Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A nother week passes, and after several failed attempts to evade Amaros to sneak out and visit Finlay in the cells, I find an opportunity. Amaros spent the past week avoiding eye contact or conversation where possible, and I’m starting to wonder if he regrets his advancements. Although, I still catch him watching me more often than not, that same longing in his eyes.

I’m walking back from visiting the Great Library, Amaros in tow, when I come up with a plan. I brace my hand against the stone wall of the corridor, pressing my other hand into my head. Amaros is at my side in an instant.

“Are you all right?” he asks as he places a hand on my back.

I wince before meeting his concerned eyes. “I’ve got a splitting headache,” I say, my voice strained.

“Here, let’s get you back to your room.” He wraps an arm around my waist and leads me back down the corridor toward my room.

Once we get there, he opens the door and guides me over to my bed. I climb under the covers and close my eyes for a few seconds. When I look at him, he appears torn.

“I can stay, if you need?” he says, somewhat hopeful.

I shake my head. “I think I just need to sleep it off.”

“Anything I can get for you? I could send one of the healers.”

Strange. He knows how easily I can heal myself. “I’m okay. I should be fine in a little while.”

He pours me a glass of water and places it on my bedside table before stroking my hair. “I’ll wait outside. Call out if you need anything.”

Oh no, what if he checks on me? “No, no, I’m okay. I’m sure you have more important things to do. I’ll be fine.”

He hesitates before moving toward the door. “I have a few things to attend to. I’ll check on you in a couple of hours.”

I agree, and he leaves me to it. Once I’m sure he’s gone, I leap out of bed and make a beeline for the door to my balcony, but find it locked. No matter what I do, it won’t open.

What in the gods? Someone’s trying to prevent me from leaving. Likely Amaros at my father’s request. I’m about to give up when a thought occurs to me. I close my eyes and place my hands against the doorframe while I picture it opening.

Dark smoky swirls leave my fingertips and graze over the wood. I try the door once more and find it’s unlocked. Now that’s some handy dark magic. Without another thought, I hurry to the edge of my balcony and leap off as my wings spring free. I shoot up into the air as high as I can and glide towards the far side of the Kingdom.

I haven’t been near the cells since my father caught Demetros, Lacinda, and me playing there when we were younger. We were in so much trouble, we never went back again. I didn’t understand at the time that we keep dangerous angels there.

A thought occurs to me. Finlay, are you there?

I’m greeted with nothing but silence. Typical. I despise the mind link, but the one time I actually need it, it doesn’t work. The sky is growing darker by the second, and I can see a storm brewing. Thick, thunderous clouds roar in the distance, and the sky lights up with the crackle of lightning.

I spot the caves along the edge of the cliffside and swoop down, and then I land on the crimson rock ledge just as heavy rain begins to fall.

Two large male angels are standing guard, and I try to hide my shock. Of course they would be guarding the cells.

I casually walk over to them and plaster a smile on my face. “Afternoon. I’m here to visit Finlay Kallis.”

The guards don’t reply, instead giving me stern looks. They’re both young, and I wonder if they trained at the academy with me. Not all seconds are bonded to guardians, as sometimes the numbers are unbalanced, and those who aren’t are given guard duties instead. But I don’t recognise either of them.

“We were told no visitors,” one of them states.

Crap. “I understand, but he’s my second, and I have unfinished business to which I must attend.”

They glance at one another, seeming unsure what to do.

“Look,” I say, taking a more casual tone with them, “I’m the King’s daughter, Zarla. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you I have no limitations within this Kingdom.”

My casual drop of being the King’s daughter seems to do the trick. They both give me a curt nod.

“Of course, Zarla. Follow me,” one of them says as he turns and heads into the caves.

I follow him through the large cave entrance, surprised at how un-cave like it is. The opening is tall, carved into a beautifully detailed archway. The walls are crimson, matching the colour of the stones outside, and they’re sculpted to hold lanterns, lighting the tunnels.

We walk for a while, winding deeper into the caves before he leads me down some stairs that curve around the walls and stop at the base of another tunnel. This one is just as well lit, and we follow it for a few more minutes. We eventually reach a large gate, which he unlocks with a fancy-looking key. He allows me to pass through and locks the door behind us, and then he leads me past several gated cells along the stone walls.

I don’t dare look inside as dread fills the pit of my stomach. Whoever the angels are down here, they must’ve done some terrible things to be locked up.

The guard steps through an entranceway into a larger area with several cells spaced around the walls. He stops outside the largest cell at the end, and my mouth gapes open when I spot Finlay.

His appearance shocks me, and I take in a sharp breath. His face is dirty with stubble covering his cheeks, chin, and neck, and he’s thin. As if he hasn’t eaten in a week. He’s barely able to lift his head to meet my gaze.

“Finlay?” I say.

The guard shuffles awkwardly. “I’ll be waiting for you near the gate,” he says before disappearing back through the tunnel, leaving us alone.

“What do you want?” he says, his voice weak.

The shock quickly dissipates, and anger fills its place. My jaw tenses, and I take a deep breath as I try to calm myself. “What do I want? That’s all you have to say to me?”

He gets to his feet, stumbling a little as he braces himself against the stone wall. “What were you expecting?”

I let out a harsh laugh. “How about an apology, or hell, maybe an explanation?”

He slowly shuffles to the gate and grabs hold to steady himself, his knuckles turning white under the pressure. “I don’t owe you anything,” he spits out.

I bite my lip and glance down, trying to contain my anger. Stubborn asshole. I need answers, and I won’t get them if I provoke him. I need to play it cool.

“What happened to you?” I ask, my voice softer. “We were a team. We were getting along well.”

His eyes flash with an apologetic gleam for a moment, before returning to their cold, hard glare. “You’re blaming me ? You’re the one colluding with our enemy.”

Something happened to Finlay to pin him against me. Does he really believe Kyle is our enemy? That the gods chose for us to guardian over someone we ought to condemn?

I step closer, placing my hand over his, and he tenses. “Kyle is not the enemy. They lied to us. They aren’t a threat.”

His forehead creases, and he snatches his hand back, stumbling at the lack of support to hold himself up. “Don’t play games with me,” he grumbles.

I let out a long breath and grip the cell bars. “I’m not. Kyle witnessed a conversation between two angels within our Kingdom. The female spoke of how she murdered my mother,” I explain. “It was Hethenos.”

He frowns, confusion flashing in his features as he tries to put the pieces together, and then shakes his head. “No, that’s bullshit. He’s lying to you.”

I shake the cell bars, unable to contain my anger, and he jumps. “It’s true.”

He studies my face, no doubt seeing the truth there.

“Finlay, why did you bring the watchers to attack us? Who sent you?” My voice has grown desperate, as I know we’re running out of time. The guard will be back at any moment.

He rubs a hand over his face as if considering his options.

“Finlay,” I say with urgency, and he lifts his gaze to meet mine, “please.”

A haunted look twists his features, and he turns around. “They’ll kill me,” he says, his voice barely more than a whisper.

“Who will?” I ask.

Footsteps sound, and I turn to see the guard walking toward me. “Time’s up.”

I turn back to Finlay. Can you hear me? I ask through the mind link.

He doesn’t move. Yes, I can.

Is Hethenos behind this? I ask.

He turns around and eyes the guard before looking at me. Honestly, I don’t know. But Kyle’s right. About what he saw. That’s all I can say.

“Let’s go,” the guard demands, grabbing my arm.

I shrug him off. “Just give me a second,” I say.

Did she send the watchers? Who’s behind this? I’m met with silence as Finlay’s eyes glaze over. Is he crying? Finlay, your life is on the line here! Tell me who sent them.

He doesn’t respond, and the guard grabs my arm and yanks me away. “Time’s up.”

I shrug his hand off again. “Do not touch me.”

I move through the tunnel and back out the way we came. This is bad. Finlay is in serious trouble here, and I don’t doubt for a second that someone has put him up to this. But for him to be this afraid to even tell me is frightening. What more does he have to lose? Yet he still won’t speak.

Zarla, Finlay’s voice fills my mind, and my eyes widen in shock.

The guards stare at me with confused expressions, and I quickly turn and leap off the edge of the rocks, soaring high into the air as rain pelts down on me.

I’m here, I say through the mind link.

I literally can’t tell you who’s behind this, even if I wanted to. But you know them. That’s all I can say.

I frown at his words as tears blur my vision. Finlay’s fear cuts through me.

Your hearing before The Throne is tomorrow. What can I do? I ask helplessly.

I’m greeted with silence.

Finlay? I say desperately.

Nothing. There’s nothing you can do, Zarla. Be careful and watch your back. I would if I could.

The mind link disconnects, and a deep sadness takes hold of me. My vision blurs to the point where I have to land. I fall to the grass and weep for my friend, someone I thought betrayed me.

But it wasn’t his doing. Someone has done something to him, and he can’t even tell me who.

Fear snakes up my back, and I shiver at his words. But you know them.

Whoever is behind this, I know them.

I haven’t been in the Throne room for many years. I remember sneaking in here when I was young and getting told off. The memory seems distant now, from a time when life wasn’t so complicated.

Scanning the room, my gaze settles on Lissian, and she gives me a reassuring smile.

A strong hand grips mine, and I turn to Demetros.

“You okay?” he asks.

I’m not sure how I feel. This entire situation somehow feels like it’s my fault. If I had just gone with Finlay in the first place, Amaros wouldn’t have shown up and taken him back to be locked up. I could’ve got through to Finlay, somehow. I could have broken through this magical gag someone placed over him.

I could’ve saved him.

Tears spill down my cheeks, and I wipe them away as Demetros rubs circles over my wrist with the pad of his thumb.

“It’ll be all right. His father, Kastal, is on The Throne, remember? He won’t allow too harsh of a sentence. I can’t say my parents will take too kindly to him, though, after what he did to you.”

I swallow hard, knowing Kastal may well not have a choice in the decision if the other eight Throne angels decide on a harsh sentence.

Despite the darkness surrounding our reason for being here, I have to admit, the Throne room is a thing of beauty. White marble with gold edging covers the round room, with staggered seating stretching to the higher levels at the back, looking down upon The Throne. It consists of a long, circular, white-marble bench that curls around the edge of the room where the nine Throne angels sit.

Before that is a marble bench, and behind that a seat where the offender sits. Angels are still filing into the room, which can hold around one thousand.

Once it’s full, a guard asks everyone to rise. Everyone stands as the nine Throne angels enter the room wearing white and gold robes and tall white hats with gold trim. They walk single file around the back of the bench and simultaneously sit. Once seated, the guard instructs everyone to sit, too.

I glance around, wondering when Finlay will enter. I easily spot his father, Kastal, sitting at the bench next to Artemis and Celene Salvon, Demetros’s parents, who are also on The Throne. Kastal is a spitting image of his son Finlay, although older. He is a very handsome angel too, just like his son. His expression is unreadable, and I can’t imagine what he must be going through.

My focus shifts to the side of the building where a door opens, and a guard leads Finlay into The Throne room. The entire room quietens down as we all watch Finlay walk toward the bench where he will sit. I notice they have tied his hands with that same wire that prevents you from using your powers.

Finlay stands behind the bench, and his eyes scan the room before settling on mine.

I swallow the lump in my throat when we lock stares for a moment. Finlay, can you hear me? I say through the mind link, but he doesn’t respond. He simply looks down and takes a seat once the guard asks him to.

Demetros grips my hand, and I’m thankful he’s here to support me. I glance around the room and spot Lacinda sitting with her parents a few rows down. As if sensing me looking, she gives me a wave before smiling at Demetros.

His cheeks flush, and I know there is definitely something going on between them.

The guard raises his hands, and the entire room goes quiet.

“Welcome to The Throne room. We are gathered today to decide upon a sentence for Finlay Kallis, who has committed an atrocious act of treason against the Kingdom, and against the King’s daughter, Zarla Quinn.”

My cheeks burn as almost all the angels in the room look at me. I shuffle down in my seat, wishing I could disappear. I should’ve used my veil and gone in undercover. Literally.

I look at Finlay’s father, Kastal, to find him glaring at me with angry eyes. I hold his gaze a moment before I have to look away. Can he really be mad at me? Does he blame me for his son’s actions? It’s hardly fair.

For the next hour, The Throne hears from several witnesses, including Amaros and several guards. My father asked if I would testify, but I refused. There is no way I’m going to dob him in for something he isn’t responsible for. Sure, he led the watchers down to attack Kyle and me, but not of his own will. I’m sure of it.

The thought occurs to me that perhaps I could have defended him, but just as quickly as it enters my mind, I shove it aside. Given the testimonies of the other angels, no one would believe me. And if whoever is responsible for Finlay’s actions is sitting in this room, the last thing I want to do is alert them that I know. That Finlay said something to me.

“Finlay Kallis, do you wish to speak and defend your position?” one of The Throne angels asks.

Finlay stands and glances around the room before he opens his mouth to speak. His eyes seem to catch someone’s attention, and he stops himself and shakes his head before taking his seat once more.

What in the gods? I glance down the stands, searching for who he may have been looking at, but it’s too hard to tell from all the way up here.

“Very well, then,” The Throne angel says, seeming surprised. “We require a moment in private to discuss our decision.”

The same guard as earlier stands up and asks everyone to rise, and then The Throne angels file out of the room through the same side door as they entered. Once they are gone, the room erupts into chatter.

I turn to Demetros. “What do you think the verdict will be? They can’t expect his own father to choose a fate too harsh, right?”

Demetros presses his lips into a tight line. “I’m not sure, Zarla. I don’t know that he’ll have a choice.”

My mind shifts to Kyle as a deep sadness tugs at my heart. Gods, I miss him. I need to know if he’s all right, and the fact my bond won’t give me anything concerns me. I can’t bear the thought of what that could mean, so I shove it aside for later. Now is not the time.

After a torturous half an hour of waiting, the guard asks everyone to rise and The Throne angels file back into the room. I bite my bottom lip while we await their decision. I close my eyes and pray to the gods it isn’t a harsh sentence.

Finlay, if you can hear me, I’m sorry. For everything. I’m sorry you felt you could not confide in me as your bonded guardian. I’m sorry I didn’t notice something was amiss. No matter what happens, know that I am here for you.

“Finlay Kallis, today you were brought before The Throne for an act of treason against the Kingdom, and the King’s daughter, Zarla Quinn. The Throne has decided. We hereby pass your sentence as a fallen angel.”

The crowd erupts into gasps, and his father covers his face as his mother cries out from the front row.

“You will have your wings torn off and be thrown down to Earth. You will remain on Earth for fifty years before your sentence will be revoked and you can return to the Kingdom of Silanthia.”

Finlay’s gaze meets mine, his eyes filled with sadness as tears spill down his cheeks.

A sob breaks through my lips, and Demetros pulls me into his side, wrapping his arm around me.

Two guards grab Finlay under the arms, haul him to his feet, and lead him from The Throne room as his mother rushes to his father and collapses in his arms. They hold one another as the crowds disperse, but I can’t bring myself to leave.

This is all my fault. I should have done more to stop it.

Lacinda is at my side in an instant, and she and Demetros gently guide me out of The Throne room. I collapse on the grass outside as sobs wrack my body. Despite how difficult our relationship has been, Finlay and I are bonded. We share a connection that no one else can ever understand, and I let him down.

“I can’t believe they are allowing angels to watch it,” Lacinda is saying as my mind refocuses. “It’s disgusting.”

I blink back the tears and look at them. “What?”

Demetros raises his brows. “It’s pretty messed up.”

Lacinda rubs my back and shoots a look at Demetros. “Let’s not talk about it. How you holding up?”

I wipe my cheeks, unsure how I’m feeling as a numbness takes hold. “I’m not sure.”

She pulls me in for a hug, and Demetros moves closer, taking my hand.

“We’re here for you, always,” he says.

After a few minutes, once the tears have stopped, I sit up.

“I know this isn’t the best time,” Lacinda says gently, “but I am dying to know what happened with Kyle. Did you restore his wings?”

A fresh wave of pain ignites inside me, and I grab my stomach to hold myself together.

“I’m sorry. It’s not a good time. We can talk about it later,” she quickly says.

I shake my head and meet her eyes. “No, it’s okay. I restored his wings.” My voice is quiet, weak, and it doesn’t sound like mine.

Her eyes widen, and she grabs my hands. “Oh my gods, Zarla! That’s amazing!”

I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Then Finlay and the watchers attacked, and Amaros took me back to Silanthia, leaving Kyle injured and alone on Earth.”

Her mouth drops open as my lips quiver, and I feel a fresh wave of tears coming on.

“I’m sure he’s fine,” Demetros says, and I know he’s only trying to make me feel better.

Lacinda tucks her hair behind her ears. “I’m so sorry, Zarla. What can we do?”

My vision blurs as tears fill my eyes before spilling over. “I don’t know. My father has forbidden me to leave the Kingdom. He’s used some kind of powerful magic to prevent it.”

She squeezes my hand and looks at Demetros.

“I think I need some space,” I say and get to my feet.

Before they can say anything else, I release my wings and take off into the sky, heading for the one place I know will help to settle me. The Dark Forest comes into view, and I glide down to a clearing near the boundary and land with a soft thud on the grass. Autumn leaves dance around my feet as a gentle breeze blows by.

I close my eyes and breathe in the earthy scents of the forest. Being out here is freeing, and I can finally breathe again. Today has been big, and it’s taken a huge toll on me. Hell, these past few weeks have taken a huge toll on me. I feel so alone. I have lost Kyle, and now Finlay.

“Zarla…”

I scan the area, looking for whoever just called my name, but I’m alone. Gods above…am I going mad? I press my fingers into my temples when I hear it again.

“Zarla…”

Okay, someone definitely called my name. I walk toward the direction I heard the voice, but I still can’t see anyone.

“Hello? Is someone there?” I nervously ask, but I’m met with silence.

“Zarla…” The voice is alluring, and it captivates me as I continue moving toward it.

I blink, and suddenly I’m somewhere else entirely. My surroundings change before my eyes. I’m in a beautiful meadow, surrounded by colourful flowers growing amongst the tall grass. There are large trees nearby, and I wander toward them when I hear my name being called once more.

“Zarla…”

I follow the voice into the most beautiful forest I have ever seen. Deep greens and lush plant life surround me. I soon arrive at a clearing where a waterfall cascades down a beautiful, shimmering rock face.

The rocks glisten in the sunlight, and then I see her. There’s a woman with golden skin and long blonde waves standing thigh deep in the middle of the waterfall lake. She turns to me, a wide smile spreading across her lips, and I take in a sharp breath.

It’s my mother.