Wings of Darkness

Chapter four

I stood in the steam of the shower, peeling my shirt off my sore back.

Every movement made my flesh spasm painfully.

I understand now, why Lahni needed an hour to get ready. Even if our reasons were slightly different.

"M.J?" I heard someone call through the door.

"Yeah?" I said.

"Are you okay?" They asked. Charlie, I think it was. And I could tell he was a little uncomfortable.

I glanced at my back in the mirror. It was torn flesh so I couldn't bandage it up on my own.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said.

"Okay, dinner will be soon," I heard him say before leaving.

I let out a breath, closing my eyes and focusing on my back.

I imagined it threading back together, leaving a scar in place.

Then, when I opened my eyes, a bright light glowed from behind, my back feeling tingly - and an immense amount of pain lashed out.

I gritted my teeth, forcing my breaths to be even. A few moments slipped by, and the pain slowly vanished.

My back was whole again. Apart from a scar that trailed down my shoulder blade, my back was fine.

I turned the shower off, walking into my bedroom.

Smiling to myself, I slipped into some jeans and T-shirt, following the aroma of food to the dining table.

I felt more than saw, a female stiffen. She had red hair like me, and her gaze was glued to my back.

I glanced around the table, but I had no need to, Lahni was already rushing to greet me.

She was in a dress. I raised my eyebrows in question.

"What?" She asked.

"You said you eat together every night," I said.

"And?"

"Why are you wearing a dress?" I then glanced around at everyone else. They were all in some sort of nice clothing and I suddenly felt underdressed.

"It's fine," Lahni whispered. But with their angel hearing, I knew everyone heard. My chin stayed high.

"M.J," Lahni said, "this is Harper, our healer," Lahni said, gesturing to the red haired female who had tensed upon seeing me.

"This is Lynn," Lahni pointed to a beautiful angel, her long, blond hair gleaming in the lights.

"And finally," Lahni sighed like she was regretting something she was about to do, "Jay."

I glanced at the angel named Jay. He was leaning back in his chair, wings tucked in tightly.

I walked with Lahni around the table, carefully sitting down, very aware of the angels watching my every move.

As soon as I sat, three different conversations broke out. I was relieved by this.

"Where's Page?"

"She's still with Charlie," Lahni said plainly.

As if saying their names conjured them, Page and Charlie walked in, hand-in-hand.

"Speak of the devil the devil shall come," Lahni laughed quietly.

"Who's the devil, Charlie or Page?"

"Oh, definitely Page," Lahni said, sarcasm coating her voice.