Golden wings

Chapter 7 - Linger

The walls trembled as a deep growl echoed in the night. Its sound traveled through many rooms, every single one dark, with no light but small violet flames from candles.

Deep in the stony manor, through human build corridors, there was a dungeon, hidden past iron doors. And past those, was the darkest chamber.

A long black tail whipped again, slamming itself against the steps on the ground. Only that movement revealed his presence in the dark. It all made his next growl ghostly, full of anger.

He waited. How he had waited.

His eyes opened. Their faint light revealed his figure slightly, crouched on the steps. His claws were gripping them, and almost broke their stone each time he pressured with his nails.

Another day he had waited. And yet, there was no trace of his hunter.

He stood slowly, and took a deep breath, which made him seem taller. Something he did not need, not when his figure was already two meters tall, maybe more. His sharp horns peeked from behind his ears, and went backwards, to rise up to loom with his shadow. His presence could be described like what a human would imagine when naming a demon.

He was one. A fang peeked from his lip, some flames puffed around him from time to time, to fade and die after. His hands ended in sharp claws, like his feet, which could seem human if covered with gloves, or the black boots he wore.

He really could seem human. If he didn't have his claws, tail, horns and bright eyes, which were intensified by his height. Even with them and his strong appearance, he did not look like a monster. He could look attractive, with his tan skin and gentle looks. His elegant clothes did not match his feral features, looking fit for a noble, with their violet and black tones.

He was not a beast like others. Uriel was a high demon after all.

He took a deep breath and controlled his anger. He raised his claws over his chest, to then lower them slowly, letting out a sigh as well. That sigh was full of resignation. His long pointy tail was moving behind him, nervously.

"He is not coming."

Had he worried, for nothing?

He stepped down the steps slowly, glaring ahead with anger. He walked through pitch-black corridors and halls, because all the candles died out as he passed by.

He had prepared his manor for his arrival...

He stepped carefully through a familiar hallway, evading setting foot on one area of the floor. He avoided one of his many traps, a trapdoor, with sharp razors in the bottom of its fall. He got into the main areas of his home, with many empty rooms and halls, all guarded by tall black armors. Their helmets were lighted by faint violet lights, which all died when he gave them a single glare. All of them lost their glow when Uriel's eyes shined. He stopped using his will, and all left their stance, dropping their gauntlets from the handle of their spears.

His violet eyes sharpened even more, because he was tired, emotionally.

He had waited for too long. He did not know how much time already, but it was enough. He had worried; he had thought his angel would try to find him. And slay him.

He could feel he was somewhere. Alive. His heart was pulsing, begging him to fight him. Find him and prove he was the one to survive from the two.

But... His enemy did not seem to want to appear before him.

All the traps he had prepared would do nothing without someone to step near them. He had thought that waiting would be the wisest thing to do. To have the upper claw, know the battleground where to fight for his life.

Uriel halted his steps in front of a big glassy window. His figure was obscured in the middle of the beautiful old hall. The lights did not shed light onto his face, and let the moon be the one to shine onto his eyes. They narrowed, with resentment and doubt.

Maybe the angel was waiting too, for him. Maybe he had the same strategy. Who knew what this angel might plan... What tricks had he ready in that scheming mind.

He had to know well what he was doing. Few angels held so much patience. Most wouldn't waste time, all wanted to destroy them as soon as possible.

The young demon fumbled nervously with his claws, and closed his glowing violet eyes again.

Should he make the first move?

He pondered for another long while. He let the moon hide between the dark forests surrounding his home, time flew by.

Uriel raised his gaze at last, much more dark and determined.

Yes... He had waited enough. He was just going to tear his mind apart if he dreaded their meeting any longer. He had to stop wondering why the angel waited.

He was not scared of his enemy...

The air seemed to run cold when the doors were slammed open. It was cold, even if his figure busted in sudden flames for a second. The demon bolted towards the woods, fast.

He had only one thought, hunt the hunter. Find his angel.

Kill.