Page 62 of Wings of Betrayal

“The Realm of Lost Souls has been opened…” she whispers, almost too quiet to hear, and the hairs on my arms and the back of my neck rise.

My mother was right.

She cradles her teacup between both hands. “There is a weapon of the gods that was used to open the realms, and it can be used to close them.”

My eyes grow wide. “You know of the weapons of the gods? Where is this weapon, and how do I find it?”

She finishes her tea and places her cup down, then grips my hands between hers. “I do not know the answers to your questions. I can sense evil brewing in the Kingdom, and the wards used to protect it are weak. We are being purposely exposed to outside threats.”

I attempt to pull my hands free, but she tightens her grip on them.

“Powerful magic must be used to strengthen the wards, but the King’s guard refuses to listen. Amaros is a stubborn fool.” She grunts in annoyance and finally releases my hands. “You must act now before it’s too late. Strengthen the wards.”

The woman’s words echo in my mind as I leave her home and pass through the streets. How am I to strengthen the wards? And what magic is required?

I need to speak with Harlum, like, yesterday. There’s got to be a way to get to him and explain what’s been going on without Amaros finding out.

It’s dark out now, and with the darkness, danger looms around every corner. I shouldn’t be here at nighttime, and it isn’t safe to release my wings just yet and risk revealing myself.

I huddle into myself and round the next corner. Heavy footfalls sound behind me. I pick up my pace.

I’m so caught up in evading whoever is behind me, I lose my way. Scanning the streets, I search for any sign of familiarity, but there is none. I don’t know where I am.

I’m lost.

Zarla, what’s going on?Finlay’s concerned voice fills my mind.

Gods above, this is bad. A group of five males rounds the corner ahead of me, including my two creepy followers. I immediately recognise their guard uniform. They’re from the castle.

Shoot, they must’ve sounded the alert when they lost me back at the academy.

Zarla, I mean it! Answer me!

The one in front points at me, and they all run in my direction. I take off, praying to the gods I can find my way out of here. I pound the pavement, willing my legs to run faster, but I can hear them gaining on me.

I can’t talk now! Being chased!I reply.

My heart drops when I round the next corner and find it comes to a dead end. Panic rises in my chest, gripping my throat, and I swallow hard.

Think, Zarla.

Where are you? I’m coming to find you!

I release my wings and only just leave the ground when something snakes around my ankle and hauls me back down.I slam into the stone alley so hard that my shoulder cracks. A scream escapes my lips, and I roll onto my back as the pain radiates up my neck.

Fuck, Zarla! What’s going on? Where are you?

Despite the pain, I get back to my feet just as they surround the end of the alley, blocking my way out.

I’m in the city. Don’t come.

Fuck, Zarla! I can sense your pain and your fear. I’m on my way!

I reach for my powers, building them within before releasing them into my hands. I’m about to blast these assholes across the Kingdom when a dark figure shoots down from the sky and lands in front of them, cracking the stones beneath his feet. His large silver wings are spread out wide at his sides, blocking the guards’ view of me.

I suck in a shaky breath.

Amaros.