𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥 𖥸 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝘼𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙨

010 | Dark and Moonless

Gabriel felt unusually tensed as he left the palace in favor of going on his average walk, his sword strapped to his belt and a dagger in his boot. Something felt off, and there was an uneasy feeling washing over him as he strode farther and farther from the rest of the court. What was up today?

He had left in favor of a moment of peace, a single hour was all he needed.

The last few weeks had choked him up, he was hardly able to breathe being cramped up in the palace, waiting for something that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

Kyran was never meant to become part of the court. He knew that. He had just hoped, somehow, things would work out. But they didn't, and she was gone.

The palace had been filled with a sad silence since the girl left, and everyone had been quiet. Even Ciaran, who often secluded himself. Gabriel could sense regret.

He gave a slow, lazy stretch of his muscles as his feline-like eyes scanned his surroundings. It was nice to finally have the time to get out more. Once again, it helped him clear his thoughts and think more on the positive side of things.

He was for sure giving up the hope that the girl would come back. Why would she after all she'd been through? It was like rescuing a cow from the slaughterhouse, only to put it in a pen full of wolves.

Gabriel ran a hand through his hair and decided to head in the direction of the market. As usual, it was packed with many people and the smells of spices and bread filled his nostrils as he inhaled in. The happy chatter of the citizens brought a small smile to his lips as he continued on, taking the longer path that led out the cities.

He was in no hurry, and frankly he wanted to get as far away from the palace as he could get. His footsteps were soft on the hard concrete, and he was ever alert for any sight of danger.

The chatter of the citizens faded away into dead silence, and Gabriel found himself missing the comforting noise as he continued on his way. He felt slightly content and at peace, able to rest his mind and put aside his problems for only a moment.

That was why he went on walks after all.

An alley cat meowed somewhere in the distance and scampered away as soon as it saw him. The sight caused him to chuckle softly.

However, that chuckle soon died out the moment he heard the sound of soft whimpers in the alleyway along with a cruel female voice that was taunting something.

What the hell?

He was fully aware it could have just been an average alley fight, or maybe even a robbery, but he still found himself walking in that direction. The voice sounded oddly familiar.

The golden haired male found himself striding in that direction, a brow raised as he reached for the sword at his belt. He knew he shouldn't get involved, but he was only curious to see what was happening.

It was Kyran.

The girl was pressed harshly against the wall by a hooded figure, her nose crooked and dripping small droplets of blood that created a stream down the girl's cheek. She seemed to be weeping softly, the sharp edge of a knife pressed against her back.

Gabriel's hands went to his sword and he unsheathed it in a matter of seconds. In a blur, he slammed the flat end of it on the unfamiliar woman's head, then whirled around to face the male as she crumbled to the ground and loosed her hold on Kyran.

The male gave a tsk, shaking his head lazily as he clicked his tongue. Immediately, the serpent slithered over to him and the eagle soared down to flash into passive state. "We'll be back. This isn't over yet." Then he was gone, hidden away in the shadows along with the serpent and eagle that had been brought with him.

The third in command debated going after him, but what was the point? The male was gone in a matter of seconds and Gabriel didn't have a clue where he could have possibly gone. At least they had the female. .

His conscience told him to just kill her and be done with it, but the wisest choice was to bring her back to the court for a trial. No doubt the queen would want her head.

Gabriel remained on guard, his eyes narrowed as he made sure the woman was unconscious. He could never be too careful with criminals like them. Once he was satisfied she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon, he slowly helped Kyran up and off the floor. "Don't worry. You're safe now. At least now I know for certain who exactly is behind the murders."

Kyran was still shaking, wiping the trail of blood off her face with the back of her hand. "T-thank you for saving me. . Had you not come, I would have been dead."

"It was no problem at all. I'm glad I ended up walking farther than I expected," The third in command chuckled as he shook his head. He sheathed his sword slowly, then gave a quizzical glance at Kyran. "Can you walk?"

"I think so - yeah." The red head took a few steps forward, seeming off balance but used the wall to support her with her one hand. "Let's just go home. ."

The words brought a slight smile to the male's lips as he turned his heel and began to lead her back to the palace. At least she came back after all. Still, had he not been there she would have been killed. Maybe it was a good thing he escaped from the palace after all.