Safe in the Dark

The Coveted Wings of Bronze

I was floating in the black void until I opened my eyes. The unforeseen shift in the continuum of light made me blink multiple times, the dazzling daylight almost blinding me even as I narrowed my eyes. The unfamiliarity of the place left a frown on my face. I realized that I was lying on my back, which explained why all I could see was white. I let my hands wander, feel the earth under me. Lush grass caressed my fingers as I took a deep breath.

Where am I? I thought to myself, the corner of my lip tugging in amusement. That was such a clichéd expression. I sat up and looked around, the sudden movement making my back feel curiously heavy. I craned my neck to look behind, my eyes widening as enormous wings blocked my vision. Chocolate brown in color with iridescent bronze highlights, they were plain yet beautiful. I gasped when I attempted to stretch them, and succeeded. Stroking the feathers, I closed my eyes and smiled. They were mine. I had wings! Just as the thought crossed my mind, another ugly one followed.

I will be hunted for being an anomaly. With all of my senses fully alert, I looked around for a sign of life. The open ground was not a safe place. So wasn't the sky.

"What choice do I have?" I asked myself, testing my wings. Age-old instinct guided me to fly, the first few minutes a pain. As soon as I hit a safe altitude, I looked down. A sharp intake of breath was the only indication of my fascination with the magnificent view. The thrill of being in the air gave me an adrenaline rush. This was what freedom felt like. I could never go back. Just when I was about to shout in joy, reality forgotten, I sensed that I was being pursued.

"Two of them, behind you," a voice spoke softly in my mind. I picked up my speed and so did they. I prayed that they didn't wield weapons, that they meant no harm, but somehow I knew that I was wrong on both cases.

"They covet you, your wings," the same voice pressed urgently. I dared to look back, only to realize that I lost them. I was trying to calm my heart down when a sharp, two-edged sword was plunged into my abdomen. I met the soulless eyes of the creature in front of me, blood gurgling out of my mouth. He extracted his sword swiftly before pushing me. Everything became slow at that moment. The white light was beautiful, I thought to myself as I dropped from the sky. The fall seemed to last forever before the dark abyss welcomed me again.