The Black Wings

Chapter 20

Chapter 20
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"He was stabbed?" Nadie inquires.

"Yes." I confirm to her.

"I want to murder those bastards, they're a nuisance."

"Trust me, violence when you're pissed gets you no where. The red wings are a nuisance because their sage is being controlled."

Nadie's lips go pout into a thin line, her wrinkles becoming visible as she squeezes her eyes shut.

"He didn't deserve this, he was a messenger. Not a spy like Nico, this isn't fair."

"The only comfort in the world being truly unfair is that it's not fair for anyone."

"Sounds like something Balkin would say."

We remain in silence for awhile after Nadie lays down some flowers on his tombstone.

I can't imagine putting myself in her shoes with a dead sibling. As rocky as we are, if I lost Junior I don't think I would be able to function.

For her to be coming out here tells me something about herself.

When faced with death, everyone becomes who they really are.

"I thank you for coming with Ace, your group too. I was aware of the risks of you all coming here so I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart." Nadie thanks me in an embrace that she clutches tightly.

I shut my eyes and give her a smile on her shoulder. "If it weren't for you, I'd still be in prison."

"Call it even then."

"Absolutely."

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"Marriage? Well it can be arranged, I'm quite the expert of black winged culture so a traditional wedding can be arranged upon our arrival." Nadie plans out of all of us near the bar back at the warehouse.

"Does this make me the best man then?" Junior concludes.

When we first told him about the wedding, he didn't reject nor object to the idea of it. He understood why this marriage was happening suddenly.

I managed to kick Lana out of the room as we talked about the plans. I want it to be a surprise for her.

"Yes and Nadie will be the maid of honor." I fill him in.

"Actually, I would be marrying Lana and yourself. As watcher of the temple I'm responsible for all ceremonies." Nadie corrects.

"Okay. Do we wear anything with tradition, I'm a bit unfamiliar with this."

"It's quite alright. You would wear a custom made warrior's suit with appropriate colors. Lana's wedding dress would also be handmade in a respected faded white. After the vows there's a minuscule celebration and then you'll receive a new tree. Junior will also be relocated to a smaller one next to yours as well." She walks me through.

"It will be nice. Thank you Nadie I appreciate it." I personally thank her as she nods to me.

"It's a shame I can't make it." Triana speaks up from the back as we shift our focus on her. "You and Lana seem like a wonderful couple. I'd loved to witness both your joys."

The heavy set man hums in approval.

"She'll know how happy you'd be if you were there, I'm sure of it." Junior reassures her with a genuine smile.

"You're always so kind. Both of you. Ace I actually have a request."

I perk up at her words. "Anything."

Triana reaches behind her neck and unclasps the chain of her necklace. Carefully she tangles it and puts in the palm of my hand.

"Give this Lana the day of the wedding. Consider it a gift."

I give her a half-grin. "She'll adore it, thank you so much."

The necklace its self is quite complex. The charm itself appeared to be a whole clock but half of it is completely burned, showing off the working gears. It hangs on a rusted gold chains.

"It was my mothers back from the starting process riots." She mentions to me.

I remember learning about those in school. There were riots for years when the government decided to change the burning stakes and the gallows to the process pits.

There were riots against how inhumane processes are and that they should be banned. There were other ones that rioted for the cause that process pits were a joke and were seemingly loosening the grip on the problem at hand.

I doesn't take long to guess which side Triana's mother was on.

"Speaking of processes, how has the town been lately now that we're gone?" I ask with unease resting in my stomach.

Her lips form a thin line. "The mayor has been accusing everyone about the death of his son. Annabel left the country and she's even refusing to come back home. There's been a spike in processes resulting in a lot of deaths."

I feel myself growing light headed at the news of more people dying because of my actions.

How many more will perish before I finish my destiny?

"Ace, why don't you lie down? It's been a long day." Triana pleads with me, catching my emotions.

I rub the temple of my forehead and take a seat on one of the couches. "Maybe your right. Hey Junior and Nadie, you guys should rest too."

The both agree and lay down on the other couches without a complaint.

"We're gonna turn off the lights but don't worry, we're still staying here as guard. Try to get some sleep." The heavy set man reminds us.

We all mumble our thank-yous before we're encased in darkness.

I know already that I won't find sleep.