Their Wings

Chapter 24: Roar

They were huge, sprouting out of my shoulder blades and reaching over my head. They were silver, the type of silver that glows in even the dimmest light. Without even one move I knew they were powerful, more powerful than Luke’s. I was still in a state of shock at their sudden appearance, which Luke was all too thrilled to break me out of.

“They’re amazing Ella.” he said in wonder.

“Y-yeah, they are.” I whispered.

He let out a quiet chuckle, before slowly walking around me to see them properly. Michelle was dumbstruck after her little exclamation, her mouth hanging open. Luke stepped closer, until he was an inch from them. My wings quivered slightly at his proximity. As close as he stood, he didn’t make a move to touch them.

“They’re strong, I can tell that much. But that’s to be expected.” he said quietly.

“Yeah… You can touch them you know.” I said. He shook his head with a low chuckle.

“No, no. Touching another Angelus’ wings is sacred, something that is only done with someone you trust with your entire life.”

Before I could reply there was a faint rumbling behind us. We turned around to face the empty road, watching apprehensively as the rumbling grew steadily louder. I could feel my wings tingling, aching to lift me up and away from the disembodied noise. The noise was so loud now that the air around us seemed to vibrate with it. It wrapped around us, making us shake with it.

Suddenly it seemed as if the world around us broke apart, cracks appearing in the sky. A white light shone from behind them, growing steadily brighter as the cracks deepened and let more of it in. The air was suddenly filled with the acrid scent of sulfur, making me all but gag. Luke’s eyes had comically widened as the stench covered us. Something horrible was coming out. Terror enveloped me, making me freeze.

“Ella, give me your hand. NOW!” Luke shouted. His other hand was already joined with Michelle’s and I quickly fitted my palm into his. I closed my eyes at the flash of bright gold light emanating from Luke’s form. As we disappeared I heard a loud, inhuman roar. It was filled with rage and desperation. It shook the foundations of the earth as we vanished.

~O~O~

We landed on my front porch. It seemed surreal that I was back at home. Everything seemed like a lifetime ago. I numbly followed Luke into the house, collapsing on the couch. I looked around the room that had once been so familiar. I couldn’t believe it hadn’t even been two weeks since I had first found Luke’s feather on the porch. It all seemed a lifetime ago, a distant memory. Suddenly Michelle walked in and plopped own next to me, leaning forward and dropping her head into her hands. Luke appeared and sat on the other side of me, leaning back and covering his eyes with a groan. Seeing the two of them so weary suddenly reminded me why we were here.

“What the hell was that?” I asked them.

“That was the All-Father. Jevidana.” Luke answered, sitting up and uncovering his golden eyes.

“And who the hell is the All-Father?” I asked, getting more freaked out.

“He is the first ever Angelus, and also the first Angelus to be banished from Ahina. He was a born leader, the greatest of kings. But he grew greedy, power-hungry and bloodthirsty. Eventually to save Ahina from his tyranny the Council banished him from Ahina. But he is incredibly powerful. When he was thrown out he somehow managed to keep some of his powers and shaped the Shadowrealm from the darkness that resides in the darkest corners of the world.” Michelle said.

“He spent millennia in there, honing his magic. He turned it into something dark, sinister. When he felt he was ready he began to track down Undetermineds, like you. He poisoned their minds, made them swear to pledge allegiance to him once they were given his wings.” Luke continued.