Page 42 of Protected by the Fallen
“I think, as long as the evidence can be confirmed as true and that it is acquired honestly, it is in the Light Councils interest to make sure The Darkness cannot get a stronghold among Dark Fallen. It is already a formidable force. We must work to contain its influence until it can be annihilated.”
I’m not the only one who hears the subtle accusation in his statement. Joseph doesn’t trust Sarah to not fabricate evidence. I wouldn’t either.
A peek at Sarah exposes frigid, furious eyes.
“Very well,” Maximus says. “So be it. If Lady Sarah provides substantial evidence of her claims, the Light Council shall come to her aid, just as she came to ours.”
I watch Sarah tilt her head, but her mouth is pressed in a tight line. “Thank you, Maximus.”
The leader of the Light Fallen waves a hand. “It is the least we can do. Now, if there is nothing else.” He claps his hands together then pushes his chair back. “I believe we have a banquet to attend.” Joseph, Gabe and the other Light Fallen rise with their leader. They follow him out of the room without a single word or glance at the rest of us. The meeting took less than five minutes, and I’m astonished. That wasn’t what I expected.
Zeke stands. “Veronica, shall we return to the banquet?” I take his hand, letting him help me to my feet.
“Actually,” I swallow, feeling the sense of foreboding which plagued me earlier. “I think I need some air.”
In a blink, Adrian is at my side. “I’ll take her. You got to walk her into the banquet.” Zeke doesn’t object, and I am mercifully whisked away from the room.
I don’t take the time to wave goodbye to Freddy. Maybe I will run into him when I return to the banquet. If not, it’s no big deal. We’ve already promised to not share each other’s secrets with Annie. We’ve parted on good terms.
Rather than descend the stone steps, Adrian walks me down the hall until we reach an open space, lined with two sets of French balcony doors. Adrian opens the door and we step onto a balcony lined with ornate stone railings, facing immaculate gardens. Flowers are carved into the hard material, and I trace my fingers over one of the vines when Adrian clears his throat.
“I am sorry about my mother.”
I turn around. “What for?” There are a few things he may be apologizing for.
“Revealing our connection.” His face hardens. “She had no right. I plan on speaking with her about the matter at the next opportunity.”
“It’s not that big of a deal,” I shrug. “I kind of anticipated them finding out about us tonight anyway.” Surely, someone at the banquet would’ve let it slip that Adrian and Zeke found their soulmate. We are fresh news. I don’t have to hear the gossip to know people talk about us.
“But my mother shouldn’t have been the one to share the information.” His eyes flash, and I don’t argue with him. It’s his right to be angry.
I stare out into the night. Purple and red streaks paint the horizon, following the departed sun. Soon, the only light will come from the moon and stars. I look up, then frown. The smog from the city dims the stars overhead. Back in Valley Lake, we are an hour away from surrounding major cities. Our night skies are lovely.
I take a breath, then look back at Adrian. “Do you believe her?” I stare into his eyes. “Do you think your mom is really worried about an enemy on the council?”
Adrian leans on the stone railing. “One never knows with her. My mother is ambitious, but I do not know if she would go so far as to levy false accusations in order to seize power. Then again, I can’t deny there may be some motivation for such a thing.” He shakes his head. “I honestly don’t know what to think.”
I nod, expecting as much. “Is nothing simple anymore?”
“Nothing is ever simple in this world,” he murmurs. “Life is a game of chess. You make a move, and your enemy counters. With foresight, strategy, and a hint of luck, you come out the victor.”
“That’s… bleak.”
“I can’t think of better word to describe life.”
“You don’t mean that.” I turn and lean my hip against the edge.
“Unfortunately, Angel, I do.” He’s not messing with me. The evidence is in his forlorn expression. My chest aches.
“You have a good life, Adrian. I know you’re one of the most powerful Dark Fallen alive.” I hold my breath, realizing I may have just played my hand and revealed I know the identity of his father. Fortunately, Adrian seems not to notice.
“What do you think is the source of all my problems?” He huffs an unamused laugh. “Maybe things would be better if Zeke and I were typical Fallen, but we aren’t so fortunate. My entire life has been surrounded by stifling expectations and power-driven Fallen. We avoid the politics as much as we can, but the Dark Council proves resourceful in pulling on our puppet strings.”
Guilt, hard and fast, punches me in the gut. I’m a major cause of their problems. I find myself saying, “I’m sorry.”
“No. Don’t.” He snatches my hand in his, so quick his hand blurs. “Angel, you have to know you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
I don’t believe him. How could I? He and his brother were forced to give up their nomad life because of me. They returned to the embassy and work for the council to keep me safe.
