Gilded Wings(50)

“You are simply amazing,” Thomas said bowing down to me.

“Don’t. It’s embarrassing,” I giggled.

“You must teach me your ways oh wise one,” he said in a deep voice.

“All you need is a super-suit and a magic dagger.”

“I guess there is no hope for me then,” he sighed.

“Thomas, is there any other reason why you came in?” Kade questioned.

His eyes narrowed in thought. “Oh, yes! Alaine is back and she wants everyone to meet downstairs. Miss Lily has a brunch spread and the rest of the group is already there. She wants to discuss upcoming plans and these new threats.”

“Alright, we’ll be down in a minute,” Kade answered.

“Cool. I’ll see you guys.” Before he left, he turned and bowed down to me again, so I tossed a pillow at him. It missed as he quickly slipped back out the door.

When the door shut and we were alone again, reality began to sink in.

“Do you think they will attack soon?” I asked Kade.

“I don’t know. If they are sending out creatures from the Underworld, I suspect an attack soon.”

“I have less than a week before my transformation.”

His fingers grazed my face. “And you will be magnificent. I cannot wait to see what you finally become.”

I sighed. “But I’m supposed to be bonded with Ethon during my transformation. I want you to be with me and help me through it. You’ve been with me since the beginning of this crazy journey, and I really wanted you with me until the end.”

“If it is within my power to be with you, I will. That is my word.”

I knew his words were heartfelt but they brought me little comfort. We both knew he wouldn’t be there; Ethon would be, and probably his murderous father.

My heart ached and twisted at the thought.

There had to be a way.

We both got ready and made our way down the stairs. Glancing out the windows, I looked across the driveway into the thick spruce trees, and a shiver shot down my spine. The feeling of wicked eyes watching us, made my skin crawl.

I wondered if Ethon and Azzah had defeated the Fallen and Hellhounds. There had been no signs of him, and I hadn’t felt his presence since I left. I wondered if he had been injured. I highly doubted it after watching him in action. Besides he had Bane, Azzah, and Ash with him.

After what Bane told me, I wondered if I should be concerned for him at all. My whole outlook of Ethon had been tinged with even more doubt. He had an evil side.

But the bond also made me remember his gentle touch, his beautiful black wings, his handsome face, and his burning crimson eyes. The times when he was with me had felt so sincere. During those moments I believed he would never hurt me, and his promises to take care of me and protect me were heartfelt. It was almost impossible to know what to believe anymore.

I sighed to myself as my foot hit the last step.

“Don’t worry. We’ll figure it all out,” Kade whispered, grabbing hold of my hand.

“I hope so,” I sighed.

Time was ticking down too quickly, and so was my luck.

As we made our way down the hall, the wonderful aroma of food teased me, making my mouth water. When we entered the kitchen, Miss Lily greeted us.

“Good morning,” she chimed, with her normal cheery smile. “Buffet is in the dining room.”

“Thank you, Miss Lily,” I said, and Kade repeated.

Everyone was already seated around the table with plates of food piled high. They were talking and laughing and it made me happy. For a moment everything seemed right with the world. We were encased within the barrier, temporarily protected from the darkest evil creatures lurking about in the shadows.

Alaine entered from the back door, and I assumed she had come from the cottage. Hopefully Samuel had returned with some good news. I studied her face, but it didn’t seem like it was bearing anything good. She looked weary, and I noticed dark circles under her eyes for the first time.

It wasn’t until that moment I put myself in her shoes. For years she kept me safe, staying away so I could live a normal life. Then all of a sudden, life carried me back to her, and was now threatening to take me away again. The stress of it all must be ripping her apart.

Her eyes caught mine and a faint smile rose on her lips. Making her way over to me, she wrapped me in her arms.

“How are you, sweetheart?” she asked.

I’d forgotten to ask Kade is she knew about my escape. I was assuming he didn’t say anything so I answered vaguely. “I’m good.”

“Good,” she answered.

“Is Samuel back?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No, not yet. I expect he should be back soon. Go ahead get some food. You need to keep your strength up, especially over these next few days. We will discuss our plans once everyone has finished eating”