Page 81 of Wings of Betrayal

I adjust my cloak. “Yeah, I know. I’ll be all right. Zalore wouldn’t allow harm to come to me, least of all by the hands of his watchers. He sees me as a female of value.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “That doesn’t make me feel any better about this.”

I laugh. “Yeah, well, it’s the truth. I will return unharmed.”

He pulls me into his chest, and we say our goodbyes before I’m flying back toward the Dark Forest. Yes, it’s risky returning to Galespo after my last visit. Zalore wanted to keep me. That much was clear. If he catches me in his Kingdom, uninvited again, I know he will try to keep me there. He’ll probably attempt to use me as a bargaining chip with Amaros.

But I can’t let that stop me from doing what I have to do. My father is there. I know he is. And I’m going to find him.

I pass through the gateway with ease and make my way down the mountain toward the city. It’s dark out, a bonus for getting in unnoticed. The cool wind whips by my face, lifting my cloak and swirling it around. Hopefully, it’s more sheltered within the city. Thunder booms overhead, and lightning cracks across thesky, lighting it up for a moment before blanketing the city in darkness once more.

I reach the same gate, surprised the lock hasn’t yet been repaired, and slip through into the city. The streets are mostly empty, and I tug the hood of my cloak down over my face to avoid unwanted attention. I have no idea where to even begin to look for my father, but I’m out of options. I have to try.

Rounding the next corner, I spot movement in the shadows across the street, and I halt, staring into the darkness. Something’s there, creeping around. My heart pounds as a cold sweat breaks out across the nape of my neck, and then a pair of glowing red eyes emerges.

And they’re locked on me.

A four-legged black creature stalks out of the shadows, its back arched unnaturally high and the rest of it hunched low as if preparing to attack. Then another emerges, and another, until there’s a group of them.

My breath catches in my chest, and I try to swallow the lump forming in my throat.

I shuffle back, willing my powers to the surface, but using my powers will only draw unwanted attention. I can’t risk it.

The creature in front growls, baring its impossibly sharp teeth that protrude from its jaw. Saliva froths from its mouth. It bounds toward me.

Nope. Hell no. I sprint down the street, thankful I’m fast, while their growls echo behind me. Their paws pound into the pavement, but I don’t dare look at how close they are. It’ll only slow me down.

I round the next corner and spot an alleyway on my left. I risk it, run down there, and slip through a narrow gap between two buildings. Their growls sound at the end of the alleyway, and I hold my breath as I pray to the gods they don’t find me. This gap is narrow, so maybe they won’t be able to get through it.

Several pairs of red eyes emerge in the darkness. Then the creatures paw at the gap, snapping at me, trying to reach me. A scream escapes my mouth as one of their claws slashes my leg. I kick at the creature, then I think screw it and blast them with my powers.

The creature whimpers, and then they all hightail it out of there.

I let out a sigh of relief and take a moment to catch my breath before I shuffle my way back out of the narrow gap. I scan the alleyway to ensure they’re gone before I relax a little.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

I snap my focus to a large male standing in the alleyway, staring at me. Oh no, not good. I back away from him and consider climbing in between the buildings again. But I know he’ll probably get to me before I can slip in deep enough. My mind reels as I scan my surroundings for a way out of this.

He raises his hands. “I will not hurt you.”

“Then what do you want?”

Keeping his hands in the air, he takes another step forward and into the light beaming down from the building above. He’s handsome, with a thick head of blond hair and piercing blue eyes.

“You’re looking for someone,” he states.

I frown. How in the gods does he know that?

“It’s obvious. Why else would you risk coming here? We don’t have many females around here, so it isn’t the smartest idea coming alone.”

I take another step toward the gap between the buildings, knowing it’s my only escape, even if I don’t make it that far.

“You won’t make it,” he warns.

Great, he’s sussed my escape route already. “What makes you think I’m alone?”

He glances around the alleyway then looks back at me and arches a brow. “Well, aren’t you?”