Page 48 of Fallen Angels

“Maybe my light energy isn’t strong enough, or it’s fighting with the dark energy of the Succubus. Maybe I just don’t have enough of either and I’m a… dud,” I finish.

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself,” he admonishes. “Magic is something that takes practice. It takes honing of your skills and improvement comes with hard work.”

I nod and we start over again. I lose track of how many times Pyre cuts himself because even if I’m not able to heal him, his body automatically heals itself. I’m sure he’s getting as tired of cutting himself as I am of not succeeding.

Maybe it’s the twentieth time, or maybe it’s the thirtieth, but I finally break through the wall blocking my magic and I manage to sew up Pyre’s wound with merely a thought. And it’s a thought that comes with a hell of a headache, nausea and an onslaught of tears.

“You did it,” he says, his voice deep and proud but also relieved. And exhausted.

I open my eyes and take note of the cut in his arm that was there a moment ago, but is now healed. “Are you sure?” I ask. “Or did your body just heal itself?”

“I’m sure,” he answers. “I could feel your life energy doing the work. Besides, it takes far longer for my body to heal itself, as you probably noticed from the few hundred times I’ve just cut myself.”

It takes me a second or two to realize he’s making a joke and I’m so surprised, I don’t even laugh. It’s unlike Pyre, or what I know about him thus far, to move into humorous territory. From what I’ve witnessed, he’s the serious type.

I like this side of him, though. Even if I’m at the center of his joke.

“I did it,” I say, my voice sounding as surprised and exhausted as I feel.

But, as the dawning realization that I’ve actually healed Pyre travels through me, excitement replaces the headache and the fatigue. Without realizing what I’m doing, I throw myself into his arms. “I did it!”

Pyre stiffens, but pats me on the back, as though he’s unsure how to deal with me. I pull away from him, not wanting to make him uncomfortable but it appears it’s too late. He nods his head in approval and stands up. Then he begins walking away without saying a word. I realize I’m about to be left alone in the forest but when I take off after him, he’s nowhere to be seen. It’s as though he just disappeared and I’m now surrounded by a forest of dark trees and I have no idea where to go or how to get back.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

EILISH

The Veil

Panic starts winding its way through my gut and I take a few steps in one direction, but then I start to fear it’s the wrong way. I turn around and notice I’m in the center of the immense forest.

“Pyre!” I call out, both baffled and angry that he would just leave me out here, all alone.

Unless this is another test?I think to myself.

I don’t care if it’s a test! I’m exhausted after everything he just put me through. This isn’t fair! Now isn’t the time to further test me!

“Pyre, please!” I yell out and all I get for my efforts is my voice echoing back at me. “Please don’t leave me out here! I don’t know how to get back!”

“Who are you yelling at?”

At the sound of a deep voice, I whip around and find Dragan standing in front of me. He towers above me and doesn’t appear overly pleased to be here.

“Oh, I was…” I start as I glance around myself and realize I’m no longer in a forest. In fact, I’m standing in front of a cabin—Pyre’s cabin. I twirl around again, doubting my eyes. But, no, I’m no longer lost in the trees.

“Are you okay?” Dragan asks.

“Yes,” I reply a bit too quickly.

“Pyre sent me to train you on swordplay,” he continues. “He said you were finished with your lesson on healing.”

“Right,” I say, but my mind is elsewhere—namely how on earth I found my way back here.

“Eilish,” Dragan says and grips my attention.

I face him and it’s as though I’m seeing him for the first time. “You cut your hair,” I say as I take in the new him. “And you shaved.”

“Yeah, I did it last night. Thanks for noticing.”

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