Credit goes to my editor Jason Moore for his invaluable help with editing and guiding me around the technical details in this chapter.
I had to work hard to perfect this chapter so my apologies for the delay. It's also slightly longer so that's an extra treat! Thank you to those who've commented and sent feedback to encourage me. I really appreciate it.
***
Zilarrezko would have ripped out Iluna's throat right that moment except his Valkyrie --no, Gaia called her an Ayn --was nestled comfortably in his arms and he wanted to get her home as quickly as he could.
Pressed against his body, her temperature slowly increased; the chills dissipating as she took in his warmth. She would have warmed up much faster in Anthony's arms --which thankfully were still intact because the Ordinal had not dared to make the suggestion.
She was starting to look alive, color slowly returning to her pale blue lips and cheeks. Although she took up most of his attention; the moving troops on the South American grounds did not escape his notice. It wasn't so much the mobilized forces that worried him but the trail of frost that accompanied them. Zilarrezko turned slightly to look at Marcus, making sure the Ordinal understood his silent instruction.
Marcus descended to the ground under the watchful gaze of his Archangel. Even though Marcus was still cloaked under his Illusion, Zilarrezko waited until he had successfully blended into the shadows. Only then did he lift his cover over his Ordinal and resumed flying.
Gaia had said Ice was moving across Earth but he hadn't thought she meant that literally because she had the tendency to be metaphorical at times. He was expecting a single naval assault from the East, not a second attack from below. Given the rate her Ice was spreading, it was clear Illuna was getting the worse deal. The two Archangels might have come to some sort of alliance but there was no question that Yuki Also saw it as an opportunity to garner more lands.
It made him wonder if she was also planning to attack from the West --across the Bering Straits. That would leave his territory completely surrounded. Zilarrezko was still thinking about the problem when they finally landed on the rooftop of the Obelisque. His two senior Ordinals were already at attention; waiting for his instructions. They too had seen the massive number of troops and blankets of Ice and knew that they had to begin preparations for an impending attack.
Turning to them, he let out a thoughtful sigh. "Iluna's going to expect another air strike so we don't have that element of surprise anymore... but with the encroaching Ice, it might be necessary to fire from above rather than across the Gap."
"Our Archers can be mobilized," said Anthony.
"Yes but the Light Angels will be needed on the ground. They are most effective against Iluna's own Dark troops. Plus Yuki's fleet will be coming from the east so we will need to reserve some of our air troops to combat their naval onslaught." The Archangel turned to Julia.
"Yes Cardinal," she replied.
"As for you, coordinate with Noor's second in command, Ehren, as to how many Valkyries and Angels she's prepared to assist us. We also have to expect a western attack from Alaska so some of the land troops have to be diverted there. If possible, I want those fleets taken out before they pass the Cape. We cannot afford to be spread too thin on all fronts."
"But Cardinal... that would mean we're initiating the war, not Yuki," said Anthony.
"You saw the blanket of ice spreading northwards didn't you? If we don't have the first strike, then we might not get a chance to strike at all."
The two Ordinals nodded although their eyes flashed with worry.
"We'll take this one step at a time. Marcus will return with more news for us so in the meantime; this is the best that we can do."
"Yes Cardinal," they replied in unison as Zilarrezko walked away.
It was only when their Archangel had disappeared behind the French doors did Julia speak.
"We're going to be overwhelmed. You know that right?"
"Yes."
Julia looked out into the darkening sky and sighed. "We're still recovering from the damages of the last war. It's only been a week since we've started manufacturing the various replacement parts and our current focus is restoring the E-3 Sentry. Without proper airborne warning and control, everything else is irrelevant."
Anthony moved beside her; his eyes watching the setting sun reflecting light on her wings.
"I take it that the meeting with Archangel Cyrus did not yield the intended result?"
"No."
Julia pursed her lips at his curt response. "Will you be flying to Cairo to meet Ehren?"
"Yes."
She cast a sideward glance at him. Must he always be so frustrating to talk to? Flipping her white hair back, she turned to say her parting words.
"I guess we should get on with our duties then. The faster we... Anthony!" His name was a muffled cry for his lips were suddenly crushed possessively over hers. This was a kiss from an Angel who knew what he wanted and had no qualms taking it.
In fact, his hands were already cradling her head; angling it up just the way he wanted it, and eliciting soft moans in her throat just the way he liked it. Julia dared herself to look into his eyes and saw the flames in his irises burning straight into hers --branding her as his own.
Hot... he was so hot...
Julia blinked and pulled back; aware that they were both blazing in their own element.
Lips still swollen, she looked up at him, knowing that if her skin was any fairer, he would probably see the ridiculous blush on her cheeks. When she moved away, he didn't stop her but Julia could see the embers still flickering in his eyes.
"I should go..." she whispered, not daring to say more. Spreading her wings, she leapt off the ledge of the roof and disappeared into the dusk.
***
Aria was lying on something soft --no, not hay but silk... lots of it and she was so warm and comfortable. Hearing whispers, she tried to open her eyes. Aria recognized those voices...
Her eyelids lifted slowly and she smiled at the sight of Leiha looking deep into her eyes. Aria must still be dreaming. She'd dream of the children all the time... and sometimes of him too --her Archangel.
"Want a sandwich?" asked her dream Leiha.
"Okay," she giggled, taking the very realistic looking bread into her mouth.
Flavor exploded her senses and she sat up in surprise.
Still chewing, she lifted her hand to touch Leiha's cheeks. "Oh my goodness!" Then she looked around and her eyes widened at the sight of her other siblings.
"She's awake!" screamed a very excited Leiha.
"Leiha get off the bed right now!" That was Kissa... the real one. Beside her stood Troy and Angelo and...
"Archangel..."
"You should finish that sandwich. I'll get more food for you," she heard him say as he moved to her bedside.
This was too surreal.
"Eat," he urged a soft command. Under the watchful gaze of her siblings, Aria obeyed. In fact she didn't think her brain could come up with any response at the moment because she was too stunned at the sight of those she loved.
She hadn't expected to live to see them.
This was real... which meant that she could slap away the hand examining her throat...
He ignored her feeble attempts and instead turned to call out to someone. The Dark burn was spreading where Iluna had choked her.
"Lucian, come here. See what you can do about this."
Aria smiled at the sight of her sugarplum Angel as he sat by her side.
"Don't move," he said sweetly, placing a palm over her throat. "I just hope this won't scar. You're too pretty to have one."
"She is isn't she?" Leiha was climbing on Lucian's lap to take a closer look. "Can you teach me to do that?" she asked eagerly, pointing to Lucian's hands.
