Once again, thank you to my wonderful editor, Jason Moore for his time and effort in polishing this chapter. Hope everyone's enjoying the story so far!
***
"Bring her in," said Noor calmly. Then turning to Anthony, "You don't have to stay."
"No, I will." Anthony's voice was hard and determined. If Yuki was going to threaten Noor for helping Zilarrezko, then he needed to be there to defend her.
"Stay close to my Ordinals."
As soon as she turned away, Anthony caught sight of two more Angels descending into the courtyard. One of them looked like a Fire Angel with crimson wings while the other reminded him of the long lost Earth Angels.
However, the neon-like green wings were a clear sign that she was a Light Angel.
"I'm Midori and this is Amarela. You must be Anthony."
Anthony was too distracted to properly introduce himself for Ehren had returned with Yuki and one of her Ordinals, Seraphina.
"Hello Light Angel."
"Yuki." Noor was looking serene and composed but everyone knew that Yuki had just insulted the Light Cardinal by referring to her as a mere Angel. "What can I do for you?"
Yuki sighed; a finger tracing the tip of Noor's wings. "I've always found these so pretty..."
The tension in the room jumped a notch.
"Please," she laughed. "I am not here to pick a fight... well at least not with you."
Noor didn't say anything; her eyes simply watching the Snow-Water Cardinal move from one Ordinal to another.
"Well Noor, you know why I'm here," she said, suddenly turning on her heel.
"Perhaps... but humor me." The Snow-Water Cardinal glared at Noor. She didn't like her plans belittled.
"My ships are reaching the Cape to refuel." Yuki flicked her eyes to Anthony. "Grant me a safe passage."
"It is very... gracious of you to ask my permission directly," replied Noor, smiling sweetly. "I thought you preferred poisonous letters."
Yuki shrugged.
"Ehren, please escort the Snow Queen out. She has said what she came here to say."
The Dark Ordinal had barely taken a step before Yuki hurled out a storm of icicles. They evaporated before they hit anyone, but the small act had served its purpose.
Of all her ordinals, Noor had only physically shielded Ehren, even though he was one of the furthest from Yuki.
"So the rumors are true!" she said gleefully. Then pouting, she looked at Ehren and shook her head. "It's a pity..."
"Oh? Don't you want to know why?" teased Yuki. "You wouldn't want to lose him now would you?"
Noor didn't bat an eyelid; her inaction serving to incense Yuki further. "If he collapses in the middle of battle, don't say I didn't warn you..." Yuki circled the Dark Ordinal and peered at his face. "Not my type. Didn't know you went for the whole... morbid look. Doesn't matter. You won't be able to tell the difference when he's dead anyway."
Noor finally took the bite. "What do you want Yuki?"
"What's it worth to you?"
"My Ordinal is willing to die for what is right."
Yuki cocked her head in surprise. "Oh really? Then you should say your goodbyes soon then." Another pout as she made the pretense of walking towards the door. She was truly disappointed when Noor didn't stop her. "You're no fun! Ask me! Come on Noor..."
"I don't play games with children."
Yuki's eyes widened in fury. However this time, it wasn't icicles that were aimed at Noor but a jet of flame that shot out from Seraphina's wings.
The Light Ordinals were caught off guard for they expected to melt Ice. But not a single flicker touched their Cardinal for Anthony had absorbed it from across the room.
Yuki was taken by surprise and took a step back; genuine shock on her face as she looked at him. "Have you changed your loyalties?"
Anthony didn't answer her.
"You should leave now Yuki," said Noor gently. "Like you said, you're not here to pick a fight."
The gentle reprimand made Yuki snap her attention away from Anthony. "I wish to conduct a trade."
When Noor kept quiet, Yuki became annoyed. "I know you're helping Zilarrezko so I'll make this worth your while."
"My loyalties cannot be bought Yuki."
"Oh... I'm not buying anything," she flashed a wicked smile. "Retreat your aid and... I'll spare his immortality." She angled her head towards Ehren.
Her words confirmed Anthony's hunch. Ever since he saw her Snow troops advancing north in Iluna's lands, he knew Yuki was planning to unclip her in the end.
If Yuki thought that Noor would succumb to the threat, she had clearly underestimated the Light Cardinal.
"Ehren will show you out," she said simply; a serene smile on her face.
Yuki was clearly stunned. "You... you're not negotiating?"
Noor didn't even bother to reply.
As the two Cardinals exited at opposite ends of the Sky Bridge, the sky began to darken and Anthony felt the first pinpricks of sparks masquerading as rain droplets.
***
When he woke up the next morning, Zilarrezko couldn't help but smile at the feel of his beautiful Valkyrie snuggled against his body. They had fallen asleep in each other's arms last night; both caving in to their exhaustion.
Even in sleep, Aria looked exquisite. He never had the chance to really look at her as he did right that moment. Apparently her eyelashes were the same black with strands of blue just like her hair --waist length, thick and luxurious --spread out on his silky sheets.
His eyes travelled down the entire length of her body, noting the smooth golden skin that he had begun to love. Just looking at her made him want to lick every inch...
"Stop that," she whispered, slowly stirring to stretch out and look at him. Those sex-sated, sleepy eyes were a sight he didn't mind waking up to every morning.
"Good morning." He smiled, pressing his lips to hers. Her response was a soft purr; her body rubbing against his, sensuously like a cat marking its territory.
Grinning, he slapped her butt playfully. "You'd better stop that unless you don't intend to get out of bed the whole day."
The blue in her eyes shone slightly as though challenging him.
