Page 22 of Wings of Torment
Beneath the table, my hands clench into fists. Archangels, they’re like a bunch of children. Unable to listen to any more of their shit, I stand. “Excuse me, I need some air.”
I feel their eyes on me as I walk away from our little corner of hell without bothering to look back. Whatever my issues are with Zeke, it’s clear I’m not the only one. There’s animosity in the air, and I wonder if I’m the reason for it. Maybe my want to include Zeke in our group isn’t wise.
With my head down, I walk out the front doors of Power house with no real destination in mind. Just being away from all that pent-up tension and frustration is a nice change. There’s a soft breeze that flows over my heated skin and cools me down.
I don’t know how to handle those three. My own emotions are hard enough to deal with. Add in theirs, and it feels like we’ll never get along. But there has to be a way, right?
Without realizing it, I’ve found my way in front of the nearest statue and I just stare at it, needing a distraction. I wonder which angel was the model for this. Is it even based on someone in particular or just a general sketch the artist had in mind?
“Miss Hayliel. I thought that was you.”
Professor Castiel comes up beside me. Just like my first day on campus, he has his white wings out. “Hi! How are you? I meant to say this earlier, but things have been rather hectic. Thank you for what you did for me at the well. I’m not sure I would have handled their scrutiny much longer.”
“No thanks needed. I only did what I thought was best.”
“Still, I’m grateful. I actually saw you fighting that day. You really know how to handle your own out there.”
“A long life has its perks.” He chuckles. “From what I hear, though, you do alright yourself.”
“Angels do like to talk, don’t they?” I reply, avoiding the topic.
“That they do. I wanted to check in with you after everything, but figured you had your hands full. If you ever need anything,I hope you know you can come to me. No questions asked. Besides, my old age has more perks than just strong fighting skills.”
If those words came from anyone else, it would probably creep me out. But with his soft, genuine smile, I know he means it.
“I appreciate that, truly. And depending on how I make out on the midterm, I may wind up visiting you for some extra tutoring, too.”
“Not a chance. You and Theo are my two best students, though if you tell anyone I said so, I’ll deny it.”
I mime zipping my lips and throwing away the key.
“I should get going, but don’t forget my offer and please extend it to your friends as well. Stay safe, Miss Hayliel.”
“You too, Professor.”
He flies away from me, leaving me at my spot near the statue, feeling lighter than I had when I first came out. Light enough that I’m comfortable heading back inside and checking in on the guys.Hopefully they haven’t killed each other yet.
Once I’m inside, I don’t go straight to the table, choosing instead to stroll through the stacks in search of something that might help ease the tension. I remember finding an old volume that sounded perfect for Zeke’s search, but our pile was already so big that I didn’t bother grabbing it. After a few minutes, I find it and head back to a surprisingly quiet table. Raphael must have finished with the book while I was gone, because it’s on the table in front of Zeke now and no one is snarling at each other like raging beasts.
“Here. I found this and thought it might hold something about our theft problem.” I hand the book to Zeke and sit back in my chair, watching as he pushes the item he’d just fought Raphael over aside.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
Silence falls around us, and I know something must have happened while I was gone. Oh, to be a fly on the wall and witness that, but I’m just happy the tension has dissipated.
As I stretch out to lounge in my seat, my foot knocks into something beneath the table. I look up, and Theo is watching me. His eyes are sun-warmed bronze nestled in a bed of grass, and all I want to do is curl up there. He rubs his foot against mine in tiny movements until my worries have melted away and I can finally focus.
“Thank you,” I mouth to him, not making a sound for fear of ruining this moment.
He only nods and focuses back on his slate, but his feet stay entwined with mine for the rest of the evening.
9
Ilong for the days when things were normal. Well, okay. Maybe not normal, but they weren’t like this.
When I lived at home, at least I had a break. Someplace to truly let loose and relax. Here at SCU, I’m always on guard. Even with my friends, studying like hell for midterms or hopelessly searching for answers, there are always angels around. Watching me. Waiting for me to do something that either proves I’m a savior or the demon-spawned vermin they always thought I was. It’s exhausting.
