Hadley’s footsteps echo down the staircase, leaving Cleo and me alone together. Wasting no time, she joins my side and reaches into the pocket of her loose black linen pants, pulling out a small object.
“Here.” She holds up a box, opening it so I can see a solid gold ring. “Put this on.”
“Damn, we're moving too fast. At least take me to dinner first, Cleo.” I scoff while gazing down at her and stare at the ring. Something about it seems… off. She pinches her nose with her opposite hand and lets out an exasperated huff.
“I suppose I’ll have to put it on for you.” She grabs my right hand—her touch gentler than I expected, considering her hostile tone today—and slips the ring on my pointer finger. As she does,a burning sensation spreads across my hand, funneling through the rest of my body. The ring melds with my skin, causing panic to rise in my chest.
What the hell is this thing?
She doesn’t let go of my hand, though. Her touch remains soft, reassuring, even—reminding me of a blanket’s embrace on a winter day.
The feel of her hand over mine comforts me in a way words can’t adequately describe.
Nine
Cleo
Well, the Archangels certainly didn’t prepare me forthis.
I prefer to be fully aware of all possible outcomes for any given scenario well in advance. I had no idea the ring would practically sear his skin, for heaven’s sake. This magic feels big—bigger than us. Far older, too.
Last night, when I intertwined my own light magic with the ring, a tingling sensation spread across my body, making my head feel light. A wave of exhaustion overcame me, prompting me to fall asleep shortly after the ordeal had ended.Ordeal.Frankly, it was more ritualistic than anything else.
However, I didn’t anticipate the ring to impact him so intensely. His skin is reddening, taking on a fiery sheen. My lips part as I stare at his contorted expression in utter confusion, gripping his hand. His warm hand squeezes mine so tightly my bones crack.
“Is this cursed ring from Hell itself?” He grits his teeth, clenching his jaw and gazing into my eyes with desperation. Abead of sweat rolls down his cheek. Sweating in the afterlife isextremelyuncommon. “How much longer will this take?”
He must be in so much pain. My face remains indifferent while my chest tightens. “Don’t fret. It should be over soon enough, okay?”
He closes his eyes and nods swiftly, giving my hand another squeeze. My hand tightens around his against my will.
I have no idea how long this will last. The last thing he needs is uncertainty, though.
I tug him toward the amethyst table at the center of the room and pull out a wooden chair for him, prompting him to sit. He sluggishly follows my lead, slumping into the seat and releasing my hand. I walk around the circular table to sit across from him, crossing my arms and watching him closely. He leans forward with a wince and rests his elbow on the table, supporting his jaw. He glances up at me and peers into my eyes. “Take my mind off this, angel.”
There he goes, calling meangelagain. Involuntarily, a hint of heat rises to my cheeks. I’d rather do anything other than small talk, but given his current sorry state, I have no choice but to comply.
“What’s your favorite part of the afterlife?” I ask, leaning back in my seat and crossing my legs, still watching him. I run my hands across my thighs, smoothing out my black linen pants, then fidget with the collar of my cream-toned blouse.
He shakes his head, fixating on the table’s purple surface.
“It’s arguably the worst possible time to ask what I enjoy about the afterlife.” He half smiles as I narrow my eyes at him. “Fine.I’ll humor you. I like teleporting.”
“Fair enough,” I say.
“What’s your favorite part?” he asks quietly.
“I don’t know if I have one.”
“You’re kidding.” He quirks an eyebrow.
“Sadly, no.” I shrug.
“Nah, I’m not buying it,” he prods.
I sigh, pressing my tongue into my bottom lip. Knowing he needs a distraction right now, I begrudgingly come up with something on the fly. “Fine. I suppose I like flying.”
“Now we’re talking.” A wide grin stretches across his glistening face, and his eyes flicker to my feathered wings resting behind me. “What’s it like?”
