I grin, liking the sound of that. It’s going to be hard enough being away from them now that I’ve grown accustomed to their presence. Especially since I’ll finally have to come clean to my parents about the shift in my wing color.
“Ugh. I hate that we’re forced to put our research on hold. It’s going to be weird not spending all of my time with the two of you and our heads buried in textbooks.”
Raphael stands and walks toward me before pulling me into a hug. “We’re going to miss you too, little sunshine, but it’s not all lost. The library at my family’s estate is pretty extensive. Maybe I’ll find something in there that could help us.”
“You don’t have to do that, Raph. It’s a holiday, after all, and you deserve a break.”
“It’s no skin off my back, believe me. It’ll be a gift if I can escape my family, even for a little while.”
Theo leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “And since I’m not going anywhere, I’ll continue searching the libraries here. With the campus nearly empty, maybe I’ll be able to get through whatever’s available.”
I zip up my bag and place it on the floor by the door. “You’re both right, of course.” I sigh before continuing, “Maybe after my parents get over the shock of my gold wings, they’ll remember something from when they were young. Or, maybe if I explore the Fallen district a bit, I’ll overhear something useful. There’s bound to be rumors going around about the demon attacks, right?”
“That’s a terrible idea,” Raphael says, looking concerned.
“He’s right. It’s too dangerous for you to be snooping around like that all on your own.”
They’re not wrong, but I don’t want to be completely useless over the holiday. I have to feel like I’m at least doingsomethingto keep our investigation from stalling out. “It was just an idea. At the very least, I’ll keep my eyes open for the Fallen angel that Zeke mentioned. And don’t worry, I’m not an idiot. I’ll be careful, and if I see or hear anything, I’ll let you guys know right away.”
“Promise us you won’t do anything without at least telling us first.”
My eyes dart between Raphael and Theo, who look more worried than I would have thought. It’s kind of cute. “I promise I won’t do anything without telling you two first.”
Theo stands, his tall frame looming over me and causing my body to flush hot. “It might be a good idea to loop Ezekiel in on that promise, too. He’s a Fallen, after all. Far less suspicious if he shows up than either of us.”
I stand there in utter shock. Did he really just suggest I contact Zeke? Not that it’s a bad idea — it’s actually a damn good one — but I never would have imagined Theo suggesting I do anything with my grumpy-as-fuck house leader.Curious.
Raphael looks like he just swallowed something sour, but nods anyway.
“Okay. Good idea.” A thought occurs to me, and I struggle to keep the smile off my face. “So should I start a group chat with all of us or …”
“Yes.”
“No.”
I laugh. “Don’t worry, Raph. I was just kidding. Why don’t we get out of here for a little bit? I know you don’t have any midterms left, but Theo and I are feeling pretty confident about ours. We only have a few days left before the break. Let’s go do something epic before we’re separated.”
“Now that I can agree with,” Raphael says.
“Since we won’t be together over the break, why don’t we head to the entertainment district and see if there’s any early festivities going on?”
Despite the obvious excitement at getting off campus, I can’t help but notice the blanket of sadness that hovers over us. It has me wondering if maybe they feel the same pang of loss at being away from me as I do about them.
12
Our classmates must have had a similar idea because we find several groups making their way, by foot or wings, off campus. A few of them carry a bag, so it’s possible they’re heading home for the break early, something Raphael could have done, but that’s the last place he’d like to be.
I’m sure the principal’s inbox must be overflowing with emails from students, following the rules and notifying him of their movements. I get why he did it. I just hope it leads to something.
“Off to meet with your demon brothers, spawn?” someone shouts from the sky. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who it is. Cadriel doesn’t have as many followers as he once did in his quest against Hayliel, not since the attack.
She’s had to deal with far less hatred since then, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Somehow, the fawning and obsession are almost as bad as the repulsion. Instead of takingthe cruel words personally like she might have a month ago, she only flips him off and keeps walking, her smile never faltering.
I won’t let anything dim her light.
Raphael and I don’t bother taking our wings out, knowing full well that the beautiful creature between us wants to walk. It’s an easy decision not to push her, especially since it means we get more time by her side, but someday I’d like to take her somewhere. A place where she feels secure and safe to fly with us, where she can stretch her wings and have fun without holding back.
We’re about halfway to the entertainment district when a Fallen angel soars overhead, circling like an eagle searching for prey before swooping down to land in front of us. If I didn’t already know it was Ezekiel, the Assassins’ Guild uniform would have given it away.
