No, Saldrea didn’t know how I felt, that had been just another reminder of her power.
And the more I thought about potentially betraying Saldrea, the more I realized: I had nothing left for her to take. I had no power, and I didn’t care for the prestige or wealth I gained from being close to her. I wasalreadysuffering. My soul had been shredded over the years by every horrible thing she made me to.
There was nothing left for her to take but my life.
And death seemed more like an escape.
I fully intended to talk to Izzy, perhaps become her friend, but there was no way I’d give Saldrea any of the woman’s secrets. I was done helping that vicious elf. Even if my family would disown me for the betrayal.
Once out of the building, I let my wings out, the slits in the back of my shirt allowing them to stretch and flare. Then I took to the sky and headed west over the residences.
As luck would have it, my keen eyes spotted Izzy heading out of the southern building of the lesser residence, heading across the courtyard. Hope surged in my chest. Just seeing her made the world brighter, made me believe this world could change, that Izzy could change it… somehow.
And as I drew nearer, my spirit sung with joy and reverence, uplifted. Oh yes, this was like nothing I’d ever felt before. Izzy was my true mate… she just didn’t know it yet.
And I wasn’t ready to be mated to anyone. As much as my spirit was all in, my heart was in no condition to love. Too much darkness lurked there, the poor organ torn and stained by the horrible things I’d done for Saldrea. Things for which I could never forgive myself.
I was not a good person, but I suspected Izzy was. Maybe by being close to her, following her lead, I could start to cleanse the stains upon my soul? Maybe she could heal my shredded heart?
Heavens, I hoped so.
All of which was to say, I couldn’t be her mate right now, but I could be a friend.
When I landed next to her, she started, eyes wide. I couldn’t quite tell whether it was my sudden arrival that surprised her, or my outstretched wings. Probably both.
“Hey,” I said. “I know how you can get back at Saldrea, if you’re interested.”
IZZY
What.The. Fuck?
I know how you can get back at Saldrea, if you’re interested.
Those words barely registered over the appearance of a real-life angel in front of me. Though, given the history lesson Rook had given me — or was it more geography? — angels were real here.
Still, knowing they existed and seeing one were two different things.
This man had been beautiful before he’d had wings. Tall, blond, and Hemsworth gorgeous. But now, with wings of stunning gold and white feathers, he was… well… angelic.
Wow.
His appearance shocked me to such a degree, I had no idea what to say.
“I-I-I n-need a wrist-clock,” I stammered, then cringed inwardly at how inane that sounded.
He blinked in confusion. Then he shrugged.
“I have a better idea,” he whispered conspiratorially. “Why don’t we use Saldrea’s funds to buy you a top-of-the-line computer and phone?”
I liked that idea instantly, except…
Why was he being nice to me?
He was the only one of Saldrea’s retinue to be remotely kind to me previously, but still… I didn’t trust him.
Also, “I’ve been literally stepped on by her, I don’t want to piss her off any more than I already have.”
He winked. “That’s the best part. I’ll tell her it was what I needed to do to get in good with you. And frankly, given her fortune, she’d barely notice.”
