Page 63 of Wings of Torment
“Speaking of, why weren’t you meeting with the regular school counselor?” he asks, curiosity clear in his tone.
“Ugh.” I run a hand down my face. “Apparently Professor Uriel made a pretty convincing case to Principal Cael about how he would be better suited as my school counselor given the recent turn of events. I got an email over break notifying me about it and totally spaced until today. I’m just glad you arrived when you did and saved me from more of his uncomfortable questions.”
“Hey,” Theo says, taking my hands in his and making me finally open my eyes. The look he gives me is full of worry. “What do you mean, uncomfortable questions?”
“Just … weird. I’m probably overthinking everything. Like he wanted to know how I was getting on at school, and if any of the students or professors were giving me a hard time. I almost laughed in his damn face.”
“Seriously? Well, you’re certainly stronger than I am.”
I smile weakly, appreciating his words. “Then he started asking about my wings, wanting to know if anything else had changed besides their color. It wasn’t so much the question that bothered me as it was the way he asked it, like my answer would either please him or devastate him. I don’t know.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that. If you want one of us to join you next time, all you have to do is let us know. We’d haveyour back, no question. After how that piece of shit treated you, he’s got no right making you uncomfortable.”
“I know, Theo. Thank you. I might just take you up on it.”
“Why don’t we get out of here? Maybe meet up with the rest of our friends and get some food? That always puts a smile on your face.”
“The friends, or the food?” I ask, teasing.
“Oh, definitely the food.”
He smiles, and I swat his arm playfully before taking his hand and heading out the classroom door.
I drop a message in our group chat — the one I added Zeke to, though his interaction has been abysmal at best — but to my utter surprise, he and Raphael are working together so they can’t join us. I had hoped they would attempt to get along, but I certainly never expectedthis. Dina doesn’t answer, but that’s no shock. She’s likely tucked away somewhere with the two special angels she snuck off with during the anything-but-clothes party. Good for her.
We grab some food from the main-hall cafeteria and head to the beach, neither of us in the best head space, but before we make it there, someone calls my name.
“Hayliel! Theo!”
Gagiel approaches us, along with a few angels I haven’t seen before.
“Hi!” I say, happy to see him. “How was your break?”
“It wasn’t bad. Different in some ways from school, but similar in others.” He doesn’t elaborate and instead motions to the angels beside him. “Do you remember the friends I told you about, the ones who were taking classes online? Well, they’re here! And it’s all thanks to you.”
I smile, blushing slightly as they look at me with such trust and adoration.
“This is Sidriel,” he says, pointing to the petite angel with straight, black hair.
“Hi.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and looks away shyly. “My friends call me Sid.”
“And these two,” Gagiel continues, pointing to the last two angels in their group, “are Tabbris and Yofie.” They must be identical twins, with the same reddish-brown curls and stunning green eyes.
I give a little wave, feeling awkward beneath their steady gazes. “It’s so nice to meet all of you. I’m really glad you came back to campus! If you ever need anything, Gagiel has my number.”
“And mine,” Theo adds. “I’m usually with Hayliel anyway, but if you ever need me, I’m there.”
“Oh, you must be Theo,” Sidriel squeaks out. “You’re very handsome.”
“Oh. Uh … Thank you,” he replies with the cutest blush on his face. Poor guy isn’t used to compliments. Maybe I’ll have to change that.
“Handsome and beautiful, these two are. Without the sharp stench of asshole.” Gagiel’s smile is wider than I’ve ever seen it, and it bleeds through until I can’t help but grin right back. “And we wanted you to know that we’re at your disposal. Anything we can help with, just call our names and we’ll be there quicker than you can say, ‘Gagiel, Sidriel, Tabbris, and Yofie, we need you!’”
I laugh. Those words aren’t quick to say at all, but I can understand his point. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
“Not to be too forward,” Sidriel says, stepping closer, “but Gagiel told us about your wings. Gold! If I didn’t trust him completely, I might not have believed him. Archangels, your parents must be so proud.”
“I only just told them over break, actually. At first they were a little disappointed that it took me so long to tell them. That wasfollowed up by a little bit of shock and a lot of confusion — which is honestly exactly how I still feel about it — but they support me no matter what.”
