Fallen Kings

21

If it weren’t for my worry over Kassiel, I’d be having a great time too. Senior year is zooming by and my classes are going well. In Combat Training, we’ve started working on aerial attacks and defense over the lake, which makes for some awkward moments when someone gets hit and falls into the water. Luckily, I’ve managed to avoid that so far, even when I spar with Callan, although I’ve had a few close calls. Araceli wasn’t so lucky though. During one class, Jonah managed to stun her for a second and she took a dive. He immediately swooped down and rescued her, apologizing profusely while holding her in his arms, and I could practically see little hearts floating out of her eyes. The girl’s got it bad. I’m worried about her, but I’m not sure there’s anything I can do to stop it. That train has left the station, and honestly, she could do a lot worse than my brother. I’m just not sure when he’ll be ready to date again after his heart was crushed so badly by Grace.

Bastien continues being a sexy professor in Angelic History and makes it hard for me to focus without undressing him with my eyes, while Simiel keeps giving me those creepy, toothy smiles during his very boring class. At least Raziel’s Human Studies class is a breeze, and he keeps me entertained with his bowties (the other day he had one with rubber ducks on them—seriously!).

In Ishim class we head outside to practice moving silently and sneaking through the forest. I’ve already learned a lot of this from my parents, who drilled these things into me most of my life. Just like they taught me to take care of myself, and to be ready to bolt at a moment’s notice. Now I know why, of course, and I appreciate it. Although it’s nice I no longer have to hide anymore.

Of course, I’m always aware in the back of my mind that the Order is watching me all the time. I watch them too though. I keep an eye on Jeremy whenever I can, but there haven’t been any new meetings. I keep my eyes and ears open for any new rumors about their activities, but it’s been quiet. Marcus and Callan sometimes take off for a day or two to investigate something, and I keep hoping they’ll come back with news of Kassiel, but so far everything is a dead end.

Every day that goes by makes me more and more worried about him. He’s long past the normal amount of time for him to be gone, and he never responds to any of my messages. Plus, without him stopping by regularly, I’ve had to feed off Marcus and Bastien more than I like, which isn’t good for them. I’ve started giving people in the dorms s*x dreams again, which helps a bit, but I can’t do that forever. I might have to suck it up and have another round of hate s*x with Callan soon. For Marcus and Bastien, of course. Not for me. Nope. Definitely not.

Eventually, I’ve had enough waiting. I can’t sit by and do nothing anymore. I text everyone to meet me in the Princess Lounge, aka the bell tower. I’ve been hanging out there almost every day with Araceli, Tanwen, and Eveanna, and on Fridays we have movie night, which Jonah always crashes. Eveanna had never seen a movie before coming to Earth, so we quickly introduced her to the movies we decided were must-see. We started with the original Star Wars trilogy (Tanwen’s pick), then moved to The Princess Bride (Araceli’s), then Jurassic Park (my choice). Tonight we’re supposed to watch Titanic, but that will have to wait.

As soon as everyone’s arrived—including Callan, who I grudgingly invited too—I explain everything to them. How Kassiel came to me weeks ago and said he had a promising lead somewhere in Utah, and how I hadn’t heard from him since. “We need to do something,” I conclude. “He has to be in danger. Otherwise I would have heard from him by now.”

Marcus and Bastien exchange wary looks, while Callan shakes his head with a stern expression. Araceli and Tanwen look sympathetic, and Eveanna’s face is as hard to read as ever.

Jonah spreads his hands. “I’m really sorry, Liv, but what do you want us to do?”

“Mount a search party. Track him down. I don’t know. Something!” I pace back in forth in front of them. “I can’t sit here any longer knowing the Order might have him!”

“That is troubling,” Bastien says. “As the son of Lucifer, he could use the Staff.”

“He would never do that,” I quickly say.

“Do you have any more specifics on where he went?” Tanwen asks. “Utah is a big place.”

“Or is there anything we could use to find him?” Araceli asks.

“Unfortunately, no.” I pull out Lucifer’s feather, which I’ve kept all this time. It quivers as soon as I take it out of the case it’s in. “I was wondering if we could use this somehow.”

“Doubtful,” Bastien says. “It went to Kassiel before when we were in Faerie, but the pull is much stronger toward Lucifer.”

“Then maybe some of you can go looking for him. Please.” Desperation tinges my voice, but I’m past caring. When no one volunteers or jumps to my aid, I let out a sound of frustration. “Fine, then I’ll do it myself. I’ll find him on my own.”

“No,” Callan says, his voice firm. “What are you going to do, fly all around Utah hoping you’ll find him? Even if we knew where he was, it’s too dangerous. Especially for you.”

I want to throttle him more than I ever have, and my fists clench of their own accord. “I’m getting really tired of hearing that. If it wasn’t for you, Kassiel wouldn’t be out there alone, risking his neck. I’m not sure at this point why you’re even here. Why do you care about the Staff, anyway? Wouldn’t you be happy if all demons went back to Hell?”