ANGEL WINGS

Six

Six

Jordan was severely annoyed when he received the mental prompt to leave and report. He was determined to help Jade in any way he could, even though he knew there was a reason she was being punished, and everybody knew the reason.

She was the First to Fall; it was an important historical event. Of course it was documented. Jordan found a hotspot, waited for a few college kids to leave and ascended quickly.

When he reached the Arrival Hall, he headed straight towards the judge's office. It had been one day since his last report; there was no need to summon him again in such a short space of time.

But as soon as he entered Judge Hillcrest's transparent office, he felt that something was wrong. "Jordan Knight." The judge greeted him coldly from behind his desk.

"Yes sir?"

"We have received news that the First to Fall no longer has the company of the Darkness."

Jordan's heart plummeted. He'd hoped with everything in him that he would be able to keep this from the officials in Heaven. But he should have known better. "I apologise, sir. I had no idea." He said, head low and hopeful that he would be believed.

"Do not attempt to deceive me again, Knight." Replied the judge in a bored tone, "I know how you feel about the girl and it is inexcusable. You will stay in the city to await your punishment."

Fear struck Jordan's heart and he backed away from Judge Hillcrest. He sank to the floor of the man's office, his head in his hands. He was going to die for this, he knew it.

Three men came to escort Jordan to his holding cell beneath the judge's building. He didn't fight or protest. He allowed them to guide him under the ground and into the disgusting iron room where he would stay.

It smelt like something had taken refuge between the walls and died and the air tasted stale and salty. The poor souls that Jordan could see were dirty and often naked, clamouring over one another to get at a piece of mouldy bread or a drop of rank water.

"Thank you." Said a man to his left.

Jordan frowned, "What for?"

"The procedure is delayed until there are thirty of us. For months we have waited but now we can be free." He explained with a slightly maniacal smile on his face. "Now, dear friend, we can escape this hell! Now we can know freedom! Now we can fall."

Jordan shook his head in disbelief. This man did not know of the hopelessness he would feel on earth. It would suffocate him, drown out his joy. He would not be happy there.

Then Jordan realised the startlingly obvious fact he'd overlooked. He would suffer through the Tearing.

UPDATE - Aug 3, 2015

This book is in the Watty Awards, so please vote! I love you all and it literally only takes a second!