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I can’t.
It’s how Gael found me.
Feeling a soul-bond lock into place is like finally taking a full breath. It’s like finally seeing the world in color.
It’s discovering anewcolor.
And my father is determined to strip me of the air, the color.
He lets out a long breath. “All are attracted to the light, Dove. You know this. Humans will want to be near you and not know why. Spellcasters will try to steal your light, your power. And Celestus help us if a demon catches scent of you.”
Don’t say it, Dove. Don’t say it. If there’s ever a time to hold your tongue, it’s right now.
I use every trick I have. Biting my tongue, clenching my fists until my nails dig in. I even hold my breath.
Because the demons are exactly where I’m heading.
They know where my soul-betrothed is. And with luck, I’ll convince them to help me free Gael.
“They’ll make you fall, Dove. Steal every virtue, every purity. They’ll take your power, unlock what’s dormant, and steal it for themselves. You know this, daughter! You can’t risk?—”
For the first time in my life, I interrupt him.
“I won’t leave Gael behind, Father.”
I stand straighter and stare into his vicious violet gaze, conjuring the same in mine. “And short of taking my wings, you can’t stop me.”
Chapter Two
An angel’s power manifests in three parts: by Birth, by Grace, and by Rites.
- The Book of Grace Chapter 23 Verse 78
Sera surveysmy face with the trained eye of an angel who’s spent more time in the mortal realm than anyone else in Celestus. Her rainbow gaze locks on mine, full of earnest concern.
“You’re certain? Because before you complete the Rites, you can still technically renounce the bond.”
The Rites of Consummation. The ceremony where Gael and I finally come together as two soul-bonded are meant to.
Sharing bodies is the last step, formalizing our bond and unlocking the rest of our dormant power. After which, no one can tear us apart.
Not even Father.
That’s not to say Gael and I haven’t been together inotherways.Everyother way. We’re simply saving the real thing for the Rites.
Like every other soul-bonded in Celestus.
“You know I can’t renounce him, Sera.”
“Good. I was only checking.” She steps back, eyeing me with an uncomfortable amount of scrutiny. “But there’s no way you can pull that off.” Sera gestures to my face with a grimace. She yanks the charmed ring off my finger and slides on another in its place. “Here’s hoping number six does the trick.”
“I can’t possibly look awful in every glamour.”
She shrugs, lavender-blonde hair falling over her shoulder. “It’s not my fault your features are so typically Celestial. You’ve looked awful as a ginger, brunette, and dirty blonde so far.”
Part of infiltrating the mortal realm is making sure I’m not immediately recognized as an angel. Most mortals—even most magic users—have never seen my kind, but they sure are good at telling human from not. The slightest variance rattles something in their primal brain.
I found that out the hard way before my accident, but that was before I had my Grace. My features weren’t quite so Celestial before then. Now it’s exponentially more difficult. I might as well shimmer down in a white robe and a halo because iridescent white hair and luminous skin is a dead giveaway.
