he witnessed within our Kingdom. A female and a male were discussing my mother’s death. How they…” I pause, swallowing the lump forming in my throat. “How they murdered her.”

Lissian drops her teacup, and it smashes on the floor at her feet. She’s as still as a statue, as if she hasn’t even noticed. “He’s sure?”

I nod.

“Did he recognise them?”

“From what he’s told me, I think it was Hethenos. But I’m not sure who the male was.”

Lissian rapidly blinks and then gets down on the floor, picking up the pieces of the broken teacup. I wonder if she’s heard what I said when she looks up at me.

“What happened after he witnessed that conversation?”

“She took his wings and his memories and threw him down to Earth.”

She gasps, covering her mouth. “By the gods…”

I stand and pace before the fire, pressing my fingers into my temples. “Kyle has lived on Earth since he was thirteen, with no memory of who he really is. He grew up feeling alone and confused, and even now that he knows the truth, he has no wings. He cannot return home.”

Lissian hurries to my side as tears spill down my cheeks.

“It’s not fair. He didn’t deserve that. And neither did my mother.”

She pulls me in for a hug and strokes my hair. “Shhh,” she whispers, “it’s going to be okay.”

“What do we do? About Hethenos?”

She pulls back and glances around, as if worried someone may hear us, and lowers her voice. “Until we know for certain, we do not speak of it. Understood?”

I nod, wiping my cheeks as I stare into her eyes. “Okay. But if she did it, then she must be put before The Throne,” I firmly say, and Lissian nods. “Did you know my mother kept journals?”

“I did. She loved the written word, writing about her thoughts and documenting her life. I think it was an escape for her.”

I frown. “An escape from what?”

Lissian shakes her hands at me and backs up, moving toward the fire. “I shouldn’t be discussing this with you.”

I follow her. “Lissian, please. I need to know the truth.”

She lets out a long breath and sits back down in the armchair, and I do the same.

“Your mother was in a dark place before she died. She was very paranoid and anxious that something was going to happen to her. I did my best to calm her down on many occasions, telling her that everything would be all right, but truth be told, I could feel it too.”

My lips part as I listen intently.

“I could sense the tension between your mother, Harlum, and Hethenos. She was very jealous of Serona.” She pauses, adjusting her dress and flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulder. “Harlum loved your mother the most. That much was clear. Out of any female he had ever laid eyes on, she was everything to him. He knew she was special, and I believe he took advantage of her, as well as his own powers as King. He prevented her from leaving the Kingdom and had his guards watch over her like a hawk.”

I knit my brows together in confusion. “Why would he do that?”

She clasps her hands together in her lap. “He feared she would leave him. She told me many a time how she longed to visit the other Kingdoms. She knew angels there, she said, and she wanted to restore the peace that Harlum was hellbent on destroying.”

This new information is hard to hear. Why would my father be this way? It didn’t sound like him at all, but from what I read in her journals, I know Lissian is right.

“Why wouldn’t he want peace?”

Using her powers, Lissian takes two large logs and moves them onto the fire. It crackles as the fire licks its way up the wood, and the room feels instantly warmer.

“I’m not sure. It’s just how your mother felt.” She hesitates, as if deciding whether to say the next words. “I suspected there was another male in the picture. Of course, I don’t know for sure. It’s just a feeling I had.”

My mind is reeling from this information, and I try to remember my purpose for coming here. Kyle. Getting Kyle’s wings back.

“If Hethenos did this to Kyle, do you know how she would have been able to remove his wings?”

Her brows crease as she seems to think it over. “I have heard of fallen angels before, but I can’t say for sure how she could have enforced that upon Kyle. It could be dark magic, but?—”

“Dark magic?” I interrupt.

She sighs, and I can tell she is worried about telling me too much. “Dark magic is not something that angels should toy with. In fact, your father would certainly not be pleased if I told you about it.”

“Please, Lissian. If I’m going to help Kyle, then I need to understand how this could have happened.”

She gives me a tight-lipped smile. “If it is dark magic, and that’s a big if, there are ways to reverse it. It would require a great deal of power to do it, but I believe you have the ability. I can sense the same strength in you as I could in your mother.”

“How do I reverse it?” I ask, sitting so close to the edge of my seat I could fall off any minute.She tilts her head down, narrowing her eyes as if she’s about to reveal some dark secret. “The Great Library. There are books on dark magic. I suggest you start there, but please, Zarla, you did not hear this from me.”