Page 22 of Written In Flesh

“And now an angel priestess also knows about your origin. How are we to know that any of the angels didn’t have a hand in your falling off a cliff? And now this priestess in particular knows how unique and gifted you are?” Loreli argues back, her eyes filling with tears. Her hands are shaking, and I’ve never seen my aunt so worked up, so terrified.

“Loreli.” I reach for her, but she holds up her hand to stop me.

“I hope you’re not suggesting that one of my kind would turn on family?” Azriel’s eyes shoot to my aunt. A thin layer of anger veils his words.

Loreli’s brow rises. “Are you saying they’ve never crossed over lines before?”

“Not when the person in question is clearly related by blood,” Azriel bites out, but my aunt stands her ground.

“Until they think she’s dangerous.”

“Okay, both of you need to tone it back and tell me what’s going on.” I glance between my aunt and my best friend. The latter’s jaw is clenched tightly.

“The priestess was able to give me some answers. She couldn’t decipher everything because some of the strands are clouded. For some reason, she couldn’t read your witch line or reaper lines. They wouldn’t reveal themselves, or they need more time. But you are part angel. The markers match mine, which means we come from the same line,” Azreil explains, while a smile plays on his lips.

“So we’re like what? Related? Is that even possible?” My eyes widen, and he laughs.

“It works differently for us. As long as we have the same markers, we have the same blood. Essentially, you’re my sister.” He grins proudly.

Aunt Loreli scoffs and leans her body against the counter for support. I can see the way her shoulders slouch and the energy seems to be sucked out of her. Her head lifts, and our eyes catch.

“Why are you worried?”

She sighs, and her hands run through her hair. “Because history often has a way of repeating itself. In the past, witches with two or more extra bloodlines were considered dangerous. They were hunted. Accidents happened. All because they dared have a little extra magic.” She looks at Azriel, and her eyes sharpen. “I’ve heard the same rumors as you. The Nexa. If she’s back, she needs a husk. Even if she wasn’t previously using Skully, there’s a chance she could be sought out now. Especially if word gets out that Skully is part witch, reaper, and now angel, what do you think they’re going to assume?”

Azriel’s hands clench. “I’d never let anything happen to her. We don’t know if she could be a possible husk for the Nexa or if she already was. It’s not like we have to tell anyone. Were you planning to tell him this time?”

Loreli goes rigid. “I had to tell her father last time. I was bound by his magic to let him know.”

“Did he make you promise again this time?” I ask, going to my aunt and taking her hand.

“Last time he could sense the shift of her magic, but he hasn’t even reached out to check on her.” Loreli shakes her head, her eyes full of sadness for me. Her words barely hurt. After the hospital and the accident, my dad let me go again, just like when I was little. I am used to it. He has been absent most of my life, and I can’t remember the nine months I lived with him anyway. I don’t know if he will reach out to me, and I don’t care. Only I know I can’t reach out to him or anyone from River Falls. Whatever magic Madden held when he warned me away, it was sticking, and I didn’t mind one bit.

“So we don’t say anything. This is new to me, but I finally connected to my magic. I feel like myself again. Right now, the Nexa isn’t an issue. If she’s back, she isn’t in me,” I say while making myself meet each of them with my gaze. “I don’t care if I’m not wanted in River Falls. I have a life here.”

“Then I think we have a plan,” Azriel says, and I see a flicker of pride in his eyes.

Loreli sighs, but she still meets my gaze. “I won’t reach out to him, but if he contacts me, I’ll have to tell him. I do agree with you, though, Skully, we don’t know enough about the Nexa situation yet. For now, let’s just keep what we found between us.”