Page 62 of First Offense

Something was seriously broken with the entire system if I could Fall with no explanation and Raven could Fall at birth, yet these monstrous guards could remain Nora even while watching prisoners die in unfair battles.

Sayir grabbed one by the wing and slammed him to the ground.

“This is a disgrace.” Quiet lethality underlined that statement. “Every misstep sets us back. And it seems that one happens every time I turn around.”

Novak and Auric shared another of those glances. This time, I followed their expressions.Disbelief.

They didn’t trust Sayir.

And frankly, neither did I.

One of the guards stepped forward. “Sir, if I may—”

“You may not,” Sayir snapped, fluttering his wings as he forced his calm demeanor to wash over his features. “I’ll perform a proper investigation later. For now, we need to contain the inmates and clean up this mess.” He waved a hand. “Knock them out.”

“Shit,” Zian muttered.

“You’d better not knock me out,” Auric said in his most regal tone. He stepped forward. “I am not an inmate.”

Sayir glanced at him and waved his hand. “Right, of course. Don’t touch the Nora Warrior.”

I grabbed his arm, my nails digging into his skin. “Auric.”

His focus fell to mine, his blue eyes gleaming with promise. “Trust me, Lay,” he whispered, palming my cheek.

Novak brushed his wing over mine, repeating the same vow as I met his calm, pale gaze.

I swallowed, my heart skipping a beat.

Then something hit the air.

A scent that made my nose curl up in disgust.

Auric narrowed his eyes, noting my distress. Then he caught me as my legs gave out, his strong arms holding me aloft as the world began to swim beneath a swirl of black color.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “I’ve got you, Lay.”

His evergreen scent kissed my senses.

And everything went dark.

18

Auric

I’d never seenanything like it.

Every Noir in the courtyard wilted to the ground, including the sleeping angel in my arms. I pressed two fingers to Layla’s neck just to confirm her steady pulse.

Alive.

Strong.

Sayir barked orders at the guards, completely ignoring me. I gently set Layla on the ground beside Novak. He’d fallen with his arm outstretched to catch the princess.

I couldn’t blame him.

She was gorgeous. Especially like this, with her lips slightly parted and her fuchsia strands sprawled over her wings. The black feathers were a stark contrast against her pale skin, a sight I would have considered beautiful if I didn’t know their meaning.