On Broken Wings

Chapter 8

Cassius

We were taking a break in the courtyard when someone burst in, shouting, startling the peaceful birdsong. Lucifer jumped up, rushing to meet the panicked stranger. His face hardened as she spoke quickly; she grabbed his arms as if trying to drag him away, her long dark braids swinging with the movement.

"We have to hurry," she cried, voice cracking from stress. "Or else it will be too late!"

"Is he in the village?" Lucifer asked, calm and contained.

"Yes. We have to hurry," she repeated.

Lucifer looked back at me, still sitting on the stone bench. "Do you want to stay here, or follow?"

"I'll come," I said at once. Even through this blatantly urgent situation, my curiosity burned; I had never been down to see the town before, always being too occupied or injured to leave the manor.

The woman took off running and we hurried after her. I struggled to keep up with their speed, going faster in fear I would fall behind and get lost. The woman's footsteps rose and fell gracefully, powerful legs pushing her forward at an alarming rate.

We followed a cobblestoned path down a slight decline, surrounded by trees, the vibrant green foliage creating spots of sun on the ground. Lucifer kept glancing back at me, worry made clear on his face. I shook my head. I can keep going.

The trees started to grow more spread out the longer we ran, and soon we emerged from the forest, sunlight blinding me. I stood there, blinking, amazed by the sight before me. Nestled between sheer cliffs were houses upon houses, some carved into the rock itself. Waterfalls tumbled off the cliffs before uniting into one river that curved through the village like a fat snake, simple bridges built over where it crosses with the small roads. People walked around in every stage of life, some holding baskets filled with fruits, others carrying pails of fresh water.

Each one was not without a smile or a pleased look as they chatted and laughed with one another, greeting everyone they walked past.

So, this is Eden. This is where the Fallen reside.

"Cassius!"

Lucifer's shout shook me from my awe. My eyes found him on the edge of the village standing before a dirt path, worn down from years of use.

"Where did she go?" I asked, sliding up to him.

His brow furrowed. "She told me to wait here. That they will bring him to me."

My stomach clenched, and the hairs on my nape prickled. "What's happening?"

"She did not say, but I suppose we will find out soon." He looked down the path at a group of people now running toward us. "Be careful," he said, touching my cheek with a fleeting hand. "Everything about this is unpredictable."

Shouts followed the group as they got close enough, and, with sickening horror, did I realize they were carrying someone. I caught sight of a bloodied hand brushing the ground before I forced myself to turn away.

What I recognized as the woman's cry from earlier raised her voice above the rest. "Will he be okay?"

Four men, each carrying the stretcher, tried to shoo her away. "Give space for Sana too work!" one of them said roughly. "If you don't, then he will die."

The woman stumbled back, nearly falling onto the ground. Holding her shoulders, Lucifer steadied her. "Azealia," he said gently, "listen to me. I need you to tell me what happened. Can you do that?"