Got you, you bastard.
I frown and force my bottom lip to quiver. “To the death, surely thethatshacouncil?—”
“Thethatshacouncil does what I say, and as you so astutely pointed out, the law is what we make it. It’s a duel to the death, or nothing, Celine. You’ve been a thorn in my side since the day you were born, and I’m eager to remove you once and for all.”
Malach growls. He’s furious over S’lach’s words, but I’ve heard them all before, and it’s been a long time since I believed them.
Activating my magic before he can change his mind, my skin tingles as the runes roll over my skin. “A duel to the death, three days from now. We’ll settle this once and for all, in the courtyard like old times.”
His eyes glitter as he studies the truth runes littering my arms, neck, and face, then chuckles. “You’ve got a deal, Daughter.”
My magic reads his intent. I smile grimly, because for once in his miserable life, S’lach is telling the truth. He could always change his mind, but for now, he means what he’s saying.
Without another word, I turn my back on him and walk away. We’ll settle this in three days, and I’m not sure who is more impatient: me or him.
FORTY-TWO
Traditionalnish thatshabetrothal vow:
More than the stars in the sky. More than every angel in the seven echelons.More than the air I breathe. I swear to become more until I’m everything you need.
MALACH
She’s going to face him alone. It’s a repeat of her cursed childhood all over again, and I hate it. The door slams behind us. I drive my fist into the wall, knuckles splitting on impact. The pain isn’t enough. It changes nothing.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Luca steps toward me with his hands up. “Take it easy.”
“I-I can’t...” I throw my head back and yell at the bland white ceiling. “This isn’t right. I didn’t lose my wings for this!”
Celine frowns until the expression consumes her entire face. It reminds me of her father’s scowl, although it would take more than torture for me to admit that out loud.
She says my name and reaches for me.
The echo begins before her hand can touch mine.
Young Celine runs through the foyer screaming, heading toward her bedroom with S’lach hot on her heels. Valenara steps into his path. “Leave her alone, S’lach.” Her voice is low and full of fury. “You swore you would stop these ‘lessons.’”
He rolls his eyes. “Honestly, Valenara, you’re being overly dramatic, which is exactly where she gets it from. Those wings...” He shudders.
“They’re beautiful.” She lifts her chin. “And unique.”
“She’ll make us a laughingstock,” he snaps. “Wearing her emotions where everyone can see them. You have no idea what I went through before?—”
Valenara chuckles bitterly. “Yes, before you convinced me to marry you. Back when you walked the pathways of our echelon to the sounds of constant scorn.”
“Not everyone can be born with yourpedigree.” He spits the word as if it disgusts him, and for a fleeting moment, his disgust extends to the beautiful woman blocking his path.
“You’re respected here, S’lach,” Valenara says calmly. “You hold a position on the council. When will you release this hatred in your heart?”
The backhand comes without warning, knocking Celine’s mother into the arched casing of the hallway. He looms over her, eyes wild. “Perhaps when my wife treats me with the same respect within the walls of this house that she claims I’m afforded outside them.”
Celine makes a low, pained noise in her throat and charges toward the echo. She steps between her parents, as though she’ll be able to change the past if she tries hard enough.
I know she doesn’t want us to see, but the echo came on so suddenly, we didn’t have time to do anything else. And now I can’t look away.
“Stop!” Valenara’s voice warps and slams into S’lachlike a physical blow, magic shooting from her mouth in rippling rings of silver light.
He snarls. “You would use your word against me?”