Page 262 of Psycho Devils: Aran's Story 2

The angels were unique.

They were built to rule the skies.

Lying spread-eagle on the rocky shore while my best friend gagged a few feet away, I was hyperaware of how different I was from the angels.

What would it feel like to be so powerful that you could defy the laws of physics?

You could see it in the way the angel legion walked, with their chins pointed up and noses in the air, they knew they were better than everyone else. Leagues ahead. They were a species that was more myth than reality.

In every realm angels were synonymous with the gods.

The rocks beneath me dug into my enchanted wounds as blood continued to seep from the multitude of stitches I’d pulled.

I was a lowly ice fae.

I’d known the truth from the first second my back had cracked beneath Mother’s wounds—I wasn’t all-powerful like Sadie.

Was the feeling of strength euphoric? Maybe that was why I was depressed?

I was weak.

Above, an angel swooped downward with their wings expanded wide as they thrust their seven-foot sword straight in the air. Flames jumped off the blue ice.

I wished I had a paintbrush and artistic talent, to capture the moment of ice against clouds.

It was glorious.

How could they not be the chosen generals for the war? They were the perfect awe-inspiring symbol for the masses. A physical representation of hope and beauty.

The angels were proof that there was a greater civilization to be had. A more majestic one.

I’d follow the angels into battle.

Goose bumps erupted across my skin because I had a feeling I’d live to experience it.

“Okay, I’m good,” Sadie panted unconvincingly as she ambled over to leer down at me. “Let’s walk around the perimeter of the island. I need a cooldown.”

I shook my head and closed my eyes. “We can’t. I have to stay in proximity to the kings.”

Silence.

My eyes shot open as I realized what I’d inadvertently revealed.

Sadie’s catlike features seemed sharper as she asked softly, “Why can’t you leave their proximity, Aran?”

I sighed.

Pulled my pipe from my pocket and pressed it between my lips.

I held both hands up in the air in the universal “calm down” gesture. “No need to freak out.”

Sadie smiled. “Oh, I’m calm.”

Horse cawed and shot up. He streaked away toward where the angels sparred, like he was afraid of Sadie.

I sighed and tried to give off calm energy.

“Remember that life takes different paths for different people.” I chose my words carefully. “And some paths may seem more oppressive or unfair from a certain perspective. But it all works out in the end.” I pursed my lips as I thought about it. “Maybe. Probably not. But let’s just say for argument’s sake that it does.”

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