Page 114 of Nightshade

“I’m hoping to learn why those creatures appear the way they do. It is the result of having their wings cut, but that is not a typical outcome for most Fallen.”

“Fallen? You’re saying the creature in the maze was a fallen angel?”

His brows pinched together, as if troubled by the question. “Yes.”

“What is typical when their wings are cut?”

“Illness. Infection. Many die, as they become susceptible to human diseases. But they do not turn into monsters.”

“You think someone cursed the creature.”

“It’s just a theory.”

“The one in the woods that day. You found it, didn’t you?”

Huffing through his nose, he nodded.

“You knew him.”

“I did.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’ve a feeling he was prowling the property after you.” In spite of their casual tone, his words sent an icy chill across the back of my neck.

“After me?”

“I suspect so. The feather you described belonged to him.”

“How do you know?”

“It bore his sigil. The one you drew from memory.”

Thoughts rewound to the night I’d heard something in my room, when Camael sat at the end of my bed hissing and clearly occupied by something. “That … creature was in my room?”

“No. I believe he was captured by something soon after. My thought is that he may have been trying to help you.”

“I …. Why? What would prompt him to help me?”

“I suppose I’ll never be privy to that information now. I’d at least like to be able to track down whatever turned him into that.”

“Do you suppose it was a member of the Pentacrux? Perhaps a new order of followers?”

With a sigh, he turned his attention toward the window. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve not been to the mortal realm in quite some time.”

“How long?”

“Too long. I was banished many years ago. Eternally imprisoned.”

“What for?”

Lips pressed to a hard line, he turned his attention back to me. “Another day, perhaps.”

“Of course. Forgive my prying. I wonder if this all has something to do with my father. It’s possible the paper he published on the matter--”

“What paper?”

“He conducted research on the Pentacrux for a number of years. Half my childhood, in fact. I’m so intimately aware of their symbol because it decorated our house growing up. He was a bit obsessed.”