Shangri-la
Chapter 22

When he saw his flower in the arms of another–a woman, no less–Alder had sped toward them and in his haste he had given Talon back his wings too soon. He barely felt the sting of the asphalt though, as adrenalin and anger surged through his veins. “Don’t touch her,” he repeated, his hatred for the girl growing even stronger. He wanted to kill her; he was going to kill her.

Despite his orders, Lotus clung to the girl tighter, glaring at him defiantly. She had no intention of letting her go, and every intention of infuriating him. Even through the fire of his pounding heart, Alder felt his admiration for her growing. His competition for Lotus was not the girl Iris, but rather Lotus herself.

“Come on now,” he said with a forced calmness. “Don’t make anyone suspect that you are sinning against nature . . .” He didn’t really care about that, and he suspected that Lotus didn’t either. However, if there was a chance that the words could work against Iris, then he at least wanted to try the weapon.

Lotus laughed, cold and cruel. “You know that there is no such thing as sin!”

“Then don’t make a mistake,” he said. “Let go of that girl and join me. Help me protect Shangri-la.”

“I’ll pass,” Lotus replied, flicking her hair. She was teasing him, flaunting herself in front of him and sneering because she was untouchable in the arms of another. Alder’s body burned as he watched her, lusting for her.

“You will join me,” he said darkly. “You and I will be together forever.” He pointed at Iris. “Once I free you from your chains.”

Lotus pushed Iris away then and stepped in front of her, blocking her from Alder’s view. “You will do nothing of the sort!” she snapped, digging her fingernails into her palms. She was close to Alder’s level of madness, and once she was there she would be his.

This is your fault, Shangri-la. I wouldn’t have to hurt anyone if you hadn’t brainwashed her.

“You can’t protect her,” he said, raising his hand. Circling above, Talon dived toward Iris, striking her shoulder with his claws. She screamed. Although Iris wasn’t able to see Talon, she could still feel the effects of the attack.

“What did you do?” Lotus shouted, running forward and grabbing the front of Alder’s shirt, clubbing him in the face with her fist. He grabbed her wrist to stop the next blow.

“Like I said,” he grinned. “You can’t protect her.”

 

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