Page 64 of Dark Captivation

Malek and I dove into the tunnel furthest on the left. The sun shone brightly on the other side, strong winds bellowing like lion roars.

The wooden floors creaked under me, and I noticed we were in something of a tree house, but not the kind meant for kids. This place was huge, with a swimming pool and two restaurants up here.

“Come, I’ve heard a lot about this dimension. The best attraction is this way.” Malek led me through a busy Thai restaurant where almost all its patrons stopped to applaud their king. They clapped as if Malek were performing instead of simply passing through. Malek waved at them, giving them a simple smile.

I greeted them warmly, noticing that only one person wasn’t clapping for Malek. It was the funny smelling guy in shades from the volleyball court. He changed his clothes and was wearing jeans and a blue t-shirt now, but I was sure it was the same person.

Past the restaurant was a large wooden sign that read ‘Angel Wing Wonderland.’

We followed a path that led to a ledge. Two men with black T-shirts marked ‘Staff’ strapped a male and female demon ahead of us into vests with colorful wings attached to them.

The wings were bright, having a plasticky finish and a bright orange glow that made them appear heavily enchanted.

Once securely fastened into the wings, the couple held hands and leapt over the edge of the ledge. They soared like birds joining a dozen other demons in wings. They flew through the open air twirling and twisting about as the wind carried them like kites.

“Wow, we’re a lot higher up than I thought. Is that a hundred foot drop?” I looked out into the vast distance. We were so high up that I saw a bird flying on eye level.

“Don’t be afraid. I’ll be right here with you.”

“The gods didn’t make me a dragon shifter for a reason. A wolf’s feet belong on solid ground,” I said trying to hide my fear of heights.

“I promise I won't let anything happen to you.” He said ,and in his eyes, I could see he truly meant it.

A line was building up behind us and I relented.

The staff attached the wings to Malek and with only a little hesitation from me, we both held hands and went over the edge.

The air slapped my face like it caught me kissing its boyfriend. My heart backflipped and something in my belly tingled like it never had before.

My wings started flapping, slowing my fall and we glided as the wind carried us.

“See, I told you’d be alright!” Malek’s deep voice conquered the rushing winds to reach me.

“Say that again when we’re on the ground,” I yelled.

Thick trees and flowers decorated the vast landscape. This world seemed so virgin and untouched. The bright colors bathed in sunlight was so tantalizing and made the experience more exhilarating.

I flexed my back muscles and found that I could control the wings, speeding them up and slowing them down.

“Now you’re getting the hang of it. I knew you’d pick it up in no time,” he bellowed.

A playful sense of competition lit up within me and I retracted my hand from his. This really was fun, most of my fears washed away, replaced by a rush of pure adrenaline.

“First one to the tallest tree on the other side of the forest wins.” I pointed at the target tree in the distance and he seemed excited by the competition, his expression going serious as the thrill of a challenge, perked up his wings.

He shot past me, like a speeding bullet. I raced after him, using my smaller size to cut through the air in ways his bulky build wouldn’t allow. We were neck and neck when he pulled back and flew in circles around me.

It was a gesture that let me know he was less in this for competition and more for the fun of it, especially since he would easily win if he tried too hard.

I fell in place, and we intertwined around each other in a show of aerial acrobatics. My movements were initially slow and sloppy, while he moved with the sharp precision of a razor blade. He made the sky his own.

So graceful was the way he moved, he seemed more angel than demon. He beckoned for me to continue our race as he neared the tree. And just then I caught a glimpse of something that chilled me to my core. His image darkened as shadows descended on Malek.

His dark eyes now burned a blood red and evil emanated from him like embers off a bonfire. The Angel of Death smiled back at me where Malek once was.

In that instant, I saw Rachel and Aurora, my closet friends. Next I saw Chasten, Blake, and Payton, but surprisingly I didn’t feel pure hatred when I saw them this time. What I felt was pity. Because I knew that they would be among the first to die in Malek’s war.

I feared for the world and all who lived in it. Malek’s dream would descend the world into a living nightmare.

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