Chapter 20 #2
Elder Nelson followed me. “I believe he’s behind the tree over there.
” He pointed to a small spruce tree on the far side.
It was listing to one side and the green leaves were turning brittle and brown due to lack of rainfall.
Bark peeled from the tree, spots of fungus crawling up the side and choking the life out of it.
There was no way a man as large as Castiel fit behind that tree, especially with his wings. But I walked forward to see what the elder was speaking of. I glanced behind it, then started walking back to Elder Nelson. I pasted a smile on my face and gentled my tone. “I must’ve misunderstood you.”
I noticed the elder stood beside a small round table with loose paper, a pitcher, and a few cups. Why were those out there?
Sunshine fell through the glass dome in shafts, the glass making prisms and odd patterns on the ground. It was warmer in the dome than outside, but only just.
The door burst open and Castiel stormed through. He passed the threshold and his wings snapped open, catching light. It flung the rest of the landscape into deep shadow, pushing back the darkness to the edges.
My breath caught in my throat. He looked every inch like an avenging angel. His brown eyes burned and his wings turned to molten bronze.
Castiel’s hand went to his side, then froze as if missing something. His eyes found mine, like an arrow straight to its target. “What’s wrong?”
The three of us now made a triangle, Castiel with his back to the door, Elder Nelson furthest in the enclosure, and myself off to the side. My feet moved of their own accord, homing in on him in a way that later would likely terrify me. “Nothing. What’s happened?”
Castiel looked around the dome as if searching for threats.
Elder Nelson cleared his throat and stepped into Castiel’s line of sight. “Hello.”
Castiel’s wings slowly folded. “I was under the impression Lilith needed me immediately.”
I frowned, drawing nearer. “I thought you needed me.”
Nelson laughed. “It appears the messages were garbled. “ He waved at the door Castiel had left open, and two young, tall men came outside.
I squinted. They looked familiar, but I couldn’t tell why.
“Yes, Mr. Nelson?” The older one folded his arms, light reflected from Castiel’s wings playing across his pale face and ruddy cheeks.
The other man was shorter and bulkier, with tight black curls and deep brown skin.
My mouth dropped open. They were footmen from Lord Fallon’s home.
I barely recognized them outside their livery. What did they have to do with this?
But the elder ignored them, instead locking eyes with Castiel. “I had some information to give you.” Then he snapped his fingers at me. “Lilith, pour us wine.”
I moved on instinct, obeying him like I had for nearly twenty years. My chilled fingers gripped the pitcher’s handle while Castiel drifted near and picked up the first piece of paper.
“What are these?”
Elder Nelson stayed where he was, glancing around the dome with interest. “No leaks. That’s good.”
“The iron is well made,” Castiel replied absently.
I handed Elder Nelson the first cup, only a third of the way full with the deep red wine. When I handed the second to Castiel, my hand trembled.
Castiel took the cup from me, his fingers brushing mine. I nearly dropped the cup at the bolt of energy that passed between us.
“To beginnings and prosperity.” Elder Nelson raised his cup. “And blessings from Lord Erlik, of course.”
Castiel straightened, giving the elder his attention. He mimicked the gesture and took a long swig of the drink.
Before I had turned to set the pitcher back on the table, he let out a gasp.
“Wha-wha-what?” The words came out half formed and strangled, as if his throat was closing over to smother him.
I stared, aghast.
Castiel stumbled, hand going to his throat. His eyes bulged and his face reddened.
“Castiel!” I started toward him, hands outstretched.
He choked, and blood poured from his mouth. His lips and teeth stained red. He retched, and all the wine he’d just drunk erupted. It splashed on the hem of my dress, staining it dark as the blood on his lips.
“Do something!” I spun to beseech the elder.
He stared, impassive, at the horrific scene playing out before him. “I’m not sure what I could do, dear.” His eyes finally moved away from Castiel to meet me, and the flat, uncaring expression sent chills down my spine.
I hurried to Castiel’s side, dropping to the ground.
He was on his knees now, his wings stretched behind him. Long, primary feathers lay on the cold ground.
“It’s going to be fine,” I assured, though my heart galloped and my lungs seized. I put one hand on his shoulder, the other on his cheek.
He coughed again, and red spittle flew from his mouth. His eyes rolled to meet mine. “S-s-s,” he struggled to say.
“Don’t speak,” I soothed. “I’ll find a physician. We’ll get you help.”
Seeing this mighty being brought low terrified me. It was wrong, so utterly perverse, like a piece of nature violating the laws of the universe. My mind unraveled with horrifying possibilities.
“Sa-salt.” His throat constricted, and he could speak no more.
I gasped. “Salt? You drank saltwater?” I stared at the ground soaking up the red drink. Then, glaring up at the footmen, I shouted, “Go! Get help!”
They shuffled their feet, looking at the elder behind me.
Castiel wheezed, clutching at my hand.
“What is it?” I asked.
He was trying to tell me something, his eyes intense and hard as stone, but I didn’t understand.
Hands grabbed my shoulders, and it took a heartbeat for me to understand what they were doing.
“No!” I jerked in the hard grasp, fighting to get free. I needed to help him!