Transgressions (Arshi Shorts)

Fallen Angel (18+)

18+ Mature Audience Only.

The faint call of a distant hummingbird pierced the air, blending with the symphony of the forest. Khushi stirred, her senses alive as the rain-soaked earth released a rich medley of scents.

Her pointed ears twitched, a lone fox meandered its way down the hill, its deft paws avoiding the copses. She surveyed its progress as it came to pause by the tree she was perched at. The fox raised its head, sniffing the air - it was wondrous how wild animals could pick up on demons while humans remained so blissfully unaware.

If only the fox knew that it was in no danger from her, it's only humans who should be wary...

Demons were fallen angels, exiled beings from the Empyrean that tampered with the human realm. She was wronged a century ago - placing her trust in an angel that ultimately stabbed her wings. She ruffled them in agitation as the long lost memories made an appearance, a few violet feathers fell away.

If she were accused of being a sinner, she took on the role with vengeance. For a century, she roamed the earth, protecting the natural resources, destroying the greed filled notions of humanity. This forest was her home now, high up in the mountains, there is not a single soul who can rip a limb off the fauna under her vigilance.

Khushi's claws tightened on the branch with anticipation, her wild hair rustling in the evening breeze. She waited with patience befitting her kind.

For weeks, she had followed a group of men visiting her home, she understood enough of the human industrial lingo. An inconsequential man had purchased these lands, and was in talks of cutting down the trees and converting her domicile into a landfill of decimation.

She will not allow it.

Khushi had left the inessential minions pass, they were after all, following orders. She vehemently believed in her fairness. Her real focus was on the man leading the effort, he was to arrive at any moment.

Her sensitive ears picked up on the roar of an engine drawing nearer, she smiled - the need for carnage taking control. This man would pay for his sins.

A large white automobile cruised into her view, its tires squealing against the muddy rain soaked path. It stopped at the base of the hill, and the man in question stepped out.

Khushi's breath hitched, a low flutter of apprehension seeped through her veins. He was somehow familiar - she was sure they hadn't crossed paths before, and yet - the stature, the regal bearing, it reminded her of someone from her past...was he perhaps the unfortunate offspring of a forefather she had threatened, consumed?

The man stepped forward, he was almost about to enter the forest when his head whipped around to detect the lone fox by her tree. His shoulders relaxed to an extent as the fox took flight.

Khushi couldn't help but want to confront him, she was never one to enjoy causing pain - it was always clean, fast, a caress of whispering death. The men she had destroyed never saw her coming.

She deliberately rustled her wings, and sure enough - his gaze traveled up the tree, and he went rigid.

Khushi smiled, exposing one of her fangs, enjoying the moment - she sniffed quietly but was surprised to not detect any hint of fear in him. She frowned slightly as he took his sunglasses off.

Khushi's smile faltered, his wide brown eyes captivated her, their rich, earthy hues reminding her of the warm tones of the forest floor - steady, and grounded in nature's beauty.

She shook her head infinitesimally, with a flourish, she glided down the tree and landed in front of him. He didn't flinch, nor did he make any move to escape. His intense gaze locked onto hers, surprise and wariness emitting off him.