Black Wings

Chapter 23

Aphrodite had really out done herself. The venue was decorated beautifully in white and yellow. As much as Aphrodite claimed to hate us, I felt as if she had done this to impress us. Maybe to show she was not weak, or simply because she seeked our approval. It didn't matter, what mattered was April's wedding. To fit with the light air of the wedding, Aphrodite had selected a pastel rose pink dress. It had no straps or collar and the fluffed out skirt sat just above my knees. Michael had gone ahead, most likely wandering amongst the wedding goers. I entered the hall, brushing back a stray lock of hair out of strange nervousness. Today was supposed to be a happy day, but something felt off to me. I joined Michael, who stood gaping at me.

"Michael?"

"Sorry, just wow. You look beautiful."

"It's not really me, genetics and Aphrodite's help."

"Is it really so impossible for you to take a compliment?" Michael sighed, kissing my forehead.

"Apparently."

"Come, the ceremony is about to start."

I let Michael guide me to a seat in the back along the aisle. The music began to play. I watched bridesmaids walk down the aisle in yellow and purple dresses. April's groom, Mark, stood waiting at the alter, fidgeting nervously. But like everyone he stopped when April appeared. Mark smiled brightly as April walked down the aisle on the arm of he father. April was beautiful in her white dress with its long veil and lace collar. I sat quietly, watching and listening, as they spoke their vows of love and commitment. And I cheered and clapped with everyone else when the two kissed and sealed their marriage. And we followed the wedding party back to the hotel for the reception. Toasts were given, food was served, and eventually people started dancing. Michael stood and offered his hand, waiting expectantly.

"May I have this dance, love?"

"Of course."

I placed my hand in his, letting him lift me to my feet. I was twirled to the dance floor. Many eyes fell upon us as we danced, moving seemlessly as if we had done this a thousand time before. It made me happy to be like this, but that bad feeling continued to nag at my thoughts. Michael paused for a moment and looked inquisitively at April and Rachel who both nodded enthusiastically. April gathered everyone's attention and directed it to us in the middle of the dance floor. I was thoroughly confused, until Michael was on one knee and holding a little box in his hands.

"I know I may not have given you very much a choice last time, so I decided to do this insane act. I decided to do this because becoming yours in a single way is just not enough. It's kind of funny, you know. In the beginning I thought I hated you so much it was unbearable to be near you. Obviously I was a complete idiot. It wasn't until I was forced to be with you I realized how in love you I was. Now, I couldn't imagine a day without you. I don't know what I'd do without you in my life, being a total pain I couldn't live without. Rina, I love you more than anything that has ever existed, please say you'll be my wife."

"I can't very well say no, now can I?" I said, my voice cracking under tears of joy. "Yes!"

Michael stood to embrace me. He wiped away the tears that formed at the corners of my eyes, smiling. The ring was slipped onto my finger and we kissed deeply. But sky suddenly grew dark and a thunderous roar ripped throught the air. Michael, Rachel, and I knew that was no ordinary thunder. The air was charged with celestial energy, dangerous energy. The energy spiked right before one of the outer walls exploded. Standing in the smoking hole in the wall was Raphael and a group of his loyal followers.

"Capture her." He ordered.

Before I knew what was happening, I was slammed to the floor, my arms pulled behind me. I tried to twist my way out of their grip, but it was no use, there were too many.

"Rina!"

Raphael held his brother back as I was lifted off the ground. I ground my teeth, still trying to dight them. People were running screaming, but Rachel was trying to run towards us.

"Let her go!" She shouted, releasing a clip into Raphael.

It wouldn't do anything but piss him off. And that's what just happened. He turned on her, drawing his blade. I squirmed, knowing there was nothing I could do. But Michael blocked him.

"Fine, she'll live. Lucky I have bigger concerns than a meer human. The Blackwing here is wanted in Heaven."

"I haven't done anything!" I growled.

"If only that were true, you're under suspicion of murdering one of our brethren."

"I haven't been near another angel since I was last in Heaven and fyi, last time I had the mindset and physical form of a three year old!"

"Enough out of you!"

I was struck in the temple by the butt of Raphael's angel blade. Unfortunately, this rendered me unconscious. But somewhere far away I could hear Rachel screaming my name and Michael growling almost like a feral dog.

*****
When waking up, I groaned, feeling like there was cotton in my mouth. I was tied up to something. But the smell of old blood and sterile metal brought me to my senses quickly. I had been here many times before, enough for the old blood smell to mostly mine. Raphael's torture chamber, one of the most terrifying places in all of Heaven. And that's saying something, I've been to more than one psychopath's Heavens. I pulled against the leather straps carved with angel sigils that bound my wrist.

"You know very well that's no use." Raphael said, stepping out of the shadows.

I noticed a wound on his cheek. It hadn't healed yet, that meant it was infused with another angel's grace.

"What happened to your face?" I goaded him.

"My brother unexpectedly lashed out." He spat.

From the look on his face, I knew he was going to take out all his built up anger out on me. He would try to make me regret everything I've ever said. So it was no surprise when he wheeled out the cart full of things that could hurt me. I braced for the pain that would come, and this time Raphael wasn't holding back.

*****
I coughed and spat out blood. I was bleeding everywhere. Glaring at Raphael from across the ring of holy fire, I waited for my injuries to heal. It wasn't long before I was back to the state I was before he started. Now, I was majorly pissed off. I had enough, I was done with this. I spat out the last of the blood in my mouth and pulled against the leather straps. The snapped after a little effort, letting me free on the ground.

"Impossible!" Raphael paniced. "E-even if you managed to break those, you can't cross the holy fire!"

I looked down at the fire that separated us. Then I looked back up at him with a cruel smile.

"Are you so sure? Let's see, shall we."

I walked through the fire, causing Raphael to panic even worse. The flames didn't burn, they were actually pleasantly warm. Normally these flames could char an angel in seconds, but they did nothing to me. They kinda tickled as they licked up my bare calves.

"Oh look, I could do it. Now it's mine turn to cause a little pain."