The World Above

Chapter 42: The Fake Saint

We were brought in front of Angelica, the room filled with the tense silence of the other celestials who had gathered. Angelica's eyes bore into us, her usual calm demeanor replaced by a palpable anger.

"Well, do you mind telling me why you were in the Peaks?" Angelica demanded, her voice cutting through the murmurs that had started among the crowd.

Felix and I exchanged a glance before I stepped forward, my voice steady. "Felix was hypnotized. I went there to help him."

That sent a ripple of murmurs through the gathered celestials. Angelica raised her hand, and the room fell silent. She fixed her gaze on me. "And you didn't think to tell us? And how could you have gotten there, Haven? Felix I can understand, but you yourself have no power."

Her words stung, making me feel like a child caught in a lie. I struggled to find a better excuse, but nothing came to mind. Angelica's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Tell me the real reason," she insisted.

Just then, Valor entered the room. A chill went down my spine at the sight of him. This man was in the past. But how could that be? How could he time travel? His presence here now, in this moment, felt impossibly wrong.

Valor strode forward confidently and put an arm around me. I flinched at the contact, my instincts screaming danger. Felix, ever so jealous, glared at Valor with dagger-like eyes, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Mother, look at them," Valor said, his voice smooth and persuasive. "They're injured. Let them change and rest up. You can interrogate them afterward about these problems."

Angelica sighed, her stern expression softening slightly. She nodded reluctantly. "Flema, take them for medication. We'll continue this discussion later."

Flema stepped forward, gesturing for us to follow her. As we walked away, I could feel the weight of Angelica's gaze on my back. My mind was racing with questions. How had Valor managed to time travel? What was his true agenda? And how much longer could I keep my secrets hidden?

Flema leads us to a spacious, dimly lit bath area with marble floors and ornate columns. The warm water in the bath shimmers under the gentle glow of lanterns, casting a soothing ambiance.

After washing away the grime and tension of our recent ordeal, we step out feeling slightly more human.

Flema hands me a soft, white bathrobe and Felix a pair of dark pants and a loose white shirt. I hold the bathrobe, looking at it with questioning eyes.

"Why the robe?" I ask hesitantly, feeling the plush fabric between my fingers.

Flema, noticing my hesitation, explains, "You have cuts all over your body. We need to clean and dress them properly."

Reluctantly, I put on the robe, which feels warm and comforting against my skin. I step out just as Flema finishes checking on Felix. She gestures for me to sit next to him on a cushioned bench, and then asks me to take off the robe.

I glance at Felix, who quickly looks away, a blush creeping up his neck and spreading to his ears.

Flema rolls her eyes. "Why so shy? You've already kissed."

We both whip our heads toward her, startled. "How do you know?" I ask, incredulous.

"Felix's spirit animal unlocked because he had feelings for you and wanted to protect you. It was just a matter of time before you reciprocated his feelings. Also, you came in holding hands and there's a slight bruise on your lips. Felix, you really are a beast."

I bury my face in my hands, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise to my cheeks. Felix laughs awkwardly beside me.

"So, are you taking it off, or should I?" Flema continues, her tone matter-of-fact.