Page 50 of Third Offense

When was the last time I flew for fun?

Not to escape.

Or to hide.

Or to flee.

But to feel the wind through my feathers?

Novak was the first to catch the wind current underneath me, forcing me higher. He’d somehow thrown on a pair of pants before sprinting after me, but his chest was bare and glistening beneath the sun.

Auric came up behind me, then flew around us to take the lead, his smile filled with pride despite the tightening around his eyes.

But a subtle scent told me we weren’t alone.

I glanced over my shoulder, noting the small detail of Noir that followed us. They hadn’t said anything or made any threatening moves, but it explained why Novak was taking a protective position beneath me.

We flew until we found an area of low-tide pools that looked perfect for exploring.

We landed and first went for a swim. I was able to dismiss my wings, leaving Novak and Auric waterlogged while I learned how to swim like a human.

It was cold.

Frigid, even.

But I loved every minute of it.

I couldn't remember a time so full of laughter and feeling so… carefree.

Was this what life was supposed to be like for me?

After a good swim, Auric and Novak dried out their feathers while helping me find shells. I intended to fashion them into a necklace for Raven to make her feel more welcome. I didn’t want her to think that all this finery impressed me. Sometimes the simple things did, too.

By the time my stomach began to rumble, Auric reminded me that my mother wanted to introduce me to my new Lady’s Maid. I made a face at that, but Novak surprised me by agreeing we should go back.

While both of them were eager for answers, there wasn’t much to do until my father returned from his trip.

And plus, they both wanted to feed me again.

This time naked.

With that motivation in mind, I tucked my treasures into my damp robe and joined them on a trip back to our chambers.

Of course, the Noir shadows trailed along in our wake. Because the security detail hadn’t lost sight of us the entire time.

It was the only thing that left me feeling uneasy after what should have been the perfect morning.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

AURIC

09:00.

I narrowed my gaze at the familiar time. Every day, for the last four days, I’d walked into this kitchen at the exact same hour.

In three minutes, Netiri would join me and ask what I planned to make for breakfast.

One minute after that, I would pull several items from the fridge and answer her based on my findings.