“Stay strong, Sylaira. This will all be over soon. And then we are leaving.”
Pure, violent terror flooded our bond.“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
Reluctantly, I stepped away from her. Pride bloomed in my chest as my mate rolled her shoulders back and raised her chin. She offered me a subtle nod before pinning the rulers of the Angel Realm with a sharp glare.
When they didn’t move from the doorway, she simply shoved between them and ascended the stairs.
“That’s my girl,”I praised, smothering the smile that wanted to rise.
Sylaira had shown me this storm as I hunted her. So many times after. And now that she was turning it on everyone else who dared cage her, who dared hurt her, my obsession with my mate grew tenfold.
Iaoth scoffed and followed her, grumbling something about Seers becoming too rebellious. Stadiel gestured for me toascend next. Keeping my senses on high alert, I strode forward, spiraling up, up, up to face my judgment.
Marble echoed with the sound of hundreds of voices as we reached the top landing.
“You will wait here until you are called,” Stadiel ordered, opening the door for his wife and my mate.
I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall like I had no worries about what came next. The moment I was alone, I tilted my face toward the ceiling, daring the Goddess to ignore me through the gilded lies between us.
Please, Radiant Mother, find Zarethiel acted with the truest intent. Please find my effort enough. Please don’t let them take my mate from me after blessing me with a bond so holy. It is in Your reverence I fight.
The gong sounded again, and the throne room hushed. Stadiel’s voice boomed out over the gathered nobles. “The time for the trial by light has come. Our Radiant Mother will judge the champions for Houses Räviel and Elyriane over the slight caused by the Issaraeth using his Command power on an entire ballroom, after which he assaulted Herr Elyriane.”
Jeers rang out. I gritted my teeth. All these sycophants wanted was blood.
Let their blindness to the predator curse them into all their next lives.
Once the noise died, Stadiel spoke again. “Welcome our fighters, the Issaraeth and Herr Zarethiel Elyriane.”
At that, I approached the entry. My hand shook as I gripped the ring of the door. Dragging in a breath, I prepared to throw a match I should have easily won. Prepared to look weak in front of all the heads of houses in the Angels Realm. Prepared to accept my punishment for all my sins.
The crowd roared as I emerged. Let them scream. Let them lust for blood. I only searched forher.
My heart ceased beating. Calrien stood behind Sylaira, a blade pressing into her lower back.
Red tinged my vision.
Do not lose control, Vaeron. You will only put her at risk. Do your fucking duty.
I forced myself to look away.
Zarethiel strode out from a group of his adulating followers like he already owned Thalvireth. He wasn’t even dressed in armor for Goddess’s sake.
Mirrors lined the room, primed to reflect every bite of light the bright moon would offer.
“Open the canopy,” Stadiel ordered.
Above, massive slabs of stone groaned back. Angels held up their hands, squinting, as blinding white poured into the space.
Zarethiel stopped just before the thrones and knelt. I did not. Whispers abounded as I leveled a hard look on both monarchs.
Iaoth scowled. A muscle jumped in Stadiel’s jaw.
And finally, I bowed to them.
Not for long.
