Wingless (The Lia Hunter Chronicles #1)
Chapter 21

The morning sun bathed the sky in bright red. An ominous vibrant shade that penetrated deep into the guest room I’d tossed and turned in all night. Eventually giving up, I dragged open the curtains and watched the day dawn. Slipping from between the sheets, I padded over to the window, placing a hand on the glass. Gentle warmth washed over my body and I closed my eyes soaking up the sun’s rays.

Tonight Jehiel would request a meeting with the Hydro King and Queen and demand Quinn be handed over. When his request was denied, war would be declared. My gut told me that Quinn wasn’t the killer but the evidence piling up against him seemed to tell a different story. I felt like I was stuck in quicksand, desperately trying to claw my way out but no matter what I tried I continued to sink. I had less than twenty-four hours to pull a miracle out of thin air and given my track record I had more chance of being struck by lightning. Hopelessness wanted to whisk me away, to drown me with under its relentless battering.

Opening my eyes I stared at the spreading blue above me.

Snapping back my shoulders, I shook off my melancholy. I didn’t have the luxury to admit defeat right now and if I was honest it wasn’t in my nature. I stepped away from the window and quickly changed into the clothes I’d dropped off last night. Brushing my hair into a tight ponytail, I holstered my gun and marched my way to the main hall. The walls were the pale blue of the morning sky, the traces of sunrise still lingering in the distance.

Only a few people were in the main hall, dotting the long benches. The dais was empty except for a single solitary figure in the center. Jehiel was slumped back in his chair, absently picking at his plate of food. He looked troubled, lonely, and so very young. My heart went out for the guy and I made a sudden decision.

After all, what did I have to lose?

Loading up a plate with food, I made my way to the dais, ignoring the curious glances sent my way by the other Seraphim. Jehiel didn’t even notice my presence until I dropped into the chair next to him, he was so consumed by his own thoughts. Jerking in surprise he looked up at me, blinking quickly.

“Agent Hunter, what are you doing up so early?” He asked straightening in his chair.

“Lia, please I think we’re past formalities at this point. And I could ask you the same thing.”

A wry smile curved his lips. “Touché. I had a lot on my mind.”

“Me too,” I said softly. Spearing a slice of water of watermelon I popped it in my mouth, my munching filling the silence between us. Jehiel gazed across the hall, his eyes touching each of the Seraphim eating their breakfast. His smile turned wistful.

“Did you know,” he began quietly, still watching his subjects, “that when I was a kid I wanted to be a PeaceKeeper?”

“Really?” I asked in surprise.

“Yes,” He said finally glancing in my direction, “my father used to tell me stories about them and I was instantly enamored.” He chuckled softly, “I used to run around with a plastic gun pretending to apprehend criminals, drove my mother crazy.”

I laughed, trying to picture a little Jehiel running around with his pretend gun. “You must have been very cute.”

He pursed his lips his cheeks turning a dark red. “I thank god every day there is no photographic evidence.”

“That you know of, I’m sure Levi’s got a treasure trove of embarrassing photo’s he’s just waiting to bust out.” I teased.

“Well if being a king means I can’t imprison my best friend for embarrassing me I don’t know what the point of the position is.” He winked.

“Abusing your power so early into your reign.” I said in mock astonishment, “The gossip magazines will have a field day.”

“At least if they’re talking about that they won’t be trying to play matchmaker with every available woman in the country.”

I winced in sympathy. It must be awful to have your whole life broadcasted to the world. There would be no privacy and your every move would be scrutinized.

“And here I was thinking that the life of a king was all about doing what you wanted.”

His laugh was tinged with an edge of bitterness. “Not quite.”

Silence settled easily between us. More people began to quietly trickle into the hall, a few of them shooting me curious glances. Jake stumbled in beside Geralt, Riley, and Pierce. They were chatting easily until Jake spotted me. His jaw dropped open and he stared at me in disbelief. He said something I could make out and the others followed his gaze to me. Riley’s eyes grew wide, Pierce’s expression stayed the same blank mask, and Geralt barked out a laugh that carried all the way across the hall. Raising a hand I gave them a quick salute, flashing the still gaping Jake a smile.

“I think I might be scandalizing your subjects.” I murmured quietly to Jehiel.

He chuckled, watching as Geralt tugged Jake towards the food. “They’re all a bit caught in the past, my parents ruled very formally. I don’t want my reign to be that way. I want my people to feel comfortable to come to me with their troubles.” Passion lit up his face and I had a feeling that one day Jehiel would make a good king.

I just had to make sure he and the Seraphim lived long enough to see that day happen. Straightening in my seat, I put down my fork and turned.

“Jehiel,” I said ignoring the shocked gasps I heard, “Can I be straight with you?”

His face became serious and I seriously hoped that I hadn’t just sentenced myself to public execution.

“Please.” He said softly, and I stopped myself from deflating in relief. Meeting his firm gaze I let my own resolve shine through.

“Declaring war on the Hydros’ is a mistake,” I stated decisively. His features creased into a frown and I quickly continued. “If you go to war, you are dooming all of your people. And I don’t just mean the casualties of war which of course there will be. But I’m talking about of all them. Once the humans replace out what you’re doing do you think they’re just going to let you keep going?” I asked heatedly.

Jehiel opened his mouth to answer but I cut him off “Because I can tell you now that the PeaceKeepers won’t just stand aside and let innocent people be killed. I won’t stand aside. And when we start dying in your war, then word will spread and humans will begin to fear Jaxai once again. After that it won’t just be your war, it’ll be everybody’s.”

I searched his eyes, trying desperately to see understanding there. “So please,” I continued more quietly my voice heavy with emotion, “I’m begging you, as someone who lives in this city and wants to keep it from falling apart, please don’t go to war.”

He held my gaze a thousand thoughts flicking through his brown eyes. Hope took flight inside my chest, but I didn’t dare to let the feeling take root. His chest heaved with a sigh and he ran a hand across his face. I waited with bated breath for him to answer.

“I do not wish to go war despite what you may think.” He said finally and my breath stuttered out of me. “But my people are screaming for justice and I cannot let their deaths go unanswered.”

Desolation was a sharp stab to the gut.

“Nothing I say will change your mind, will it?” I asked softly.

“Unfortunately not,” he paused, glancing from side to side before leaning closer to me, “Do you still believe that Quinn Pratley isn’t the killer?” he whispered.

I gave him a firm nod, trying to see where he was going with this. “Tonight I will meet with the Hydro King and Queen on the top floor of the Empire State building. The meeting is scheduled for midnight. If you can bring me proof that Quinn is not the one killing my people then I won’t declare war on the Hydro’s.”

Adrenaline rushed through me and I fought back panic and optimism. I could do this, I could replace proof and prevent this war from happening.

“But,” Jehiel cut through my thoughts, “you only have until midnight.”

Pushing back my chair, I stood up, “Then I’d better get started.”

He smiled, “I’m praying you pull through Lia. I really am.”

“Me too.”

Turning I jumped as I bumped right into a solid chest. Taking a step back I glanced up at Zachariah’s – my father’s – face. His eyes widened and his face paled visibly.

“Don’t worry, you can have your seat back,” I told him, edging around him slightly. As I moved to walk past him he latched onto my arm, holding me still.

“You...remind me of someone I knew once.” He said, voice and hand shaking. Not ready to confront that particular issue just yet I blanked my face of all expression.

“Yeah, I get that a lot,” I said flatly, tugging my arm from his grip.

I descended from the dais ignoring the burning feeling of Zachariah’s stare. Crossing the main hall I marched over to where the first fleet was seated, dropping down into the seat next to Riley.

“Girl, I knew you were tough, but man you’ve got big balls sitting next to King Jehiel like that.” Jake gawked.

I waved a hand through the air, “That’s not important right now, are you on duty today?”

He blinked at my abruptness, “Uh, not until tonight.”

“Perfect. I need your help.”

Excitement sparked in his gaze and I was surprised he didn’t start dancing in his seat. “With what?”

“PeaceKeeper stuff,” I answered vaguely, aware of that the rest of the first fleet was watching with curious expressions. Well, all of them except Pierce. The guy’s emotions seemed to range somewhere between solemn and forlorn.

“When do we start?” Jake said leaning forward.

“As soon as you finish eating.”

Opening his mouth wide, Jake stuffed the rest of his breakfast inside. Cheeks bulging he stood. As he chewed his excited gestures indicated he was ready and I couldn’t hold back a laugh at his ridiculous appearance.

Together we left the main hall, coming to a stop outside the large arch. Jake ran off to gather his silver daggers leaving me shaking my head at his carelessness. I was going to have to teach that boy to never go anywhere unarmed, even if it was only to breakfast.

Approaching footsteps caught my attention and I looked up to see a weary looking Levi approaching. He stopped in front of me, looking like he had a million things he wanted to say to me.

“You’re leaving.” Is what finally left his lips. His eyes glancing down at the car keys I was fiddling with.

“Yeah, I still have a killer to catch.”

He sighed, “We already know who the killer is.”

“I don’t think you really believe that,” I replied and I really didn’t. Levi was too smart to fall for the obvious solution just because it was the easiest.

“Maybe not, but all evidence is pointing in his direction.”

After my conversation with Jehiel, I knew there was no point arguing over the issue. The Seraphim were too stubborn for their own good. I refused to acknowledge that fact others had often said the same thing about me, instead changing the subject.

“I suppose you’ll be one of the people there at midnight?”

He raised an eyebrow, “Yes. How did you know what time the meeting is?”

“Your king and I had a chat over breakfast,” I said with a careless shrug, downplaying what would probably be gossiped about for the next week.

Levi shook his head with a chuckle, “You are full of surprises.”

Jake came jogging down the hall, practically vibrating with excitement. Stopping next to me he smiled wide.

“Ready?”

Levi pinned me with his gaze. “First it’s dining with royalty and now you’re stealing members of my first fleet. I don’t know whether I should be worried or impressed.”

“Probably both,” I replied breezily.

His lips quirked in a hint of a smile, before flattening into a staid line. Reaching up he cupped my jaw, brushing his thumb along my cheekbone. My body tensed at the touch, every atom of my being focused on the gentle sweep on his skin upon mine. I couldn’t help but lean into the intoxicating touch, pressing my cheek more firmly into his palm.

“Be careful,” He murmured softly.

Jake made a choked noise and I remembered we weren’t alone. I took a step back and his hand hovered in the air for a moment before falling to his side. Grinning broadly, I tried to make light of what had just happened.

“Now where’s the fun in that?” I teased.

Even as he returned my grin I could see the worry hiding in his emerald eyes.

Don’t worry angel boy, I’m tougher than I look.

Grabbing Jake’s arm I tugged him along with me, feeling the weight of Levi’s gaze as I made my way down the hall. When we were finally out of sight, I released Jake from my grasp. He looked down at me mischief sparkling to life on his face.

"So,” he started, “you and the boss man huh?”

Groaning, I glared at him out of the corner of my eye. “Not another word or I leave you behind.”

Jake held up his hands in surrender, miming zipping his lips shut. Somehow I doubted they’d stay zipped for very long.

“Where are we going anyway?”

“We’re breaking into Quinn’s office.”

“Again?” He asked in confusion.

“Again,” I replied grimly.

If there was any proof that Quinn wasn’t behind these murders it was on that cell phone. Now all I had to worry about was how to get it.