Obsidian's Reign ¹

∷ Chapter 45 ∷

CLARA STARED AT the looming building before her with an uncomfortable knot in her stomach. All too suddenly, a plan that seemed so simple just moments before, appeared a lot more daunting now that it had been put into motion.

"Are you okay?" Celdric asked, glancing at her with concern. "You don't look so good."

She touched her cheek, aware of how clammy her fingers were despite the flushed state of her skin. She lowered her hand, giving Celdric a strained smile and tried her best to reassure him of her wellbeing.

"I'm fine . . . a little nervous, that's all."

"You have nothing to worry about," Celdric said. "The plan might seem simple—too simple, in fact—but rest assured, when dealing with angels, simplicity is sometimes for the best."

Despite the dread squeezing her insides, Clara managed to direct her anxiousness elsewhere by asking, "And the others?"

From his spot next to her, Adric rolled his eyes.

"If you intend to ask after your little boyfriend, then ask specifically. Don't pretend to enquire about the others when you have no reason to."

Clara glared at him, nervousness dissipating at the surge of agitation she felt upon hearing his words. It was appalling the way he assumed he'd have any say of where her concern should be directed.

"I am genuinely concerned over the others, thank you very much," she spat. And after a moment, felt the need to add, "I could do with having any one of them in your place right now."

"Too bad, princess," Adric said. "My brother needs my skills to get us through that building without suspicion."

Clara raised her eyebrows at his comment, making a point to survey him from head to toe only to notice nothing at all different about him.

"You're going in there as yourself?" she asked, wondering for a brief second if she was missing something.

"What? No, I'm not. I'm—"

He stopped, heaving a breath when his gaze lowered. With equal annoyance in his manner, he grabbed her hand, yanking it towards him before pulling the citrine ring off her finger. Its effects disappeared the minute it was pried free, causing a knee jerk reaction when she realised that the prince had been in disguise the entire time, the ring shielding her from his powers.

"Oh," she murmured, fidgeting in the awkward realisation before she asked, "Well, who are you supposed to be?"

He shrugged, sliding the ring back onto her finger as he once more appeared to be his usual self in her eyes.

"He's one of the administration angels in Heaven," Celdric explained. "His presence would bring reassurance to the others—a precautionary measure if they start to doubt us."

Clara nodded in understanding, her gaze drifting to the side of the building where the others were preparing to kickstart their mission. They were awaiting a signal—a sign that the others were okay and everything had gone as planned—before moving forward.

The sign, as it were, came in the form of a loud clanking, followed shortly after by the distinct whirring of an engine.

The others had successfully started the metal scaffolding, the consistent rumbling of the generator indicative of their steady ascent of the building.

Adric met eyes with his brother, who nodded before turning to face Clara.

"Let's go," he said, his hand settling in the crook of her elbow as he started them forward.