Gilded Wings(10)

“Ethon, please,” I begged.

He stepped forward and knelt. “Let me fix you first.”

I nodded, trying to hold back the tears of pain.

His eyes softened as he looked at me, and then they closed. When he opened them again, they were flaming, small wisps of smoke curled and twisted from the edges, disappearing as they touched the air. I would never get used to seeing him like this, all terrifyingly beautiful.

“Are you ready?” he softly spoke, slowly lifting his hands. They were glowing red with heat.

“Yes,” I lied, knowing more pain would soon follow.

He laid his hands on my ribs. A heat, torched my insides, but only for a few moments. I gasped in pain as my ribs popped back into place, and only until the last one returned to its position, could I finally breathe freely.

I took in a deep breath, and watched him smile.

“Thank you,” I said in all sincerity.

A crooked grin adorned his lips before he closed his eyes again. When they reopened, the flame was gone, replaced with his normal crimson color. “I have never met anyone in all my years who has broken as many ribs as you.”

“Neither have I,” I sighed, sitting up. “Thank you.” As our eyes met, it was nearly impossible to turn away. The bond magnetized us, an invisible charm, seducing and luring us together.

Ethon ran his fingers down the side of my cheek, brushing a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Can’t you see what’s right in front of you? Even with the bond, I can see your heart is torn,” he sighed, and shook his head.

I swallowed hard and exhaled, knowing it was true.

“I can’t help it. He was my first bond.”

“Was. He was your first bond, and is not any longer. Now, you are bonded to me.” He stood and walked away. “You don’t understand, Emma. I could have any woman I choose. There is not one mortal who can resist me, but not one of them could ever satisfy me.

“I don’t want, or need, anyone else but you. Can’t you see that? Can’t you feel it?” He turned and walked closer to me. “I want to spend the rest of my eternity with you.” His fingers gently brushed my tears away.

“And what about your father, Ethon? He will always rule over us, and will always have a say. If we bond, I will be his slave for all eternity.”

He closed his eyes. “He’s not that bad, Emma.”

“How can you say that? He tried to kill me,” I said exasperated. Was this what I would have to look forward to? Him defending his father when he saw exactly what he did to me?

Ethon stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms. “I’m sorry. He shouldn’t have touched you. Once we’ve sealed the bond, he will never touch you again. I promise.”

I wanted to believe him, but given the circumstances, it was nearly impossible.

“Hey,” he whispered. “I told you I would make you happy, and I plan on carrying out my word.” He kissed the top of my head and stepped back. “I’ll be right back. And, don’t worry. No one can enter without me.”

With a flap of his wings, he shot up and out of the portal.

My heart and mind twisted. I began to question my existence. All I did was bring pain and confusion. Angels and Fallen were fighting and dying because of me, and I was supposed to bring forth some kind of big change?

I sat next to the water’s edge, wondering and waiting for him to return. I hoped they were all okay, and then it hit me. What would happen to me if anything happened to Ethon? How would I get out of here? The thought sent a wave of terror crashing through me, but before I had a meltdown, he appeared through the portal.

His beautiful black wings were extended as he landed. His raven black hair rustled lightly across his face, while crimson eyes steadied on mine.

“Don’t worry. They’re all safe. Your Guardian was injured, but it’s only superficial. He’ll heal up in no time. Your father took him back to Alaine.”

I sighed in relief.

“Thank you,” I breathed. But how was I going to get to Midway now?

“Come, I’ll take you back.”

“I can’t go back. I need to do something alone. For myself.”

“What is it? You can tell me,” he said, coming close.

I shook my head and stepped back. “I can’t.”

“Why are you fighting? We will be bonded soon.”

I had to make him believe I was still in total agreement with his father’s pact. “Yes, I know. But there is something I need to do for myself, before the bond is sealed.”

“Is it something I can help you with?”

“I wish you could, but this is something I need to do alone.”

“Alright. I won’t hold you back, unless there is a third immortal to whom you’ve been bonded?”