Chapter 43

Several hours into her loneliness Flame made a decision to visit the library. It was becoming very clear to her that she had become a tad too attached to her angel. Because now it felt as if each time he flew away, he took a part of her with him. 

As she treaded the quiet halls, she felt that distant echo in her head. That savage voice that resonated from deep within her conscience and that she tried to keep at bay as hard as she could. It was almost like a physical battle. And the more she pressed the heel of her palm to her forehead, the louder it became. 

Like dark wisps of soft whispers that refused to go away. She wondered what it might mean. Whether it was an issue she ought to focus on with caution. Whether it was serious enough for her to tell the angel about. But the whispers were gone as soon as they came, so she took a second to just stand and shake it off before proceeding to the library. 

The moment she stepped in that smell she loved so much hit her. Aged papers. Rusty covers. The knowledge of a thousand years preserved in a uniform manner. She took in the breathtaking sight of all the books. Back on earth, she had loved to read. Not those mind racking books on chemistry and physics but the more classical books. The ones about adventures and fantasy lands which she trusted in while reading despite knowing that they did not exist. 

She walked over to a shelf, taking her time as she flipped through the pages of one book to another. Then she settled on one and walked over to the large seat to read it. Silence was an important tool while reading. But the Triecan was too silent. She had never actually realised that there was usually a lot going on in there until now. There were sounds she had become accustomed to without realising it. 

Like the footsteps of the warriors as they continued with their daily activities in their part of the house. Swords clashing against each other as they sparred. But now all she could hear was the sweet sound of silence which in all its right, was not sweet at all. 

                   scarlet drops... 

          dark soulless eyes, 

          an eery smile.. 

          a shattered mind 

Flame shivered at the thought that had just infiltrated her head . Her primal protective instincts coming alive as she looked around the room. It had been bright when she had first walked in, light pouring in from the wide windows and seeping through the bookshelves. But now there appeared to be shadows slowly creeping in. 

Feeling frightened she abruptly stood, the book still clutched in her hand. She wanted to run, it was the first thought that came to mind, but she chose not to. Something made her stay. 

                    A distant cackle 

Her heart beat faster. Fear crawling in. Dropping the book she squeezed her eyes shut, the voices were in her head. She could hear them invading what was supposed to be her personal space. And as they became louder, she went limp and collapsed onto the couch. Conscious but weak. Like her power was being sucked out of her. And more than ever she wanted her angel to come back. Right that instant she wanted him there. 

Her head was throbbing and she could barely see. But then it all stopped. Just like that, as if nothing had even happened. She breathed in deeply, digging her hands into the seat and sitting up. Everything was back as it should be. But she was still scared, and she tried to give an explanation to herself about what had just occurred. 

Standing, she walked over to one of the windows to get some air, her thoughts still tangled up and her whole form shaking. The peace she had gone there and strived to achieve now long gone to be replaced by a raw and consuming fear that made it hard to even breathe. 

She looked out into the scenery. Trees lined that entire surrounding and it was there, among the thick branches and trunks that she saw what she believed was fiery red hair disappearing into the dense forest. 

                        ✳️❇️✳️❇️✳️

Nuriel flew beside Victor, his white wings rustling in the wind. His expression stern and focused as he tried to find any trace of life underneath. Drexel was leading the warriors down on ground. And he had linked in to inform him that the lock down had been set into place. The beings were currently scrambling to get to their homes. 

They were no doubt confused and in awe. But that was the only way to ensure that the day would end without another casualty. 

" I think I'll land over there by the rocks, see if I'll find anythng, " Victor said, and without waiting for a response he made his way down. Nuriel watched him as he landed, focusing in on the surrounding areas to make sure they hadn't missed anything. 

But they had been at this for hours now, and none of the others had linked in yet meaning that they had also not fond anything with reporting. It made no sense. 

Even Quillon, who had surprisingly keen eyes had found nothing. And the longer they searched the more frustrated they all became. Zarek had landed a few times to scour the earth. He had ran miles, stopping to search in the earth and see whether he could detect anything out of the ordinary. 

Rylan had focused all his life long rage into the search and still nothing. Angels had excellent sight and hearing. And some could detect things without even trying. So it was because of that that they grew even more agitated with every hour that passed. The warriors had been divided into squadrons and had visited each home and building in the kingdom. Only to come out empty. 

Landing beside Victor, Nuriel placed his hands on his waist and hung his head. Frustration clear on his features. 

" I don't understand how this could be! " he ground out. 

" Perhaps we're going at things the wrong way. I mean, the killer doesn't necessarily have to be an outsider, " Victor said as he kicked away some rocks. Running a hand through his brown hair, he turned to Nuriel. 

Nuriel was closer to the kingdom's General than he was to the others. Theirs being a friendship that had been forged out of loss even before they had met the others. And Nuriel respected Victors ability to see logic even in situations that seemed nothing but illogical. 

" Are you suggesting treason? " .

It wasn't a possibility that Nuriel had considered. But they could not rule it out. 

" Maybe. You can never fully trust anyone Nuriel, and despite the fact that the beings obey you, I'm certain that not all respect you. "

" Well if that's the case then whoever is behind this will serve as an example once we catch him. "

Because they would. And then Nuriel would gather the entire kingdom to watch as he tore out the bastards' heart. 

Literally. 

" What do you think is keeping Bastian. He's never taken this long before. " 

Nuriel sighed. Umallen was far from there, but still, the longer the raven winged angel took, the more worried he was starting to become. 

" There's no way for us to know. But we both know that he'll come back. "

" He better. Drexel grows more distressed with every day that passes. And he's the best at hiding his emotions so the fact that i noticed just shows how seriously he's taking this. "

Thinking about that made Nuriel think about the other possible explanation. 

" Do you think that the witches might be behind this? " he asked as he looked Victor in the eye. The other angel shrugged. Then he shook his head as he looked up at the clear sky where he could see hints of red wings tipped with black. 

" At this point, I'm ready to believe anything. But if they are then we'll take that as an active declaration of war. And we'll do what is necessary. "

By that he meant that he would lead the entire army to Umallen and kill everyone that he crossed paths with. Because Victor was an angel that lived for the thrill of war. Nothing made him feel more alive than when he was striking a sword through an opponent's chest and drew it out with blood. 

They stood there for a while, the silence stretched between them before Victor finally turned to Nuriel with a curious look. It was the first time Nuriel had seen that look on the angel who always claimed to know everything. 

" How does it feel? " 

Looking puzzled Nuriel turned to him. A frown on his face as he tried to figure out what he meant. 

" What? "

" Having her with you. How does it feel? " The curious look had now been replaced by a confused one. And inside the confusion Nuriel saw what amounted to fear. 

" I'm afraid that the feeling itself cannot be put into words. It's too.... incredible to be defined by a mere sentence. You'll just have to wait to find out for yourself. "

On hearing that Victor looked away. Not wanting to even comprehend the thought. 

" What is it? "

He shook his head. And Nuriel wondered whether to press the matter or just let it go.