Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“ W hat happened?” Kyle asks, scanning my face.

I blink rapidly and force a smile. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Do you expect me to believe that? Something frightened you.”

I glance across the glacial lake and out over the Kingdom. “I’ve been having visions. It started in Pyrrhus.”

He frowns. “What’s Pyrrhus?”

I meet his gaze and realise we haven’t even caught up about any of that yet. “The Kingdom of Dragons.”

He stares at me, confusion in his eyes. “Did you say dragons ?”

I nod.

“And you went there? When? How?”

I swim to the lake shore and climb out of the water and up onto the rocks. A strong gust blows through, cooling my already frozen skin, and I shiver. Kyle climbs out of the water, unfazed by the chill, no doubt due to his unexplainable increase in body temperature.

I slip my dress on, and it sticks to my wet skin. “Amaros had Keva locked in a cell below the castle. Alaron, too. And I was trying to rescue them. Grazen was there, the watcher from Galespo, and he knew it was dangerous, so he tried to stop me. Amaros knew I was down there, and he was coming, so I opened a portal, and Grazen and I went through it and somehow ended up in Pyrrhus.”

He sits on a large rock on the edge of the lake and gestures for me to sit in his lap, so I do.

“I’ll keep you warm,” he says, wrapping his muscular arms around me. “Shit, I never even knew dragons existed, let alone an entire Kingdom of them. What was it like there?”

I huddle into him, and he wraps his arms around me. “It was different. Full of dragon shifters. Drakon is their King, and his son, Atlas… I don’t trust him.”

He glides his fingers down my shoulder. “And you say you’ve been having visions that started when you were there?”

I nod.

“And you had one just now?”

I shift closer to him, nervous to tell him what I saw, but knowing I should at the same time. “I had a vision of a dragon.”

He pulls back so he can see me better, and I look up at him.

Confusion swirls in his gaze. “And you saw it when you looked at me ?”

I swivel in his lap so I can face him directly. “Yes. But I don’t know why or what it means. But that’s what I saw.”

Worry pulls at his brows, and he frowns as if deep in thought. “How long did you stay in Pyrrhus?”

I bite my bottom lip. “Until Amaros opened a portal there. He made me attend a ceremony for Atlas, and then he forced me back into Silanthia.”

He balls his fists, and his body tenses against mine. “I fucking hate that male.”

“As do I.”

He lifts me into his arms, stands, and sets me down next to him. “What’s with those giant statues?”

I wander over to the side of the mountain and look out at the statues. We’re at a much higher elevation here, so they appear almost small. But you can still tell they tower over the city like ancient protectors.

“They are the old gods,” I say.

He moves behind me and slips his arms around my waist, tugging me against him. “I wonder if they’ll make a statue of us some day.”

I laugh at that and spin around in his arms. “Of you, they should.”

He presses a kiss to the end of my nose.

“How sweet.”

The unfamiliar voice startles me, and I glance over to see my cousin Zaph perched on a large rock halfway around the lake.

A low growl vibrates in Kyle’s chest. “Who the fuck is that?”

Zaph chuckles.

“He’s my cousin,” I explain. “Zaph, this is Kyle.”

Zaph’s long, dark hair shields part of his face as he flips his blade between his fingers. “How odd to suddenly have an entire family you never knew about.”

I step out of Kyle’s arms, and he links his fingers through mine.

“Yes, it is,” I say. “Kyle, should we get going?”

Zaph jumps off the rock and saunters toward us. “Leaving so soon? We haven’t had a chance to get to know one another yet. Cousin .”

The way he says “cousin” makes my skin crawl.

“I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities. Kyle and I are just exploring the Kingdom.” I let go of Kyle’s hand and put space between us before releasing my white wings, and then Kyle releases his.

Zaph throws his blade up and catches it in his hand. “Black wings, white wings. You don’t fit in here. You do realise that, right?”

I rearrange my dress, suddenly self-conscious about the fabric clinging to my still-damp skin. “I’m sorry, do you have a problem with us being here? Because it sure as hell seems like it.”

He slips his blade into the holster on his hip, and the corner of his mouth curls into an amused smirk. “Of course not. Why would you think that?”

Kyle steps closer to him, the two almost seven-foot males having a stare off. “Because of the fucking passive aggression you’re giving off.”

Zaph throws his head back and laughs.

Kyle’s jaw ticks.

I grab Kyle’s hand and drag him away. “Come on. Let’s go.”

“Wait,” Zaph says and grabs Kyle’s arm.

Kyle swings around and punches Zaph in the jaw. He falls down, cradling his nose that is now pissing out blood.

But the male is still smirking. What is it with him?

Zaph raises his hands in the air in an almost mocking surrender and laughs. “Deserved. I was only messing with you. Your father asked me to find you, Zarla.” He clambers to his feet and dusts himself off. “There’s to be a ceremony held this evening to bestow upon you both your rightful gold wings, if you so choose to have them.”

I look at Kyle. “Okay.”

Zaph releases his gold wings and winks at me. “They’re much better, so I do suggest it.”

He then runs to the edge of the mountain and leaps off, his wings catching his fall and carrying him away.

Kyle shakes his head as he walks to the edge of the mountain. “I don’t like that male.”

I chuckle and follow behind him. “Yes, I can tell. I’m not sure I do, either. But I do like their gold wings. Will you make the change with me?”

He stares out into space as if considering it. “If you would like us to do it, I will. But it will make us stand out in our Kingdoms.”

I reach up and stroke his cheek. “I think we were destined to stand out. Come on.”

With a run-up, I dive off the edge of the mountain and spread my wings, allowing the wind currents to carry me over the Kingdom. There’s something different about the air here compared to the other Kingdoms. It’s warm but fresh at the same time. Calming to the soul somehow, but awakening, too. It’s almost as if my lungs breathe better here.

My home.

I glance back and can’t see Kyle, but then his laugh sounds from above. I look up at his vast black wings spread wide as he glides along above me. He shoots me a wink and then takes the lead, and I happily follow him down to the city. We spend some time exploring the city, and all the angels we meet are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

Kyle curls his hand around mine while we walk down one of the streets eating some of the most delicious treats I’ve ever had that we found in a sweet shop.

He pops another chocolate ball into his mouth. “I’ve got to say, I could get used to this place.”

“We should get back. Zaph said we’ve got the ceremony this evening.”

He rolls his eyes and eats another chocolate ball. “Fine, if we must.”

I laugh, allowing my wings to spring free. “Race you!”

I take off, and Kyle follows me as I fly hard and fast back toward the castle. But he beats me there, only just. His wings are larger than mine, though, so it’s hardly fair.

We land on my balcony and find several keepers waiting for us inside.

Kyle pulls me to him and kisses me, and then I head inside and allow them to do their thing.

In no time at all, we’re both dressed up and ready for the ceremony.

Kyle slips his arms around my waist and lifts me. “You look gorgeous in green. It matches your eyes.”

I glide my fingers through his hair, lean down, and kiss his full lips. “You don’t look half bad yourself, my mate.”

He presses his nose against the skin of my neck and breathes. “Mmm…I can scent your desire.”

My cheeks flush because I know he’s right. Being around Kyle always makes my heart race, and my desire for him is never-ending. I wish he could take me right now, up against the wall, but we’ve got somewhere to be.

As if sensing my thoughts, he sets me down, and my heels click on the ground. I sigh, giddy from my own wants and needs, and he laughs.

“Too bad we’ve got somewhere to be,” I say.

“Indeed, it is.”

We head out into the corridor and make our way through the castle. The keepers told us the ceremony was to be held in the grand hall, wherever that is. But once we get to the base of the stairs, guards are waiting for us.

“This way,” they instruct.

We follow them the rest of the way to the grand hall, and my breath catches when we step through the enormous double doors. I can understand the reason for its name. It’s an enormous room, filled with tables and chairs, and seated at them are hundreds of angels.

A stage sits at the back of the room, and a dance floor is in front of it. Gorgeous decorations of white and gold adorn the room.

Kyle takes my hand as a guard leads us over to our table. Elegant displays of white and gold flowers adorn the centre of each table, flowers I’ve never seen before, and they cover an entire wall behind the stage.

At the table, my father, Atticus, is already seated, along with my uncle, Jehoel, my aunty, Sariel, and my three cousins Patron, Zaph, and Ariel. Ariel smiles sweetly at us. Patron stands and introduces himself to Kyle, but Zaph stays put, staring at me as if he’s bothered we’re here.

What is it with that male?

“Zarla, dear, it’s lovely to see you again. Who’s your friend?” Sariel asks as she comes over to greet us.

“This is Kyle, my mate. Kyle, this is Sariel, my aunty.”

She gives him a kiss on both cheeks, and then Jehoel shakes his hand.

“Kyle,” he says to Jehoel, introducing himself.

Jehoel nods at him and takes his seat, and we take ours, too.

Atticus leans forward and clasps his hands together on the table. “Explore the Kingdom some more, then?”

I take my napkin from the table and spread it over my lap. “We did. The mountains are gorgeous. We swam in one of the lakes up there.”

Patron picks up his glass and sips away on it. “Zaph, what the fuck happened to your face?”

Oh no.

Zaph looks at Kyle. “Oh, Kyle punched me when I told them Atticus wanted them to attend this ceremony.”

Sariel gasps, and suddenly all eyes are on Kyle. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

I snort. “Seriously? That’s hardly what happened.”

Jehoel shakes his napkin out. “I hope not.”

I open my mouth to speak, but Kyle squeezes my thigh.

“It was a misunderstanding. Zaph, I’m sorry I hit you.”

Zaph smirks and flicks his blade between his fingers. “No hard feelings here.”

After the awkwardness, keepers bring the plated meals out and place them before us on the table. The food smells incredible. There’s an array of grilled vegetables, meat, and a mouth-watering red sauce that I can’t get enough of.

Once we’re done, Atticus makes his way toward the stage. Kyle keeps his hand on my thigh the entire evening, reassuring me he’s here, and it helps calm the nerves swirling around inside me like a rapidly-flowing river.

Atticus signals the band playing at the side of the stage by the dance floor, and they cut the music.

“Welcome, my fellow angels, to a truly special evening. My daughter Zarla and her mate, Kyle, join us in celebration to acknowledge them into our Kingdom as angels of Gallerria. And with that, bestow upon them their rightful gold wings. It is a symbol of acceptance, and great honour, that I am proud to give them both.”

Kyle kisses me on my cheek as angels around the hall smile at us both.

“Now please, Kyle and Zarla, would you make your way up here?”

I glance at Kyle, who seems surprisingly cool and calm, and he stands and helps me to my feet. He leads me to the stage where we join my father, and I take deep breaths as the nerves inside me surge like the waves in a stormy sea.

Atticus kisses me on my cheek and shakes Kyle’s hand. “This isn’t going to be pleasant. It will hurt somewhat, but the pain won’t last. It’s just your body accepting its new wings.”

Gods above, that’s not helping my nerves.

Kyle takes my face in his hands. “You can do this. I’ll be right here by your side.”

I nod, and Atticus asks us to release our wings. We take a few steps apart and do as he’s asked, allowing our wings to spring free. Gasps echo throughout the hall. These angels likely have never seen white or black wings before.

Atticus stands in front of us both and raises his hands to the ceiling as he chants in the language of the gods. I glance over at Kyle, and he’s so calm and composed.

A boom sounds overhead, and bright streams of light flow down and through Atticus’s hands. His eyes light up, and he lifts off the stage, hovering a few feet above it.

He directs the streams of light at Kyle and me, and they blast from his hands into the both of us. A searing pain radiates across my shoulder blades where my wings are, and I scream, dropping to my knees. The pain is so intense I can’t focus on anything else, and soon, I feel myself slipping away. My vision goes black, and I hit the floor.

“Zarla…”

Someone is calling my name, but I can’t respond yet.

What in the gods happened? Am I dead?

“Zarla! Open your eyes!” the voice demands, desperate and afraid.

Someone shakes me.

“Quit it.”

A chuckle sounds nearby, and I blink my eyes open as Kyle comes into view.

“Welcome back,” he says, helping me sit up.

I glance around at the many faces in the crowd watching, and then I focus on Kyle. “Did it work?”

He stands and spreads his wings out wide, the gold gleaming in the light.

I stare at him, amazed at the sight. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful, so otherworldly than he looks in this moment. His powerful frame, his golden skin, his steel-blue gaze locked on mine.

He is a god.

“Wow…” I breathe.

He holds his hands out to me. I place mine in his, and he effortlessly hauls me to my feet.

“It worked,” I whisper.

He gestures to my back, and I glance over my shoulder, stretching my new gold wings out.

“It did,” he says with a laugh.

Atticus moves to my side and pulls me in for a hug. “My beautiful daughter. I wish your mother were here to see this moment. You look even more like her now.”

Tears well in my eyes, and I know she’s watching from the Spirit Realm.

He turns to the angels seated at the many tables before us and gestures to Kyle and me, and they all clap and cheer happily. All except Zaph.

We head back to our table, and everyone congratulates us. Kyle grows quiet, and when I look his way, his complexion is off. He’s sweating a bit and just doesn’t seem right.

“Are you okay?” I ask once we’re seated.

He nods, but his expression is strained.

I take his hand and jolt away at how hot he is to the touch.

“Let’s go back to the room,” I suggest.

He struggles out of his chair, and I support his immense frame as the others look our way.

“Everything all right?” Sariel asks.

“He’s not feeling too well. I think I’ll take him back to the room to lie down.”

He stumbles, almost falling, and I help hold him up as we leave the hall. He’s seriously burning up, and it’s freaking me out.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, hoping it has nothing to do with the wings.

It was my idea to do this. It was stupid.

He slams into the corridor wall, almost losing his balance entirely, and I help steady him.

“I’m not sure. I’ll be fine,” he says, his voice strained.

I’m not buying it, but I don’t push him. We eventually make it back to the room. I lead him over to the bed, and he drops onto the covers. Sweat drips down his temples and beads on his forehead, and he feels even hotter now than he did before. Shit, maybe he needs to go to the healers.

I leave him be while I think about what to do, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I know where I need to go for help. Who I need to see.

But I can’t. It’s too risky.

I glance helplessly at Kyle as he groans and rolls onto his side.

Knowing I have no choice, I tell Kyle I’ll be back and slip out into the corridor. This could be a terrible idea, but I have to try. I open a portal and step through it and into Pyrrhus.

The heat slams into me, and I struggle to breathe. The portal has opened near the lava river by the castle, and I know it’s only a matter of time before one of the guards shows up.

I could fly to the castle, but I’m unsure whether I need a new magical protection from the immense heat. Judging by how much I’m struggling to handle it, I’d say I do.

Sure enough, the swooping of wings sounds above, and several dragons land, surrounding me. The one in front shifts into his male form.

It’s Drakon’s son, Atlas, with a cruel smile on his lips.