one who birthed you, you held her close with your human sentiment. You let it blind you. We are the force the council uses, chooses to save and keep, and you...you are nothing more than an outcast that, in their mighty power, they deemed too sad to kill. One day they will and I will do it, and we will rejoice for the scourge is gone. They should have killed you that day, like they killed that human you loved and that angel.”
I snap, the madness taking hold. I’ve lost so much, faced so much pain and grief, and with my mother’s screams resounding in my ears and Dawn too far away to touch and drag close and keep safe, I let it all out...unleashed like the animal, the beast he accuses me of being.
He doesn’t even see me moving, he doesn’t expect it. He is too formal, too emotionless to see how hate and anger can guide you. It makes me reckless and unpredictable and he doesn’t know how to fight me. I grab him around the throat and my wings burst from my back as I drag him into the air and slam him back against the wall, next to the painting of our captors. His eyes widen slightly, his breath quickening for a moment, the only sign of fear he will share, to do otherwise would be to dishonor his father, his council.
I know they were treated worse than me back then. Their fathers didn’t love them, just what they stood for, a chance to train warriors. A lot of them were tough, hard, evil even, but I can’t help that or change it. I will not let them sully my father’s or mother’s names in my presence. They might have been raised by monsters, but they chose to work for them, they chose their path and now they have to live with it.
He fights my hold, but I’m too strong, the veins bulging in my arms with the strength of gripping him. He stops struggling and just stares at me. “What will you do now, fallen? Kill me? You do and they will torture you and rip your wings away again, you overvalue yourself, you are nothing but a toy to them.”
“And you are nothing but a blade,” I counter, leaning closer and letting him see the madness he thinks he knows, he has no idea. “You think they would really care if I kill you? There are hundreds of others just like you, waiting to step into your spot. You are nothing, disposable.”
A throat clears and we both turn our heads to see Veyo standing there with a dirty expression on his face. “That painting is very expensive. Wings away, fallen, they are ready to see you.” He sighs and waits until I release the man who drops to the floor before jumping to his feet, his arms crossed behind his back like a good soldier. I float to the floor, my wings going away as soon as I land and push them both back.
It’s about time. Now, let’s trick the council.
I watch them both go with a sigh on my lips. How I wish my little monster was here, but we will get her back soon and this infighting will stop. They wouldn’t dare bicker with her here. I lock up behind them and leave the key before walking into the forest, shedding my clothes as I change, my hands catching on the trees as I pass by, absorbing their knowledge and strength.
I feel the change wash through me, like letting out a breath as I move through the forest. I am to collect allies and wait near the council in case anything goes wrong, which tests my patience. I can feel my little monster, and to not be with her is a torture unto itself.
As I amble, I let out a call to the animals and creatures that linger in the forest under my protection. I hear their howls and songs of answer, and the stirring of the dark creatures that slumber here undisturbed under my protection, awakening as they feel my need. I called a few of my friends before I left and spoke to them. They were suspicious at first, not believing the council was behind it, but we all know the council has its own agenda, and these beings will stand with me if it turns out to be true. I also spoke to Victoria, who is scouring the city