Angel's Wings

Chapter One: Dream

"Smile even though you're sad."- Panic at the Disco

The silk brushed up against my porcelain legs, the soft lullaby of a waltz floating in the background. I sighed and let my eyes flutter shut. The feathery curvature of my lashes brushed against my beaming cheeks. Bliss, total bliss.

A man's arm locked around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I laid my hand against his chest in protest. I didn't want to to dance. Only enjoy this moment. "You look ravishing," he whispered into my ear. I inhaled his strong scent of pine and lavender, the scent burning my nostrils. I didn't know him, but we were at a party; a ball, even. It felt natural to be snagged; especially when one of my fingers twitched and felt the hard, bulging muscles beneath his shirt. I gulped.

"You don't even know my name," I muttered shyly.

"I know that I want to learn," he breathed, bringing his nose to my hair. Unconsciously, I stumbled closer to him, folding myself into his embrace. "I want to learn everything about you," he continued. "I've been watching you all night."

A blush blossomed over my cheeks and I turned away, mortified. I hated it when I blushed. "Wow, cheesy much?"

He chuckled. "Not easily charmed, are we?"

"I try not to give in to flattery."

He gripped my waist with firm, large hands and lifted me into the air. For a moment I felt like I was flying, and gasped as I landed. "So what is your name?" He murmured, pulling me close once more. I dared to smile.

"Why don't you tell me something about yourself first?"

"Alright." The man took a step back and goosebumps exploded over my arms. I hadn't realized it was so cold. He reached for my chin. "Look at my face, Vaelyumme."

I blinked and jumped back in surprise. "What?"

"Look at my face. You haven't looked at me this whole time."

"But you said -"

"Look!" His voice became an abrupt roar, and as I stumbled and fell to the ground, gown ballooning around my legs, I saw his feet, his perfectly polished shoes, start to head towards me.

As the man towered over my terrified, vulnerable self, there was a kind of ripping noise and, like an explosion of white as feathers began to expand behind his chiseled back. Only seconds later, there was a full set of wings attached to the man. He began to swoop down, an urgency in his actions, when-

Beep! Beep! Beep! "Oh, sweetie, we have got to fix your hair." I groaned and sat up, blinking the sleep out of my eyes. My best friend, Tyrone, was sitting cross-legged on the edge of my bed, faux fur coat flaring out beneath his sparkling black leggings. He smoothed back his glittery hair. "You was sleeping like a log," he said. "Do you even know what day it is?"

I stuffed my pillow against my face to suppress a shriek. "Noooo!"

"Oh, hon. I'm afraid it's a yes. We've got school again."

I swallowed back a wave of panic and terror and memories. Flashes of light. The sounds of people screaming. Darkness hovering over me. I hugged my arms and bit my lip.

Calm down, I thought. That was last year. It's fine, it's all fine.

"Vael, dove? You doing alright?" Tyrone reached across the bed and pinched my cheek. "You're looking pale as a ghost!"