Until Darkness Ascends

CHAPTER TWENTY

"Then we leave now."

"No, wait, I cannot. I have to find Altair. He-"

"You're engaged to this man, Ezra, yes? Then he will come with."

"Wait, no."

"No?"

"I mean yes, but Altair, he's my...err, guard."

"Are you his mate?"

She stuttered on her feet. "Well, no, not exactly. But-"

She could tell that Poseidon was anxious to complete whatever trial he had for her, and she wanted to do as she said she would but leaving without Altair made her uncomfortable. She especially did not want to leave with a God she did not know.

Poseidon stopped his forceful attempt to get her to leave then. "I am sorry. Where have my manners gone? If you do not want to go now, then we will not."

"No, we can, but it's just that I'd like the archangels to come with us. We can leave now, I just need to find Altair first."

"Very well. I will wait for you in my quarters."

And then she was in the empty corridor with only her feline. She laid the cat back on its feet, knowing that even if it wandered, it would be okay. Everyone knew that kitty belonged to her, so they wouldn't harm it. She made her way through the labyrinth of the palace to find Altair.

Making her way to Altair's wing, which contained not only her bedroom, but his as well, she noticed Malachi standing in front of the wide double doors. She couldn't get to her room without getting past Malachi, but the archangel stepped in her path.

"Hello," he said with bizarre enthusiasm.

"Hi," she responded, trying to side-step him. He wouldn't let her through. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why are you blocking me from my room?"

"I'm not."

"But you are." Once again, she tried stepping past him, but he followed her. "I need to speak to Altair. Do you know where he is? He's never left me alone for so long."

"I don't know where he is."

She could tell he was lying. "Really, I need to speak with him! Poseidon wants to make me do this strange trial, but I'll only go with the archangels."

"Wait, Poseidon? Now?"

"Yes."

"Oh, you can't."

"I can't?"

"You're...busy."

"I am?"

"Yes, very. Incredibly busy. Depending on how this certain event goes, busy for the next few days."

"Days? What are you talking about?" She stomped her feet in annoyance, hearing a small knock on the other side of the door. "I want to go to my room."

Finally, he stepped away. "Then go. No one's stopping you."

She gawked at him as she went to push open the large doors. "You're annoying," she teased.

"I've been called worse." He smiled with a wink. "Have fun."

"What?" But then he flew away, and with a strange look, she opened the doors, revealing a well-dressed and smiling Altair. Suddenly, all thoughts of Poseidon flew from her mind. "You look...really good. You should wear this more often," she whispered as he took her hands.