Obsidian's Reign ¹

∷ Chapter 47 ∷

IT DIDN'T TAKE much to realise the truth in Celdric's assumptions. It was, in fact, alarmingly easy to sneak into Luther's office the same way they had at Cloud Industries. The angels they met en route hardly spared them a glance, entirely unperturbed by their presence in what appeared to be the main wing of the building.

Though their indifference made the infiltration a lot easier, it seemed to have an opposite effect on the others; unable to hide just how unnerved they were by the way the angels were behaving.

"Why are they okay with us just being here like this?" Adric whispered under his breath.

"It's normal," Celdric said.

"Don't they care at all?" Zephyr asked.

Celdric paused, glancing at him before saying, "That's the thing. The angels don't care. At least not for things that don't concern them or their tasks."

Nothing else was mentioned of the matter as they moved along silently, the shuffling of their feet resonating throughout the space around them. It wasn't long until they reached a set of doors decorated with depictions of carved flora.

"Luther's office lies beyond," Celdric said, his voice a hushed whisper.

Clara could feel her heart thundering in her chest, the enormity of what she was about to do finally settling upon her. All at once, she felt as though she wasn't prepared in the least, her doubts manifesting within her. The thought of the mission falling through—of the possibility of her death at Celdric's hands—threatened to overwhelm her, crushing her airway and preventing her from breathing.

It was then she heard Zephyr's voice, snapping her out of her momentary state of panic.

"I know we're short on time, and we're on a tight schedule . . ." he paused, clearing his throat before continuing. "But if it's okay, I would appreciate a few moments alone with Clara."

The request came as a surprise to everyone, especially Celdric who cast a worried look in Jae's direction; the recollection of his vision looming at the back of his mind. He wanted very much for the Elite's leader to intervene, to say something against the private meeting, but all he did was to give a stern reminder to Zephyr that he only had a minute.

"What's wrong?" Clara asked. Her nerves were on edge the longer they dawdled.

Zephyr glanced at the others who were looking on with boredom in their gaze before he shifted his back to them. With a shuddering breath, he reached for Clara's hands, gripping hers with his own as he took in her look of surprise.

"I don't know what's going to happen in a few minutes, but before it's too late, I wanted you to know that I'm glad I met you. And . . . And whatever happens, I don't regret having met you. No matter how unorthodox it was."

The unexpected declaration muted her, and just as she was about to whisper a response, they were interrupted by Celdric's appearance. He frowned at their clasped hands but said nothing, merely looking at Zephyr with enough hint in his eyes for the latter to know that it was time to go.

Zephyr gave Clara a nod and a smile, the warmth from his hands slipping away as he released them from his grasp.

"I'll be here," he promised, as the prince took his place next to her, guiding her through the doors in silence.

It didn't take much for either to know the fragility of their moment together, and none dared to break it with unappropriated humour.

Inside, the general was standing with his hands behind him, his profile sharp and distinct as he stared intently at the space opposite. He hardly bothered glancing at the trio, choosing instead to say, "I've been expecting you."