The Devil's Love

||. Chapter 50: Momento .||

Ansel observed the lightning that struck right onto the ground a few inches from them. Branches of lightning specks of dust formed to the left and right, moulding into round bubbles that exploded into guardians who landed on the ground. Weapons were tight in their grip as they stood tall, showing off their broad shoulders and muscular features. Multiple bolts of lightning formed in the sky. Ansel felt Angelo's palms around hers, gripping them tightly while he stood in a defensive stance. She watched the wind changed directions, blowing dangerously opposite their direction as the trees from ahead swayed vigorously. A cord of lightning buzzed wildly between the two guardians. morphing into a familiar figure. 

Ansel clenched her jaw tightly upon meeting those arrogant orange eyes. A majestic mark in the shape of feathers glowed on Carson's shoulders before disappearing completely, wiping off the dull surroundings from their sight. Around them, new shoots began to bloom as butterflies fluttered their way across her and Angelo. From afar, the butterflies looked harmless. Up close, they had razor-sharp teeth that matched the blades attached to the top of their wings. Ansel immediately flicked off the yellow butterfly that landed on her shoulders. She hissed at it the second it decided to take another step to rest on her body. 

"Do you not remember the creature you created yourself?" Carson questioned, letting one of the butterflies land on his arms, relishing at the cursive decorations on their wings. "I am sure it must be buried between one of your creations. You have so many fascinating creations in your mind, but this is the one you fear most. Why?" 

She stared at the butterflies around her. Recalling some of her old drawings and descriptions, Ansel knew that she had once created butterflies for her own dreamland. They were supposed to be messengers. Since butterflies are too fragile, she added blades on their wings, razor teeth and poisonous sting from their tongue. Ansel stared at Carson, crossing her arms as she arched her back to straighten herself. 

"I remember them. You should fear them too because they hold poison on their tongue," answered Ansel, rolling her eyes at Carson's presence and whispered under her breath. "But, of course, it can do no harm to you here. What a waste." 

Opposite Angelo and Ansel, Carson stood proudly in his light blue suit. Orange marks decorated its sides elegantly almost misinterpreting Carson's foul personality. Ansel could see the disgrace Carson brought to the magnificent suit. The beautiful piece of artwork did not mirror the elder's destructive mind. In this situation, Ansel could say that Carson would be the greatest example of deceiving appearances. In his palm, a silver sword gleamed contemptuously. 

Angelo studied the two guardians next to Carson. The female was once the best fighter among the guardians of the Sea while the male had been Carson's follower for a very long time. In Carson's palm, he gripped a gleaming silver sword that was once used by the deceased angel of the Sun to slain the colony of sun destructors and consumers. The sharp markings at the hilt of the sword never fitted Carson's loose grip. Angelo bit his inner lips, staring at Carson's features that brought shame to the majestic sword. He knew deep down that the sword would be better off alone in the Ancient Depot up in the Golden Chateau. He tightened his grip on Ansel, fearing that Carson would sweep her away with his magic. 

"Angelo," Carson called out, his fingers trailing along the blade of his sword. "It is really an immense pleasure to have you here in my creation. I knew I would be able to lure you out of your hiding by putting Ansel in between dreams. Your sickening attachment towards her radiated so strongly that most of the guardians are prattling about it. The angel of the Dead can never let go of his lifelong lover. My, my, it's tiring to hear those comments, but it would feed Halion's history books so well. Since you are here, why don't we end this? It saves our time and I can have her personally to me without you chasing after her. It's better for us and her"