Elvirund | ✔️

Chapter Nineteen

My eyelashes stuck together when I tried to open my eyes, and I instantly regretted sitting up so fast. Blinking to clear the dust from my vision, I breathed in deeply and leaned my head back against the wall. On the opposite side of the room, Chip was asleep and as I took a second glance I saw Cas asleep as well, with one arm slung gently over Chip's stomach. It was quite a serene picture, such a different feel from yesterday's panic, that I couldn't help but stare for a minute. Chip breathed, Cas' arm rose and fell with it, and as I looked on both of them seemed to lean into each other.

The two of them were so comfortable with each other, their friendship was so deep, and I envied them for a moment. Cas seemed to be protectively draped over Chip, as if he had fallen asleep watching over him. I almost smiled, too exhausted to fully form the expression. Slowly, my mind began to wake up. Different thoughts started to storm me with doubts and guilt. If only I had moved faster. If only I had expected the intelligence the demon had possessed. If only, if only. I sighed under my breath and dug quietly through my bag for a scrap of paper. Scribbling a short message, I dropped the paper by Chip's arm.

"That should do it."

I stood with a sore groan. Unlike humans, if I stayed still for too long I would actually start to solidify. I had known a couple angels to die on Earth that way. Of course, it took us months to become like that, but the paranoia was always there. The thought sent a chill down my back as I shrugged into a light cardigan and tucked my wings in. I felt caged in, and I wanted a breath of free space for at least a few minutes.

The morning air was crisp and cool, a refreshing break from the sweaty heated rush of hospital life. I greeted the early morning sun with relieved delight, grateful for the peace on the streets. Birds chirped lightly, a moth fluttered by me, and a thin breeze brushed through my hair. As I walked slowly I relaxed, and my senses sharpened. Without even turning I dropped my knife onto the Mutarch bouncing behind me.

"What a bother."

Scooping up my blade, I whipped the pest off of it, relishing in the squeal the creature let out as it hit the tree on my right. I could clean the knife when I got back. As the sun began to peek out above the treetops I felt a comfortable warmth rest on my shoulders. For once, I was content. I knew where my enemies were, and I knew what I had left to do. Without acknowledging the impending doom I was no doubt barreling towards, I was doing well. My footsteps scuffed through the pebbles as I walked, and I relished in the feeling of fresh air in my lungs.

"Out for an early walk?"

"Calphys."

My voice became strained, and my muscles tensed instinctively. I didn't look back but I heard them take steady steps closer and closer until they were walking at a comfortable pace beside me. I didn't look.

"I won't force you to like me. I know I can't. But you could at least do a little better to hide your disgust."

"Well, that's unfortunate for you."

"I just wanted to ask why you hate me so much."

"I think you know very well why."

I discreetly slid my gaze to Calphys, unsure of what to expect. Certainly, my expectation was not Calphys' serene look of resigned sadness.

"I didn't know your father was in Council Village at the time."

"That can hardly be true."

"Oh, but it is."

"Well, say that it is. You stared into my eyes and told me you hoped I would live to tell the tale. I may have been young but I was not that naive."