The wingless king, p.11
The Wingless King, page 11
Kitsune turned toward Seren with her foxlike eyes narrowed. “Lucky for you, I am not foolish enough to kill the son of a God.”
nine
“Cunning is the fox, that ensnares the hare, to make through winter’s affair. Vile is the man to kill something fair, only to smell blood in the air.”
—Book Two of Metanoia
1025 A.E.C.
Seren gazed up at the ornate ceiling in Madame Kitsune’s den, watching the shadows cast by the flickering candlelight. By his side, Jude lay sprawled out, his blonde hair in disarray and his once-bright eyes hidden beneath heavy lids. The room had been filled with Jude’s laughter and jovial banter earlier, but now, the silence was broken only by his rhythmic, deep breathing. Seren took notice of the dark rings that underlined Jude's eyes and wondered how long it’d been since he had slept.
Even in a demon’s den, Jude had been unfazed. In fact, he had claimed that he’d slept in much worse places. And truthfully, Kitsune had been surprisingly accommodating.
Seren looked over at Mila, who lay on a separate bed. Her long hair spilled across the citrine blankets.
A princess.
If Mila hadn’t been with them, Seren wondered if Kitsune would have killed them all.
The room was not only luxurious but also spacious. The ceiling was a masterpiece. Golden foxes chased purple peacocks across a red field while magenta cherry blossoms filled a burnt sky. A massive tree lay in the middle of the field, with gold flakes painted into the winding roots that stretched under the vermillion grass. Under it sat a large black fox with nine tails, holding a bouquet of indigo feathers within its jaw.
Seren sighed, rolling over in the silken blankets. Kitsune had insisted they bathe before they “soiled” her sheets with their filth. They had each taken turns in a warm tub, wiping the grime from their bodies. Seren had wished he could stay in the hot water forever.
After Seren bathed, he found Jude had selected a simple yet elegant outfit for him. A sleek black shirt, perfectly matching trousers, and a button-up jacket. It was a stark contrast to the filthy suit he’d been wearing from the Obsidian.
After each of them had cleaned up, Kitsune had food brought to them by her servants. Seren couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw fresh fruits and vegetables, along with tender meat. Jude and Seren devoured their meal voraciously, while Mila refused to eat a single bite. Instead, she sipped on wine in silence.
Though even with the comfort of the bed and a full stomach, Seren couldn’t sleep. Half-Light? Son of a God? Impossible. Madame Kitsune had to be lying. It was forbidden for a God to have a child with a human. It was unheard of. And which God? Weren’t they all of equal power? He groaned in frustration, slapping his hand on his forehead. He had knowledge within him; he could feel it, but it seemed even that was foggy.
Seren extended his hand in front of him, using his fingers to count all the names of the Gods that he could remember. His brow furrowed in concentration as he silently listed them one by one. Helios. Servius. Illenia... And then his mind went blank.
Why was it he could remember all this useless information about the Godless City, but couldn’t even name all the Gods?
“Damn it!”
Mila sat up in bed. “Can’t sleep?”
“Sorry,” Seren mumbled.
“I can’t sleep either.”
Mila stood, tiptoeing over Jude. She settled next to Seren on the floor, pulling her knees to her chin. Even though she’d scowled at Kitsune’s hospitality, Mila hadn’t turned down a bath or the chance to change her clothes. She was now wearing a forest-green blouse that covered all her skin and a pair of well-fitted black pants.
Seren sighed. “I just wish I could remember everything. All I have is bits and pieces. It’s driving me crazy.”
Mila nodded. “I can imagine. I can’t sleep knowing I’m in a demon’s room,” she said, shuddering slightly. “I don’t know how Jude is sleeping so soundly.”
“Do you think she was right?” Seren asked. He watched the flame of a candle for a moment before continuing. “Could my father really be a God?”
Gods were the ones who answered prayers, shaped the world, and bestowed magic upon the Priests and the Saints. In contrast, Seren felt like he was nothing. He hadn’t even found the strength to stand up for Mila when Yakov was hurting her or when that drunken man had berated her. He struggled with a gnawing sense of helplessness. In the grand scheme of things, he felt like a pathetic nobody.
“I’m not sure,” Mila replied honestly. “I didn’t have a typical upbringing, so my knowledge of the Gods is limited. Recognizing Kitsune was easy; I can usually see through a demon’s facade. But those wisps in the sewers were unusual. I didn’t recognize them. It was impressive how you drove them away.”
Mila locked eyes with Seren, searching for his reaction. “Do you remember anything about the Sanguine Sisters, Seren? It’s common knowledge, and people have their reasons for their feelings toward me. You might hate me someday, too.”
Seren frowned. “Why would I hate you? If anything, you should hate me for dragging you into all this.”
Mila smiled. “Well, technically, he dragged me into this.” She motioned toward Jude’s sleeping form. “But I’d rather help Jude get you home than go back to my life. I was already running. Although…” She crossed her arms over her chest. “At this point, I think I should get half his pay for your return.”
Seren let out a soft laugh at her joke.
“Really, Seren,” she continued. “And besides, I’d follow Jude anywhere if he let me.” Mila’s cheeks filled with color. “He’s the first real friend I’ve ever had.”
“Yeah,” Seren muttered.
“You know it’s more than just a job to him. Saving you,” Mila said quietly. “He is compassionate. Jude has always accepted me without judgment.”
Guilt gnawed at him. He considered that, despite Jude’s motives being tied to a job, he had already found himself in a great deal of trouble because of Seren. Jude had even mentioned that the Godless City had been the safest place for Kamilah. Seren had ruined that, too.
“Do people truly hate you for being a Sister? Even if you’re a princess?”
Mila wrapped her arms around her legs. “Being a princess makes it worse,” she uttered. “I’ve kept my identity secret for lots of reasons. Once we leave Vavilon, it’ll be different. Nobody can know. There are radicals that would kill me.”
Seren sat upright in bed, the blankets billowing at his sudden movement.
“Kill you?” he sputtered, his eyes wide. “Why would they do such a thing? Is that who you’re running from?”
Mila sighed. “No, not them. It’s…complicated.”
“I’m more confused,” Seren said honestly.
“Sisters are murderers,” Mila said as she traced the patterns on the bedspread with her fingertips. “We are no better than the demons of the Veil, and in many ways, we’re worse because we’re still human.”
The silence was deafening.
“Mila,” Seren said finally. “Have you ever tried praying to the Gods?”
She let out a laugh. “Why would I do such a thing?”
Seren felt his face flush, suddenly feeling stupid. “If you actually believe that…Why not ask the Gods for guidance? It’s just…” He shifted uncomfortably. “Maybe they would forgive you.”
He regretted the words the moment they came out of his mouth.
Mila’s lips twisted into a frown. “What about you?” she asked coldly. “Have you tried praying to the Gods? Maybe your daddy will answer you.”
Jude sat up abruptly from his spot on the floor, his hair ruffled. “Okay, listen. I’ll give you the short and sweet version, Seren. The Sisters sacrifice men and boys they deem worthy for their own personal gain. It’s how they use their blood magic. It’s a dark, ancient magic that they have learned and siphoned from powerful demons, similar to how the Priests and Saints siphon magic from the Gods.”
Mila pulled her knees in tighter.
“Do you want me to stop?” Jude asked gently.
“No, you can tell him.”
Jude took a deep breath before continuing. “The Sisters passionately believe that the Devil is superior to all the Gods, and they await the day when his reign will come, marked by the complete merging of the Veil. As you said before, the Sundering. Through his worship, they hail a demon that claims to be the first love of the Devil himself: Lilith.” Jude rubbed his eyes sleepily. “It’s a sensitive topic for Mila, as you can imagine, especially considering her mother is feared across Aerithium. And I’m not sure what Lilith has against men, but clearly, she’s got some issues.”
He yawned, stretching his arms over his head. “Now that I’m done with my theology lesson, you both should really try to get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us. I’m a light sleeper, so I beg you to keep the conversation to a minimum. I’ve been awake for three days straight, and I need my beauty sleep.” Jude rolled over, tossing the blankets over his head.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Seren said. “I’m sorry. It’s just…” Gods, he wanted to smack his head against the wall.
“It’s okay,” Mila answered as she watched Seren fumbling with his words. “You were probably raised that way. I shouldn’t have taken it personally.”
“Yeah,” he murmured.
Idiot.
Mila awkwardly blinked at Seren before standing. “Sleep well.” She stepped back over to her bed, turning her back to him.
“You too.”
Seren closed his eyes and prayed for sleep to come.
Spring had brought the arrival of sunshine and the melting of the snow. From his window, Seren watched children in the courtyard, their playful laughter filling him with spite. At times, they would point in his direction, and he would instinctively shrink against the wall, hoping they hadn’t noticed him. After all, he was just the strange boy in the tower that never left.
He had been waiting for his mom all evening. He had even watched the sunrise and then watched the sunset. Orange and pink filled the sky like watercolors. He watched until the sun was gone, and darkness seeped into the sky. Enid visited, bringing dinner that she set by the door. He ignored it, even when his stomach began to growl. Instead, he traced the images on the stained-glass window, admiring the detail on the dark blue feathers of the fallen angels.
When Seren woke in the morning, his mother still hadn’t returned. He was angry that she was allowed to leave whenever she wanted, and he couldn’t. Why should he have to stay locked up like a prisoner? It was boring. It wasn’t fair. He always did everything she asked him to do. Why should he listen? And besides, what if something bad had happened to her? He didn’t trust that strange Priest. He always looked at him oddly and looked at his mom like he was a starved animal, and she was his next meal. He stuck his tongue out in disgust at the thought.
Seren peered under his bed, pulling out his shoes. He put them on, feeling excitement burn through him. He was sure he wouldn’t get caught. Besides, he didn’t care if he did. His mom hardly punished him because he always listened. One time couldn’t hurt. Seren opened the door, peering down the left and right hallway. He smirked. Perfect.
He slipped out of the room and dashed down the hall. It led to a flight of stairs that spiraled down. He giggled to himself, rushing down the steps as quickly as he could. Seren turned the corner and—collided with someone with a yelp. He felt his foot slip off the step. A hand reached out and grabbed him by the collar.
“Be careful. That would have been quite a fall.”
Dark eyes peered at him curiously through strands of stringy black hair as the man stood before him. He was clad in his customary navy-colored robe adorned with designs of a golden sun, moon, and stars—a symbol of his esteemed position as a High Priest.
“Hello, Seren,” he greeted. “I was coming to greet your mother on this lovely morning.”
Seren frowned. “She’s not here.”
It was the first time he had ever spoken to the Priest. He couldn’t remember his name but didn’t care to ask.
“Strange,” the man commented. “I haven’t seen her since last evening.” He tilted his head. “And where are you going?”
Seren stuck his tongue out at him. “Wherever I feel like.”
A subtle smirk tugged at the corners of the man’s lips, his eyes glinting with a spark of amusement. “I could show you around if you would like. There’s no reason for you to be sneaking around. It can’t be any fun being holed up on this beautiful day.”
Seren’s heart leaped, and an uncontrollable grin spread across his face as he bounced on the balls of his feet. “Really? But what about my mom?” He leaned toward the man with a whisper. “You could get in trouble.”
“Oh, I am sure it will be alright,” the High Priest chuckled. “We can wait together until she returns.”
“Okay,” Seren agreed. “What should I call you? Do I have to call you Father since you’re a priest?” He wrinkled his nose.
The man laughed. “No, I would prefer it if you called me Aiden.”
Seren followed him down the stairs, studying his features. Aiden wasn’t an ugly man, though he looked almost sickly. Despite his youth, his skin bore a pallor that hinted at more than just a lack of sunlight, and dark rings underscored his eyes, suggesting nights haunted by restless sleep. Sensing Seren’s lingering gaze, Aiden turned to him.
“So, how old are you, Seren?” Aiden asked.
“I’m almost seven,” he piped proudly.
“You should be in school,” Aiden responded. “We have a school on the estate grounds. There are plenty of young children that you could get well acquainted with.”
Seren’s shoulders sagged with disappointment at the mention. “Mom says I can go soon, but she says that all the time.”
“I have a feeling things will change for you,” Aiden assured. “Don’t fret too much about the future. It is a waste of time and energy to do such things. Let’s take advantage of this beautiful day we have together instead. Would you like to see the gardens? I’ve seen you looking out the window often.”
“Yes!” he exclaimed. “Are there birds? I like to watch them fly around.”
Aiden nodded as they maintained their pace down the spiraled staircase.
“All kinds. Do you like birds?”
Seren smiled widely. “Oh yes, I think they like me too. I see a lot of them outside my window. Sometimes, they’ll sit on the ledge. I talk to them, and sometimes they talk back. I wish I could fly.” He imitated a bird, flapping his arms.
Aiden paused on the stairs and gave him a beaming smile. “How I envy the aspirations of a child,” he said fondly.
They continued down the stairs, the stone echoing beneath their feet.
“These stairs go forever,” Seren moaned.
“Your mother requested the highest point in the church with the best view. I think she did it for you.”
“Yeah,” Seren mumbled. “Maybe.”
Aiden could see the change in his attitude and changed the subject. “I need to stop by my study, and then we’ll be on our way. Does that sound alright?”
Seren nodded.
“You know,” Aiden continued as they stepped into the chamber. “There is a dove’s nest on the south side of the church. I can take you there tomorrow if you’d like.”
Seren tried to contain his excitement, his mind already envisioning the fluttering wings and cooing sounds. “Yes!” He followed Aiden happily, skipping across the shiny marble floors. As they approached the study doors, memories of their first night in the church flashed in Seren’s mind. Aiden had him wait outside, closing the oak doors behind him.
Seren twirled on the tips of his toes, looking up at the vaulted ceiling. A magnificent tree was painted across the expanse. It was the most beautiful painting he had ever seen. The trunk of the tree was golden, twisting and stretching upwards to the heavens, while the leaves displayed an array of rich colors: oranges, reds, and the deepest shades of green. Within the branches, doves perched, looking minuscule in comparison to the rest of the tree. Yet, it was the giant black serpent that captivated most of his attention. Coiling itself around the trunk, its amber eyes emitted a vibrant glow. An unclothed woman stood at the foot of the tree, fixated upon the serpent as she cradled an apple in her open palm.
“Wow,” Seren whispered, his mouth hanging open. “That snake is huge!”
“It’s actually a wyrm.”
Seren’s body twitched in surprise. Aiden, appearing beside him almost out of nowhere, held a crumpled note in his hand. Aiden pointed upwards. “It is sucking the essence out of the Tree of Life, also known as the Mother Tree. First, it deceived the mother of all, Eden. Such a wretched beast.”
Seren cocked his head to the side. “Will I learn about it if I go to school?”
Aiden smiled. “Oh yes, I could teach you of the Holy Trinity. And Iro is a wonderful teacher. He would be honored to have you join the other children.”
“Will I learn about the Veil too?” Seren asked, suddenly feeling small. “I heard a kid outside say that someday the world will be just like Andanova.”
Concerned, Aiden clutched the note in his hand tighter. “Yes, you will.”
“Mom said that it’s another world and that sometimes it collides with ours.” He held out his small fists in front of him. “She said that this is us.” He raised his right fist. “And that this is the Veil.” He raised his left. “And she said sometimes this happens.” He slammed his fists together.
Aiden grabbed his fists, separating them gently. “It is the world between,” he said softly. “And yes, it does collide with ours in small bursts.”
“But Andanova is gone,” Seren said. “That wasn’t small.”
“No, it was not,” Aiden agreed.
“Mom said it is a part of the Veil now.”
“Unfortunately, yes. The Veil merged with Andanova.”
“Will that happen to all of us?” Seren whispered.
