I did not like that tone directed at me. I put up with it already from the elders; I didn’t need it from Castiel, too. I closed the book in my hands and thrust it at him, hitting the center of his chest. “Then you look for it.”
His hands closed reflexively over the book, his fingers brushing mine. My hands tingled, and I jerked away. What was wrong with me?
Castiel frowned, pulling the book away from his obscenely broad, bare, muscular chest with one hand as he rubbed the spot over his heart with his other. “That hurt,” he complained, as if he wasn’t a mighty, mythical being with more power in one finger than in my whole body.
I rolled my eyes as I started toward the door.
“Wait a minute. Where do you think you’re going?” He reached for me, but only caught the edge of my sleeve.
I paused and glared at his fingers. “Yes, Herald?”
His lips pursed. “You know I’m not a Herald. I’m Castiel.”
I raised my eyes to meet his. “Yes, Castiel?” His name in my mouth felt dangerous, illicit. Like sugared plums saved for Solstice.
“Where else do you think the book could be? I had planned to leave tonight with it.”
His words sent an odd pang through me, an echo of emptiness. Everyone always leaves. I brushed off the thought. He was a near stranger. It didn’t matter if he left. In fact, he should leave. Before I was caught in his schemes and punished. Absalom would be furious if he knew.
I sighed. “I don’t know. Books are expensive. If it was at the church, it would be here in the study.”
Castiel’s jaw tightened. “I need to get out of this place. Do you know how long I’ve waited to go home?”
I jerked away from him. “I beg your pardon the congregation isn’t up to your glorious seraph standards. Believe me, I want you gone, too.”
His eyes softened. “Lily, I didn’t mean?—”
“I know what you meant,” I snapped, more to end the conversation than anything. I must’ve revealed too much with my eyes. “Excuse me. I have work to do.” The basket of piece work in our parlor was likely overflowing since I’d been gone. Mother and I had to stitch all sorts of little pieces, mending and darning, to make an income since Father had died. Absalom hadn’t brought much money into the house, and once he married Silence I’d expected it to disappear completely. I needed to start sewing for the day.
I swept to the door, which was only two steps, irritated with this seraph who had brought so much disruption to my life, and opened the door.
Castiel shuffled to follow me, his size awkward. “Lily, this place, it’s not right. Someone spoke of actually flogging their son for disobedience, and I’m concerned for?—”
I stepped into the corridor and halted. Elder Nelson stood not more than two inches away. I took a breath. “My apologies, Elder. I didn’t see you there.” I bobbed a curtsy.
Despite his age and stooped back, the elder’s gray eyes were sharp, never missing anything. “Lilith Meadows. What are you doing in Reverend Grimshaw’s study?”
The corridor seemed to close in, the stone bearing down around us. I felt suddenly like a mouse trying to escape a trap.
Heat brushed my back as Castiel stopped right behind me.
“Elder,” he greeted, the only tone in his voice now one of authority. “She was showing me where your reverend worked. I am sorry Erlik did not send me here until the reverend’s passing, for I can see he was a holy man, dedicated to his beliefs.”
Elder Nelson nodded, leaning on his cane. “That he was. I knew his grandfather, the first reverend, and there never was a more zealous family.” He cocked his head. “If you want to see more, please, allow one of the elders to guide you. Lilith here is a sweet girl but knows very little of scholarly work.” He reached out and patted my cheek with a fond smile.
Castiel snorted behind me, and it was all I could do not to turn and glare at him.
“Forgive me,” I murmured, letting Nelson continue to pat my cheek. “You are right.”
Castiel moved to stand beside me, which was quite the feat considering the width of the corridor and the breadth of his wings. “Lilith? When has knowing little stopped her mouth?”
I almost kicked him. My foot even twitched. But I had been doing this for years, so instead I let my eyes fall to the ground demurely. “If I have displeased the Herald, good Elder, please appoint a guide for him in my stead.”
“No, no,” Castiel said hastily. “She’s doing well enough.”
Elder Nelson smiled up at Castiel, his shaky hand dropping to his side. “Good, then. She’s a pretty young thing, isn’t she? Always a dear to tidy up and bring refreshments when we’re studying and sharing Lord Erlik’s precepts. We couldn’t do our work without her service.”
My heart rate slowed, and I let out an inaudible sigh of relief. From the corner of my eye I saw Castiel glance sharply at me. I could practically feel the confusion emanating from him.
