Page 19 of Wings of Valor (Silver City University #4)

I turn over in my sleep, snuggling into my guys.

They’re warm. Too warm. But I stay sandwiched between the three of them, peaceful and happy.

My eyes flash open, showing only two bodies aside from my own.

Reality crashes into me.

My parents are gone. And Zeke is … he should be here, at my side and in this bed. But this bed isn’t mine, and Zeke isn’t anywhere I can reach him.

Pain shoots through my chest, making it hard to breathe. It’s too hot in here. I need to get out before I suffocate.

Grabbing my slate and the robe I find hanging on a hook by the door, I put it on and tiptoe from the room. Thoughts and fears race through my mind as I step into the empty sitting room. Castiel and Mira must still be in bed or wandering on their own.

Good. I’m not quite ready to be around anyone just yet, especially not angels who can read me so easily.

The hall is blissfully quiet. I release a sigh and make my way toward the one place I think will help clear my head. The garden. I only get lost once, and when I step through the beautifully carved wooden doors, I know every ounce of effort I put into finding this place was worth it.

The space before me is an oasis. Somewhere nearby, a fountain gurgles. I follow the sound until I’m standing in front of the most exquisite creation I’ve ever seen. Silver and stone meld together to create a one-of-a-kind spout, with wings and angels coming off the top and reaching for the sky.

Around me, birds chirp and splash in the birdbath that sits in the corner as shafts of late morning light shine down.

I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face, but it falls just as quickly.

How did I sleep through the day and night?

And how much suffering have my loved ones endured while I slept?

A slab of stone, stained green with moss, sits off to the side. Plush red cushions sit atop it, looking out of place but making the bench significantly more comfortable. I close my eyes as I sit and try to reach them, starting with Mom, then Dad, and finally, Zeke.

No one answers.

I can’t even feel them anymore, as if the link that connects us mentally has been severed.

Torn apart.

A tear falls down my cheek, but I quickly wipe it away. Now is not the time to break down. I need answers, and to do that, I need to be strong.

When I finally feel stable enough to open my eyes, I spot Mira entering the garden. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I take the opportunity to watch her. She looks worn out, like she didn’t sleep at all last night.

Could she be worried about Zeke? Or maybe she’s upset with how I reacted yesterday.

I know the moment she realizes I’m here. Her body goes stiff, hand coming up to touch her throat. Even though I’m still pissed off about what transpired yesterday, I hate that this is what our friendship has come to.

“I’m sorry,” she says, “I didn’t realize this place was already taken.”

“I think there’s enough room for both of us to wallow,” I tell her, tapping the empty cushion beside me. It’s obvious she’s beating herself up over what happened without me piling on.

She hesitates. “Are you sure? I know we aren’t on the best of terms right now because of what I did.”

I give her a soft smile. It’s the most I can manage under the circumstances.

“We’re fine. My reaction yesterday had less to do with you and more to do with me.

I’m sorry I made you feel unwelcome. After talking with Raphael and Theo last night, I think I understand them, and even you, a little better now.

They shouldn’t have tried to control me, but keeping my plan a secret from everyone was only doing the same to them. I get that now.”

“I’m sorry you couldn’t get your parents back.”

My laugh is bitter. Poisoned. “It was silly of me to think he’d let them go. I should have known he’d go back on his word and change our deal.”

Mira’s brows furrow, and then she asks, “What did he want instead?”

“Everything.” My chest turns hot as my inner fire grows, along with my frustration and self-hatred.

“Instead of trading myself for their freedom, he wanted me at his side. He said my parents would stay with him too, so we’d all be together, but I knew, Mira.

I just knew if I agreed, they wouldn’t survive it.

He’d force me to do something unforgivable, and they’d see everything.

Even if he allowed them to live after, they’d never have looked at me the same again. ”

Mira puts her arm around me, pulling me into her. I go easily, needing the comfort and reassurance of her embrace.

I breathe in, counting to five before letting it out. “Looking back now, though, I probably should have agreed. At least then I’d see them. At least then I’d know they’re safe. And maybe if I’d just fucking agreed, Auriel wouldn’t have taken Zeke.”

“It was a lose-lose situation, babe. Like, yeah, you could have gone along with his plan. Joined his army and seen your parents, but he’d more than likely only use them to control you.

As for Zeke”—she shrugs—“he knew the risks. They all did, and you’d be crazy to think for even a second they wouldn’t risk everything to get you back from Auriel.

Besides, Zeke’s a tough asshole. He’ll handle whatever they throw at him—and maybe even be able to help your parents. ”

“Maybe.” My slate vibrates inside one of the large pockets of this comfy-as-hell robe. When I pull it out, I find a novel-sized message from Dina. Heavy stones settle in my stomach as Mira and I read it together.

Dina : I’m sorry I’ve been MIA. Dad is essentially holding me hostage at home until the school “does the right thing.” Please don’t reply to this.

He’s monitoring my slate, so I’ll delete this message, but I had to warn you.

Enough parents have complained to Principal Cael about you that he’s called for an internal meeting.

Today. Avoid campus, at least until you know what’s going on.

Love you, Hayles. I’ll try to message you again soon.

It vibrates again with an email from the university. Looks like I failed Wingology class due to not completing the final exam. Great.

“Do I have ‘garbage truck’ written on my forehead, Mira? I must, because everyone keeps throwing their fucking trash my way.”

“That goddamn piece of shit, Uriel,” Mira mutters angrily.

“He was there, you know. With Auriel. The bastard was going to fucking inject me with something, and he looked more than happy to do it.”

Mira goes still. “I’ve seriously had enough of that asshole. They should have removed him from the SCU faculty ages ago. He deserves to rot away in the dark cells at the guild.”

A commotion outside the garden has us both turning to see what’s going on. Raphael, Theo, and Castiel stand with Remiel. Everyone, including the Archangel, looks exhausted. Something tells me it wasn’t just me that had a shitty night’s sleep.

We might be in the sanctuary, but there is certainly no peace to find here.

“Ah, perfect. You’re both here,” Castiel says, offering me a half smile.

“What’s going on?”

“It’s time. The council is ready to see you now.”

Remiel tucks his book beneath his arm and gestures. “Please, follow me.”

“I, uh, need to change. I doubt anyone will take me seriously in a robe,” I tell him, face flaming.

A frown pulls at Remiel’s lips as he takes in my outfit. “I can only offer you five minutes.”

Fuck. That’s not nearly enough time.

“Try the thing,” Mira says, pulling my attention.

“What thing?” I ask at the same time as Raphael and Theo.

“You know. The thing . What we practiced.”

It hits me then. She wants me to teleport. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea. Far better than standing in front of a fucking council in nothing but a robe.

Besides, if it works, this will not only be the furthest I’ve ever teleported but also the most direct I’ve ever been.

Closing my eyes, I picture the room I left this morning. The comfortable bed and the stunning bathroom. A tingly sensation rolls over me, and when I open my eyes, a grin spreads across my face.

Holy shit. I did it!

I glance at yesterday’s dirty clothes lying on the floor and contemplate whether or not I want to put them on. Are those stinky things really better than what I’m wearing? But Raphael and Theo weren’t wearing the same clothes as yesterday. At least, I don’t think they were.

I race to the closet and find a few outfits hanging up. None are quite in my size, but the cargo pants and long-sleeve shirt will do. Once I’m dressed, I let my lids fall shut and think about the garden and its bubbling fountain.

Mira’s squeal of excitement is enough to tell me I didn’t wind up in someone else's bathroom.

“You are one badass bitch,” she says, patting my back, and then walks ahead with Castiel, who’s looking over his shoulder at me with wonder in his eyes.

I guess I am pretty badass, huh?

“Feel like explaining what the fuck that was?” Raphael asks when it’s just the three of us. If he’s annoyed that I kept yet another thing from him, he doesn’t show it. Neither does Theo.

“Oh, that? I guess I can teleport now, though that was definitely a first for me. The most I’ve done is moved within the same room and grabbed things before they hit the ground.” The two of them look at me as if I’m a god.

“You astound me,” Theo says before dropping a kiss to my temple.

Raphael takes my hand, leading me toward the others. “Do you have any more secret abilities up your sleeve?”

I shrug. “I don’t think so. Well, actually …” I whisper and feel them both look in my direction. “I can touch my nose with my tongue.”

When I stick it out to show them, they both laugh and a little of the tension eases.

“How did you both sleep?” I ask.

“Meh.” Theo shrugs. “We were worried when we woke up and you were gone.”

He doesn’t say it, but I can tell he’s haunted by my sneaking out to meet Auriel. What kind of angel am I that I didn’t even consider how they might react to waking up and finding me missing again?

“I’m so sorry,” I say, slipping my free hand into his. “I just needed a moment alone, and you both looked too cute to wake up. But I’ve learned my lesson about keeping things from you guys. I won’t run away like that again, promise.”

“And we’ll allow you to make your own choices, even if we don’t agree with them. Though I do plan on being very vocal with my disagreements. Respectfully, of course.” Raphael squeezes my hand, and I know that, despite the pain we’ve all caused one another, we’re in a better place because of it.

We’re going to be alright.

With our hands interlocked, we head deeper into the sanctuary until we reach what I can only assume is the council room. There are high-back chairs around a long oak table, and at the head are four seats that look like thrones.

My jaw threatens to unhinge and fall to the floor, but I keep it shut.

The opulent room has high ceilings with beautifully drawn paintings covering its entirety.

Plain robin’s-egg-blue walls contrast with the luxurious items filling the space, likely the result of offerings during the Archangel Feast.

It seems wasteful to keep them hidden in here.

Remiel moves to join the two other Archangel’s at the head of the table. Their wings are out, and if I thought looking upon one four-winged Archangel was a sight to behold, well, three at once makes me want to pass out.

The fourth throne-like chair is notably empty.

“Take a seat, everyone,” one of the other Archangels says, his voice commanding yet gentle. Without needing to study his face for too long, I know who he is. Archangel Mikhael. The unofficial leader of the Archangels.

He looks exactly like his pictures. Sharp features, strong jaw, and kind eyes.

While the rest of the council gets settled, my friends and I don’t move from our spot in front of the wall. I feel the stares of every angel in the room, but I don’t back down. I meet each and every gaze, and even recognize a few angels—like Zeke’s father, Kirach, and Lieutenant Azrael.

They look surprised to see us, and frankly, I would be too. But what hurts the most is watching the way Kirach’s eyes drift from me to the others, searching for his son.

“The worst has happened,” Mikhael says, drawing the council’s attention. “Our once great and pious Auriel has slid into darkness, and because of his machinations, he and a group of Fallen angels are consorting with our greatest enemy.”

The crowd erupts into conversation. Angels try to talk over other angels, all wanting their questions and thoughts heard by the Archangels. But it’s Kirach who stands from his seat, the metal tips of his wings chiming softly. He says nothing, only waits in silence to be called upon.

“Yes, Lieutenant?” The room falls silent at Mikhael’s voice.

“What do students from Silver City have to do with this situation?”

Every gaze in the room turns to us.

“Great question. It is from their courage and fortitude that we’ve uncovered this treachery.” Gasps of disbelief fill the large chamber, but Mikhael ignores them. “Come, my friends,” he says to us, motioning toward the row of chairs set up close to the Archangels.

We all take our seats—except for Castiel.

He stands, surveying the room, and then begins to tell our story.

He tells them everything—every attack, every loss.

And when he explains how the traitorous behavior extended not only to the Archangels but also to the guild and the school, the war council begins to eye one another with suspicion.

I watch each angel closely, paying attention to the way they move and looking for anything that seems off. For all we know, one of them could be working for Auriel.

Castiel ends our story, leaving out yesterday’s ordeal and my Seraphim status.

A woman with a sleek bun and pointed nose asks, “But why would they target her? She’s only a student. A resident of Fallen house, as you just said. What could Auriel possibly want with her?”

When Castiel turns to me, I know what he’s asking.

Public speaking has never been my strong suit. I’ve been the object of enough jokes and ridicule that I avoid situations like these. But this is one I can’t walk away from. So I stand, nodding to Castiel, and take over.

“That’s a fair question. What Auriel wanted was to control me. He figured out what I am, something I had only just discovered myself not too long ago, thanks to my friends. So he took my parents and offered me a trade. Agree to join his cause and he’ll let my parents go free.”

“And what are you, Hayliel Gracelin?” Mikhael asks.

Inside my head, I can hear the pounding of my heart and the blood racing through my veins. For the first time since I can even remember, I’m sure of who I am.

My voice doesn’t waver when I answer. I don’t tremble or fear being bullied.

This is me.

“I’m a Seraphim.”