Page 40 of Rebirth Of Order
Moments pass before my courage returns, and I reclaim my will to open it. Removing the silver lid, a dark cloth-like material appears, folded neatly inside, hiding something beneath. “Interesting, it’s not a transformation gift or fay head,” she whispers.
“A fay what!” I know damn well I didn’t hearhead.
Shock widens my eyes whilst fear scrunches my brows, and Angie ignores me as usual.
“Ohhhh, It’s your dress for tonight,” she cries gleefully, nudging me aside and pulling out a card. “There’s another note.‘Wear this at the Awakening, and whatever order you emerge as, this dress will showcase it.’”Her tone poorly mimics a male. “I’m not going to lie to you, Kyra, I omitted the thought. But whoever sent this, remembered. You have a secret worshiper, and I know who it is.” she teases.
“A secret worshiper?”
“Yeah, someone who does things for you in secret. Do mortals not have those?” She is as perplexed as I am.
“Yeah, we call it a secret admirer. But moving on, who sent it?”
“I’m forbidden from indulging your worshiper. If they didn’t disclose their identity, it’s not my place to say.”
“Admirer, and why bring it up? That’s just cruel.” I frown.
“You carry your secrets, and I hold mine.” She folds her arms, hinting at my bruise, or lack thereof. But her point remains, no sense in pressing further.
Angie drapes my dress over the back of my chair and reveals an even smaller box inside the original package.
“May I?” she asks, then proceeds to unwrap it in haste. “It’s a pair of heels.” They are a deep ebony with a slim strap going over the top arch of my feet, showcasing a sparkle to match the dress. “I like these; they’re beautiful,” she says, handing them over.
Thinking of who could have sent this, I rule out Raine. Despitethe map app telling him where I stay, it doesn’t disclose which room I’m in. Alise, since we met last night, is unlikely to have sent me a gift. Even if she did, it’s like Raine, she is unaware of my room. And I’m sure as hell they’re not from Ethan, because fuck him, that’s why.
It leaves Angie and Elizabeth. But unless Angie is lying about forgetting…
“I may have figured out who sent my gifts.”
“Do tell.”
I place the heels down and run my fingers across the dress. “Elizabeth.” Her amiable disposition beacons an action such as this. Once I have access to my accounts, I’ll repay her.
“Interesting guess. You might be correct, or perhaps you’re wrong. In either case, I’ll leave you to it. The Awakening starts soon, and you have about two and a half hours to prepare yourself. Text me once you’re done, and I’ll pop over.”
My shoulders drop as I stare at the last fragment of the sunset.
“Do you think I’ll awaken any abilities?”
“Regardless of tonight’s outcome, nothing bad shall come to pass. You have my word.”
Her demeanor morphs, pursing her lips with a slight furrow to her brow. Grabbing my hands, I feel tingles prickle my palms.
“What’s this?”
“Heavenly Oath. It can’t be broken nor annulled.” She shrugs.
“And what happens if either one comes to pass?”
“I’ll die.”
No expression. No hesitation. Just a one-sided promise.
“Why the fuck would you commit to something like this?” I snap, retracting my hand as if it could stop the already done deal. I can’t afford having someone else’s life in my hands. But instead of answering, Angie looks away.Another secret.
“Don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen anyway. It’s for tonight only, so focus on getting past the Awakening. Now, go get ready and let me know once you’re done.”
She summons a white sigil beneath her feet, and with a heavysigh, I retrieve this evening’s attire and head into my bathroom as the light from her sigil fades.
