Page 41 of Claim the Light
“Beatrix?”
She walks ahead of Isaac, who hangs back with a smile on his face.
Beatrix drops into the seat opposite me and declares, “That. Was. Amazing.”
“What was?” I ask.
“One of the doors leads to a forest that stretches for miles,” she says. “There’s a lake in the middle of it that looks like diamonds in the moonlight. There are animals and fish of kinds I’ve never seen before. And the air—fuck, it’s clean. I felt like I could truly breathe for the first time in my life.”
“We keep many ancient species safe here in the veil,” Isaac explains, leaning up against the wall while Beatrix reaches for her plate. “To ensure they don’t become extinct. The Avenging Angel’s realm is far more than a prison. It’s a safe haven for many creatures. The forest we flew over just now is home to several extinct species. There’s even an old cabin there that once belonged to an ancient wolf. We salvaged it before humans could tear it down and transported it here.”
Beatrix’s eyes narrow. “Well, now I want to see it.”
Isaac laughs. “All in good time.”
I don’t want to break the moment between them, but I’m dying to ask. “You flew across a forest?”
The mere thought of it seems impossible. We’ve spent our lives hiding. Even for the short time I’ve had wings, it’s been unbearable having to curb my instinct to fly. Zahra’s daughter, Emika, has had to wear a clip on her wings her whole life to stop her from revealing them in public.
Beatrix gives a happy sigh. “I flew more freely than I’ve ever been able to fly. Without fear of being seen. Without having to navigate from rooftop to rooftop or to wait for a stormy night.”
“When can we go?” I ask, trying not to sound impatient.
Isaac gives me a smile. “One of the training rooms has a flight area. It isn’t as vast as the forest, but it’s designed to test your skills. It could be a better option while you’re developing your abilities.”
“Okay, then, how soon can I start training?” I ask, nearly bouncing on my seat.
Damn, the idea of flying freely makes me feel like a little kid hoping a birthday wish will come true.
Micah approaches from the side, takes a seat, and sits down to his meal.
“As soon as we eat,” he says.
“And sleep,” Beatrix adds pointedly, covering her mouth as she yawns.
I don’t want to wait. I feel like I’m ready to burst out of my skin, but I’m reminded that only an hour ago, Micah was hurt. He seems completely well now, but I shouldn’t take any chances with his health.
“First thing in the morning,” I say to him. “Beatrix is right. It’s been a long day. We need to rest.”
Once we finish our meal, I grab some fresh clothing and duck into the bathroom to change.
After that, Isaac shows us to our rooms.
He leads us several steps up from the infirmary. We’re nearly at the top now and there’s a sense of emptiness in the space above us.
Isaac points to a door painted a soft-green color. “Sophia, you and Micah can stay in this room. Beatrix will stay in that one opposite you.” He falters a little. “That is, assuming you and Micah wish to stay in the same room.”
There’s a question in his voice. Micah shifts his weight beside me, giving me space, but there’s no doubt in my mind.
“Yes, thank you, Isaac, we do. I mean… I do.” I turn to Micah. “Do you?”
He gives me a grin. “Fuck, yes.”
With a brief wave of his hand, Isaac points to the step that will trigger the door for the training room and tells us we’re welcome to use it when we’re ready. He also points out the door to the forest, as well as the one to the food hall for when we’re ready for breakfast.
Finally, he points to the topmost step. “The highest quarters belong to the Avenging Angel. My room is opposite hers on the right. If you need anything, please knock.”
After saying good night to Beatrix, I enter our room, not knowing what to expect.
