The Unprevailant | Book 2 |

Chapter 9 ~ The Woman With Mirror Hair

The chilly morning air grasped Civic's onyx black hair, mantling it like a thick silky banner, as he flew downwards. His golden wings cast a luminious glow over the landscape, glimmering above his shadow. His sharp eyes pierced through the cloudy dreariness, locating Valerie on the balcony of Mirror Castle.

With a large swoop, Civic descended, hovering just a few iremeters from the lilac marble floor. He wrapped his arms and wings around Valerie, feeling her respond to his warm touch. Valerie's tears crystallized with every kiss that enveloped her lips like a sip of decadent hot chocolate.

It was just hours after Demian stated his intention to marry Ariel as soon as possible. Feeling the heaviness of his responsibility concerning the mother of his child, Demian sought advice from Cydtin, the only irangel with any experience of engagement matters.

Cydtin was surprised to learn of Demian's rash decision, but he agreed to help Demian search for an engagement ring so he could propose to Ariel. Shortly after, Cydtin confided in Valerie and Civic, feeling this was something they should know, since it would greatly impact them.

It took immense will for Valerie to keep from breaking down and crying heavily. Demian deliberately distanced himself from Valerie, so Valerie considered it a final breakup, especially due to Demian's intention of marrying Ariel. Heartbroken that she wouldn't end up with her destined, Valerie retreated to her room and wept privately.

However, it was Demian who wept most, haunted with the knowledge of what had happened with previous Black Roses and their connected. He feared the awakened darkness, dreading its dark call. Mindful of Civic's suspicion and Ariel's jealousy, Demian decided to spend much of his time with Ariel, disregarding Valerie as though she didn't exist.

From an outside perspective, it was as though Demian was lovestruck with Ariel. But Cydtin knew Ariel was merely a distraction, that his outward affections were out of desperation to escape the darkness.

A story lingered in Demian's mind, the story of Monit's darkness against the Black Rose's everlasting love towards his connected. He supposed that if somebody had shown Monit the love he desired, perhaps he wouldn't have become a creature of darkness, a menace that sought to destroy.

Perhaps Monit saw Ireden as a symbol of what he once had, Demian thought in trying to understand the darkness. He used to be in the sunlight, but one fatal error saw to him a life of darkness. Separated from the light with severed wings, years of dwelling in the dark loneliness, it's no wonder he became such a malicious person.

Upon seeing Demian's unexpected infatuation with Ariel, Civic figured this was his chance to grow closer to Valerie. Their relationship had been strained before, but he wanted to form a stronger bond with the woman he loved. He knew she was hurting from Demian's distance.

While Civic comforted Valerie, Demian went with Cydtin to an Iredescent mall for the first time.

The crisp morning air and bright sunshine did much to improve one's mood. Demian felt the heavy stress evaporate as his wings took him towards a remarkable cascade of waterfalls that soared in between opalescent building structures, each one a different store. If laid out flat, the Iredescent mall would cover the entire country of Slovakia.

Instead of several individual stores dotted along a stretch of road or located in a designated shopping center, the Iredescent mall was a massive myriad of opalescent buildings that intertwined with waterfalls, providing cool water droplets that refreshed the skin upon touch.

Rainbows gleamed on the opal, refracting like a disco ball, throwing sparkles at every shining corner. Every store was partially filled with connected waterways that accommodated finned ones, allowing them to swim from store to store, while winged ones flew from store to store.