When Angels Sin

24. An Earned Gift

Julian

"My Lady, I am truly honored by your visit!" Liam bowed as Julian introduced Alina to him. "I apologize for the crudity of my place, but please have a seat and make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?"

"There's no need for that Liam, we only came for a quick favor," Julian said as he turned Alina around, and Liam's eyes widened as they fell on the chains. "Can you do something about her wings?"

"You want me to break those chains off?" Liam asked.

"No!" Alina gasped and turned around in alarm. "You can't do this."

"Yes he very well can!" Julian said impatiently. "You almost died today because of them!"

"No, please, you can't break them. If Bernard finds out he will kill me!"

"To hell with Bernard! He can't kill you. He's not even here. Please Liam, take those fucking chains off!" Julian said, and he could notice Alina's wide eyes. He always made sure to watch his language when he was around her, and to suddenly curse like that must have been a bit shocking for her. But he couldn't help himself. The idea of her almost dying today because Bernard had put those fucking chains on her made his blood boil with rage.

"But that's against Bernard's will, if I understand correctly," Liam said.

"We will mention nothing about you," Julian assured him.

"How can I guarantee that?"

"Come on Liam! Have you just met me today or something?" Julian scowled at him. He was not in the mood for Liam's games now.

"Well, what can I say? Alright, I will do it. But it will require a lot of gold."

"Agreed," Julian decided without even getting back to Alina.

Julian held Alina's arms, and he could sense her trembling and whimpering as Liam stood behind her trying to cut off the stubborn metal.

"Stop fidgeting please," Liam said. "The chains are so tight and you will get hurt if you don't stand still."

Alina trembled further at his words and Julian's hands rose up and down her arms soothingly. He could feel her relax a little bit at his touch. He looked down at her face to check if she was in pain, but she only looked up at him with round trusting eyes that made his heart melt. He gave her a smile, which was supposed to be a reassuring one, but it came out weak and hesitant, and he realized that he himself was trembling too.

"There!" Liam laughed out, and the chains rattled as they fell loose onto the floor. 

Julian couldn't help his wide smile as he found Alina's wings set free at last. He turned to look at her face, but he realized that she was not smiling. She was only staring at him blankly.

"Can you move them?" Julian frowned, dreading her answer.

"I can't," she whispered, confirming his fears. His heart sank. Could her wings have been confined long enough that she had probably lost use of them?

"It is alright. It might take some time to adjust," Liam said as he walked to the anvil and resumed hammering a long blade he had been working on.

"Oh!" Alina gasped, and Julian turned to find her looking back at her wings which were now moving so slightly. She flashed him a warm smile of silent gratitude before she turned towards Liam, her eyes lingering on the many swords that lay on a table before him.

"Can you give me one of these?" she asked as she gestured towards the row of large war swords, and Liam chuckled.

"What would a fine lady like you want to do with such a dangerous thing? Are you planning on killing someone?" Liam joked.