Page 79 of Wings of Betrayal
“I think Amaros had something to do with it. If it wasn’t him, he arranged it. I know it. And now he thinks he’s going to rule over the Kingdom.”
She frowns. “I don’t know about that. Amaros has been at Harlum’s side for a long time. I can’t imagine him turning onHarlum now. And as far as ruling the Kingdom goes, that’s out of his hands. The Throne will make that decision.”
I nod, letting her words sink in and sweep away my worries.
“Until we find out who is responsible, you must be careful. It could be anyone, someone close to you, even. It’s best to lie low for now. And don’t venture into the city. It isn’t safe.”
Following Lissian’s advice, I stay close to the castle over the following week. We’re no closer to finding Harlum’s killer, but the rumors are still circulating, and I hear whispers of them.
The Kingdom is on high alert, and angels are scared and confused. Their King was murdered, but not everyone is convinced I am responsible.
I’m sitting in the Great Library, flicking through books about the Realm of Lost Souls, when Nilo approaches me. He’s dressed in his guard leathers, which really do suit him, but his serious expression concerns me.
I lean back in my seat as I eye him. “Hey. Everything all right?”
He pulls a chair out and sits down opposite me.
“Hey. I’m sorry to interrupt you,” he says, gesturing to the books laid out before me, “but there’s something I wanted to discuss with you. It’s important.”
I arch a brow at him. “It’s okay. What is it?”
He leans forward and rests his elbows on the table. “It’s about Amaros. I don’t trust him. And I think…”
He stares out into nothing.
I gently touch his arm to bring him back to the moment. “What is it?”
He clears his throat and rubs his chin. “I just think you need to be careful. I don’t trust his motives, and I think he may be involved in Harlum’s murder.”
He stares at me, awaiting my reaction to his accusation.
“I think so, too,” I tell him simply.
He frees a relieved breath and gives my hand a squeeze. “I’m glad you see it, too. Zarla, I know what he’s doing. He’s placing doubt in the minds of The Throne, having them thinkyouare responsible so they view him as the best fit to rule. And there’s something else. Astelle hasn’t been seen for a few weeks now. When the issue was raised, Amaros dismissed it, as if it were nothing.”
I bite my bottom lip. Despite Amaros’s threats, not to mention him gifting Astelle to Zalore, I trust Nilo. And I have to tell someone.
“She’s in Galespo. With Zalore.”
Nilo frowns. “How do you know?”
I push my seat back and stand. “Because Amaros gave her to him.”
Saying the words out loud makes it so much worse. Tears well in my eyes, and I try to blink them away.
Nilo rises out of his chair and hugs me. “It’ll be all right. We can get her back.”
I let out a long breath, and he steps back.
“I don’t think so,” I say. “Not yet anyway. Amaros made a deal with him. Gods above, it’s bad. If he finds out I’ve told you any of this?—”
“He won’t. I promise,” he quickly reassures me. “Zarla, he’s going to convince The Throne to let him rule. He’s going to become King if we don’t do something.”
Nilo’s words play over and over in my mind as I fly over the Kingdom toward the Dark Forest. I cannot allow Amaros to rule. There’s a deep-rooted feeling inside me that knows it would be bad. Really bad. I don’t trust him or his intentions. I have to somehow get to the bottom of what he’s planning.
Hey, where are you?Finlay asks.
Shoot. We were supposed to catch up this evening.