It wasn’t.
It took nearly an hour for me to even be able to balance slightly on the wind. But the sensation of tapping into powers and energies I had no idea I possessed left me feeling euphoric. Even better, Damian got good at catching me before I dropped out of the sky. By then, I had abandoned my embarrassment, and the crowd, having seen my early struggles, cheered my reasonable success.
“Yes, very good!” the old woman chirped, clapping her hands.
Joy surged through me, and I beamed at Damian. “Well, I guess I can fly now. What are we going to do about you?”
“Bah! He can already fly,” the old woman grumbled.
I whipped my head around. “What?”
“All angels can fly! Even those who’ve fallen. He probably should’ve taught you. But he doesn’t know the name of the wind. So best he didn’t. He’s like a rock that hurls itself through the air. Not elegant like a bird.”
Of course. I had assumed that he’d been stripped of his wings when he’d fallen. Apparently not.
“It’s true.” He shrugged. “I assume that you, Ms. Cross, understand the value of keeping one’s abilities private.”
“You did not know he could fly? But you knew he was fallen,” the old woman interjected, and then thought for a moment. “Did you know that he is…”
This time, Damian shot her a look that was so forceful, the ravens around us took flight in a massive whirl of black wings.
The woman cringed. “…an upstanding gentleman.”
I frowned. “What were you actually about to say?”
She pursed her lips, clearly unwilling to speak of it. Well, I’d get to the bottom of it eventually. He had secrets, and I’d discover them. I turned to Damian, changing tactics. “So, you can fly. What else can you do?”
His eyes darkened. “Much.”
His magic crackled and flared around him, his aura shifting through a kaleidoscope of colors. It roared like uncontrolled flames but tasted of the ocean. I could feel the heat coming off him. It was immense. Overwhelming.
So this was the magical signature he’d been hiding when we’d first met.
Whew.
I took a step back, and he must have seen the look on my face because his demeanor suddenly changed. He smiled, and his raging aura subsided.
I should not have gotten so comfortable with this man. He was charming, and I was drawn to him, but in truth, I knew very little about him or his magic. I’d never met an angel before. They were among the most powerful beings. And a fallen one…
I shuddered.
The woman broke the silence. “Now, why are you here? Where are you headed?”
Damian stepped forward. “We’re looking for a djinn that is newly arrived to the area. Sometime in the last one or two months.”
She scowled. “You should not tangle with the djinn. Their plans are unfathomable, and they could crush you with a wink. Even you!” She pointed to Damian. “Probably.”
“We know our business,” Damian replied.
“I do not tangle in the affairs of the djinn or angels. My services are rendered.” She held out her hand, and Damian gave her the gold coin. Satisfied, the old woman reached down and plucked a feather from one of the ravens near her, who gave a mighty squawk. She pulled out a bit of garish red string from a twisted bundle in her pouch, then tied it to the feather to make a necklace. She whispered something unintelligible to the charm and handed it to me with a smile. “This will help you keep right side up. Fly well, little dove!”
In a rush of black feathers, she transformed once again into a raven and flew off into the shimmering sky.
As I hung the charm around my neck, Damian raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think it’s magic.”
I clutched it to my chest. “It most certainly is!”
There was an awkward moment between us.
“So, you can fly. Where are they?” I craned my neck and peered at his back.
“I keep them hidden.” He reached into his pack and pulled out a fragment of the lamp that had once held the djinn. “It’s time we get moving.”
He was definitely changing the subject.
“How, exactly, does that work?” I centered my gaze on the shiny brass object in his hand.
“I’ll use it as a focus for my seeker magic. The farther away a target is, the harder it is to track. The signal gets weak, so to speak. This lamp was once very significant to the djinn, so I can use it like a divining rod to amplify the signal. That’s why I need your necklace to find Rhiannon.”
Damian clutched the brass piece in his hand and closed his eyes. I felt his magic thrum, like plucking the low string of a guitar. He was still for a moment, then opened his eyes and frowned.
“They’re not here in this city. They’re far away, but I’m not certain of the distance, but they’re far.” He rose decisively and pointed. “That way.”
7
We left the square, turning down narrow streets crowded by a dizzying array of vendors. Spices. Silk. Scarves. Fruit. Trinkets. Tools. The scents overwhelmed my senses. Citrus. Fresh bread. Coffee. Incense.
Wings and elbows buffeted and bumped us as we maneuvered together through the crowd. Some of the people were avians—part bird, with human bodies and clawed feet, hawkish features, and wings. Others looked human, though they were dressed in flowing silks decorated with exotic patterns.
Yes, I thought, my wardrobe definitely needs some of these outfits.
Damian took the lead, and the crowd cleared naturally before him. As he moved forward, my eyes traveled down his body. He was built, an athletic man with chiseled muscles. And he looked mighty fine in fitted jeans. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.
Damian looked back and caught my gaze.
Oh, fates.
I craned my head, pretending to look anywhere other than his butt. “The architecture is just amazing here.”
“There are some very fine sights.”
I glanced at him, only to discover that he wasn’t looking at the scenery. My cheeks burned, and I tore my eyes from his. “The buildings—it’s like the stonework was formed from clouds.”
“Is this place what you expected? What you remembered?” He started walking again.
I remembered nothing of my youth, nor if I had even spent any time here. What had I expected? Not this—the exotic people, the cloud buildings, the strange creatures in the air— none of it. Vertigo overwhelmed me.
“Honestly? I didn’t expect us to make it this far. I didn’t think I was going to be able to get us here.”
He looked back, raising an eyebrow. “But you tried anyway, despite your doubts.”
“I had to. I have to get Rhiannon back.” My stomach rumbled.
Apparently, I also had to find something to eat. How much time had passed since we’d left Magic Side? Was time even the same here?
Damian glanced surreptitiously down at my stomach.
Oh, fates, I thought. He heard that.
“Maybe we should get some food for the journey,” he said as nonchalantly as possible.
At least he was a polite criminal. “Yeah, seems like a good idea.”
All around us, the peddlers offered a dizzying array of foods and fruits. I didn’t recognize a thing.
“How will we pay?” I asked.
“Gold seems to spend, judging from the old crone’s reaction.” Damian pressed a few coins into my palm. His fingers lingered for a second, gently brushing the back of my hand, sending an arc of energy up my arm.
Gods, was this going to happen every time we touched?
I haggled with merchants at a few of the stalls and came away with a sack of fruit and bread, as well as two steaming bowls containing some type of stew set upon a yellow grain. We sat side by side on the curb, watching the strange procession of people. His shoulder brushed mine, and heat pooled inside me. Trying to ignore my body’s inconvenient—and frankly, annoying—reactions, I chewed slowly, focusing on the flavors that were unlike anything I had
tasted before.
“I’m exhausted.” I had planes-walked twice, and I’d been flying all morning. Or was it even day? I couldn’t tell. I hadn’t seen the sun, and there were only ephemeral shadows here.
“I bet you are.” He turned and examined me with that intense gaze, causing my chest to tighten.
Trying to act casual, I leaned back against the gray stone wall behind us, closed my eyes, and stretched out my legs, hoping the movement would force the image of his face out of my mind.
Briefly, I cracked an eye and stole a glance at him.
His carved features exuded a lethal beauty, and I was sure being an angel had nothing to do with it.
Damian’s voice interrupted my stream of thoughts. “I think it will be too far for us to fly on our own, especially since you’ve just left the nest.”
“Mm.” I nodded, suddenly aware of the problems at hand. I could fly, but not well. I’d need more practice before I could be sure I wouldn’t fall out of the sky.
“Let me see if I can find someone who can arrange transport,” he said. “Will you be okay if I step away for a moment?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Perfect. This would give me a chance to focus without him flooding my thoughts.
In the silence that followed, I opened one eye again, only to find Damian standing before me, looking concerned. “I’m not going anywhere,” I insisted. “Go find us passage. Or whatever that amounts to in this place. I’ll be fine.”
He started to walk away but turned. “Stay put. I’ll be back soon.”
Unfortunately, that proved to be untrue. While I mulled over my options, I studied the oddly dressed people passing by. I could ditch him. Try to find Rhia on my own.
No, that was a terrible idea. He had the necklace I’d given him, and he’d be able to find me. He’d said so himself. Plus, I didn’t have the slightest clue where Rhiannon was. Like it or not, I needed him.
My back ached, and I stood to stretch.
A merchant next to me sold an extraordinary array of scarfs, silky and adorned with strange patterns. I perused his wares, trying to pump some blood back into my legs. It would be a shame not to have a souvenir from this place.
A woman in a saffron dress caught my eye beside his stall. Her garment was ornate and subtle at the same time, and my gaze followed her as she headed down the street.
Wait—was that a book shop?
I knew I shouldn’t dally because Damian might return at any moment, but I had to take a look.
The shop was empty save for the owner, who was sitting at the counter, bent over a book. He was short with wiry eyebrows. A dwarf? The walls were crowded with books, and his wares looked old.
The owner glanced up. “Can I help you with something?”
“Yes, I’m looking for a book on the Realm of Air,” I raised my eyebrows hopefully.
“Over there.”
“Thanks.” I made my way to the shelf he’d indicated in the far corner and set my backpack down while I scanned the selection.
Legends of the Arrowhawks. Nope.
Food and Customs of the Planes. Nope.
A Practical Guide to the Realm of Air. I grinned. There we go.
The bell hanging over the door rang as a customer came in.
I pulled the blue leather-bound book from the shelf and scanned its contents. It had a section devoted to the djinn and one on the various cities in the realm. This would be perfect.
As I perused through the book, the hairs on my neck prickled, and I sensed someone approaching from behind. His magic smelled pungent and floral. I reached for my dagger as I turned, but he shoved me hard. I collapsed into the bookshelf as he darted out the door, and then down the street.
“What the hell?” I yelped, then looked down and noticed my backpack was missing. “Shit!”
I reached into my pocket, grabbed one of the gold coins Damian had given me, and slammed it onto the counter. I didn’t know the price of the book in my hand, but I bet it was enough. Clutching the Practical Guide, I bolted out of the store.
The thief was a good twenty paces ahead of me, but I was fast. I sprinted after him, dodging passersby as I weaved through the crowded street. I gained on him, stride by stride. When he careened left into an alley, I cut the corner and jumped over a box of what looked like oranges. Bastard!
Could I call the wind to knock him down? I knew nothing about my powers, but I had to try something. I whispered the name of the wind under my breath. Instead of feeling a gust around me, though, a swirl of energy rose around my hand.
Huh.
The cutpurse was gaining ground, and I instinctively reached out my arm toward him. I wasn’t at all sure what I was doing, but it felt right.
Energy exploded from my palm, and the thief flipped into the air, propelled by what appeared to be a gust of wind.
Holy fates! Did I just throw wind at him?
I caught up to him, and he sprang to his feet in a defensive crouch. He pulled a knife, and I felt a strange surge of energy pulse off him. His magic reeked of putrid roses.
I saw his face now. He was some sort of humanoid half-breed. His lips pulled back in a snarl, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
I didn’t feel the energy in my palm anymore. I must have spent it when I cast that gust of wind, or whatever it was I did. I whispered the name of the wind again but felt a wave of exhaustion overcome me.
A knife fight it was, then. That was fine—I was used to relying on my khanjar.
I tucked the book in the back of my jeans and unsheathed my long, curved dagger. My body pulsed with the thrill of the fight.
He lunged at my left flank, hoping to catch me off guard, but I stepped to the side as he reeled forward. I brought my elbow down onto his back as he flew by, using his momentum to push him into a merchant’s stand behind me. The stand exploded into a flurry of colors as fruit flew through the air. We had caused such a ruckus that the locals were beginning to gather, watching us with concerned glances and whispers.
I stepped forward and grabbed my backpack from the middle of the alley. The thief rolled over and glared.
“What’s going on?” Damian barged through the crowd, his gaze on me and then the thief on the ground. He looked worried. “What the hell happened? I told you to stay put.”
Okay, never mind. He looked pissed.
The thief took advantage of the moment and darted forward, slashing out with his knife. I leapt to the side, but his knife hit its target. A sharp pain shot across my shoulder blade, though the adrenaline in my veins quickly dulled it.
I spun around to face him. Had he targeted me? Or was he just a thief?
The creature lunged at my face, and I ducked as the blade cut through the air, inches above my head. I kicked, knocking him off balance. He crashed to the ground but scrambled upright and jumped for me. I raised my dagger, seeing just where I would strike with the pommel to knock him out cold. I’d have him this time.
Suddenly, before I could make contact, his body jerked away from mine. He contorted, teeth clenched.
“What the…” I whispered. Was I doing this with my magic?
But then Damian appeared at my side, and I saw that it was his doing.
I balled my fists. I didn’t need help—I’d been just fine.
The air around Damian vibrated softly, and I felt his magic, a tingling sensation that set off all my alarm bells. Damian’s eyes were dark, and his expression…cruel. He watched the man before him, his focus intense. Consumed by rage. Horror filled me as I realized that he was squeezing the life out of the thief. I’d never seen anything like it.
“Damian, stop!” I reached for his arm, hoping to break the spell he was obviously casting. But he stood there unflinching, focused entirely on the thief. Suddenly, he came back to me, as if waking from a trance. The thief’s body relaxed and slumped to the ground.
Onlookers crowded around us, speaking in hushed tones. They were clearly just as shocked as I was at the scene that had just unfolded.<
br />
I ran over and crouched beside the thief, feeling his neck for a heartbeat. His skin was warm to the touch, but there was no pulse. He was dead.
I glanced at Damian across the way. He stood there, emotionless. No guilt or remorse.
Fear chilled my bones.
I’d killed before, but always out of self-defense, when there was no other choice. The way Damian had looked terrified me. It was like some kind of evil specter had overcome him…
The cacophony around us startled me back to my senses. The crowd of spectators had grown, and I heard yelling down the street. I didn’t know what sort of laws there were here, but I was sure we’d broken a few. We had to get out of there now, before whatever authorities ruled this place showed up.
“Let’s go.” I tugged at Damian’s arm, and we pushed through the wary onlookers.
“You’re hurt.” Damian nodded to my back, his muscles tense.
Was he seriously worried about my back after he just killed that man in cold blood? Anger coursed through me, dulling the unease I’d felt earlier.
“I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.” My shoulder blade throbbed where the thief had sliced it. Luckily, I was wearing my jacket. I’d check out the wound shortly. I’ll live.
We ran through the back alleys of the city with no real heading. I pulled up short as we rounded the corner onto a busy street. Shoppers haggled with merchants, and nobody seemed to notice us. I stepped back into the alley and pushed Damian against a brick wall.
“Why did you do that?” I demanded. “I almost had him! I didn’t need your help back there. You killed him!” My voice came out harshly. This guy was hitting all my nerves. I didn’t need his saving or his arrogance.
Anger flashed across his face. Protectiveness.
“He was lunging for your throat, and by the looks of it, he was going to kill you. I had to.” He shot me a piercing look that only irritated me further.
“You didn’t have to kill him.”
“He was likely sent by the djinn. He probably targeted you. We can’t leave any loose ends, or its your friend’s life at stake.” Damian put his hand on my arm. “Come on, we have a boat to catch.”
Wicked Wish (Dragon's Gift: The Storm Book 1) Page 5
