The Falling (Book I)

Elopement

William figured out the wedding part of his plan quicker than I thought. We were just going to waltz into the church and request to get married on the spot. He called it "elopement."

"When we get to the church, we will ask the priest to marry us immediately. Just follow my lead, alright? He will agree."

I swallowed nervously. "But what about my eyes?"

"I got that figured out, too." He rummaged in his coat pocket and withdrew a long piece of cloth. "You're going to pretend you're blind."

"Is that a good idea? What if we get found out?" I asked.

He gestured for me to turn around. I did so and closed my eyes. I felt the soft fabric go over my eyes and he tied it to the back of my head. He slid his fingers down my arm to my hand. I grasped his.

"He will know I am an angel but he will not learn you are a demon; he is not going to take the bloody cloth off your eyes if we claim you are blind." He sighed. "Come on."

When I sensed us drawing nearer to the church, I tugged on Will's sleeve and paused. He sounded puzzled as he asked, "What is the matter?"

I pointed in the general direction of the church. "Can I even enter it? What if I burn or something?"

I could almost hear him roll his eyes at my fearful tone. "Hurry up, we do not have all day!"

He then proceeded to drag me closer to the church as I dug my bare heels helplessly into the dirt.

"W-wait, William!" I squeezed my eyes tighter as I felt warm earth turn to cool stone beneath my feet. I felt nothing: no pain, no angels coming to smite me. I could sense he was not amused.

"Are you done with your dramatics?" he asked rhetorically before continuing to walk. I stuck my tongue out at him.

He waltzed down the aisle, his hand never leaving mine. I could hear pages turn ahead of us and smelled ancient parchment and cotton. The sound stopped when we got closer.

"An angel? What can I do for you?" He did not seem surprised by William's presence. I wondered if angels frequented his church.

"Father, my fiancée and I would like to get married, quietly, today. As soon as possible." William said in a quiet tone.

"May I ask the reason? Is marriage not allowed in Heaven?" He asked, his voice kind.

I had never encountered a priest before, but I had heard rumors they could spot a demon masquerading as a human just by looking at it. I refrained from lifting my head. The last thing I needed was him attempt to exorcise me.

"Our Lord has given us his blessing but our families do not approve of our love. We cannot bear the thought of being parted from one another." I had to admit, William was a rather convincing liar. Though, I did not expect him to imply I was an angel, too. The very idea was laughable!

The priest sighed, "Though I do not favor elopement, it is not my place to interfere with the works of the Lord, especially in matters of the heart. Very well. I will perform your marriage."

I could hear the grin in William's voice. "Thank you so much, Father!"

Taking a calming breath, I heightened my sight so I could see through the cloth at the expense of my sense of smell.

The priest stood before a wooden stand with a document in front of him and a quill in his withered hand. William maneuvered my body so I was standing across from him instead of behind him. I noticed an elderly woman in a nun's habit standing beside the priest, her little head shaking.