by R C Knight
“But does she make you happy?” Anne asked.
“I’m not sure I know what happiness is,” he responded darkly. Anne watched him leave the room, sadness in her eyes.
Zane walked quickly to his hut, a million things running through his mind. He knew he needed to talk to Keira, but he wanted to calm his mind first. He opened the door to his hut and froze. Tendrils of smoke were floating towards him from the kitchen. Aria was frantically fanning her hands over a pot on the stove while Ryder stood behind her, shouting incoherently. Kai and Myra were sitting in the living room, examining a deck of cards they had found. Zane began to laugh uncontrollably, his whole body shaking. The angels froze and stared at him.
“Fuck,” Aria shouted as she noticed Zane.
“I didn’t think you’d burn my house down!” He chuckled as he regained his composure. “Looks like you’re not allowed to cook anymore.” Aria frowned as she glanced into the pot on the stove. Her face fell in defeat as she carried the pot to the sink.
“We were going to surprise you with an amazing lunch.” Myra said as she stared at the cards. “But none of us have ever cooked food from a box.”
“I didn’t even know food came in a box.” Aria added from the kitchen. Zane laughed as he walked over to the sink and examined the food. It was burnt to a crisp, he couldn’t even tell what it was supposed to be.
“Well, there’s a first for everything.” He smiled at Aria as he grabbed the pot and threw the food into the trash. “Someday you’ll learn how to cook. But for now, why don’t I arrange for meals to be brought to you?”
“That would be wise,” Ryder chuckled.
“Good.” Zane looked around at the group, a smile on his face. “We have three huts available. I figured you guys could fight over who has to share.”
“Ryder and Kai.” Myra and Aria blurted at the same time. They looked at each other and giggled.
“Seriously?” Kai asked. “Can’t I have my own room for once?”
“Don’t worry,” Zane interrupted. “These are guest huts, so they have two rooms.”
“Fine,” Kai mumbled. “But next time I get my own place. I don’t need Ryder ruining my game with the women.” Ryder laughed as he looked over at Kai.
“Please,” he chuckled. “You don’t have game.” They all laughed as Kai threw some of the cards at Ryder.
“At least I try,” he muttered under his breath.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Earth
Aria’s hut was set up like Zane’s, although there weren’t any bookshelves. She went into the first bedroom and unpacked her bags. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she laid down on the bed. The hut had been nicely furnished; everything was comfortable even though it was worn down. A couple of paintings hung on the wall, each depicting a sunset over the water. Aria curled up into the blankets and stared at the paintings, imagining her life was as tranquil as they were. Her eyes fluttered closed as she drifted off to sleep.
Aria was in the middle of a battlefield. Her dark red armor was covered in the black blood of demons. She laughed as she twirled her daggers, excitement for the fight coursing through her body. An Elite charged at her, his weapon raised and ready to attack. She smiled as she gracefully stepped out of the way and stabbed the demon in the side. The Elite howled in anger as it turned to attack again. Aria smiled as she squared off with the Elite, twirling her daggers in anticipation. The demon charged her again, she stood her ground waiting for the right moment. As the demon started to bring his sword down, she dropped to the ground and sliced his calves. The demon fell to the side, unable to use his legs. Aria smiled as she stood over him and drove her dagger into his heart.
A scream from across the battlefield drew her attention. She watched in horror as the white Horseman charged towards Zane. Why isn’t he armed? She wondered. The Horseman laughed, its presence creating a suffocating cloud of evil. Zane smiled as he squared off with the Horseman. Slowly, Zane’s skin turned black and his muscles grew, stretching his skin beyond its limits. He laughed as his body coursed with power. The Horseman faltered for a second before continuing his charge. Zane stood his ground, once the Horseman was within his reach, he pulled him off his horse. Aria screamed as Zane ripped the White Horseman apart with his bare hands. Once he was done, he looked over at her, his eyes pitch black, completely soulless.
A knock on the door woke her up, her body was covered in sweat. She looked out the window and realized it was early evening. Slowly, she got out of bed and made her way to the front door. A knock sounded again. “I’m coming,” Aria called as she entered the living room. She quickly opened the door and was met by a lovely brunette. A smile was on her face as she looked over Aria.
“May I come in?” she asked, her voice soft yet demanding.
“Of course,” she muttered as she stepped out of the way. She watched as the woman made her way to the couch by the fireplace. Aria’s face fell as she noticed the woman’s cane, part of her right leg was missing.
“I’m Anne.” She smiled as she sat down. “Forgive the intrusion but I need to talk to you about Zane.”
“Anne.” Aria paused in concentration. “Oh. You’re the doctor.” She nodded as Aria made her way to the sitting area and sat down in a chair across from her. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes.” She looked around the room hesitantly. “I know he’s told you about the corruption and the seal.” Aria nodded, confused. “Well, I fear the corruption is going to spread. It’s been held back for so long that I’m worried it will quickly take over.”
“Isn’t there anything you can do?” Aria asked quietly.
“The only thing that’s ever worked on corruption is that seal that Raphael created.” She sighed. “We’ve tried to find other ways to stop it, but they’ve never worked.” Aria nodded.
“You think I can help?” She asked.
“I know you can’t since you’re a Fallen and no longer have your powers. But,” she paused, “I was hoping one of the other angels would be able to?”
Aria looked at Anne, working over the possibilities in her mind. “Well, Ryder might be able to help slow down the corruption with his holy light.”
“What about fixing the seal?” Anne asked hopefully.
Aria shook her head sadly. “Raphael is the only one I know of that could work holy light like that. None of the other Archangels are able to.” Anne sighed with defeat while Aria continued to talk. “But our holy light should at least slow it down. For now, anyway.”
“What if it doesn’t work?” Anne whispered. “What will happen to him then?”
“I won’t let anything happen to him,” she responded confidently. “I promise.” Anne looked up at her, confusion flickered across her face.
“Why?”
“Why not?” Aria replied quickly. “He deserves a happy, healthy life. And I will do whatever I can to make sure that happens. I’ll talk to Ryder about treating him.” She looked at Anne with reassurance. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him about the corruption. I’ll think of something to justify the treatment.”
Anne nodded; the relief evident on her face. “I can see why he’s so infatuated with you.” She smiled at the confusion on Aria’s face. “Ah, you haven’t noticed.”
“Noticed what?” Aria looked utterly confused.
“Nothing.” Anne cleared her throat as she stood up from the couch. “I trust you’ll take good care of him.” She smiled at Aria. “I should get going. Riley and Aiden are waiting for dinner.” She laughed quietly. “That man has yet to learn how to cook.” Aria stood up and opened the front door for her.
“Have a good night.” Aria closed the door behind Anne and went back to her room.
~~~~
Zane really didn’t want to talk to Keira, but he couldn’t put it off any longer. He sighed loudly as he knocked on her door. “Come in!” Keira’s muffled voice carried through the door. Zane took a deep breath and gently pushed the door open. Her face lit up with excitement as s
he watched him walk inside. “I was wondering when you’d stop by.” She seductively smiled at him. “Shall we go to my room?” she asked as she twirled her hair around her finger.
“Keira,” Zane sighed as he closed the door and leaned against it. “We need to talk.” Keira’s face turned from one of seduction to pure anger.
“Oh, no you don’t,” she said, her voice laced with fury. “You don’t get to just leave me now that we’re home.”
“We agreed this was just a fling,” Zane replied. “No emotions, no strings attached. Remember?”
“Oh please,” Keira laughed scornfully as she paced around the room. “We both know that I’m in love with you. You’re just too scared to admit you feel the same.”
“I don’t know what I feel for you,” he admitted with defeat. “I’m attracted to you. But I don’t think it’s anything more than that.”
She glared at him as she paced around her living room. She sat on the couch, sighing with defeat. “This is about Aria, isn’t it?”
“What?” he asked with confusion.
“Oh please. Don’t play stupid with me. I’ve seen the way you look at her.” She looked up at him, sadness in her eyes. “You’ve never looked at me like that.”
“Look, I don’t know what you’re talking about. But –”
“Bull shit!” she shouted angrily. “All of us can see it Zane! We’re not blind! You look at her like she’s the greatest thing that’s ever walked this planet. Which is why I had her join us that night. So, you could live out your little fantasy and move on.” Keira paused, breathing heavily. “For God’s sake Zane, she’s a fucking angel! What kind of future do you think you’d have with her?”
Zane just stood there, unable to think straight, let alone come up with a coherent response. “That’s what I thought,” she continued with her rant. “You’d literally do anything for this woman that you can’t have! Why can’t you see that she’s bad for you?” Keira paused, taking a deep breath. “I’m the one you can have an actual life with,” she said softly. “I’m your future.” She looked at him sadly, crossing her arms over her chest. “And until you understand that, you’re going to keep pushing me away.” Zane stared at her and knew she was speaking the truth. “Just go,” she whispered as she pointed towards the door. “Don’t see me again until you’ve made up your mind.”
Zane stood there quietly, feeling like he should at least say something to make her feel better. “Keira, this has nothing to do –”
“I said go!” she shouted as tears rolled down her cheeks. Zane looked at her, his eyes filled with sadness as he turned and walked out the door. He wandered around the village for hours, unsure of what he should be doing. Somehow, he ended up outside of Aria’s hut, the lights were off. She must be asleep, he thought to himself as he stood in front of her door. What the hell am I doing here? Zane told himself he should just walk away, but something was keeping him outside the door. Maybe Keira’s right. He shook his head in defiance. I’m just going to leave, he thought, but he knocked on the door anyway. Fuck. Hopefully she just sleeps through it. He knocked again and was rewarded with Aria’s voice calling from inside.
He smiled as she opened the door. Her hair was a mess and her eyes were barely open. She was wearing a t-shirt and panties, clearly unconcerned with people seeing her barely dressed. She slowly opened the door, wearily rubbing her eyes. “Come in.” Her voice was scratchy and quiet from sleep.
Zane stepped inside and watched as Aria closed the door and looked around, slightly confused. “Is something going on?” she asked as she looked him over. “Are you alright?”
His heart soared with happiness as he listened to her worry about him. He smiled as he stared at her, allowing himself to really look at her and not feel guilty about it. “Nothing’s wrong,” he responded, “I just wanted to talk to you. But if you’re too tired I can go.” He added on quickly, hoping she would let him stay.
“No, it’s fine,” she responded as she walked over to the couch. She sat down, grabbed one of the throw pillows and curled her legs up, wrapping herself around the pillow. “I’m glad you stopped by.” She watched him as he sat down on the other side of the couch. “Anne came over earlier. She’s worried about the corruption.”
Zane sighed with irritation, but as he looked at Aria, he could see the worry on her tired face. “I’m fine,” he responded reassuringly.
“I was thinking.” She paused, trying to organize her thoughts. “I was thinking that Ryder could treat you with holy light.”
“No,” he replied quickly.
“Why not?” she asked confused.
“I don’t need treatment. I feel fine, I’ve been using the holy light from my weapons to control it.” He leaned forward and grabbed Aria’s hand with reassurance. “I am perfectly fine.” He smiled; his face full of confidence.
“Good.” Aria searched his blue-hazel eyes, her mind replaying everything they had been through together. “Why did you really come here?” Her voice shook as she spoke. Zane let go of her hand and sighed in defeat as she quickly pulled away from him.
“I don’t know.” He frowned. “It seems I always find myself being pulled to you. I’ve spent my whole life feeling like a bomb waiting to explode; everyone just watching and waiting for the inevitable. But you,” Zane stared into her green eyes, a small smile on his face. “You have always seen me for who I am. Even after you found out about the corruption. And it’s been such a huge relief to finally be allowed to be myself for once.” Aria shifted on the couch, her eyes watching his every move. “Aria, I think I have –”
“Don’t say it,” she spoke sternly, her voice unwavering. Zane froze, his eyes searching hers. “You’re with Keira, and she’s good for you.”
“Not anymore,” he responded, his voice quivering. Aria shook her head sadly as she stared at him.
“Don’t do this. I can’t deny that I’ve felt this connection between us, and I can’t explain why it happened. But I’m broken, Zane.” Her eyes dropped to the pillow in her lap. “I’m broken and I know I’ll break everything good that’s around me. And, I’m a Fallen –”
“I don’t care about that,” Zane interrupted. Aria looked at him with disbelief. He smiled as he leaned in and kissed her passionately. “I don’t care about any of it. I’ve felt myself drawn to you since I saw you on that battlefield. I just want to be with you, we can figure everything else out later.” Aria began to cry, the tears streaming down her face. He quickly pulled her into his chest, running has hand through her hair. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice full of confusion.
“It’ll never work,” she said in between sobs. “I can’t give you the life you deserve.” She pushed herself away from him, staring longingly into his eyes as tears continued to roll down her cheeks. “I’ve fallen in love with you.” She sighed sadly. “But I can’t be. Do you understand? Angels and humans are forbidden. I can’t –” She stopped as another sob escaped her lips. “I just can’t.” She quickly stood up and looked down at him, her face red and puffy from crying. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed as she turned and ran into her room, slamming the door behind her.
Zane just sat on the couch in defeat, his heart felt like it had been torn into pieces. He looked around the hut, everything was generic yet homey. And he hated all of it. He could feel the anger boiling underneath his skin. A sharp pain in his chest caused him to lift his shirt and make sure he hadn’t somehow reopened his cut. He watched with horror as the edges of his seal disappeared. This can’t be good, he thought as he quickly got up and left Aria’s hut.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Earth
Ryder knocked on Aria’s bedroom door, his face full of concern. “Come on Aria. I don’t know what happened, but you can’t mope around all day.” He called through the door as he knocked.
“Go away!” Aria’s muffled voice shouted.
“You have a message from Michael,” he responded. “You wouldn’t want to ignore him, would you?” He
smiled as he heard Aria sigh loudly and start to move around the room.
“Fine,” she yelled. “I’ll be out in a minute. Just let me get dressed.” Ryder leaned against the wall next to her bedroom door.
“So,” he called out. “Are you going to tell me what happened?” Aria opened the door; her hair was thrown back into a messy bun. She was wearing loose pants and a loose t-shirt. Her face was puffy, like she had been crying all night.
“Not in a million years,” she responded as she walked past him and into the living room. He followed her; his face worried. “What does Michael want?” she asked as she glanced at the couch and frowned, deciding to sit on the chair instead.
“I don’t know,” he replied as he handed her the book. “It was sent just for you.” Aria sighed as she flipped the book open. She quickly read the message, a look of frustration on her face. She grabbed the silver feather, pricked her finger, and quickly wrote in the book. “So,” Ryder asked with hesitation. “What do they want now?”
“Michael wants to meet with me and Zane,” she responded, worry in her eyes.
“Did he say what it was about?” She shook her head as she looked down at the book. She read the new message quickly then closed it.
“I need to find a safe place to meet with him.” She stood up from the chair, preparing to leave. Ryder looked her over, concern on his face.
“You sure you want to meet with Michael looking like that?” he asked. Aria looked down at herself, shrugging wearily. “Why don’t you shower and put on something else? If you go like that, Michael will want to know what’s wrong.” Aria looked at the door to the bathroom.
“I suppose a shower would help,” she sighed as she walked towards the bathroom.
“Aria,” he called to her softly. “I’m here if you need to talk.” She nodded and closed herself in the bathroom. Ryder sighed with relief as he heard the shower start.
~~~~
Zane paced around the room, unable to stand still and wait. Aria was sitting on a chair in the corner, avoiding eye contact. She looked miserable, and Zane knew he was the reason. I should’ve kept quiet, he thought solemnly, frantically pacing back and forth. He ran his hands through his hair and sighed with frustration. “Shouldn’t he be here by now?”
