An Angel and a Demon

Chapter 9

She watched, shaking, as her mother gasped for air. The woman didn’t seem interested in Lydia’s need to breathe. She turned around to face Zayn’s parents. Even they remained unfazed. 

“She’s trying to manipulate you. Angels will do that. But I assure you, all I want is for your family to get back home safely. It’s about time that demons got the revenge they deserve. I'll do whatever I can to make sure that happens." 

She couldn’t watch anymore. Before Zayn could grab her, she jumped up in front of the window. The dead leaves beneath them crunched so loudly that it seemed like the only sound in the still night. Zayn cursed and stood alongside her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side of the house. She struggled against him, but he clamped his hand over her mouth. She heard the woman talking.

"I think that would be our long awaited guests. I suggest you bring them before they do something they regret. Ciara, keep an eye on Lydia.” 

Zayn’s eyes locked onto hers and she froze.

“Listen, I know you want to stay, but we need to run. If that woman gets us they’ll be no chance of trying to save your mom.”

They heard the front door open and then Marilyn didn’t need convincing. They took off into the dark, just as Zayn’s dad came around the corner, seeing them disappear behind the neighbour’s house. Marilyn glanced behind her. Elijah was gaining, fast. They couldn’t outrun him. 

She gripped Zayn’s arm and her wings unfurled, swinging down and they were lifted off the ground, towards a deep navy sky. She looked back down. Elijah couldn’t be seen.

They landed in the park, a few houses down the street and her wings folded. The street lights left it in darkness and the swings creaked eerily. There was no one else in sight. She turned to Zayn, breathing hard.

“They’re going to kill her… they said… they…” 

“I know, I know," he whispered. She could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said, gently. She wanted to say more. She wanted to tell him that he didn't have to worry. She wanted to, but she didn't. She didn't want him to pull away.

“This would be a lot easier if you just came along quietly.”

They whipped around to see Elijah, standing in the middle of the road, the orange from the street lights glinting off his horns. They were bigger than Zayn’s, thicker, more powerful. She couldn't help but be impressed.

Zayn sneered at his father.

"What the hell? What are you doing?"

“Zayn, I never actually meant to hurt anyone. I’m just doing what I have to,” he said, walking forward slowly. Carefully. Marilyn couldn’t read his expression.

“Please, dad, just tell me what’s happening,” Zayn pleaded, emotion cracking his voice.

Elijah stopped, a few meters away from them.

“Please, I just want to understand.” 

He was crying.

A thoughtful pause. Elijah sighed.

“First accept this; I’m well over one hundred years old. As is your mother, and Marilyn’s parents. We all fought in the war we told you about.” 

Silence. Marilyn stood there, acutely aware of how many times she blinked that very moment. Elijah continued.

“When the demons lost the war, our people were angry, to put it mildly. All demons had to leave their cities, countries, homes… most never made it out. The angels were sending their people to finish off what was left of us. Our leader was doing nothing to help. He was too scared to make a move, and frankly our military was in no shape to-”