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Ouch hissed the tree. What have we done to you?
“Forgive me. I… It was unprovoked.” I rubbed a hand down my face, exasperated. “You didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry.”
I hung my head, cursing myself. I had to learn to control my temper.
Trees were forgiving, but only for so long.
Go to the rivers, the tree coaxed. The waters await you. You’ll find peace there.
Obeying the wisdom of the trees, I walked through the garden, dragging my wings behind me. As I neared the center most great river, the waters sparkled, glowing brightly, inviting me in. Without thinking, I stripped naked, enjoying the touch of sòl on my skin, before slipping into the waters. Closing my eyes, I let the stream take me and all of my rage along with it. As I floated, one poignant thought remained at the forefront of my mind.
I would get back home and the pretty Temptress would be how I’d do it.
Daliah
Fighting the urge to scream, I resolved to explore the tower. I busied myself with peeking into different rooms whenever I stumbled upon a new door to see what was inside. Most rooms opened easily, revealing spaces meant for sleeping or entertaining. Every now and again, I turned a knob that wouldn’t budge. When I asked passing Vèrtu to open them for me, they all denied. Many of them glowered at me, having witnessed my friction with the Condemned.
Frustrated, I kept walking. The same sensation from earlier happened. With each step, I felt stronger. Revived. I made a mental note to learn how this tower did that. It had been nearly two days since I’d slept. I was walking three times more than usual, but I never grew tired.
Reaching a flight of steps spiraling upward, I began climbing. My temples were drenched in sweat by the time I reached one of the highest levels, and I craved a cup of water. I looked around, bent over panting, finding several doors made of marble.
I shuffled over and reached to open it. As the door opened by itself, I was overcome with emotion at the sight before me. A magical library hid behind the marble. Rows of shelves covered in scrolls filled the space. Each scrollcase was marvelously different from the other. Some were carved of glass, others of marble, and many of stone. Scrolls, scrollbooks, quills, candles, and even portraits lined the shelves. Every few rows, a massive ladder was present, perched atop a plume of cloud.
“Oh my gods.”
I took it all in, breathless.
A cloudy mist filled the library. Throughout the chamber, sconces swayed while spicy and sweet aromas filled the air. The ceiling overhead was open to the heavens above the tower, showering the entire space with sunlight and streaks of starlight. The entire room, at every level, felt alive ethereally. Angels had a plethora of mysteries and hidden secrets in their mysterious worlds. I was determined to uncover as many as I could.
“Hello?” I looked around. “Is anyone in here?”
Silence.
I walked with reverence through the sacred space. Mother taught me from an early age to cherish literature. Breathing in the rich scents, I swayed with deep satisfaction while traipsing through the library. Each shelf had recently been dusted, without a single speck in sight. Every scroll was tucked away neatly. The Condemned didn’t seem like one for such meticulous, laborious work, but somehow I knew the upkeep of this library wasn’t at the hands of the Vèrtu.
“Gods. I could live in here.”
I climbed several flights of cloudy stairs and found myself in what looked like a loft tucked away in a nook. A floating table and a plush couch balanced above the floor strewed with opulent rugs. Atop the table were golden platters like in my chambers, covered in an assortment of treats I couldn’t keep away from. Scurrying over, I picked up a treat that crunched in my mouth, then melted into the sweetest, richest chocolate I’d ever tasted.
“Mm.”
I did a little dance as I relished the sweet treat. Maybe being locked away in this tower wouldn’t be so bad. Whoever made this had hands blessed by the gods.
I nibbled till I finished and plucked another. This one had a tart, tangy taste, but enough sweetness to please my belly. While chewing, I filled a goblet and downed the contents, knowing whatever it was would be equally tasty. The creamy drink had a kick of elixir that hummed in my throat and made my belly sing.
Maybe the Sky Watchers had done me a favor by sending me here.
Shuffling to the couch, I hopped on, landing at the center of the cushion. Instantly, I sank into it. I snatched a scroll from the table and began scouring the text.
Lost in legends of angels, I didn’t hear the library door open and close. Didn’t feel the increase of warmth slipping into the lofty space. I was entirely oblivious to a form filling their own platter before coming to sit beside me.
It wasn’t until he cleared his throat did I notice the Domenent’s presence. Jumping in my seat, I almost spilled the creamy drink on the scroll. I whipped around to find him a thigh’s distance away, his hair dripping with water.
I was taken aback by the proximity.
At the audacity.
“Excuse you?” I seized him up and down. “Care to explain why you’re in my space?”
