The Seventh Angel

Chapter 19

"That's it! Break free from my hold!" Caius commands with a grin, pressing me against the tall tree. I replay the self-defense move he taught me earlier, lifting my arm and striking his wrist with my elbow, loosening his grip on my throat. My anger fuels my power, making the move effective.

"And then you run. Never linger-always attack fast and retreat. Remember the weak spots-eyes, nose, ears, face, and, of course," he points downward, "the groin. But let's not go that far." He smirks, his playful tone making me laugh, but the moment I'm pinned again, all I can think of is Kambiel holding me down, using his powers against me. "Damn it! How can I use this against a celestial being?"

" You can always catch them off guard. Never underestimate the element of surprise. By the time they realize it, you could already be running," Caius says, his shirt tossed aside, revealing his toned muscles and tanned skin. He looks so tempting with that mischievous grin and curly hair. It makes me want to dig my fingers into those curls.

"Right, and then he stops me with his telekinesis." I shake the thought off as we both catch our breath.

"Fair point. But why bring up that pretty boy against you? Did he hurt you?" Caius's expression shifts, his eyes searching mine for any sign of harm, a sudden fierceness flaring in his gaze.

"No, he didn't. But that doesn't mean he won't," I reply.

"Where is he anyway?" Caius asks, bending down to pick up his shirt. "He's always around you usually."I can't help but admire the muscles of his back, before I quickly shift my gaze to the waterfall beside us,his question a burden.
Hollow Grove is breathtaking, its secluded location shaded by the forest, offering a serene escape from the sun. From here, I can almost see the barrier protecting us from the outside world.

"I don't know. He got upset and just... left." I avoid mentioning the Dreamwalker part. I'm not ready to share my newfound abilities, especially since I still don't understand them or how to control them. But Kambiel's memories revealed something-the term 'bonded.' I've heard it before... Azrael and Cassandra were bonded. What does that even mean?

"He's probably close by. He wouldn't let you out of his sight so easily," Caius says, glancing up at the sky, but there's no sign of Kambiel.

"He doesn't care about me. Let's change the subject." I say, readying myself to strike again when a sudden, low hum catches my attention. It's coming from the sky we were just staring at moments ago.

"Caius!" My heart races as I spot the enormous Guardian Aircraft, identical to the one Kambiel destroyed. Caius looks up at it too.

"They can't see us. The Veilspire conceals our location and muffles the sound." Despite his assurance, his frown does nothing to ease my nerves. "I must admit, they've never come this close before."

"Is that... a bad thing?" I ask, realizing how foolish it sounds as the aircraft hovers directly above us, as if sensing our presence.

"It's certainly not good." After what feels like hours but is only minutes, the aircraft finally drifts away. Relief washes over me, but Caius quickly strides forward. "Let's move. We need to inform Klyde that they were here." He keeps his back to me, and I hurry to match his pace.

Out of nowhere, Kambiel descends from the sky, landing right in front of Caius, who nearly collides with him.

"By Ethyra! Where did you come from?"

"Did you see it?" Kambiel's tone is serious, his eyes deliberately avoiding mine, and a wave of frustration surges through me.

"Yeah, we saw it. I was just about to inform Klyde," Caius responds, moving ahead while I follow. Kambiel stands motionless, his eyes fixed elsewhere. As I walk past, our shoulders brush briefly. I instinctively pull away, expecting him to withdraw, but instead, he just stares at me. The intensity of his gaze makes me look away, and I catch up to Caius, leaving Kambiel behind. Disappointment settles in as he flies off, a familiar ache gripping me as he disappears from sight.
*
"We need to prepare sooner than expected." Klyde's frustration is evident as we inform him about the Guardian sightings. "We'll have to return to Aetheris earlier than planned." His gaze sharpens as he looks directly at me. "Chloera, have you made a decision yet? Will you help us stop the vaccine?" His question leaves me momentarily stunned.
"And rescue Kambiel's comrades." The urgency in his voice matches the situation. I can't delay any longer, so I nod firmly,even if I am not sure yet.