Page 77 of Dark Angel

“Fair enough.”

The instructor looks at Kora and Clarence, who hover in the doorway. Her shimmering peach eyes gleaming at Clarence as he fluffs up his light brown hair. “Come and sit. We are starting shortly.” Smiling excessively at him.

Jordan eyes the Faerie Mark on her neck. The dainty four wings within a seven-pointed star. It’s a shimmering iridescent green to pink colour that changes under the light. Faeries aren’t rare, but they’re also not very common.

Kora approaches him, sitting down in the chair between Jordan and her brother. He can tell she’s excited by the way her face glows with eagerness. She picks up one of the brushes beside her, dips it into a pot of off-white paint and begins outlining the vase.

“Yes. Feel free to begin. Feel the freedom of brush strokes. Embrace the colours and textures. Allow yourself to live through your painting, see these flowers in a unique way…” the Faerie lady says slowly, like it’s an overly empowering speech.

Jordan and Matthew look at each other. Both of them are biting their lips to keep themselves from chuckling.

“Create something you’ll be proud of forever. And remember, we are all artists in our own way.”

Matthew tilts his head at his artwork after an hour of painting. He snorts to himself, gaze staring at an angle, “I think she lied to me. I don’t think I’ll be proud of this forever.”

Jordan leans over, looking at the mix of greens, reds and whites streaked across the paper. It’s a mess and he can’t even tell what he’s looking at. “I agree. I don’t think art is your strong suit.”

His friend laughs, pushing him away. “At least I gave it a shot. What does yours look like,Michelangelo?”

Jordan has to admit his isn’t much better. It’s chaotic and blotchy. The tones don’t even blend together properly, and his petals are oddly shaped. “Safe to say we aren’t painters.”

“Lucky we don’t paint Infernals to death.” Matthew murmurs with a grin.

Jordan looks to his other side where Kora’s painting appears to be much more blended and realistic. She paints each brush stroke with care, creating an almost perfect tulip bud.

“Wow.”

She smiles sideways at him. “It’s nothing like those paintings in your house. They’re careful and beautiful.”

“Yours is delightful,” he admits, studying it more. “I’d hang this beside them.”

She giggles, and it’s a glorious sound. Light and bubbly, so enticing and comforting.

“You’re too kind.” She looks back at her painting, her cheeks pink with delight. “Did you know tulips were my mother’s favourite flower?”

“I didn’t.” His voice lowering.

He watches as her face remains trained on her painting as she recalls a memory, “She used to cut them from her garden and leave them beside my bed. They’re my favourite as well now.”

Her face holds a look of sad happiness. He feels his dimples deepening, wanting to reach out and touch her hand when the artist interrupts, “Thank you all for coming tonight,” the Faerie lady’s voice loud from the middle of the room, “I have seen some outstanding pieces tonight. Don’t forget to come by later in the week to collect your artworks. They’re all gorgeous. Well done.”

She claps as they all stand from their places and make their way out of the studio. Jordan somehow has oil paint all over his fingers.

“Well, that was… interesting.” Is all Matthew can say. He turns to Alice who is smiling widely. “Did you enjoy yourself?”

She nods hurriedly before looping her arm in Valarie’s and pulling her down the street. The rest follow along.

It’s late afternoon. Most taverns and bars are buzzing with life and laughter as they pass by. “Should we go to the Sage?” Lewis suggests.

“Or we could go to St James Park?” Daisy chimes in, “they have the Winter Fire Festival. I know it’s mainly for Mortals, but I adore seeing it every season.”

Kora’s face lights up as well. “Oh, yes. Please, can we go?”

“Lead the way.”

The walk is pleasant between the studio and the park. It’s dim since the sun is ducking in and out of dark clouds, yet the park is spirited and bustling with life. Mortals crowd the paths leading into the gated park.

The group pushes through, walking towards the lake in the centre where hundreds of oil lamps are lit and pinned into the earth. Mortals dance around together as rogue music plays from various musicians set up around the lake’s edge.

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