Page 75 of Dark Angel

“The blade of Uriel.” He breathes out, turning it over in his hands. He looks at his sister again. “This is the blade of an Archangel. Our mother left it for you. She must have known you’d need this one day.”

“Do you think he gave it to her for me to use?” Kora questions him.

“I don’t know,” Clarence mutters, handing it back to her. “Just don’t let anyone else touch this blade, all right?”

27

Canvas of Creativity

“Who would have imagined we’d be painting with our friends here in London when we moved?” Valarie chirps beside her brother as they make their way towards the studio down in Brompton. It’s early afternoon, and the weather is delightful for winter. The breeze is very slight, keeping the chill at bay.

Alice mentioned to Matthew how she had always wanted to try a painting class where they show you to a blank easel and wine, and you paint whatever they place in the room. Matthew then invited everyone so that Alice would feel more comfortable.

“It’s not something I thought we’d do, but it does sound interesting to try,” Jordan admits. He’s not the most creative person in the world, but he does enjoy dabbling in the arts from time to time.

“What do you think they’ll make us paint?”

His eyes flick sideways to his sister as he lets out a low cheeky chuckle. “I have an idea, but I’m just hoping the nude model is a female.”

Valarie gasps, shoving her brother, who’s now shaking with laughter. “That is disgusting.”

Jordan shrugs, “It’s art.” He protests. “Have you not seen what they’re painting in Paris these days?”

“No, and I don’t think I want to know.”

Jordan shakes his head, his dimples deepening. “I never said I enjoyed it, either. You just asked me the question.”

Valarie slices him a glare, which just makes him laugh more.

“What’s so funny?” Lewis sidles beside Valarie. He tangles his fingers into hers as they walk alongside the road. Warmth spreading along her skin like wildfire.

Jordan’s laughter stops and his muscles visibly stiffen. “It’s nothing. Just a joke, Lewis.” She says vaguely.

Offering him a gentle smile, Lewis returns one, squeezing Valarie’s hand once more before letting go and racing forward to where Matthew and Alice stand waiting for them.

“I know you are still mad with Lewis,” Valarie blurts out to her brother as they continue on their way, “but please don’t be mad at him forever.”

Jordan’s jaw feathers. “He did something that no man should do. He is my friend, but I’m allowed to stay mad at him for now.”

“It wasn’t his fault, Jordan.”

“Partly his fault.” He mutters in response. He’s doesn’t want his sister to take all of the blame for something that was equally both their wrongdoing.

Her lips pursed together, “Well, he will propose to me soon, so you better act surprised and ecstatic when he does.”

Jordan feigns an overly excited grin and raises his hands in a sarcastic circle of praise before his face falls. “Like that?” He blanches.

Valarie rolls her eyes, “You should at least be happy he agreed to wed me.”

His arm reaches out, stopping her in her tracks. “I am happy for you Valerie. I want nothing more than for you to be happy and live a comfortable life. That is what every brother wants for his sister. Lewis is my friend, and I know you love him. I just don’t agree with how it happened.”

“Well, it was your fault for waking up and intervening.” She grumbles under her breath, but he hears her.

“It was your fault for not sneaking him out of your window, or not letting him into the house in the first place.” Jordan retorts.

“Hmff.” Valarie lets out, pushing his arm off her angrily.

Jordan trails after her. “You can’t seriously be mad at me for interrupting his little escape plan. You were the one who did something wrong, not me.”

---