Thirty-Four
Kai
We’re running down the stairs as fast as humanly possible. Or should I say angelically? I like that. Let’s try this again.
We’re running down the stairs as fast asangelicallypossible.
Well, I am, at least. I’m practically dragging her behind me, tugging her along to keep up.
“What’s the rush?” she asks, breathlessly. Damn, hearing her out of breath right now is nearly too much for me to handle.
“C’mon, beautiful. Faster.”
We keep up the pace, finally exiting the palace. As soon as we land on the platform outside, I turn around, clamp my teeth over my lips to bite back a stupid grin, and scoop her into my arms, facing her toward me so her wings don’t get in the way. She wraps her legs around my waist and gives me a skeptical look. I throw her a wink, then launch into the air with a single flap of my wings.
My wings.
Can you believe it? I sure as hell can’t, but I know better than to question the judgment of the Archangels. I know I won’t be given another chance after this, so I’m on my best behavior. I guess I’m a real angel now.
A burst of laughter escapes me as we climb higher and higher into the clouds, immersing ourselves in the stars of the night sky. It takes a minute to get used to my wings—they’re huge. I’m not used to the sensation at all.
I’ve been wanting to fly since the day I died. Flying with her in my arms is indescribable.
I can’t believe I made it.
Wemade it.
I zigzag through the air, trying my best to avoid colliding with the havens surrounding us at the moment. I gradually fly higher in the sky until we’re soaring high above the Middle Realm.
A few seconds into the flight, she tries to wiggle herself free of my grasp. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Wouldn’t it be fun for us to fly together?”
“It will be, but for now, it’s my turn to carry you. Besides, I have a very specific agenda for tonight and don’t care to deviate.”
She scoffs, then gives in, burying her head in the crook of my neck. I hold on to her thighs tightly, careful not to let her fall. Although if she did fall, it wouldn’t be a big deal. Her gorgeous wings would easily carry her.
Actually, maybe we should test that theory… It’d be cute and hilarious.
No.I won’t be giving in to my intrusive urges right now. Maybe another time, but not now.
We continue gliding through the sky without regard. Occasionally, I do a little dip and flip just because I can. Flyingis somehow more fun than I thought it would be—even in death, my stomach still drops every time I plunge several feet.
“How does it feel?” Her lips graze my ear softly as she whispers, sending a wave of shivers down my spine.
“Like freedom.”
She backs her head away from my neck and glances up into my eyes. “I feel the same way. I’m so happy for you, love.”
“Aw. I’m happy for me, too,” I tease, then sober my expression. “I love you.”
“Thank you for your love.”
I glance over her head and see my landing spot. “Hold on tight.”
I speed downward—trying as hard as possible to replicate the feeling of descending a roller coaster—until I land softly on my feet. I stumble a little bit, but otherwise, I didn’t do so bad during my first flight if I do say so myself. Hell yeah, that’ll never get old. Just like me. I guess I’ll never get old, either. That’s still strange to me—the idea of not aging. I’m not complaining, though.
Once we land in the middle of the atrium, I set Cleo down. A crowd of angels surrounds us. Upon seeing us, several members of the crowd cheer. Almost immediately, Matt walks up to us and embraces me.
