Chapter 12 #2
The hallways of the Order stretch on endlessly.
Each painful step reminds me of the alcohol I consumed, and my legs feel weak—as if I might crash to the ground again at any moment.
Even after my shower, I know I reek of booze.
Lowell will know within seconds how I spent the night, because no amount of makeup or perfume can help me right now.
Shaw walks beside me toward the large double doors of his office and knocks before pushing them open. The sound of his fist hitting the wood makes me cringe, and I quickly smooth my hair one last time in a failed attempt to look presentable.
I’m an idiot.
Relief fills me when the office is empty except for Lowell Lyre sitting at his desk, barely acknowledging our entrance.
He nods, and I sit in one of the large chairs.
Shaw kisses the top of my head before spinning on his heels and leaving me alone in the office.
The double doors closed, and Lowell slowly raises his gaze to meet mine.
“Good morning, Mara,” Lowell says, cheerfully. “You look well-rested.”
Lie.
I smile. “I’m adapting well to being back.”
Another lie.
He folds his hands together and studies me for a moment.
I can’t count how many times I’ve been in this office over the years, but this feels different.
It’s as if I’m in trouble and not in good standing like I once was—the teacher’s pet no more.
I know he’s disappointed in me, and I also know for a fact he’s wary of me.
And for some fucked up reason, it bothers me.
“You showed great skill yesterday after your brief retirement,” he finally says. “I was pleased to see you in action again. Your training hasn’t failed you.”
“It comes naturally, I’m afraid,” I respond.
“Don’t be afraid of your skills, Mara. Fear will get you killed.” He smiles, and something sinister lurks behind his handsome face—as if every word is both a threat and a promise.
“Apologies, Elder.” I dip my head in respect. “I didn’t mean it to come off that way. You know many things do not frighten me.”
Lowell smiles once more, and I grow tired of this exhausting game of back and forth with him. It’s completely fake, and I’m too hungover for this shit.
“No need to apologize, Mara.” Lowell stands. “I know what frightens and haunts you. It’s why you are here.”
My mind goes back to the mental assessment. Lowell knows exactly what my fears can do to me, and he will use them to get what he wants—like he has for the past twelve years.
He moves deliberately to the large open windows and gazes at the city surrounding us.
He crosses his arms, and I study his back.
His large white wings hang heavy at his sides, perfectly positioned across his back.
He is massive and nearly perfect, except for an injury he never recovered from years before I joined the Order.
He took a horrible blow to his right wing, which nearly prevented him from flying again.
Lowell slowly turns, smiling in my direction, and unfolds his arms. “I know you’ve heard the news traveling around here. The Elder’s wife of the Ren Order was murdered.”
“Yes,” I say. “I heard she passed.”
He closes the distance between us, and I try my best to avoid shrinking in my chair.
“The High Elders are concerned that something larger is at play.” He sits in the seat beside me. “You see, Mara, there is an order to us angels and demons. The High Elders, the purest of pure, live above. The Elders like myself reside here on Earth to care for the hybrids.”
He points at me, and his face contorts, revealing everything I need to know about his thoughts on me.
“When an Elder’s time has come, we should not be touched.
We are to return to the High Elders. However, that wasn’t the case here.
” He stands again, unable to sit while speaking.
“She was murdered by someone, which is an unnatural order. It changes things in the cosmos, and we fear a shift is coming. And we think the Voids are behind it all.”
“How is that possible?” I push back. “It makes no sense. The Grim answers to no one, and the Voids are too sparse for an Order to be formed.”
“Perhaps, but in the meantime, the Elders will no longer be protected if the Grim was able to place his hands upon Theo’s wife.”
I nod and keep my mouth shut.
They are afraid for the first time in centuries, and now they are on an even playing field. Their perfect, immortal lives are in danger, and it’s unfortunate that Emalyn had to be the catalyst for this event. Now they will begin to understand what it’s like to fear death.
“So, how do I fit into this?” I shift in my chair.
Lowell props himself half on his desk, and his gaze burns into mine.
“Not just you, Mara,” he pauses.
I hear the door open behind me, and my blood runs cold. Lost in the conversation and dealing with my miserable hangover, I forgot about our other guests.
A darkness fills the room, causing even the outside breeze to pause and the hair on my neck to stand on end. I don’t turn around. Instead, I gaze into Lowell’s eyes. He glances over the top of my head and stands as our guests enter the room.
With all the assignments I’ve been on, never has anyone from another Order needed to enter the Lyre Order. A presence grows behind me like a shadow overtaking a sunny day, and I dig my nails into the arm of the chair. A new wave of nausea hits me, and I gag, earning a disgusted look from Lowell.
“Sorry,” I mouth.
His eyes fill with rage, and without speaking, I know he’s telling me to get my shit together immediately. The thundering footsteps stop, and now it’s my turn to make a move. Ignoring them would irritate Lowell more, so I slowly stand, keeping my eyes only on him.
I can see the shadow of a looming figure, and relief washes over me as I realize it’s only Carver who is attending this meeting. I laugh to myself—maybe Crew was too hungover to join.
What a bitch.
I turn, confidence radiating from my body, ready to stare Carver Bannermin directly in the eyes. Beyond my combat training, I possess a valuable skill in intimidation. I spin, my hair flying with me, and a sarcastic smile paints my face.
I hear Lowell speak, and my entire body tenses as my eyes focus on the person who was standing behind me. An inked butterfly upon a tall man with wings as black as night and silver eyes like the moon staring directly at me, and I’m moments from throwing up.
“Mr. Bannermin,” Lowell’s voice sounds. “It’s wonderful to have you.”