Chapter 24

" There were three deaths after that. Three beings who were off hunting. Their families got worried when neither got home and the next day their bodies were recovered on the path behind the winery. It is my believe that the killer waited until after the troops had done their rounds in order to dump the bodies. We have seven more after that. Four in the first case and two in the second, only a week apart. That brings the total death count to eleven. "

Rehan concluded, and as he did his now orange wings changed to yellow. It was time for the others to ask their questions. 

" Have you determined the cause of death? " angel Zarek asked. He had a reputation as the fastest angel to have ever existed. Both on ground and in the air. With the ability to outrun even the fastest of birds and the most lethal of predators. 

With wings of alternating black and white and turquoise eyes that made one feel as if they were staring at at the ocean when it was at its most calm. And just like all the other angels seated around him, he had features that never failed to turn heads. 

" That is where things get complicated, " Rehan said as he flipped a page of his book. " All the victims seemed to have been burnt to death but upon examination, it was determined that there is more to it, "

" How so? " angel Quillon asked. 

They referred to him as the wild one. Wings of green layered in every possible shade.Starting from a dark jungle green on the uppermost layer to a very delicate olive green on the last. He preferred to stay out in the wild. And his hazel eyes could spot the tiniest detail from miles away. 

" It appears that magic could have been involved.It has been confirmed that the beings were all drained of their physical power, which meant that they were dead before their bodies were burnt. And the fire itself was of magical origin. " Rehan explained and all the others were clearly confused. 

" But that's not possible. There are no witches in the kingdom and we are aware of anyone that passes through the boarder, " Nuriel said. 

It was the truth. There were only four beings in Zalian apart from angels. And those were Dreimars, Isors, Gargoyles and Dwychs. And none of them had the ability to perform magic. 

Apart from Zalian there were only two other kingdoms in the Realm. And one was occupied by the witches and wizards. Zalian had nothing to do with them. Ever since they had refused to offer refuge to the angels when the war had broken out. Since then the council members only stepped foot on that kingdom if they really had to. 

" That's what we are still trying to understand, " Rehan stated. 

" I think it would be wise to ask for the beings help in this matter. They would be useful in identifying anyone that does not belong here, " angel Kalen suggested. 

He was the kingdoms Herald. An expert in nobles, heralds and etiquette. He was the kindest one of them all no doubt. The one always ready to lend a helping hand to whoever may need it. He actually confessed that he was incapable of lying. 

Literally. 

With his tender smile and dark hair. And his wings of grey violet. A soft, sweet and evocative shade much paler compared to his true violet eyes. 

" Yes, I have thought about that and was planning on holding a meeting at the town square later today. Kael, make sure everyone is informed and they know when to be there. " Nuriel said. 

" Got it, " Kael replied. He was currently at the farthest end of the table on the left. Leaning against his seat with his wide wings spread out and his feet propped up on the table. One would never tell he was even listening to their discussion due to his uncaring posture. 

Nuriel decided that he was going to look at the bodies right after the meeting. He also had to distribute the council. Ensure they all helped in solving the matter and that they all had a role to play. 

" Victor, select your best warriors to guard the square, send others to the border and others to guard those who will not attend the meeting. "

" Understood. "

Nuriel then turned to Rehan. 

" You have to remain here and make sure the Triecan is running smoothly. "

" Yes my king. "

Nuriel then distributed the others. And they made plans to communicate if any of them cane across anything strange. After that he set up another meeting for the next day. 

" Something is not right and we have to get to the bottom of it, " he said afterwards. 

And once they were done with that discussion he asked if there was anything else. 

" Yes, my king. You have not told me what I'm supposed to do, " Angel Drexel commented. 

While the others were all usually dressed in their leather fighting gear which consisted of a hard leather vest and pants, angel Drexel was wearing a talently embroidered black shirt with cotton pants and a pair of black and expensive boots. His silver hair combed back and his clear glass eyes both remote and introspective. And the fact that he did not have wings meant that his clothes did not have to be selectively made. All he had to do was take a tour of the kingdom and buy whatever pleases his eyes. Something he took great advantage of. 

" That's because I want you to accompany my Doseth to the dressmaker. I need you to keep an eye on her each second that passes. I would go with her instead but as you are aware I have quite a lot to tend to. "

And it killed him that he could not go with her. If he were capable he would have postponed everything and accompanied her but apart from being her mate, he was also the king. And he had to remember that at all times. 

" I promise to guard her with my life, " Drexel said and Nuriel thanked him. Then he heard some mumbling from some of the others. 

" Is there a problem? " he asked and no one answered at first then angel Rylan cleared his throat. His auburn hair gleaming in the light seeping in from the window. His onyx brown eyes were flickering from side to side as if he wanted to say something but was unsure of how to start. He had red wings tipped with black. And though he appeared completely calm on the outside, he was one of the most fierce male Nuriel had ever come across, all the other beings included. 

With a very strong will and drive. And he was also the kingdoms arms expert. He literally handmade most of the weapons that the warriors used. 

" What is it Rylan? " Nuriel asked as he focused on the angel. 

" I think what Rylan is unsucessfully trying to say is that it has already been a while now and most of us have not get met your Doseth, " Quillon intervened. 

" Yes. And we would like to formally meet her, besides, Drexel has already had that pleasure and it's just..... " 

" Just what? "

" Well, it's not really fair that he gets to meet her twice when some if us haven't even met her once, " Zarek completed and Nuriel raised his brows in astonishment. 

Were they really competing as to who got to accompany his mate. That was all the more reason to be worried. 

" Don't take this the wrong way brothers but if it were up to me, none of you would ever meet her, " he commented and they looked confused. 

" But why? " Kalen asked and Nuriel gave a half shrug. 

" Because, so far only three of you have met her. And out of the three, two kissed her hand for what amounted to a whole minute before they held on to it for longer and the other.... " Nuriel slowly turned to Kael. His silver eyes focused and intense. " ...the other marked her with his scent. " 

Everyone followed Nuriels gaze. 

Kael gasped and clasped a hand over his chest, acting shocked. 

" Are you serious? But Nuri, who would dare do such a foolish and unthinkable thing? " the golden angel then asked. 

Nuriel shook his head. 

" Boy! What were you thinking? " Quillon basically roared and all he was awarded with was a chuckle from Kael. He had taken the role of Kaels guardian back when the angel was still very young. And he always disciplined him when he wronged. But even Quillon had come to realize that not amount of discipline could straighten Kael out. 

If it were any other angel that had done that, Nuriel would have made sure they payed for it. But there was just no way he could do that to Kael. Because despite of his foolish acts and his reckless behavior, he held a special place in his heart. 

In all their hearts. 

" You went too far boy, " Quillon warned as he pointed at Kael. 

" And we will discuss that later. "

They chatted for another few minutes before the meeting came to an end and they all started walking out one by one. Nuriel also assured them that he would make sure they all met Flame before the week came to an end. And once that was done, he left as well. 

He had left her while she was still asleep and he hoped she had not woken up yet. The reason he had come to the meeting late was because he had found it extremely difficult to leave her side. Even for just a short while. 

" My king? " Nuriel heard someone ask as he was walking down the hall and he stopped and turned.

It was Kalen. He knew before he even turned. The angel scent gave him away. Fresh raindrops falling on concentrated rose petals. It was a nice and alluring scent that matched the angel himself. 

" Yes Kalen? "

" I do not wish to meddle but I heard screaming last night coming from your quarters. Is everything okay? "

" It is now. Thank you for your concern Kalen. And I am sure the others are wondering the same thing so you should assure them. "

Nuriel then walked away. He had to tend to his mate.