Gilded Wings(6)

“Yes, maybe we might even get a whole century off,” the other laughed.

Without speaking another word, Ethon lowered his head, his beautiful black wings expanding across his back and out to the sides. Before the Fallen knew what was happening, he jumped up and spun like a whirlwind. His wings, as sharp as blades, quickly and easily severed their heads. Both toppled to the ground, their lifeless bodies following behind with loud thuds. Their laughter was immediately silenced, and I could feel my lips turn upward as pride warmed my heart.

He was a killing machine, and I prayed he and Kade would never have an encounter.

Ethon tucked his wings behind his back and began to sniff the air, his eyes became a much softer red as he stepped closer in my direction. I pushed myself behind the tree.

“Emma, I know you’re out here. Please. It’s not safe. Let me take you back.” He was pleading.

I wanted to answer him, but I couldn’t. The pull of the bond was tugging at my heart; the fight was burdensome and exhausting. But I had to remain strong. It was essential for me to find answers before I made my final decision, and until I did, I’d have to keep my heart and mind guarded.

I hated how the bond toyed with my emotions.

“Alright then, Emma. You win. I don’t know what you’re up to or where you’re headed, but please be safe.” I glanced around the tree and watched him turn his back to me and walk away. After a few steps, he paused. “I just hope you know, if I really wanted to find you, I could have – quite easily. Your Guardian sent me to find you and bring you back, but I won’t interfere. You must be here for a reason.” He paused, keeping his back to me. “The area is clear from Fallen. If you need to go, now is the time. The others will be coming soon. I will make sure no one harms you. All I ask is that when you return, we have a chance to talk. You at least owe me that much.” With a flap of his wings, he was gone.

Dammit. Why did he have to be so freaking bad-boy perfect? He was really complicating things. Ethon and Kade were polar opposites, and I was equally attracted to both. Yes, the bond was magical and had chosen the perfect mate, but in my isolated case it was torturous, making it nearly impossible to choose between the two.

Once I made my choice, I knew a hole would forever remain in my heart. Both of them had a piece of it, and both were equally matched, except in mortality.

I sighed and tried to push it all out of my mind. I had to regain my focus and keep moving. Knowing Ethon was out there seemed to ease my fears.

I continued to move, steadily following the glow of the dagger, hoping it was leading me toward the portal. The suit kept me warm, but it didn’t do anything for my thirst or hunger pains. After hours of walking, the lack of sleep also caught up to me. I had to stop and rest for a while.

Ahead of me, five spruce trees were somewhat intertwined, creating a small area of protection between them. I gathered bunches of spruce needles and placed them inside the area to act as a cushion. It wasn’t nearly as comfortable as my bed, but it would work.

I could barely keep my eyes open and needed to rest, if even for an hour. I was still invisible as I curled up into the tight space, the dagger grasped tightly in my hand. Feeling safe and secure, I closed my eyes and immediately fell to sleep.

The snapping of branches nearby made me awake with a jump. I lifted the dagger in front of me, still invisible, but noticed the forest was dimly lit. The sun was beginning to rise.

I overslept. Pushing myself out of the space, I scanned the area and when I was sure it was clear, I stretched my tired muscles. As I turned, I noticed a brown satchel hanging on one of the branches of the tree next to me. I pulled it off and opened the flap. Inside was a small bag of assorted nuts, jerky, two bottles of water and Kade’s blue flask.

What the heck was going on? Someone knew I was here, and also knew I was hungry and thirsty. It wasn’t Ethon. Yes, he was out there, but I didn’t get the feeling I usually had when he was near. This was someone else; there was a different scent in the air. It was someone I hadn’t met yet. But how did they get Kade’s flask? Did he send this person to me? My head spun like a whirlwind with even more unanswered questions.

I climbed back into the space and opened the satchel, taking out a piece of jerky and a few nuts. After I ate them, I began to feel a little better. The water was ice cold, and in no time I emptied a whole bottle. Next, I lifted the blue flask and placed it to my nose. A faint scent of Kade remained, warming my insides. I unscrewed the cap and placed it to my lips, taking a small sip. The magical liquid immediately worked its way through my cells, taking my aches, pains, and tiredness away. This was just what I needed to get moving.