A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Author:Michelle Zink [Zink, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781101574874
Publisher: Dial
Published: 2012-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-ONE

They were finishing a late breakfast when the bell rang at the front of the house. Griffin rose to answer it, taking a last sip of tea before heading for the hall.

Helen sat in silence with Darius, occupying herself by adding marmalade to her toast and trying to squelch the feeling that he knew all about her midnight foray into his brother’s room. She could not help but think his gaze too knowing, though she told herself she was only being paranoid.

“It’s from Galizur,” Griffin announced, returning to the library with an envelope in his outstretched hand.

“Are you certain?” Darius rose, snatching it from Griffin. “It’s only been a few hours.”

Griffin sighed. “I’m sure. It was dropped off by Wills, that little urchin Galizur uses for errands.”

Darius tore open the envelope, pulling a stiff piece of parchment from its interior. Griffin and Helen watched him, hoping for a clue to the envelope’s contents based on Darius’s expression.

“What does it say?” Helen finally asked.

“The Dictata has agreed to see justice served in the matter of Victor Alsorta and Raum Baranova.” Darius continued in a distracted voice without raising his eyes. “It says the knowing murder of a Keeper is a capital offense that supersedes mortal law. Further, Raum is, technically, one of us and therefore still under the authority of the Dictata.”

Darius lowered the paper. He made his way to the window and stood, gazing at the garden beyond.

“What happens now?” Helen asked.

She was surprised when Griffin answered. “Now we go after them.”

The words fell like lead on her heart. She tried to stifle her alarm by focusing on practical matters.

“There is one thing I don’t understand,” Helen began. “How, exactly, will it be possible to bring Alsorta to the Dictata for justice? I cannot imagine he’ll simply come when asked.”

“He’ll bow to the sickle like any other,” Darius promised. “If it’s enough to strike fear in the soulless wraiths and demons, it will be enough for Alsorta.”

Helen thought of the sickle. Of its jagged teeth and razor-sharp edge. It was not hard to believe that even a man like Alsorta would succumb to fear when faced with such a weapon.

“All right, then,” she said. “How will we know where to find them?”

“We won’t find them anywhere,” Griffin said, his voice tight. “Darius and I will go while you stay with Galizur and Anna.”

Without thinking, Helen rose from her chair. “I’m not staying there while you risk your lives.” She shook her head. “It’s out of the question. This is my fight, too!”

Griffin stepped toward her, his back to his brother as he lowered his voice to a level only she could hear. “Don’t be rash, Helen. It will be dangerous.”

She put her hands on her hips, glowering at him. “Perhaps it wouldn’t be if I were armed.”

His eyes bore into hers. “You’re not going.”

“Try and stop me.” She lifted her chin. “I’ll follow you if I have to. I can only hope I remember how to jump and don’t end up somewhere even more dangerous.

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