PAINFULLY FALLING [BOOK 1]

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Violet

"In the painting flashed on the screen, Michael sent Lucifer to the pits of hell. Many religious references said that he, along with the six other archangels, locked Lucifer and his generals with six hundred and sixty six seals." Professor Count slid his hands in his pockets before giving us a slight smile. "...but many believe those seals can be unlocked soon, setting the fallens free to start another rebellion against the Almighty."

Kinagat ko ang dulo ng aking ballpen habang nakapangalumbabang nakikinig sa lecture. Funny how a lot of my stubborn classmates listen as attentive as those who actually work hard for their grades. Looks like today's topic really caught everyone's attention...even mine.

Lilith raised her hand. Kaagad naman siyang itinuro ni Professor Count nang makita siya nito. "If the seals locked Lucifer and his allies, then who will unlock the seals to free him? God?"

Chuckles filled the room but the smile on Professor Count's lips widen. "Well," he folded his arms in front of his chest. "Not all of his allies were locked with him. Some managed to escape the fires of hell before the archangels were able to close the gates with the seals. They're now what most people call demons. The ones believed to possess people to unlock the seals."

Humupa ang tawanan at napalitan ng mga bulungan. Professor Count seems to enjoy what he is seeing. Halatang naging interesado nga ang lahat sa kanyang itinuturo ngayong araw.

Sandali kong pinasadahan ng tingin ang aking mga kaklase. Madilim ang loob ng lecture hall at tanging ang liwanag lamang na nagmumula sa projector ang nagsisilbing ilaw ngunit sapat na iyon upang makumpirma ko ang sari-saring pananaw ng mga kaklase ko sa sinabi ni Professor Count.

We owe ourselves the truth about the things we believe in.
Mom's voice echoed inside my head. Matagal bago ko naintindihan ang bagay na iyon. Mom was right. We owe the truth to ourselves. Believing in something just because someone told you to believe in it is the worst way to betray yourself. Too bad I realized that when she's already gone.

My heart ache with the thought and I suddenly felt a lump formed in my throat. Kahinaan talaga kita, Ma.

My eyes gazed back to the image on the screen to wash away the pain Mom's memories caused me. I stared at the Archangel whom Professor Count described as the most terrifying servant of God. He looks perfect though. From the angles of his face, to his toned muscles and beautiful white robe and golden belt...but a part of me feels scared of him, and realizing that part of me exists made the hair on the back of my neck to stand.

I never thought a servant of heaven could sent shivers down my spine in a terrifying way.

"Violet?" I heard someone said from behind but my eyes remained focused on Michael. As if I'm too drawn to the fear I'm feeling towards him.

"Hey, Violet?" I snapped. Humarap ako kay Lemuel na halatang nagtataka habang nakatingin sa akin.

His thick chocolate brows met each other as his dark green pools scan my face. "You're sweating," he uttered before placing the back of his palm on my forehead. "Ayos ka lang?"

Kumawala ang isang malalim na hininga mula sa aking bibig. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sa init lang siguro ito." Dinampot ko ang aking mga gamit at sinimulang maglakad paalis kasama siya. Ni hindi ko namalayang tumunog na pala ang bell senyales na tapos na ang aming klase. Halos kami na lamang din ni Lemuel ang tao roon kasama si Professor Count na naghahanda na para sa susunod na klaseng tuturuan niya.

Niyakap ko nang mahigpit ang aking mga aklat habang tahimik naming tinatahak ni Lemuel ang daan palabas ng lecture hall ngunit nang mapansin ko ang AC, kusang tumigil sa paghakbang ang mga paa ko.