Wings of Light

The Beginning

It's the last day of Summer.....

There's a sense of uncertainty in the air, mixed in with the barely noticeable trace of rain.The street I'm standing on is quite and empty. I'm waiting for my friends to enjoy one more night of fun before everything changes.

I can't believe I'm becoming a college freshers soon..

The thought is as scary as exciting..

The pavement is lit by a single street lamp, and my eyes drawn to a figure standing under it. It's a man. I can't make out any details of his face but for some reason, I can't look away. The street light flickers, and some kind of a reflection blinds me for a second.

When I open up my eyes, I saw the man has white translucent wings.

I can't believe my eyes. I rubbed my eyes, trying to make the mirage go away, but it's no use.

He does, he has wings!

The light flickers again, making me look away. Baut when I turn back again, both the man and his wings are gone.

Did I imagine all of this?!

I heard footsteps approaching and my friend's voice. Monica continues....

"Hey, Alice! What's up ? You seem kind of spooked."

"I thought I saw something...but it was probably nothing."

"Oh...ok, then."

I remember the times I thought I saw similar things before, but always questioned myself. But Jake interrupts my thoughts, breaking the awkward silence.

"Hey, are we going inside?"

"Yeah sure.."I replied

The bar I entered is crowded and the music is too loud. Everyone's dancing and Monica immediately pulls me to the dance floor.

"Come on, let's dance!"

Jake turns around, extending a hand out to me.

"Coming, Alice ?"

He is looking at me wearing his signature charming grin, making my heart jump. I told myself that tonight would be the night - I should finally confess my crush to him.

"Uhm...Yeah.. I'd love to dance."

But now that he's here, I can feel my palms sweating and I feel him too

Why does it always have to be so difficult...Why do I freeze when I'm around him ?

Monica leans in and whispers in my ear.

"So, when are you doing it ?"

"I ... I don't know. I want to tell him, I do....But I'm not sure now is the right time."

"Listen, Alice, if you don't tell him tonight, you'll go away to college without him ever knowing."

It's all making me even more nervous, so I just try to focus on dancing. I move my body, swaying my hips to the rhythm, and the music takes over. Jake turns to me, and just when I'm about to get closer... jumping in my side vision, something distracts me.

In a distant corner of the bar, a young man is staring at me. His hair is the darkest black I have ever seen, his skin is warm and tanned..and the way he's looking at me, makes my body crawl with goosebumps.

"Wow..."

It feels like he's undressing me with his eyes, and it's lights a fire in my core. He is gorgeous! I've never seen a guy looking like that around here...

Like hypnotized, you're unable to stop staring. But Jake takes my hand, turning me toward him and shakes me from my daze.

"Alice, What's the matter?"

"Oh, I was just...."

"I turn back around, my eyes searching, but the man is gone."

"Am I seeing things again...?"

"It's just Alice, zoning out is her thing... "Monica said.

She's smiling at me both, mischievously, and I'm starting to get a really bad feeling about it...

Please don't do anything stupid Monica, please don't do anything stupid...

"Hey, Jake, did you know that Alice has a crush on someone?"

She winks at me, like she knows what she's doing, but I'm already panicking.

"Oh, no, this can't be happening...."

"Oh, she does ? "Jake turns curious

"I do not!"

"Nonsense, Alice, there's no need to keep hiding it."

"Monica please.....Why are you doing this?!"

"Why not? Isn't it better to get things off your chest?"

"Yeah, I'm all ears.."Jake said

The music is ringing in my ears, and it has somehow gotten even louder. I'm feeling like it's all playing out before my ears and I have no control over the situation.

This is not how I wanted to do this...

Monica is clearly set on talking but I can't let her.

"So, the guy Alice likes......"

"Oh hell no!"

Unable to stop her, or shut her up, I see a waiter passing by with a tray of drinks.

Ok, it's time for some desperate measures.

I quickly grab a drink from the tray, and try to throw it at Monica. That should distract her..

But the waiter catch me at the very last second, holding onto my hand and... making me spill the red wine all over myself.

"Aaaah! Oh...."

I look down at my outfits. It's completely ruined.

"Alice, what are you doing?! "Monica said,

Everyone around me stopped dancing to look at me and the mess I made. Immediately, I feel like a shy little girl again, always doing something to embarrass herself.

Monica and Jake burst into laughter. I can hear the waiter yelling, but it all drowns out....

"Oh no, no...."

The laughs and the pitying glances all blend into deafening noise.

Why doesn't the Earth ever open up to swallow me when I need it to?

"You...You just... "Jake burst out in laugh

"How did you manage to spill it all over yourself? "Monica also laugh

I can feel my face turning a shade of bright red.

"So, can we hear about that crush now ?"

His words are the final straw, and I'm about to burst into tears.

"I...I can't believe you guys are laughing too !"

"But it's just so... hilarious...."

I strom out of there, leaving my bewildered friends behind.

"Wait, Alice, We didn't mean it like that...."

"Yeah, we're just messing around...."

It's too late, nothing they could say can stop me.

Rushing out on the street, I keep replaying the moment in my mind.

This is all just a disaster... Why did she have to talk about my crush?!

"And the drinks...My clothes....God.."

I wish I could turn back time, rewind and do this night all over again.

This is not how imagined tonight would turn out..

I'm still walking, aimlessly, not even looking ahead, until I crash straight into someone!

"Ow!"

"Oh.. I'm sorry..."The mysterious stranger said

"Uhm..."

I look up to his face, and can't believe my eyes. The man has white hair, neatly styled in an almost military fashion. His eyes are like two ice crystals, and the colour looks so surreal.

"Are you ok ? You seem upset?"

"I'm not ok at all...My night was totally ruined."

"Oh no... What happened? Did someone scare you?"

"Huh? Someone?"

"Yes, maybe a stranger? Or some creep ?"

"You're not making any sense...."

Taking a better look at the man, I see there's an ethereal beauty about him. Despite his strange questions, I can't deny that he's very attractive.

"No, no one scared me, it was just this...."

I point down at my shirt, the red stain covering most of my chest and stomach.

"Oh..... That's quite unfortunate."

His choice of words makes me laugh and I'm surprised by how comfortable I feel around him.

I know he's just some strange guy I've never seen before, but it doesn't feel like it.

"Uhm.."

He stops for a moment, like he's hesitant to say something.

"This doesn't mean your night has to be ruined."

"It doesn't "

" Its just a stain, on a piece of fabric. Why don't you turn it around? Go back there, show everyone you're not bothered by it at all, and dance the night away."

There's something about him that instills trust in me, without understanding why.

"My name is Raphael, by the way."

"I'm Alice."

"I.... I guess you have a point. It's just a shirt, right?"

His eyes may be like ice, but there's nothing cold about the way he's looking at me. In fact, I can feel myself melting on the spot.

" Also, you can change into something else. I know it's late, and the stores are closed, but I think I saw one open across the street."

"But...Why would you do that for me ? I'm just a random girl, running out of a bar."

" Honestly, when I saw you walk out of there, you looked like you were about to cry. And I guess that left me powerless. I really wanted to help."

I stare at him, trying to decipher what's going on in his head.

Getting a new outfit would definitely make me feel better...

This stain is looking worse each minute.

" You know what, let's go, maybe I can find something I like "

The store is empty once I get there, and I look around I found some fascinating clothes and buy one. Out on the street, I stop under the same street lamp.

" So, are you going with me to the bar?"

" What?! Uhm...Do you want me to?"

" Well, you've made this night much less shitty for me. You could join us. "

He seems to be thinking it over, but it doesn't take him too long to decide.

" Ok, that sounds good."

I walk towards the bar, with Raphael my side.

" So... You haven't seen anyone suspicious around here? "

" What's with you? Why are you asking me about this again?"

" It's just that... things can get dangerous, you know?"

" Ok, if I see anyone suspicious, I'll make sure to run for the hills."

" Or find your friends, or me, if I'm around. "

I look at him, completely confused. He's asking weird questions, but there's a look of genuine concern on his face.

And it's such a handsome face...

I keep walking the rest of the way in comfortable silence. Once I'm back, I find my friends still dancing and has good time. Surprisingly, the embarrassment I previously felt has melted. It feels like that was a life time ago....

" Oh, Alice, you're back!"

" And you brought a friend! "

I still can't believe they laughed at me like that.

" Yes, hi, this is Raphael. "

" Hi Raphael, Alice, were sorry about the way we acted.... We really shouldn't have laughed."

" Yeah, that was very crappy of us. Can you forgive us ?"

" I don't know. I'll have to think about it. You laughed at me."

" We should buy her drinks for the rest of the night ". Jake laughed

" Actually, I love that idea. Can you? "

" I...l guess. "

" Still, laughing at your friend instead of helping her.. You do realise how wrong that is ? " Raphael grinned

Raphael looks at Jake like he's about to pummel him, and l have to somehow break the tension.

" Hey, come on, let's try to forget about it. Drinks, dancing, yeah? "

After getting drinks, the four of us move out to the dance floor. Even though I just met him being around him feels different.

Jake is right there, but I can't imagine talking about my crush anymore.

" Are you feeling better, Alice? "

" I'm much.. This Is helping. "

He smiles at me, a warmth in his eyes. Jake has never looked at me this way..

It makes me feel special, like I'm something to be treasured. While me and my friends are having one drink after another, Raphael doesn't drink anything.

"That's strange... he's not even drinking water." Monica said.

" Raphael, can I get you anything? Monica is buying. "

" No, thanks, I don't drink."

" How about some water? "

He scratches the back of his head, looking down.

" No, really, I'm not thirsty "

" I don't know, you've been throwing thirsty eyes at Alice since you got here." Monica winks

Everyone starts laughing, but Raphael just look at me, confused.

" Uhm... Thirsty eyes? But I just said I'm not thirsty. "

" That's not what... It doesn't means....."

They laugh even harder, and it just doesn't sit right with me.

" Don't tell me you don't dance either? " Jake laugh

" I don't, not really, no. This music, it's far too strange for me, I wouldn't know how to dance to it. "

Monica chuckles at him, poking his shoulder.

"What, do you have two left feet?"

" I have a left foot, and a right foot, thank you. "

" Seriously?! Which movie did you fall out of? You sound like you just time - traveled here from 1800."

He lowers his head, clearly embarrassed.And then I realise, he is being pretty weird. The way he's not drinking anything, doesn't get our jokes, isn't dancing...May be he's just shy..

" Hey, guys, so what if he doesn't drink, or dance. You don't need any of those things to have fun Raphael.And I think it's kind of cute. "

Raphael looks at me, wide - eyed, mouthing a silent " thank you" with his lips. I wink at him, I have got his back too.

The music gets louder, more energetic and Monica pulls Jake to her. They started dancing to the fast rhythm, following each other's leads, like I'm not even there. Dancing on top of each other now... isn't that nice.

I feel sharp pang of jealousy at the sight. Raphael seems to notice, and turns his attention to me.

" Alice ....come on, let's show them how it's done. "

" I thought you didn't dance? "

" I don't but you can teach me ".

The way he accentuates those last two words is so heavy, so suggestive, it makes my knees weak.

" Come, dance with me. Show that boy what he's missing."

Take Raphael to the dance floor and share a sensual moment with him!

I take his hand and lead him to the dance floor.

"Let's go"

I move closer to him, reach for his hands and put them on my waist. He doesn't move at all as if he's reluctant to hold me.

"Ok what's now?"

" You can hear the beat, right? The trick is to just move your body. Feel the rhythm in your bones, let it take over. Like this..."

I closed my eyes, and move my hips from side to side. Raphael's moves are a bit stiff and clumsy, but there's something so sweet about it.

Maybe I can get him to relax a bit..

I wrap my arms around his neck, and feel his body pressed against mine. Opening my eyes, I can see the blush on his cheeks.

" This doesn't feel too bad".

" I told you you you'd be able to pull it off. It's all about feeling the music, and if you have any sense of rhythm, dancing is easy."

" I was beginning to think I do after all have....two left feet."

" You definitely don't. "

I take a step back, to see his moves, before I pull him back in.

" See, you're already dancing like a natural. "

His hands travel up my back, and it awakes the butterflies in my stomach. My brain keeps telling me to be careful, because I don't really know him. But the way my body is moving and find there rhythm feels intoxicating.

" So, you've never danced like this before?"

"Not like this."

" What does that mean?"

" I...it.... Nothing."

He shakes his head, but I can see his lips shift into a smile.

" Ok, Mr. Cryptic."

I am aware of that his mysteriousness should be worrying me, but it draws me even closer. The music slows down and my movements becomes lazier, dragged out. Somehow, I found the courage I never knew I had. I turn around, holding onto his hands and keep them on my waist. Then, I start dancing, slowly, swaying my hips even more seductively.

" Alice..."

His breath is hot on my neck, and I give in to the sensation, tilting my head back. The entire club may be watching, but I don't care.

" I told you you'd like it...."

I grind my hips against him, and can feel his breath getting heavy, his heartbeat quickening. He lowers his head and his lips are inch away from my skin..but he pulls away, keeping his distance. The music changes into an impossibly fast song, and both of us leave the dance floor. The rest of the night goes by fast, and I keep having one drink after another.

" Uhm, Alice, maybe you should slow down..." Jake said.

" Nonsense, I'm fine. "

It feels good - being with my friends, laughing, and dancing. I never want the night to end. But standing on my feet soon becomes tricky, and I keep slurring words.

" Alice, I think you're totally drunk..." Monica said with concern.

" I...Irm nt... at all. "

" See, you can't even form words. "

I'm caught off guard by the sudden shift between feeling great, and being completely wasted.

" I...I don't feel so good. "

The floor starts to slip away from me, but Raphael quickly catch me.

" Come, Alice, let's get you some air. "

" Raphael, you should get her home..."

Barely hearing Monica's words, I struggle to stay awake. Once I'm outside, the fresh air hits me, and everything else happens in a flash.

" I've got you.... Come on. "

I can feel my feet lifting off the ground, as if Raphael is carrying me. But then, my entire body feels light, wind cooling my skin, a breeze blowing through my hair. It feels like I'm up in the air, flying.

"Is that the alcohol playing tricks on me...? "

I hold onto Raphael, afraid I might lose my balance and fall if I let go. For a few minutes, I stop questioning it, and just enjoy the pleasant sensations. But then, when I look at Raphael, I think I see a pair of white wings on his back.

" Oh my god..Are those wings? "

" What? Uhm....are you seeing wings? You drank a lot tonight huh? "

" Yeah... I guess so..."

To my intoxicated mind, all of this makes perfect sense, so I close my eyes. My consciousness fades away, and I lost in the pleasant floating sensation. I was placed on my bed and Raphael stands next to my bed, placing a glass of water on my nightstand.

" Don't forget to drink some water, or you'll have a killer headache tomorrow. "

" Uhm, thanks and thanks for getting me home."

I was too tired to say anything more and he exit my room. It feels peaceful, laying there, in silence. After taking a sip of water, I can feel myself drifting off to sleep. An undefined amount of time passes , until something wakes me up. I get a strange, nagging feeling in my stomach but I am not even feeling nauseous..

What is this, why do I feel like this..like something's about to..

A loud sound of something breaking cuts through the silence. My eyes jolt open, and before I can think or start or jump, I saw a young man is standing in the middle of my room, and the crashing sound was my window breaking.

Did he just...break in ?!

In a split second, he crosses the distance between me and takes out a silver blade. My mind is racing. Yes, there's a man in my room and he has a knife.

" What... What is...."

" No questions. "

He growls at me through his teeth, and his knife is now at my throat. I try to scream, but not a single sound comes out of my mouth.

"What's happening?! " I know my chances are slim, but I try to gather strength and push the attacker away but it's no use, his body is strong and relentless, and my hands feel so weak and fragile.

" Get away from me! "

" Stop fighting, there's no way you can escape. "

The heartbeat ringing in my ears is getting louder, and my eyes shut closed. I think for sure, this is it these are the last few moments of my life. Everything I ever dreamt of, everything I imagined my future would be. None of it will matter, because I won't be here tomorrow. There is nothing more to lose, so I open my eyes to take a second to look at my attacker. And that's when I notice he looks familiar.

"Could it be ?! Is he... the same guy I saw earlier at the bar?"

As I examined him, something catches my peripheral vision. Feathery wings, darker than black. My mind is a mess, desperately trying to make sense of what's happening. But I have one realization - I'm not dead yet.

"I..."

The look in the you man's eyes has changed. That deadly and threatening determination is now replaced by hesitation. I think I see him withdrawing his knife for a fraction of an inch..

Another loud noise disrupts me, and this time, it's someone else!

" Stop !! Get away from her, now!!"

Raphael runs to me, and tears my attacker away, throwing him across the room. My lungs immediately fill with air, I didn't even notice I'm holding in my breath. Through my blurry vision, I see the two men fight.

"Raphael..?! How did you know he was here ?!"

" I ... "

He seems like he's about to move forward, but he stops. He looks at me and slowly holds out his hand, asking me to wait. Instead of replying, he takes out a sword, a golden one, and rushes at my attacker. But his moves is blocked, because the attacker is back in full force.

Keeping out of the fight, my mind races, thinking of options.

I try to go downstairs and my hand is on the doorknob, and I'm almost out, but then..

" Where do you think you're going?! " He grabs me, and push me back.

" Nothing, I wasn't doing anything "

He's struggling to hold Raphael back with one hand, and holding my forearm with the other.

" Don't think for a second you can trick me, or escape me. "

" Who ever are you? "

His eyes seem to soften, just slightly but he doesn't move.

" Amon, my name is Amon "

Above, I can see something flying in the air, a small glittery thing... A light feather.

Now, everything has faded into blinding light.

" What is this? Did I get hurt ? Am I dead ?!

The light subsides, and suddenly I'm out on a street. It's the dark man who attacked me, and Raphael. They're in the middle of an argument.

"What are you doing here?!"

" I could ask you the same thing"

" Do these two.... Know each other?!

The vision is gone as quickly as it came, and I'm back in my room. The dark angle is gone, and only Raphael is there.

" Alice, quickly, we have to leave, now! "

" What ? Leave where? "

Before knowing anything my vision blurred and my legs start slipping out from under my feet, the ground in the opposite direction.

" I don't... Feel so good ... " As I start to lose consciousness Raphael hold me in his arms.

"We have to go through the portal, Alice. I'm sorry it was to be like this. "

" Go through... a what?! Huh ? "

Light shines bright through my closed eyelids, and that spinning feelings increases. My voice is now low, as the world around me violating. Very things blurred and my body was numb....

cont.