“There’s something else, something I haven’t mentioned to anyone because I wanted to be sure.” Theo rubs the back of his neck. “I’m trying to trust you, Ezekiel. Please don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t,” I assure him, meaning it.
“I think there’s more to what happened to Hayliel at the school than we think. There was a point where all the demons just turned, almost as one, in the same direction. At first I thought they were leaving, having been told their part of the plan was done, but that wasn’t it. They all turned toher. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that she’s now got golden wings and a power that can destroy demons.”
I look in the direction of the well, remembering that moment as if it were only yesterday. “What are you saying, Theo?” I ask, needing to be sure.
“Either the demon king told the horde to go to the well, which doesn’t make any fucking sense, or they could sense whatever she is and knew that if they didn’t snuff her out, the war against demons and angels would be changed forever.”
19
You’d think with all the time to sleep in, that I’d take advantage of it. Catch up on what I missed during the attack, preparing for midterms, all of it. But I can’t seem to turn off my brain.
Even while I slept last night, the dreams kept me restless. More nightmares than anything else. The events of yesterday played through on a loop until the words became garbled, and I’m not even sure what’s real anymore.
Knowing I’ll see Zeke today doesn’t help. I told him to meet me here, but now I regret that decision. I should have asked him to meet near the shops or on some random side street instead. Maybe I’ll be able to sneak out before my parents even notice he’s here.
Not for the first time, I consider messaging him, but each time I do, something holds me back. Weakness. And weak isexactly what he’ll call me if I change my mind about our meeting location, and it’s not like he’d be wrong.
To take my mind off it, I spend the morning thinking about Theo and Zeke working together. It’s weird to imagine, but it’s not without benefits. Maybe if they can get past their shit, things will be a little easier. Archangels know I could use a bit moreeasyin my life.
My stomach rumbles, and I head upstairs. Somehow it’s already ten o’clock, and I’ve wasted hours stuck in a loop of worry and overthinking.
On my way to the kitchen, I stop and stare at the door, wondering what Zeke will think of it. Does his dad live in this district too? Is he used to this area, and the strange Fallen-only shops? I wonder if he sees through their veiled attempts to alienate us from the rest of Silver City. I bet he does.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Dad calls out from deeper inside the house.
I follow his voice into the kitchen, where Mom is covered in flour and a growing stack of pancakes sits on the counter. “Do I even want to know?” I tease.
“Just a little disagreement. Nothing a little flour battle won’t fix.”
“Did you sleep okay?” Mom asks, leading me to the table and building me a plate of pancakes, hash browns, bacon, and eggs.
“I did! The room is perfect, Mom. Thank you.”
While we eat, my eyes dart between my slate and the front door. I assume Zeke will message me before he heads this way, but what if he doesn’t? I need every second to prepare. Fuck, I hate this.
“Is something wrong?” Mom nudges into me softly as I’m clearing the table. “You know you can tell us anything, right?”
“Of course I do. But I’m here with you guys. Everything is perfect.”
“Look, sweetheart,” Dad starts, shooting a knowing look at Mom. “We overheard you on the phone last night. We know what’s going on.”
My entire body goes still, fear spiking. “I’m not sure what you mean.” I do my best to sound confident, but my voice still wobbles.
Mom takes the plate from me, setting it on the table. “What your dad istryingto say is that we think it’s great you’ve invited your boyfriend here. We’ll be on our best behavior, I promise.”
“Oh. My boyfriend,” I repeat, unsure if I should correct them. Which option is worse? Trying to explain why I suddenly need my friend here, or letting them think Zeke is my boyfriend. The fewer questions they ask, the better.
I just hope Zeke sees it the same way.
“We’ll clean up here. You go get ready for the day.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, eyeing the dusting of flour throughout the kitchen.
“We made the mess, so it’s our responsibility to clean it up. Go on, now.”
After grabbing the items I need, I make my way to the main-floor bathroom — the only one with a shower. I check my phone once more before stepping beneath the hot spray, but Zeke still hasn’t messaged me. He never did say how long his shift was at the Guild, but I don’t want him to show up while I’m preoccupied. If he ends up stuck with my parents, who fucking knows what they’ll say?
