Above the Winter Skies [English Version]

18

"Don't worry, sweetie," he said. He kissed me on the top of the head and stood up after I had told him everything that Nova and I had heard in the tavern. "Those are just stupid rumors that have been circulating on the ship for months. There's no truth to them. I'm assuming Michael or one of the others started them to scare people. The Cherubim have no reason to attack Aetheria. Besides, it's protected by magic. Only those who are invited in can enter."

I looked at him skeptically. He smiled and made an effort to appear confident, but there was something that made me doubt. The smile didn't reach his eyes, and the deep worry line on his forehead was still there. But I didn't press further. Instead, I nodded. "Alright."

"You're safe with me, Lumi. I promise you."

I swallowed hard. I wanted to believe him so badly, but I couldn't. What was the word of a Seraph worth?

I didn't know.

"I'm going to be out all day," Cassiel said. "Have a nice day on deck with your friend Nova. In a few days, we'll reach Alpenholm, and by now we're far enough south that it gets really warm in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can also visit the Mist Gallery if you like. I'll allow it as an exception."

I didn't know exactly what the Mist Gallery was, but the name sounded mystical and promising. Since it was also a deck usually reserved for the angels, I was excited. Cassiel noticed immediately. He smiled.

"I'll let them know for you," he promised. "If you want something to eat before then, help yourself. The table in the dining room is set. Make yourself at home."

With those words, he said goodbye and headed for the door. Before he left the suite, he paused. He turned around and glanced at the large wall clock at the other end of the room, frowned—and grinned.

In a few quick steps, he crossed the room, and I watched in irritation as he turned the clock's hands back an hour, so that it now read twelve instead of one.

And then I realized.

"You changed the clock!" I exclaimed. I was flabbergasted. "I wasn't late at all last night!"

Cassiel just shrugged, his grin widening even more. Then he left the suite without another word. I fell back into the pillows, making a sound somewhere between indignation and amusement, and stared at the ceiling for a few minutes.

So he had tricked me.

I couldn't really be upset with him for his little trick because I had enjoyed our game so much. Besides, he didn't need a reason to punish me. I belonged to him; he could do whatever he wanted with me.

But now I had the answer to my question of what his word was worth:

Absolutely nothing.

"And you're absolutely sure we're allowed to do this?" Nova couldn't hide her excitement. As soon as Cassiel had left his quarters, I had showered, dressed up, and hastily eaten breakfast—pancakes and berries—before heading straight to my friend. I had told her about Cassiel's reassurances regarding the rumors, but the topic became instantly uninteresting as soon as I mentioned the Mist Gallery.

"He promised it," I said firmly, pushing my doubts aside. Yes, he had lied to me last night, but that had been part of the game. He had no reason to promise us a trip to the Mist Gallery—especially with Nova—just to let us down.

"Okay," she said breathlessly, sounding more like a question.

We hurried down the corridor, both dressed in the finest outfits we could find in our wardrobes. Nova wore loose burgundy pants and a matching cropped top, while I had on one of my white dresses that reached my knees—and, of course, the collar with the wing that I never took off. We had no idea what to expect in the gallery, but we knew right away that we couldn't miss this opportunity. Since I had dined with Cassiel in that wonderful garden, I had been dreaming of visiting the angelic realm again. Being able to share this experience with my best friend was wonderful.