Page 34 of Wings of Strife
As if sensing my discomfort, Zeke changes the subject before anyone else can continue their inquisition. “So we continue with what we’ve been doing then. Combat training, digginginto what the fuck’s going on with demons and angels, and now discovering how to summon your abilities. All the while remaining inconspicuous. Does everyone agree?”
Right. Sounds like a piece of cake.
A round of agreement goes up, including one from Mira. I feel bad for her. She can’t have known the shitstorm she was walking into when she stumbled upon Zeke doing sketchy shit. I wonder if she regrets it.
“Look, I know I’m new and I don’t even go here, but I’m all in. If you’ll have me, of course.” It’s the first time since meeting her that she’s looked apprehensive.
I glance from Zeke, to Dina, to Raphael, and then to Theo, but before any of us can agree, Castiel speaks.
“I don’t know who she is or why she’s here, but if she passed through that door without issue, then you can trust her. And given everything that’s going on, it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra ally.”
He’s right. We need all the help we can get.
16
“Bitch.”
Instead of reacting, I make the valiant effort to ignore Seraphina’s words as I walk by her in angelic powers class a few days later. Except we aren’t in our usual classroom for today’s lesson. We’re in the arena.
I make it without so much as a blink in her direction while Raphael has no issues putting her in her place. But it’s not with words or aggression. No. He pulls me down into his lap a few rows ahead, cups my cheeks, and kisses me like we’re alone. Like he has every intention of finishing what he’s just started.
My internal heat and the beating afternoon sun have nothing on the warmth that erupts in my body at his touch. When he pulls away, I don’t try to get up.
“You know she’s not going to take that well,” I say, nuzzling his nose with my own.
“That sounds like a her problem, sunshine. I’d rather go home to my awful family than be near her for any period of time. Besides, if it takes a little PDA with you to understand that I’m off the market, that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.” He places an open-mouthed kiss on my neck, sucking a little before pulling away and holy fucking shit. The things this man does to me.
“Thank you all for meeting me here,” Professor Isidora says with a smile. “I know this meeting place might seem unusual, but the work we’re doing today can sometimes be unruly, so we thought it best to move to a more open area.”
“If we’re using our powers to fight, I call dibs on the mutant!” a guy in the back says. Within seconds, a storm cloud builds over his head and water pours from it in fat droplets, soaking him to the bone.
Whoa. What the hell was that? I share a glance with Raph, who looks like a golden retriever with far too much energy. He must know what’s coming.
The guy splutters and wipes the water from his eyes, but Professor Isidora has moved on. “Use of your powers against another student is off-limits. If I find any of you breaking that rule, the punishment will not be one you enjoy. Have I made myself clear?”
Still wide-eyed, everyone nods in agreement.
She smiles. “Good. The power I’ll show you today is one we won’t spend much time with. It’s unpredictable and much harder to master than the others, but having a basic understanding is still imperative to your progress at this school. Now, pay attention while I show you one of our more volatile powers. Weather manipulation.”
Oh shit. That’s a thing? I sneak a peek at Raphael and find him already watching me.After today, I’ll be able to make you wet in more ways than one, baby.
I snort a laugh at his comment, knowing full well he already creates a storm of emotion inside me. It’ll be fun to see it come to life outside my body as well.
Professor Isidora goes through the instructions on how this power will feel different than the others we’ve learned so far. Because of how unstable weather is in nature, what we create is hard to summon and even harder to control.
“It will likely feel weird to call on this power at first. That’s completely normal. Ground yourself and dig deep into the wells of your ability. Find that core of energy and coax it to do your bidding.” As she speaks, she weaves her hands through the air, creating little gray clouds above her head in a tiny circle that she pushes out until they surround her in droplets of rain without a single one touching her. It’s magnificent. “Take turns working with your partner to summon a small rain cloud. I don’t want to see any lightning or hear thunder. No snow or hail. Just a rain cloud. Start small and build up. I’ll make my way around to see how everyone is fairing. Begin.”
Raphael stands us both up before gripping my hand and tugging me to an emptier part of the arena. I don’t miss that we’re several groups away from Seraphina, thank the Archangels.
Holding onto my chin, he tilts my head up. “Do you want to go first?”
I shake my head. I’d rather watch him try first. Even if he fails, at least I’ll know it’s not just me.
“Alright,” he says, brushing his thumb along my jaw. “But don’t think I’m letting you leave here without giving it at least one attempt.”
The stern set of his jaw is in stark contrast to the laughter in his eyes. I think he could convince me to do just about anything. Maybe that should scare me, but it only makes me feel alive.
I watch as he closes his eyes, arms extended in front of him and palms spread. This man is entirely too handsome for his own good. A breeze ruffles the blond hair at his temples, but it doesn’t look like he notices. It’s almost as if he’s in a trance. Becoming one with the core of his power. Can I do that too?
