On Broken Wings

Chapter 10

Cassius

Oh, how you undo me.

Lucifer's words echoed in my mind even after he had whispered them to me. My ears burned and my face felt warm despite the cool night air brushing against it. We decided to stay in the village for the rest of the night, perhaps the next few days. Lucifer was agitated, anxious that the Sins may come back for more. I did my best to calm his worries, but he did not seem convinced.

The friendly villagers let us take a house that was tucked away in a quiet corner. It was elegant but simple, two floors and a tiny balcony that held a fantastic view of the stars. I gazed up at them, wondering where the Fallen go after they die; I hope we become stars, returning into which we came. I find peace in knowing that even in death we can become something beautiful.

I heard the creak of an opening door sounding behind me. Lucifer's fingers danced on my waist, pulling me into his body. His touch brought me back to that fleeting moment of passion we had shared, lighting my face on fire once more.

"How are your wounds?" I asked, grasping for conversation, for anything to distract me from the memory.

"They will heal," he replied simply. He tugged me closer in his embrace, his hands resting on the railing of the balcony, radiating warmth.

"When we kissed," I said, turning around, "did you mean it?"

His brows furrowed, confused. "Mean what?"

It felt too embarrassing to put into words. If I said it, what then? Would this tiny bird beating in my chest cease to stop, or would it be set free? Nerves gnawed at my insides and pecked at my confidence, slowly chipping it away. This man, wanting me? I nearly scoffed at the idea.

"Never mind," I said. I tried to maneuver around him, but he grabbed my wrist, holding it loosely.

"In all my years of living, I have learned that nothing can be solved without talking. Speak to me, Cassius. Please. Tell me your worries and I will whisper them away." He paused, stepping closer. "These feelings are new to me. I have experienced many types of attraction, but this is the only one that lights a flame within my soul."

Lucifer's words were sweet, his tone ever so gentle that it made me want to cry. "My body is failing," I whisper past the burning lump in my throat. "I am not so cruel as to leave you when—"

He cut me off with a tight embrace. "You may worry about the future, but do not live in it. I am here, you are here, and the stars are shining."

"I do not wish for you to be alone after my time comes. I do not wish to live painfully in your memories."

"You shall never be painful to me, my love," he murmured, planting a kiss to my forehead.

"I am worried for you. I cannot shake these feelings—all of them. I do not know what you mean to me yet, Lucifer, but I know I refuse to hurt you."

"You will not hurt me." Lucifer tilted my chin, making me meet his piercing gold eyes, softening when he saw tears prickling at the corners. He swiped them away with his thumb, tracing warmth on my skin.

"But when I am gone—"

"I will still love you, Cassius," he said forcefully. "Nothing will hold me from that. Not even death."

I threw myself into his body once again, molding into his embrace as if our bodies were meant for each other and each other alone. My nose filled with his vanilla-citrus scent, and I calmed. The damned disease that cursed my being would only get worse until it takes me across the veil of life where no one can cross. And what then? I will return to the earth and Lucifer's arms would be empty of this warmth we call love. Would he blame himself still? I do not want that, not ever. For such a strong man his soul was a fragile, delicate thing, capable of being easily swept away. Is that the fate kind people get? No, to be kind is to be strong.