Oh, no. She is going to hate this. Working in the library is the most mundane job possible in the Middle Realm… I’d rather be sentenced to shining floors every single day of my existence here than sit and sulk in the library. I bet she echoes my sentiments.
I glance at her briefly, seeing flames erupt in her golden-brown eyes.
Oh, hell yeah, we’re on the same page. This might work in my favor.
“Should either of you have any questions regarding this verdict, speak now.” The Archangels strike us with their gaze.
“What will happen to my current Guardians?” Cleo asks with an edge to her voice. Interesting that the first question she asks is about others.
“We will have Stephen reassign them as he sees fit,” Annalise answers.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” I interrupt. “WhyStephen?”
“Kai, Stephen is one of the lead Watchers in the division. He oversees Cleo and has worked with her for decades. Apart from his theatrics today, he is one of our division leaders, and we trust his judgment,” she reassures us. I clench my jaw, while Cleo simply nods in response, slumping her perfectly straight shoulders in defeat for the first time since I’ve known her.
“Any other questions?” Nial asks.
“How will you ensure I don’t leave the realm?”
“That’s not a suspicious question at all.” He rolls his eyes. “We’ll share those details with Cleo alone. If you don’t have any other questions, you’re dismissed, Kai Greene. You may depart to your quarters and ready yourself for a day oflivelywork in the library tomorrow.” He smirks. Nial may be my least favorite.
With that, I look at Cleo one last time, apologizing as sincerely as I can with only my eyes at first, before remembering I can mind speak to her.I’m so sorry I dragged you into this, angel. I’ll make it up to you. I swear it.
Her brown eyes gaze into mine, void of all emotion.Good night, Kai. Please stay out of my head.
Seven
Cleo
“Matthew and Stephen, you’re free to depart as well,” Annalise says, barely audible over the ringing in my ears. I haven’t been able to retain much at all over the past five minutes since Luke announced the consequences to our actions. Listening has always been my strong suit. I developed my speaking skills over time, but my ability to listen and retain information is a gift. It’s something I’ve never taken lightly.
Ironic given how I currently can’t comprehend a single word coming out of anyone’s mouth.
Thoroughly rattled and ruined. Just as I suspected I would be.
He’s blaming himself—anyone in his shoes would. I fell into a state of shock when he offered to take on my own punishment as well as his. I’ll admit that was considerate, but it was also foolish. He clearly doesn’t fully understand the weight I carry in this. But I do.
I should’ve stopped him.
Iris had already found peace by the time he revealed himself to her.
She would’ve been fine without seeing him.
Mere moments ago, we would’ve applauded him and cheered for him as he ascended the spiral staircase to the golden stars.
If I had simply done what I was trained to do—what I’ve already donecountless times—he may have been entirely blameless.
Instead, for some godforsaken reason, I went against my natural instinct and didn’t intervene. He couldn’t see me as I stood behind him beyond the veil on that mountainside. No one could. I was simply the breeze that encircled them, for all they knew.
I observed the entire moment, taking in the tears lining his eyes, the undying love they shared, and how he held her tight against his chest while she sobbed tears of relief in knowing with absolute certainty that he was okay.
Much to her displeasure, he will no longer be okay.
I haven’t known Kai for long, but I’ve known him long enough to know this particular punishment will be insufferable for him. The way he teleports from place to place without a care in the world as often as possible is testament enough to how much he seems to dread being stagnant.
Don’t even get me started on my demotion to the library. I clench my teeth. I’m not angry—I am enraged. After decades of serving as one of the most devout Watchers in the division, I absolutely cannot imagine a lower position in the realm to fall to.
Just my damn luck.
