Page 15

JONA

grey eagle is sitting on the balcony when I get back from training the girl. Sighting, I glare at the bird from my door. The time would eventually come, I knew that.

I smell sour and disgusting. A bath would be nice, but the council of Watching Angels does not like to wait, so I make my way to the bird. The eagle doesn’t make a move as I take the scroll out of its talons. Whatever is in this note, it will not be good.

In the last thirty years, I have strayed from the teachings and intervened. The Watching Angels frown upon that, but I was tired of observing when I knew I could make a difference. Twenty-five years ago, I took responsibility for raising Lucifer’s daughter. It was a bold choice, but I had to do it. Now, I am helping a being that should not even exist.

Every choice has a cost. Mine most certainly will be in this letter. The paper feels heavy in my hands, but I know I have no way out unless I want out of the angel society. I am not sure I am ready for that. Being a Watching Angel is all I know – it has been my duty for as long as I can remember.

Unwillingly, my eyes scan the words.

The council is sending you to guard the fairy princess Vanamala. Report to receive details in two months.

I scoff at the words before me. Straight to the point.

Vanamala is the twenty-six-year-old fairy princess of the mountains. I have heard things about her, but words are frequently broken as they pass through the mouths of others. I would rather form my own opinion. Mainly, I am hopeful she is not the wildflower everyone says she is. Otherwise, I am fucked. Guarding someone is not a problem, but dealing with someone who runs from the protection makes it harder.

I’m not versed in the politics of the fay. Research will be required once I am done helping Izzy and Jacob. Yet another situation I am sticking my head in that I am not supposed to. I’ve been loyal to the Watching Angels for far too long without making a difference. It’s starting to eat my soul. What is the point if nothing is changing?

Still, they have been my home for as long as I can remember – they gave me purpose. Without them, I would’ve been lost in the void. They do not force me to stay, but I owe them everything.

The eagle spreads its wings wide, golden eyes trained on me as he lifts into the air. I watch it against the sun, beautiful and majestic. The council will definitely have more to say about my further involvement.

Nonetheless, I was granted power. I will use it.

There is something deeper about Izzy’s power. Something about the way it twirls in the depths of her soul tells me there’s more to it. I know everything there is to know about Victor – he’s as cruel as they come. Cassandra, on the other hand, is a mystery to me. The council will refuse to answer any of my questions about her, but I have plenty of friends who would be willing to chat.