Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg Read Free Book Online Page A

hall.
    “I can see her, Daniel. I can see that little girl.”

Chapter Four
     
     
    The color drained from Nate’s face and Lailah turned sharply to the side, tripping over her chair. Daniel caught her about the waist, amazed at the heat radiating from her back.
    “Calm yourself,” he whispered into her ear. Rubbing his hand down her spine, he extinguished the light emanating there. If she unfurled her wings, their masquerade would end before it began.
    “May I speak with your cousin for a moment?”
    Daniel wasn’t fooled by Nate’s casual tone. In one fell swoop, Lailah had abolished their well-ordered plan. They were supposed to spend the first day in conversation, earning the trust of their human host. Then during the second or third day she was to reveal her face to Nate as if by accident.
    “Lailah is clearly overwrought.” Daniel swept her into his arms. “She needs rest. Where may I take her?”
    “I am not overwrought. I—”
    “Hush.” He squeezed her meaningfully. “It’s been a long, tiring day.”
    After a tense pause, Nate stood as well. “I’ll show you to your rooms.”
    Thankfully, Lailah fell silent.
    Having heard the outburst, Judith halted her retreat, but her body now shielded her children. They stood on the far side of the hall near a set of wide stone steps. Judith followed their progress with her gaze. Daniel flashed his most charming smile, hoping to ease the tension. Her expression remained wary, her gaze narrowed on the woman in his arms.
    Nate led them to another part of the castle and up a different flight of stairs. He pushed open a door on the right halfway down the corridor. Daniel stepped past him and into the bedchamber.
    “Your room is the next one down the passageway.”
    “Thank you.” Daniel set Lailah on the bed and waited for Nate to leave.
    “What else can I do to make her comfortable? She still appears distraught.”
    “I appreciate your concern, but she’ll be fine.”
    Nate hesitated a moment longer then departed, leaving the door ajar. Daniel shut the door and turned back to the bed. Lailah stood beside it, her expression composed, her crystalline gaze aimed in his direction.
    “I could see her, Daniel. Even as she peeked out from behind her mother’s skirts, I could see that little girl.”
    “Your wings nearly unfurled. Heaven’s Light must have—”
    “After a hundred years in this darkness, do you think I don’t know the difference? Were my eyes glowing?”
    He crossed the room, lowering his voice. “Your back was on fire. Just lie down for—”
    “I don’t need to lie down! I need to talk to Anna. There is something different—something special—about that child.”
    “You frightened her.” He gathered her hands between his. “You frightened everyone. Judith is not going to let you near her daughter until you calm down.”
    Snatching her hands from his, she brushed a stray wisp of hair off her forehead. “I am calm.”
    “No, you’re not.”
    “She was a lovely child with long auburn hair and wide green eyes. I couldn’t see what upset her, but there were tears on her face.”
    Folding his arms over his chest, Daniel studied Lailah’s features. “I have no doubt you saw her. You are only blind in human form. Didn’t Gabriel try to teach you to channel your angelic sight into your human eyes?”
    “Yes, but I was unable to master the skill.”
    “Until now.”
    Lailah shook her head, but she ceased her arguing. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
    He smiled. That was more like the Lailah he knew and loved. “Shall I fetch you a tray? We were interrupted before food was served.”
    “I’m not hungry. I have much on which to meditate.”
    He hesitated at the door. “Promise me you’ll stay in this room.”
    “Contrary to what you believe, it is only the little girl I’m able to see. I have no intention of wandering about a strange castle alone.”
    Daniel wasn’t convinced, but his only option was to spend the night on