When Angels Fall

Chapter 6

I cast one last, loving look around the library before following Kuzo to the last door. Even out here in the hall, I can hear the sounds of blows landing and heavy, angry breathing. I look at Kuzo worriedly, and he chuckles.

"Don't worry," he insists. "It's just my sister."

"'Just'? Somehow, that doesn't make me feel any better," I mumble as Kuzo opens the door.

This is obviously a training room. Weapons of all sorts line the walls, guns, knives, swords, crossbows. The floor is one giant sparring mat, and there's workout equipment in each corner. Directly ahead of us, in the center of the room, is a boxing bag suspended from the ceiling by several thick chains. A young woman, who looks to be a few years older than myself, is furiously punching and kicking the bag, making it swing all over the place.

"I'm assuming that's your sister?" I ask quietly, watching her with wide eyes. Kuzo nods tiredly.

She takes a break now, walking to a table and snatching a water bottle. Her hair is long and bright red, and she's lean and tall with muscular arms and a thin torso. She's currently wearing a sweat-drenched tank top and loose, black cotton pants. She looks over and notices Kuzo, giving him a sharp nod, before her eyes land on me. They're a vivid green, and very cold.

"Who this?" she asks, her eyes already back on Kuzo.

"This is Paris," Kuzo introduces me. "My sister, Azi." I give a wave, hoping to raise her spirits enough to make her friendly. But she gives me a glare before taking a drink and setting the bottle back down.

"Keep her away from my gear," is all she says, before returning to attacking the bag as if it's her worst enemy. Kuzo sighs, then turns and leads me back out.

"Sorry about her," he apologizes, awkwardly rubbing his arm. He's hidden his wings again, and it takes me a moment to realize what's missing.

"It's fine," I say, shaking my head and smiling. "I'm used to people being less than polite." Kuzo grins at me, then runs his fingers through his hair, making it stick up in all directions. I have an urge to run my fingers through it, but I don't, the thought bringing a bit of color to my cheeks.

"So what's the plan?" I ask, glancing around the hallway. "Do I have free reign over the Nexis, or do I need permission to go into certain rooms?" He laughs and shakes his head.

"You're allowed to go anywhere. Except the west wing," he drops his voice into a growl, his eyes sparking. My cheeks go red, then I laugh when I realize what he meant.

"Even though there's a huge library here, I can assure you I'm not Belle," I say, snickering. Kuzo laughs, swiping his bangs out of his eyes.

"I knew you'd recognize that reference. It's still your favorite story."

I smirk. "Y'know, if I was a different girl, I'd consider you a stalker." Kuzo's eyes widen, and he chuckles.

"I can assure you, I am in no way a stalker." I laugh.

"I know, but, like I said, were I a different person, I might not believe that." This time, I actually do reach up and ruffle his hair. He pulls away and gives me a light glare as he fixes it.

"Don't do that."

"Why not?" I pout, reaching up again. "It's so soft and fluffy, like your wings."

Kuzo heaves a large sigh, then lowers his head so I can reach better. I laugh and run my fingers gently through his hair. "So soft."

Kuzo smiles at me through the tops of his eyes, and I fight to keep the blush from my face. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, the moment is interrupted by the front door of the Nexis grinding open, followed by a cheery "I'm home!"