Chapter 19

A deep blush rose to his cheeks, and Neivayka realized in utter embarrassment that she had spoken aloud. The flush on both their cheeks darkened as Pontius rolled onto his back, barking with laughter like a hyena.

“Umm…” she choked out. “I mean… your wings… yes… your wings are beautiful.”

The laugh stopped abruptly as the color drained from Theo’s cheeks. In a flash, a knife was at her throat, and the beautiful vision of Theo was gone, replaced by a deadly calm that chilled Neivayka to the core.

"Who are you?” Theo growled.

“I-I told you,” Neivayka stuttered out. “My name is Neivayka.”

“What are you?” he demanded.

“H-h-human,” she answered in a gasp. “I came through a portal on the docks.”

“That’s bull. No human can come through the portal. The pictures are spelled to keep the Dark Ones out,” Theo spat out.

“It’s true!” Neivayka insisted. “I touched a picture and… whoosh.”