Page 8 of Her Fallen Angel

ARENWEN

Iwas right to fear my dreams. Because now the creatures have come to life.

They're beautiful. Terrifyingly, impossibly beautiful. Their wings shimmer in hues I've never seen before, and their faces seem carved from the finest marble. But it's their eyes that freeze my blood – cold, calculating, devoid of mercy.

Kai keeps a strong grip around my arm, dark hair falling past broad shoulders clad in leather and gleaming metal, as he drags me out of the temple. His violet eyes are vibrant, and I can't stop staring. Especially when his gaze locks with mine and a cruel smile curves his perfect lips. Heat floods my cheeks despite the terror gripping my chest.

"Time to go," he says as another of his kind holds out a hand. And magic erupts, pulling apart the air to create something I've never seen before.

All of us gape while these creatures keep moving. But I can't take my eyes off the swirling vortex of light that tears through the very fabric of reality. Magic. Real magic. The air crackles with power that makes my skin tingle and my head spin.

Some of my congregation scream. Others faint. I force myself to stay upright, even as rough hands pull me toward the portal. I don't fight him, even as Kai bends down to whisper in my ear.

"Welcome to Aerasak, Arenwen." His violet eyes gleam with dark amusement as he shoves me through the gateway.

The world dissolves into a kaleidoscope of color and sensation. My stomach lurches as reality bends and twists around me. Just when I think I'll lose consciousness, solid ground materializes beneath my feet.

I look around, taking in what looks to be a military compound. And it is filled with more of the winged beings.

The compound rises around us in stark gray stone, adorned with unfamiliar military symbols and banners that flutter in the alien breeze. My legs shake from the portal crossing, but I force myself to stand tall, refusing to stumble. Guards with wings of mottled bronze and silver patrol the high walls, their movements precise and calculated.

"Move," Kai barks, shoving our group toward a set of iron doors and a building I don't want to enter. "You can save your gawking for later. The xaphan always appreciate the praise." His grin is sharp, but I tuck away the information.

Xaphan. They are called xaphan.

I catch Gabriel's eye across the crowd. Blood trickles from a cut above his brow, but his shoulders remain squared, protective even in chains. I give him the slightest shake of my head when his muscles tense. Not yet.

My lips form the familiar words of comfort as we're herded down stone corridors lit by crystalline orbs that pulse with magical light. "Be strong in faith, for the gods watch over us even now." The prayer steadies my voice, gives purpose to my careful observation of each turning, each guard post.

Kai's wing brushes my shoulder as he passes, startling me at his sudden appearance. "Your prayers won't save you here,little flame." His voice drops low, meant for my ears alone. "But please, continue. I find your devotion... amusing."

I lift my chin, meeting those cruel violet eyes. "I pray for all souls, even those who have forgotten mercy."

His laugh echoes off the stone as we're pushed into a large chamber lined with cells. The bars gleam with sigils that make my skin crawl – magic meant to contain. They separate us efficiently, four or five to a cell. I end up with Gabriel and three others from our congregation.

"Rest well," Kai says, his wings casting long shadows across the floor. "You're going to need it."

I press my back against the cold wall, continuing my whispered prayers while tracking the guards' movements through lowered lashes. I won't give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

The door to my cell scrapes open hours later. I keep my eyes closed, continuing my evening prayers even as heavy boots approach. Kai's presence fills the small space, his wings rustling with barely contained irritation.

"Your faith means nothing here." His voice carries the bite of winter winds. "You belong to me now."

I finish my prayer before meeting his gaze. "My soul belongs to no one but the ones who gave it to me."

Kai's violet eyes flash as he crosses the distance between us in one fluid stride. His wing pins me against the wall, the feathers surprisingly soft against my skin. "Your gods abandoned you the moment I claimed you, little flame."

Heat radiates from his body as he leans closer, but I refuse to shrink away. Instead, I begin another prayer, my voice steady despite my racing heart. "Through the darkest night, light guides me..."

His fingers grip my jaw, forcing my face up. "Enough."

I continue, watching the muscle tick in his clenched jaw. "May the goddesses' strength sustains me when shadows threaten to?—"

"I said enough." The words rumble from deep in his chest.

"To overwhelm my spirit..."

His wing presses harder, and magic crackles in the air around us. But beneath his anger, I catch a flicker of something else in those otherworldly eyes – intrigue. He studies me like a puzzle he can't quite solve.

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