A Cloak Of Feathers

Chapter 9 -Escape

The frantic rapping of knuckles against the locked door freezes us in shock as we wildly look around for an exit, a hiding spot -anything.
"What now?!" I panic under my breath, jumping to try grasp the decorative gold swords hanging high above the mantel piece

Azrael suddenly freezes to a halt and glances up at the ceiling. He throws off his jacket, tossing it in the fireplace, his beautiful wings exposed. I look up too, noticing the rafters draped with cobwebs and a porthole window through the roof.

Azrael motions me over, not taking his eyes off the trembling door that holds the muffled shouting behind it. I sprint over to Azrael, not even flinching as he whisks me into the air.

We land shakily on the rafters, Azrael holds me close as we try to blend into the darkest shadows of the ceiling.

The door bursts open, two frazzled and armed guardians and Sir Arthur, march in. The guardians stumble around the room, checking behind furniture and curtains.

After ten minutes of frantically searching, one of the smaller guardians nervously pipes up, "There's nobody here sir, the-they must have escaped." He stammers, meekly tugging his sleeve as a red-faced Sir Arthur seethes.

"How do you mean? They couldn't have vanished!" Sir Arthur's brash voice roars, eyes darting all over the room. I grit my teeth with worry, hoping he doesn't look up.

The guardians bow their heads, speechlessly slinging their weapons over their shoulders. Sir Arthur slams his fist against the mantelpiece, a china plate smashes to the floor. I flinch slightly, nearly letting out a sound.

"You are both are fired, I ought to send you to base nine if you can't do your job properly!" Sir Arthur spits threateningly. "OUT." He angrily throws his hands up, bloodshot eyes wide. The guardians skulk away in shame, leaving Sir Arthur with us in the room.
He breathes deeply as if trying to lower his blood pressure after the outburst of rage. Running his hand gently over the handwritten letter laying on his desk, he gives one long look around the room suspiciously with beady eyes. Hesitantly, Sir Arther shoves the letter in his suit jacket, scurrying out of his office.

I feel Azrael's muscles relax as the door slams shut. I breathe a little easier, released from his tight grip.

"There's our exit," Azrael quietly says, pointing to the porthole window, leading to the rooftop. I nod, as he moves to the window, cracking it open.

"Azrael don't let anyone see you," I squeak as he edges through the tiny space. A gush of cool air soothes my flushed cheeks. Azrael helps me onto the rooftop, I clamber onto the roof tiles as gracefully as I can in heels, clutching onto Azrael's arm.

"I've got you," Azrael chuckles lightly, I wobble on the slanted roof apprehensively. The star spangled sky mimics spilt glitter, I stare at it in awe.

"We can't stay long," Azrael breaks the silence, his ebony hair tousled over his forehead. I suddenly get the urge to run my fingers through it, to smooth it out. What's wrong with you Keira? I scold myself, breaking free of the trance. Bundling the bottom half of my dress in my hand, I hope the dark shadows hide my blush.

"You need to go back into the crowd, leave through the exit. It would look suspicious if you were seen walking in, but not coming out." Azrael thoughtfully determines, rubbing the side of his jaw.

I scan the area and notice a rooftop garden beside two high turrets. "Could you drop me off there?" I ask, pointing to the left of us where the garden lay.

Azrael nods, lifting me up with his hand under my back and knees. I squeeze my eyes shut, more terrified of being spotted with an angel than the great height from the ground below. Swiftly, we fly soundlessly through the air. I land on soft grass, overlooking a pristine garden of white lilies and lavender.