White Wing

Ace

Two weeks after the last warning letter, I headed back to where I met Sabriel.

"Sabriel!" I called out, ignoring the passerby staring. "Sabriel, are you here?"

I watched as their expressions froze and looked around, before directing my gaze upwards to a tree.

"Oh, you learn fast!"

"Get down here now."

Sabriel chuckled softly and hopped down. "Is there something you need?"

"Can you grant me passage into the Celestial realm?"

"Are you attending the ball?" he asked, amusement etched across his face.

"What does it look like?"

"Sure," Sabriel said, handing me a golden mask. "Since you don't have one." He pointed over to the water and we walked to it together. Sabriel pulled himself onto the railings. "The night of the ball, walk on the water to the moon's reflection. You'll get in."

"You have really bad security issues. And especially if you're smuggling an exiled angel in."

Sabriel gave me an amused glance. "I'm expecting you to clear your name."

"That's unlikely."

"Sounds like you're planning something fun. May I tag along?" came a voice from somewhere.

Sabriel nearly tumbled into the water, as I spun around, recognizing the voice. "Shun."

Shun smiled, and bowed to Sabriel. "Hello, angel."

"You... what... how..." Sabriel said, seeming to have forgotten how to create proper sentences.

"Sabriel, that is unsightly for an angel," I said, as Sabriel sat up and coughed.

"Right, I froze time, so how is it that you, a mere mortal...?" he trailed off.

"My, my. Who told you I was a mortal?" asked Shun, looking offended.

"That's..." said Sabriel, seeming unsure what to say. Shun had a special talent for rendering people speechless.

Shun smiled, "A ball, you said? It's not right for a lady to go without an escort, is it not?"

"Are you suggesting you would be my escort?"

"Why not?" he flashed me a smile.

"Do you even have formal wear and a mask?"

"All easily attainable."

I cast through my memories for something to deter him, but to no avail. I could do with the help as well.

"Sabriel," I said to the angel who was watching us. "Could you smuggle us both in?"

"Yes, Estriel."

"Then that's settled." I turned to Shun. "And you, you will be my escort to the ball then."

"With pleasure," he said, flashing a smile.

Sabriel disappeared as people started walking around again. "Is there a reason you want to come, demon?"

"You didn't tell him I was a demon."

"Because you don't even act like one."

Shun nodded as he said, "I simply want to see what's happening up there."

And I simply want to find out who's murdering my ex-family. Because something tells me the next murder will be during the ball.

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