A mix of rage, hate, fury, sadness… that was all he could feel while he soared up in the sky.

There was no halt, there was no looking back; he had taken flight, and he did not stop until he found his objective. With the only thing that could take him back gone, he had not distracted himself with inner debates. Alone, he chased. Without hesitation, he circled the two demons from above. Without fear, he dived for them, knowing well that the following battle was meant for four.

He had left behind the only help he could have had, and now he had to face these two evils unaided.

Surprise, fear, then slyness, it all crossed the faces of the feral siblings when he landed in front of them, in the darkness. Shadows loomed over the three of them, those tails danced as they pierced him with less nervous eyes. Those red eyes, they glinted, fixed contentedly on his wings.

“It seems those flimsy vagabonds have been of some use after all.” Looking at his sibling while circling Angus, the devil laughed. “They seem to have killed your winged burden, brother! This will be easier now!”

The older one shook his head, but still smiled. They unsheathed their claws, eyeing Angus intently, closing in with interest.

“No, my angel is not dead. He still lives, I feel it. But… it seems he has really been delayed.” Angus was asked directly, with a smug snarl. “Have they managed to make his wings bleed? Has he kneeled down in pain?”

“That hawk was fast, but a single head-butt could make him recoil, remember? Of course a bigger group could face him. This one, he must be as weak.”

Angus answered with only one motion. He gripped his hammer more tightly. The brothers only smiled more, seeing a huge chance, a confirmation that Einar was handicapped, less able to chase like he did.

With only one last sentence, the demons lunged for him, seeing easier prey.

“Enough running.”

Those growls, they echoed together, full of hatred and eagerness for blood. In a dash, they became shadows, flickering with mad moves for his flesh, closer and closer with each second.

Angus showed no fear. He was sculpted for years into a mighty fighter. The devils at the camp had fought well, but not like the elders had described. They had no training, no great skills for battle. These two however were exactly what he had been told of. When they leaped for him like wolves, he remembered the tales of the priests. When their claws swung in the air like the ones of a feral beast, he recalled the sharp cuts he received in his duels. Their stances and expressions, they had twisted, losing all their humanity and thought, in favor of showing a wild side, mad for blood.

He had to be defensive; he was outnumbered, like Einar was once. He was slower than him, but he was sturdier. Instead of dodging, he answered each swipe of claw with his hammer. Each bite was answered with a fierce shake that could almost break their fangs. He brushed them as they brushed him.

Like animals, they constantly moved around him. They even used their surroundings in their favor; they were forcing him closer to the woods nearby, away from the clear openings. Once they stood near more uneven terrain, they began to use it to jump against him. They began to fake leaps, to try and disorient him, hoping the other would be able to pounce onto his wings.

However, no matter how they kept on attacking, no matter how tiresome it all was, Angus would not falter. He would indeed huff with every hit and push, but never let down his hammer or stance. After resisting for a long while and barely taking any flight, he saw his chance against those two fiends. His eyes narrowed, seeing them both prowl, lean onto their hands, shake their ram-like horns. His wings fluttered, even if exhausted; his instincts were less obvious than the ones of a devil, but they were there. The siblings were at opposite sides; one was behind him, the other right in front of him. When they lunged at once, he finally took a higher flight, even when many branches loomed near.

Not far over the ground, he caught a glimpse of them colliding. With his swift jump, they did not have time to stop or slow their moves. Both struck their horns, right against the ones of the other; a loud crack echoed in the barren valley.

Angus watched as one of them howled, growled loudly, in pain. The younger devil curled for a moment on the ground, swiping at his own head wildly. The oldest panted, staring in surprise at the broken horn on the ground; his young brother had a broken horn now, but he was not much better himself. After a second, he moved a claw up, to note how his own horn had cracked slightly. While he growled in angered shock, he did not pay much attention to his sibling, who had begun to understand he was at a disadvantage.

Angus landed a few feet away, hammer still in hand. He saw the devil with a broken horn scramble to his feet and cast a doubtful nervous glance back at him. The fear finally reflected on the beast’s eyes, it finally realized that all their attacks had not achieved much more than make him huff and groan. The demon knew it was facing an opponent made of stone, bare clawed. It tried to flee, it tried to leave its brother behind; it did not want to face the angel with whom he was not bound. He wanted to leave his brother behind, fearing the enemy more than his sibling. He felt death near.

And it came.

The older demon stopped holding his cracked horn with angered pride. His sharp eyes blinked when a more visceral howl echoed around him. He barely had time to see Angus move, calculatedly. They were not the only ones who were sly and swift. In a second, the angel swung his arm strongly, and then let go of his hammer, for the first time.

The weapon flew into the air, and it landed far away. It struck right into the back of the one who tried to run away. The cowardly fiend halted his steps hazily, hammer sunk into his scalp. Twitching, the devil dropped to its knees, and then onto the ground, convulsing without a single moan of pain. Its claws scratched the mud while its eyes whitened and parted, in a less than dignified expression.

Far away, in that very moment, when the life of a demon ended, someone lost his objective. Far away, an angel was smirking, longsword in hand. Right in front of him stood a broken cart, which was stricken by flames, with many terrified devils beside it. Slowly, he loomed, hand still fiery, over the only brave demon that remained, the only thing standing between him and his prey. He moved his weapon up, ready to kill after chasing… but he could not. Before his very eyes, all began to fade. He gasped tiredly when a strange haze engulfed him, both in body and in mind. He really tried to strike down, but before he could, all went black. In his last moments of clarity, he realized what was happening, and struggled against it. However, he only managed to curse the one who took away his chance of ridding the world of many devils, the one who stole the kill he was meant to bring.

Einar’s quest had been taken away, short lived.

Angus straightened his wings and pose, while the other demon huffed in both anger and apprehension. What had been a battle of two versus one, had become a duel. Now, only the two of them stood, bound together.

The demon panted, staring while Angus glanced at his lost weapon. He had nothing but his own hands now, but even then, he did not seem scared. Angus looked at his demon, and then clenched his fists with a long defiant breath, as if he was daring him to lunge again. Or run.

It did not run, it did not. It felt hatred; not for his dead brother, but towards a being that dared mock him instead of trying to retrieve his only weapon. When the devil leaped next, it did with a desperate raging roar, claws bared and tails whipping.

In the dark of night, Angus readied himself, welcoming the charge that could end him.

—————

 

Blackness; that was what he saw when blood poured onto him, when he broke those horns with his own hands. The only thing he managed to do in that haze was stumble near his hammer, which he took weakly against his chest. He lost any sense of thought, any trace of feeling. It felt like he had disappeared from existence. All the tiredness, all the raging fury he felt in battle, it was all gone for what seemed an eternity.

But it returned.

He did not know how, but why. When he next could open his eyes, he did to the view of a plain. Colored with green and yellow, soft grass and sand brushed his hands and body. He leaned up, only to see tall trees, deep water behind him, a more familiar landscape. Far ahead, in the distance of the plain, what he once admired. Tall towers, golden and white temples, wings soaring above intricate armories… the citadel.

He was home, he was back. Another would have thought of the death of their devil, but he thought of something else.

“Aurora…”

That whisper left him as he tried to stand up.

His big brown wings dropped down, unable to lift like the rest of his body. He limped towards that far view of the towers, holding his side as he moved. Slowly, he made his way, eyes full of hope, of relief, of haunted exhaustion.

It was over. But he did not feel any satisfaction. He was supposed to feel glory, but he felt nothing but indifference and relief.

As he approached with weak steps, he was spotted in the vast plains that surrounded the home of angels. The guards in the towers saw his figure where no angel roamed. An angel rarely left the citadel, only if they were a high priest seeking seclusion… or if they were an angel that had returned from another world.

They saw him, and they did as they were supposed to do. They flew to him, they aided his steps. The guards knew what his scars meant, how he had gotten his armor in this state. They led him to the citadel without question, but there he was seen by less silent souls. He looked up, and saw the common folk gather near, to watch and comment. They gaped at his armor, at his wounds; they admired his presence. And he felt nothing but a strange sense of anger.

That admiration, it was everywhere in that moment. He was led to the high palace through the crowd and streets; the place where he had stayed one night, before all this. The guards commanded the folk away, stopped their murmuring and banter. They closed the huge gates behind them, and he could not avoid feeling sorrow, at the thought that he would not see Aurora yet. He had not seen her in the crowds; he wanted nothing more than to bolt away to find her. However, he could not. The elders, they came right out of their holy chambers when they heard the news that an angel had survived his quest. Their steps echoed on the white marble, slow but direct. They reached for him, and he did not pay much mind to their claims and preaching, or their words of praise.

He only had eyes for one in the room, the one that came slowly in, with a cold gaze. He met those eyes, and did not flinch when he spoke, after a moment of contemplation, with monotone disdain.

“His return means he has concluded his crusade.” There was a pause. “But in doing so, he has disgraced mine.”

All turned to look at Einar, who had returned to this world much sooner. He had been silent for now, he had waited to see him come back, to figure out if he would only kill his demon, instead of both.

Angus was not surprised when the elders let go of him. All parted away when Einar stepped closer. He was stared down; he was shadowed by those silver wings, which hid well the hatred in their subtle moves. Einar spoke again, not only for him to hear, but for the guards and elders as well, the highest of people in this world.

“I have seen many things in that world, things I would have never expected. Most of it could be understood, I can accept the cruelty of that land. But I can’t believe the betrayal that my former friend has given me, one of my own. He had the chance to end many other devils, but chose to chase mine instead. He chose to take the easy way; he chose to end our quest, when it could have had more glory in it. I had more monsters near my holy sword, I was facing them on my own… but then he ended my devil’s life and cast me away from honor.”

Angus decided to not retort, just stand pridefully. The angels around him looked at him. The admiration they showed moments ago faltered. No angel could understand how he could have pushed away the thought of killing more of those beasts. It was considered a cowardly action, one out of desperation for safety. It was not something a proud warrior would do. They quickly sided with Einar, mentally and emotionally. They were disappointed, even if they tried to not show it much. He had killed his devil, and they could not say a word against him.

He was to be bathed in praise, by law, no matter how he came back. And the high priest knew it. He approached from his throne and spoke to both of them. He took their attention, fading their hateful glares for a moment.

“No matter how many devil’s lives have you taken away, you have returned, which means your bond is broken. The two devils, which the orb wanted dead, have been slayed. Einar, you have ended many, as the blood on your family’s sword proves; you are still to be recognized as a grand warrior. Angus, you have fought too, adamant to finish your task, and you deserve to be commended for it. It does not matter who put an end to this. You two deserve the riches you were promised, the highness of the most important of lineages, the-”

“I don’t want any of that.”

All present in the room flinched, even Einar. Angus had dared speak; he had dared to interrupt the highest of angels, in the middle of his speech. All watched in bafflement while Angus took of his heavy armor off, to push it down onto the sacred floor of the palace. Even Einar, who had been glaring at him with a grudge, was looking down at him with great shock.

After his sudden words and move, the high priest coughed, even his calm smile faltering.

“Young one, I’m old and these rooms have a loud echo, so I’ll excuse you for speaking up. If you are being humble, I assure you, there’s no need.” It was obvious the high priest was as well disappointed with the news that he had favored an easy kill, but he was still honoring the law. He said the next words reluctantly, even though he wished he could say them exclusively for Einar. “All those things that our ancestors obtained are to be given to you now. You will be-”

“I said…” Angus had taken all his armor off already, and was only keeping his hammer close. He glared the high priest down. “I don’t want any of what you offer. You can keep your riches and praise to yourself, highness. If you must, give it all to my former comrade, for he was most eager to reach it.”

Einar scoffed, for once his expression twisting into full hate.

“Why you…! How dare you frame me as greedy in front of the priests?!” He took a sharp step towards Angus, wishing nothing more than to request a duel, to get payback for his words. “Without me, you wouldn’t have lasted a minute in all our years of training! You ungrateful…!”

Angus was fed up, but was strangely calm while delivering more insults. He did not even look up while Einar glared him down.

“Says the one who retreated after being hit by his devil for the first time, the very same one who decided to confront simple children and women.”

Einar blinked, for he did not understand that last accusation. For him those children and women were only monsters, something that Angus did not think. The other angels in the room took those words as a jab at Einar’s bravery and skill, but Angus meant it as an accusation towards his morality.

Angus ignored all around him, to turn for the gates. Though, before he could open them, the high priest called, warning.

“Warrior, I know that what you’ve lived in that world might haunt you, but you must compose yourself.” Angus looked back, without interest. “I’ll excuse your words, but if you dare push those gates open and leave, you will be stolen from all your ranks and-”

Einar shook his head and wings, disbelieving as the madman before him shrugged and stepped out of the palace.

“I do not need that much to pay a pint in the tavern.”

With that, Angus stepped out.

Einar stood there, staring blankly at Angus while he walked past the crowd outside. Not even when the elders overcame their shock did he stop frowning. He was given a grand ceremony for his achievements, yet he kept wondering what was wrong with his former friend.

—————

 

She was not in the temple where she had lived.

His heart, it felt fear when he couldn’t find her there. The chapel was empty; the towers she used to light were vacant of her brightness. All the priests showed concern as he wandered in the temple, seeking her.

Only when the head of priests neared him did he stop calling. The words of that man, they made him frown.

He had been gone for a long time. She had not been the same since then. She had not been able to commit to her tasks normally in his absence. Known to be a kind soul, the master of priests let her step down from her duties, knowing what it was to have someone lost to the world of humans. She had been talented; she had been the most devoted to the chapel, even when she had showed some mischievousness. She always had paid for her mistakes, given her all after indulging in his misfits.

She had not stepped into the temple for a long time now. There was only one place where she could be if she was not committing to her duties.

His home had always been small. Inherited, not far from the main streets, but close enough to the fields where the farmers worked. His lineage had never been grand, but humble. He and his sister, they had always aspired to bring more to their history. He had wanted to be a high warrior; she had wanted to light the hearts of the people.

He did not care about that now. He had before, but not anymore. There was no meaning in glory if it could not be shared with someone you loved.

Slowly, he neared the thick wooden door. He passed the small garden outside, which had been taken care of by someone in his absence. He did not need a key, for no angel ever locked their homes. Thievery was not something that happened in their world, the guards always watched from above, always present in their calculated lives.

When he walked into his old living room, he did to the warmth of a fireplace. He took a deep breath, smelling the scent of his home, the smell of incense. His eyes roamed, and filled with sad relief when they laid on her.

Fallen asleep at a desk, she had tired herself with some manuscripts. She had prayed for hours it seemed, for yet another day. Her fair wings were angled downwards, brushing the wooden floor. Her blond hair was even longer now, and her tired amber eyes were hidden by it.

He slowly neared her.

First, he looked down at her, as if she was a mirage. Then, he moved one wing up, to brush her gently. The soft touch did not satisfy him, not after all the time he spent without her. He moved a hand to her cheek, and carefully moved her hair away from her eyes.

That did wake her, even if he tried not to. Her eyes opened slowly, for she did not fear anyone from breaking into their home. All this time, she had welcomed people here, for her to aid with simple tasks. She expected to see another patron in need of herbs from the garden, but instead saw something she thought a dream.

“Angus…?”

He smiled, he almost laughed, because she brushed her eyes first, like if she had done this before with a stranger. She next shook her head, mouth half open while she stared up at him.

“I’m dreaming again, aren’t I?” Her soft gentle expression twisted, turning into an angry scowl when she snarled. “I could even dare hit you, and you would turn out to be my own imagination again!”

She was true to her claim. He knew her to be quite snarly sometimes, but still… he did not see the punch coming.

“Ow!” Angus did not step back, but did hold his nose after the hit. “What the heck, Aurora?!”

She had only wanted to fend off another of her hopeful daydreams; she had only felt anger for her own insistent visions. So she gasped and covered her mouth in shock, when her vision turned out to be quite physical and real.

“OhmygodAngus!” She began to ramble, eyes wide, impossibly shocked as she reached for him. “I’m so sorry! I-I didn’t expect-! When did you-?! Why are you-?! Heavens, are you alright?!”

Angus rubbed his nose again, but then glanced at her. He smiled sheepishly, which only made her more anxious and teary eyed.

“I always warned Einar that you had a good punch, I wasn’t ever joking.”

Neither of them had imagined their reunion to be like this. Both shocked and relieved, they decided to embrace the absurdity of the moment, always having been joking siblings. She smiled tiredly, reaching to caress where she had hit.

“Oh, brother, you will never change, not even after such a long time.” She smiled, with one of those resigned grins of hers. “I guess we’re even now. After all, you threw a hammer at me that time.”

He decided to joke while holding her arms. They decided to not acknowledge the tears on their cheeks, in favor of their laugh.

“You were breaking into a very guarded place; I just entered my own home. What a way of saying hello. Tell me you haven’t punched everyone who has tried to wake you up.”

She groaned, but she was not angry. He huffed, because she pulled at him and wrapped her big wings around him, in a tight hug.

“Just… just keep quiet, Angus. I’m glad you are back, as I prayed for.”

He complied for once. He sighed and closed his eyes, resting his forehead against her shoulder.

Both decided to leave questions for later. They were together, after suffering a long uncertain wait.

—————————-

 

The only good thing he got with his return was her.

Only she made him contain his anger. Only she prevented him of pushing away all around him. He had nothing but disdain while seeing his home again.

Before, he could listen for hours to how the commanders and warriors told of their own quests below. Before, he could pray solemnly while the priests prayed for the destruction of all devils. Now, he could not. He could not watch those men wave their weapons while they smiled, and neither agree with wishes that called for blood so calmly.

It was like he had his eyes pierced, by his own hand; like if he was seeing everything from another point of view.

She saw that change in him. It was not something he could hide from her.

Soon, she realized that he was not boasting his feats, but trying to delay any kind of tale out of his mouth. Soon, she saw the guards near their home, but not to bring the new honorary robes and riches he deserved, nor to lead him to a new grand place to live in. The guards came, and Angus did not greet them with a high stance. Sullen, his brother asked her to move aside, to let the guards in. She watched in disbelief as the men spoke to him coldly, telling him of his lost rank.

No more a warrior, the armors and mementos in his home were taken away, like if he had never served. Even though this was happening, the guards showed respect, for they had never soared to that world. Wondering what had made him push away all the glory, they left them alone, in a thick silence she found hard to break.

“Why?”

She saw him look at one of his hands, like if he could see something there.

“Would you believe me, if I said I find no grandness around me anymore?”

She did not understand. And she would never do.

He could not explain the blood he shed, not to a being that would never see him in the wrong. He could not tell of the murders and horrors he brought, not when she would not see what he did.

The innocence in those beings, he felt alone while remembering it. No one else seemed to have ever seen it, or be able to debate it.

She was crestfallen when he pushed everything away. People would try to stop him in the street, to ask him where his rewards went, but he would shove them off and keep walking without word. He would yell at anyone who dared stare too much, throwing some of his things at them if necessary. He would not retort to the mockery that soon came from the guards and priests, deciding to head for the tavern instead.

All would whisper, none would speak to him, none but a reluctant bartender. But she still stood by his side, even though she barely got any answers from him. She knew he had changed, and she blamed it on the horrors that had to lurk in that world. Others kept on harassing him, but she wanted to aid him instead. It all made her more adamant in serving her own profession, her own devotion. She was made to heal, in body and mind. He would never react to her little shows of concern, or her small favors against his depression, but she kept trying.

All she knew was that he was safe, that he was home. She did not care for the glory or trophies they would have had… but someone else did.

One day, early in the morning, someone knocked on their door. She opened, always an early bird, only to see the reflection of silver wings at the steps.

“…Einar.”

There he stood, the man that allowed her to see Angus that night, the very same man who had discredited Angus when they returned. As well… no matter how much Angus told her of his arrogance, it was the same man that had surely shared many days of struggle with her brother. There was still that longing sad look in Angus’ eyes every time Einar’s name was pronounced.

“Hello, Aurora.” She was clearly apprehensive at the doorstep, while he seemed solemn and serious. She hid her hands in her priestly robes, eyeing him while he spoke slowly and respectfully. “I’m sorry to bother you this early in the morning, but it was the only time I could spare.”

His robes, they were grander now. There was silver engraved on them, matching his shiny wings. It was obvious he had been rewarded greatly. He had a fort where to live now and his own patrol under his command.

Against her usual formality, she leaned on the door, to give him a suspicious look.

“What do you want?” She looked back inside, towards the room Angus had refurbished as a forge. “Angus is asleep, but he could wake up. If he can stay all night working, he can spare some energy to stand and chase you out.”

It was no secret that Einar and Angus had seen each other after walking out of that palace, and that they exchanged less than pleasant words again. However, Einar did not seem to care. He took one step closer, which she did not prevent.

“He can do what he pleases, Aurora. I do not worry for him anymore, he has embraced the low life of a blacksmith, and it seems to go well enough for him to drink himself to sleep.” She was about to shove him off, until he said the next words with honest concern in his eyes. “The one I worry about is you.”

“Me?” She smirked, but not joyfully. “Is this a threat, Einar? Is your ego so stricken by the loss of your kill that you want to shun our whole family? Are you warning me that you’ll speak with my masters and force me out of my temple?”

“No, no, Aurora, I would never-” He seemed to be struggling with his words, judging by the sigh he let out next. “Listen, I know you might not see me with good eyes anymore, but I beg you hear my words, just this once. I am not here to trouble you, nor him. I came to speak with you, to offer you a way out from the misfortune your brother has brought upon you.”

“He has not brought any misfortune on me, Einar. Everything is okay; he is safe by my side.” She looked down and tried to end the conversation gently. “I do not wish to hear you anymore.”

He was insistent, serious. While she wanted to close the door, he kept it open, leaning inwards, closer to her.

“Maybe he is safe, and so, you. And I am glad for that. But things have changed, haven’t they? Before, he was a fearsome warrior, respected by all. And look at him now. Look at how everyone casts their gazes away while he drinks in the tavern, or how they whisper while he slams that dusty hammer onto a pitiful anvil. He has not brought you the protection he swore to bring you.”

“And who could be blamed for that, Einar?” He stood tall while she pushed away all pretension of gentleness, in favor of glaring. “Who slandered him for chasing after the only beings you were meant to slay? Who felt offence with the thought of safety and relief? Who was so blind as to push away a favor, when it should have been welcomed?”

“You know as much as I, that we were not meant to leave that world yet, Aurora. He could have done more.” He was calm while saying those words, patient and composed. Gone was the anger he felt for Angus, only while looking at her. “I only said truth. If you had stood in the palace, you would understand that he was the one to walk away, the one to refuse any kind of reward. He pushed away everything he should have given to you.”

Aurora seemed to ponder, consider those words. She did not understand why her brother walked away, why he chose to live like this. But she accepted it. She batted her wings gently and gave Einar a serious but calm look. Her tone was direct, yet slow.

“His choice, Einar. Not even his sister should take any of his rewards for herself. Even if I had to live in the harshest poverty, I will not resent his path. I can live in a humble family.”

Again she tried to close the door. She gasped when Einar put one of his feet in the way, stopping her. He did not do that forcefully, just with urgency. Even if he still spoke with his calm demeanor, there was a trace of worry and nervousness in him.

“Aurora, you don’t need to live that way.” He whispered, and she listened somehow, both sending looks to the room where Angus slept. “You don’t need to pay for his mistakes. You don’t need to protect him like this. I pity him, but I fear for you. You don’t deserve your name to be cursed by our people. I see it, I hear the whispers. It makes me resent the words I spoke against him, for you have to endure them as well now. It should not be like this. You don’t need to stay by his side every time he stumbles.”

Aurora grew anxious, because he lowered to one knee, looked up at her, and said an offer that made her shrink.

“Aurora, join me.” He did not smile charmingly, he only pleaded to her most rational side. “I’ve brought greatness to my lineage: Gold, a grand home, recognition, respect… but I still miss something that all angels should aspire to. I still haven’t been blessed by the elders, with the possibility of a union.”

Aurora smiled nervously, and then pushed his hands down, trying to make him drop the subject.

“I’m not.” He stood sharply, seeing her give him her back. “I have a clear mind today. This is not the outcome of a single dream, but of multiple sleepless nights. The thought of you being shunned, him being rendered to nothing more than a beggar… I want to offer you a way to help you both. With you at my side, we could leave all this behind us. He could be seen with less scorn under the elders’ eyes.”

“The elders would never allow this, Einar.” Aurora spoke plain truth, which she found of use now. “A union must be between two angels of the same importance, and only when they find the moment to be flawless. Only they can bless two families to join, and only after great demonstrations of prosperity from both.”

“And haven’t I been prosperous?” She was not leaving inside yet, but looking over her wings at him. He was frowning now; using every word he could to compel her to see his side. “I have proven to the elders what I can do. I am a warrior, stronger than most who roam the citadel. My fire is bright and warm for anyone I want to keep safe. In this decade, I am the one who has done more for our kind. If one can plead to the elders, it is me. They will listen; I will make them see how great our new lineage could be. I would give you all I have, for us both to use it for grandness. Let me be the keeper of your light, Aurora.”

She frowned too. After a moment, she smiled knowingly, and so did he at the thought that she was reconsidering. However, she gave an answer he did not find pleasing.

“An angel must seek their own grandness, and not live under the wings of others. I will live by this principle.”

Rendered silent, he was not able to stop her this time. The door was closed with a slam.

Aurora took a deep breath and leaned onto the door, closing her eyes to block the thought of him standing outside. Her wings began to show the stress she was feeling, trembling behind her. She kept trying to push away the words he said, refusing to entertain the idea of a union that would make her be seen as fragile.

She heard his steps, he heard him walk away. That was when she let out a little snarl and commented in the silence around her.

“No, Einar. I’m not going to be a little prize for you to keep under your wings. I don’t need your gold or protection, and I won’t plead for you to give some to him.”

She had glared at the door, hands smoking with a spell she was beginning to build up mindlessly. Her hands stopped blazing when a voice echoed into the living room, out of a warm forge.

“Was there someone at the door, Aurora?”

After a little jolt, she patted her wings and robes, to then cough and speak with feigned calmness.

“N-no brother! Just a patron with sleeping problems. I cast a numbing spell on him and sent him away!”

A pause. He was pondering, wondering if he had imagined Einar’s voice. However, he never doubted in her word.

“…Good. I don’t want more of those stupid guards bothering our home! Had it been them again, I would have thrown my hammer at their heads!”

She sighed and smiled, and then walked towards his room, reassuring that no one would come bother them.

“No, Angus. They have not come to demand you weapons or armors ahead of time. Don’t worry about me dealing with them though.” She whispered, closing her eyes with serenity. “I won’t let anyone push us around.”

She would stand tall, for everyone.

—————-

 

All had been calm for a long time.

All was in a stalemate; no one dared mock Angus in their presence. He had come to be accepted as the skilled blacksmith of the citadel, a blacksmith with an obscure past. Rarely anyone bothered him anymore.

But even then, he felt anger. It was not for his effort and skill that he was not scorned face to face, but thanks to her.

Aurora devoted herself more to the temples with every year that passed. She was growing older in the eyes of elders, more composed and serene. Gone were the days in which they acted like young fools and roamed aimlessly. No more could he drag her along to the tavern, nor to the fields where no one should step. The only place she would follow him if asked, was the market, where she would buy food for unlucky farmers, or clothes for young humble trainees who damaged theirs in duels.

She had become a high priestess, one to admire when seen. Only the elders would not bow to her. The elders and him.

“A trainee does not need a fancy robe like that, sis.”

She would speak with grace, elegance. Gone was the snarly tone in her replies, even if she had always spoken to him that way.

“Even the poorest of trainees deserve to wear one or two well-crafted robes.”

“Only to wreck them as soon as they train in the garrisons, again…”

She would walk to the food stalls then, like every day. Her arm carried a basket, big enough to hold food for a whole family. Her pockets carried enough to pay the seller thrice.

He leaned and commented, eyeing her weekly pay, multiple documents.

“How much do they give you now?”

“Double this.” She sighed, not liking to receive this much. “I have already given half to the young priests in my temple, for them to buy more ink and candles.”

“You spend it all away. You don’t even save some for you.”

She grinned, joking for once while she flapped her wings playfully.

“If the elders decide to shove all these riches onto high ranking angels, I’ll decide to spend it on things they should really care about.”

“Not all priests give away their earnings like you do.”

“And that’s why the people have spoken in my favor, aiding my slow but sure rise to dominance in the temple.” He shook his head, seeing her rub her hands, plot her reign in a boring amalgamation of towers and chambers. “Yes, at this rate I will be able to buy the whole market. Look, they’re selling cattle today. I bet a kid would like to have a goat as a pet.”

“Why would a kid want-”

Their banter was interrupted. Both frowned and looked up at the same time, wings tensed. Noise echoed not too far away, from the fields and the towers near them. They heard the frantic flaps of wings, the guards move and call from the most secluded area of the citadel. The more they looked, the more they saw the smoke rise over the buildings. They heard a guard call another one, informing what had just disturbed the peace of their sanctuary.

“Fire!” Angus growled, hearing them well even if they flew towards the crop fields far away. “There’s fire on the fields!”

Aurora shivered, she almost dropped her basket. She knew the farmers lived in that neighborhood, and that those crops meant everything. Their loss to a fire would not only affect the lowest ranked of angels, but as well cause a chain reaction that would leave them with less resources for the winter.

All guards had bolted towards the smoke already. All patrons had stayed put in the market plaza, eyeing the smoke over the towers with horror. All froze, all but her.

Angus took a few more seconds to react, and it was enough for him to lose her between the crowds.

“Aurora! Wait!” She did not wait. He saw her take flight, soar far over the tall buildings. “Dammit!”

While he leaped to follow her, she eyed the distance grimly, from above.

The crop fields where right at the end of the citadel, afar, secluded. To make matters worse, they were not near the vast ocean that angels avoided, for the soil was not as good there. There was not too much water, nothing but a few wells, from which they would not be able to take enough. The guards were trying to take water from them, but it was not being useful. The farmers were being led away by a few soldiers, while others tried to extinguish the fire.

She heard them yell, search for a solution against a fire that had not been predicted.

“How did this happen?!”

“We believe a worker left some embers unattended, sir!” That angel followed the general nearby, the one who arrived first to the scene. “We have sent a man to warn the priests! They should know a better spell to fend off the fire!”

The general growled, knowing well that the most talented priests lived in the highest area of the citadel, right at its opposite end. The most low of guards and soldiers rarely learned non fiery spells, only bothering with the mightiest incantations.

Aurora soared down, seeing a few men try to cast some fire against the tall flames, in hopes of keeping them under control with their own will.

“Stop casting fire!”

The soldiers stepped back, startled by a woman’s call. They saw her land, and they were about to tell her off, until they noticed her robes. They were still alarmed, too close to the raging blaze between crops.

“Priestess, it is not safe!”

“Fly away, we will control it!”

She moved her sleeves back, pushing past them.

“It must not be controlled, but put out!” She raised her hands up, not caring for any burns. “You don’t grow these crops, so I don’t expect you to understand!”

All flinched when she summoned her first wave of magic. The guards took a step back when a row of ice pushed through the blaze, dividing it. The angel who stood with the general snarled, seeing someone who had not been called take their duty.

“She is not meant to do this. Only authorized-”

He was stopped. The general shook his head, correcting the younger angel.

“The ice is doing a better job than our heat. There’s no place for protocol right now.” At this point, the ice was surrounding most of the fire of the field, even though it was not extinguishing it. “She’s keeping it caged.”

While the soldiers stood by like idiots, a former one landed at her side.

She flinched when two big wings flapped near hers. She relaxed when she recognized them. Brown, they pushed some flames away from her feet, with just one flap. Angus gave her a serious look, tense and angry. He looked scary with the reflection of the fire.

“Why did you run off so carelessly?!” She expected him to pull her away, until he raised a fist with a cocky smile. “You ran off, without me! Don’t you want your brother’s help?!”

She smiled warmly, for he sent a flaming spell on the ice she built up over some fire. The fire of his spell was much more concentrated than the natural one, and melted her ice much more directly. The water fell right where he wanted, right over the crops. Both shared one single look, and without word, they bolted. While she moved above to cast bridges of ice, he circled the wildfire with flaming moves. His flames made her structures of ice crumble, right in the middle of the fields, causing them to melt with the heat.

By the time help came from the far end of the citadel, it was not needed.

Ten high priests halted in the air and gasped, seeing what remained of the fire. They whispered nervously, or with entitlement, for they had been pleaded for help, and they would not give it. They felt humiliated, seeing a simple blacksmith and a less ranked priestess near embers that were becoming ashes.

Einar was there as well, above. He had heard the news and had flown with them, eager to aid his people. He stared from above like a falcon, while Angus and Aurora panted, done for the most part. What little fire was left, it was being controlled by the low soldiers.

The silver winged angel contemplated the view, leaning his head in interest.

That night, those priests tried to speak in court, against a priestess who dared act before her superiors could give orders. They tried to condemn her, to strip her of her hard earned rank. They felt contempt, they were not pleased with the common folk having a say over who gained highness.

They would have succeeded, if one had not spoken up in the sacred court. With as much highness, if not more, he pulled apart their argument, questioning their skill, their speed in reaching the needy. He glared them all down, and dared the elders to try and excuse their reasoning.

No one dared argue. He smiled coldly, and then walked out of the chamber alone, knowing they would not dare anger him.

She was gaining more and more admiration from the people, and he knew what possibilities it could entail.

——————

 

She should be nervous. And she was. Yet she was not the one who was pacing around the room, fidgeting.

“They better not suggest a union with an angel far too old for you!”

She smiled, glancing back while his brother made a bigger mess out of his long braided beard.

“I’m sure they won’t, Angus.” She looked back into the mirror, combing her hair to a side, carefully. “There are many angels that have the respect of elders, many of whom were born in my age.”

Angus stopped pacing, in favor of leaning onto the dressing table where she sat. He stared at the reflection of her eyes, not frowning, but being direct.

“They still better not mess this up.” She sighed, because he began to count with his fingers, looking away to ponder blissfully. “Only a few could come close to deserve the eternal company of a woman like you. You do not only deserve someone smart, but handsome too. You could put all those boys’ achievements to shame. But if I have to guess… maybe that energetic looking general could come close to your worth; he has trained many, and always gives good guidance to young fools. That’s a good one enough, but maybe the elders think the scribe in the sacred palace needs to tie his lineage already. I don’t like his serious boring face, but he’s smart at least, and hardworking. Maybe-”

“Maybe you should stop trying to figure out what runs in the elders’ minds, Angus.”

He pouted. He could not understand her straight forward attitude, her seriousness and calmness.

“You are getting MARRIED. I am right to worry, something you don’t seem to do in the slightest. You have changed, Aurora…” He made sad eyes, leaning to make sure she would glance at them. “What happened to the shy girl that would blush every time I would sing A maiden to love in the tavern? Who would hide her face under her wings when I boasted I would one day unite with the prettiest angel in the world? You used to declare that a union would be the last thing you would be led to by the elders’ authority. You were so timid of it.”

“Oh, one thing is being shy, and another is being aware of how noisy you were then. You used to glare at anyone who would glance at my wings. I have grown; I have left behind my young uncertain days.” She looked at him, with her wings tucked close. “You have changed too, Angus.”

After an intense look, she stopped staring, unable to show her sorrow for that long. He sighed, seeing her walk closer to a window and look at the street outside their old home. She spoke longingly, sadly, yet with a trace of resignation.

“I remember the days when you would run down the street gleefully, to not miss your training. I remember how you would laugh and boast your skills, to every soldier around you. You loved to smile and cheer with your peers after a hard day of work. But now… now I barely see you leave this place. You lock yourself in there, in that forge, and spend the whole day crafting weapons, armors, tools, or carriages. You don’t even come to my temple to ask for some of my time. If I don’t beg you to take a walk under the sun once every month, then you only leave at night, to drink yourself away. And even then, you don’t smile while doing so anymore. You drink on your own, in a corner, alone, thinking of things that only god will know.” She smiled back, hiding one of her amber eyes under her long hair. “How many years have gone by since I lost your old self?”

He looked at his hands. Again, after a tense silence, he gave a vague answer.

“Only a few more before I lost my sister to a mindless sense of obligation.”

They could not recognize each other anymore. Both missed what they had before he dived into that world.

There was no time to dwell on it. Not for him. He looked up, with pride in his smile and eyes. His tone became supporting, loving.

“Look at us.” He walked to her and laid a hand on her shoulder, encouraging. “Today is not a day to be sullen. You are about to live one of the experiences we angels look forward to for centuries. You are going to meet someone with whom you’ll share many things, not only a hopeful long existence.”

She sighed, adoring his supportive expression.

“It is only a formality.” She lifted a hand to her mouth and laughed softly, loving. “You seem more eager to meet my husband than I.”

He nodded firmly, grinning, like if they had not been moping seconds ago.

“Of course I want to meet him! I have to see who will have to flap their wings to your whims! I must give them a word, of warning and advice! There’s no one else who knows you better than your brother! And definitely, no one who cares for you as much as I! But that man better try to care more than me! But as well, he better not try to get cocky and show off! I will-”

“You will let me go for now.” He pouted, realizing he had taken her hand while speaking. She was lowering his now, glancing at the door with a sad smile. “The sun is rising, Angus. I shouldn’t be late upon my superiors.”

He let her let go; she did so slowly. He cursed elders and their tendency to arrange ceremonies at early morning. However, he did not stall her, no matter how much he wanted to; he let her walk towards the door. While stepping out, the dim light of the sun reflected on her fair wings. She turned for a second, to give him one last look.

Another woman would have not gone to see her family. Any other angel, woman or not, would have paid full mind to the usual preparations, the formalities and traditions that a soon to be wed angel had to attend.

Yet here she had been, in their old home, against what should be. Only to see an outcast, a lunatic that spent his days in a dark forge.

She began to walk solemnly towards the northern side of the citadel, towards the sacred palace. Down street, there was a lonely tall lamp. She moved a hand without looking at it, and a dim wave of coldness tangled around the flame. Again, even if she didn’t have to take care of the lights anymore, she would still do it.

If he could comment on her steps, he would have told her that she looked reluctant. But he said nothing. The view of the sunlight on her wings in that day would stay in his mind forever, for he would soon see her far less.

Much less than he could imagine then.

————–

 

Silent. That was what she chose to be in that moment.

Under the reverent gaze of elders, now clad in the highest of robes, she finally could look down on him. After many years of short exchanges and curious glances, they finally stared one another in the eye. For once, she did not feel as small near his long silvery wings. She did not lower her gaze when he stood right before her, she did not falter as the elders introduced them. She already knew him well.

“Aurora, let us present you to the angel who we believe worthy of joining your eternity, your lineage.” The elder motioned at Einar, who stood in place, sharing a knowing stare with her. “You might have heard of his feats, some time ago. A mighty warrior, as valiant and decided as you are towards following the guidance of our deity. The common folk admire you both with great wonder, young angels.”

All were young in the eyes of elders. They weren’t as youthful now. They had a long life, and they would not shy under the voices of these angels. Though respectful, they would voice their thoughts. Aurora was the first to speak up, not rudely, but with the pride she had gained through the years of servitude.

“I know Einar, highness.” She leaned her head, giving the tall angel a thoughtful glance, even playful. “I do not only know him for his deeds in that world.”

Einar lifted his head a little, eyes narrowed. His voice was polite, but there was a trace of weariness there.

“If I did not know of Aurora’s golden heart, I would believe she holds some kind of grudge against me.” He tested how thick the ice where he stepped on was, with a simple sentence. “But that can’t be, can it? I only hold the best of wishes for her and her future. That future is for her to decide now.”

She held one of her wings for a few seconds, staring him down. She smiled then, warning kindly.

“Not only grudges can my heart hold, Einar.” She admitted, not angry, not joyful. “It can hold thankfulness too, for past moments. The past has a great influence in my future choices.”

Her eyes made a very subtle movement, up and sideways. A simple glance, directed to the floors above, where she once snuck in to see her endangered brother. In those rooms, she once snuck a kiss to an angel.

Said angel caught her drift. Einar had been wary of this meeting, and he would not admit that scared as well. He remembered how he had been let down at her doorstep, but as well, he remembered the only time his heart trembled, while letting her bend the rules under his watch. Her subtle move of eyes did not fail to make his tense stance change. He shifted visibly, conflicted by his expectations and findings.

The elders kept speaking, like if the two had no say in this. Because they were not the ones who would prepare their union. They were just the assets, very important ones at that.

Angels could not just contradict the elders if expected to join. Aurora and Einar had very little room to oppose this, and he had been sure she would accept out of obligation, with resignation.

But, while looking at each other with curious eyes… he could find a trace of interest in her amber eyes. Perhaps even genuine care. It was something that he felt rarely; before, it was for a friend. Now, near her. With her, it was different; it was capable of making him be less stern.

There was hope in her. Hope for things to be well, hope for ties to be mended, created anew.

—————–

 

She had hope. Einar had doubts.

She tried to keep quiet about her union for a while. She had tried to assert her thoughts in her own mind, before letting her brother know who her groom was. She had spoken with Einar multiple times in secret, to discuss what was bound to happen in a year. A union was a long ceremony.

She hoped her brother would see it all in good light, even change again. Einar knew better, but indulged her after she begged him to think otherwise.

They made the decision of telling Angus after some time, for she could not lie to him anymore. She had told him the elders were arguing, trying to choose the best angel for her. Angus was suspicious, and would not be gullible for much longer.

When she came to visit, she did with Einar. The face Angus made when he opened the door was not a good omen. After a very sharp, resentful, and confused glare at his old friend, he let them in. He called Einar out, wishing nothing more than to kick him out of his house. He controlled himself, hearing Aurora say that it was for a very important matter.

Angus saw her sister fumble with her wings, glance nervously at them both, noting how they were glaring at each other. One was tense and prideful, the other angry, wary.

When Aurora revealed why she was here with Einar, she did so with a hopeful smile.

“Angus…” The words pierced and stunned Angus like a stab. “I’d like you to finally see to whom I will be-”

She did not finish. Angus’ face contorted from a scowl, to a furious shocked amalgamation of rage, bloodlust and hatred. His fists clenched, his wings flapped open, he leaned, all while letting out the loudest of yells.

“You daring son of a devil!”

Aurora gasped and covered her mouth in horror, barely catching how her brother lunged. Both males rolled on the floor, right after Angus punched Einar down. Those silver wings had been quick to move, wrapping around and pulling their attacker with them. With no other word, they began to fight, punching and trying to be the one on top. Angus was heavier, and so he overpowered Einar with strong punches; but Einar’s wings and fists were faster and more precise.

“Stop!” They did not listen. She then tried to pull at her brother, to pull him away. “Brother, stop!”

Angus, for the first time, yelled at her, angrily. He did not even look at her while he brushed her hold away.

“Let go, Aurora!” He growled deeply, only having eyes for Einar. He raised his fist up, ready to punch that prideful smug glare away. “I’m going to leave him so messed up, that he won’t be able to take a single step near an altar!”

Einar scoffed and covered his face with a wing, snarling, knowing he could not do anything but welcome the hit.

He did not need to take it.

Angus gasped when a wave of heat brushed his wings from behind. He recoiled in instinct, finally moving away from Einar. He quickly looked behind to see what had sent a spell on his wings… only to see how the heat still tangled on her hand. She was glaring at him, with a pained sorrowful scowl. She had not burnt him, but she had built up enough magic to hurt him.

“Aurora, what the-”

“No, what is wrong with you, Angus?” Instead of helping her brother to his feet, she helped Einar. She spoke while Angus sat in pure shock, seeing her take Einar’s hand, help him move up. “What in heavens crosses your mind?! What lurks in it to make you act like this?!”

Angus finally sat up; when he saw Einar lift his head pridefully, stand by her side like if he had won the fight.

“What lurks you say?!” He made a move to walk closer to Einar, but was surprised when Aurora stood in between them. He growled and pointed, flapping his sore wings behind him. “What lurks is the knowledge of what this psycho is able to do! You don’t know anything about this angel’s true colors!”

Einar scoffed gently, while leaning his head and batting his wings elegantly.

“My silver wings should be a clear reflection of the worth I carry in my blood.”

“No, you bastard, you don’t carry anything in your blood… no valor, no morality. The blood is on your hands, not inside you. There’s no way I will let them touch her!”

“Enough!”

Angus stumbled back, because Aurora batted her wings strongly, to make them both take some distance. Einar did move back as well, but with much more composure. He stayed silent while Angus stammered.

“A-aurora, you don’t understand-”

“No, no I don’t!” She cried out without tears, too tired to shed them. “I don’t understand why my brother acts like this! I don’t get why you are so angry! With your own people! I have seen nothing but another man since you came back! You have changed too much, and I can’t stop the thoughts, the fear that you might have broken down in that dangerous world!”

Angus moved a hand up, motioning at Einar, knowing well he did not look very sane with his dusty clothes and unkempt hair and wings.

“I- I have seen things, yes. B-but, you’ve got to believe me when I say, that they did not show anything wrong with that world, but with ours. I have seen this man, the one you intent to join, murder with glee, with joy. I have seen too much blood pour.”

Aurora took a deep breath, struggling mentally to keep trusting her brother’s words.

“Are you insinuating that he has taken the life of a human away?” She sent Einar a fast glance, wondering. “Did he come across one of those corrupted men of whom the priests speak? The ones that have given their souls away to hunt us angels?”

Angus shook his head, angry. He could see that she was not able to imagine what he meant. She had lived in this world her whole life.

“No, Aurora. I mean demons.” He moved his hand in front of him, stopping her from interrupting. “And before you say anything, yes, we are meant to slay them. We are meant to kill them…. every single one of them. Men, women… children. We have slain many. Far too many.”

Einar added, without a single trace of regret.

“Not as many as we could have, Angus.”

Angus’ teeth showed in a deep scowl.

“Shut your mouth, Einar… before I shut it myself.” He sighed and moved back, seeing Aurora’s hand fidget, ready. “Those souls were not meant to be slayed by us. They were not bound by that orb.”

“Devils have no soul. Animals and beasts all the same. The orb knew what path we would follow. It led us there. Our deity is wise.”

Aurora stepped closer to Angus. He shivered when she laid a hand on his shoulder, when she looked at him with those eyes, now full of concern and… pity.

“Angus…” He really shivered, seeing her build up a numbing spell in her hand, to try and soothe his mind, like if he was one of the angels who she helped sometimes. “You’ve been through a lot. Whatever you’ve seen in that world, it can only be a nightmare. What haunts you is only a spell cast by those devils. You never have managed to tell me of it, you never seem to be able to recall it all. You have not been the only warrior to suffer a curse like this. Angels know the extent to which demons can hurt us. Let me-”

She tried to brush his forehead gently with her shining hand. He did not let her.

Her expression showed hurt when he grabbed her wrist and moved her hand downwards. His expression was serious, more composed now. His voice, it was direct, even if saddened.

“I am not mad, Aurora.” He shook his head, smiling with great hurt. “I am not. I have never told you anything, because I knew you would believe me to be crazy. Like now.”

“I have not said that you are crazy.”

“But you think it.” He let go of her wrist. She and Einar watched as he stepped back, defensive. “You all think it. And in this world, there’s no way I will manage to oppose those thoughts. You all have it ingrained in your minds, in your beings. You are made to believe in the insanity of anyone who speaks against your truths.”

A tense silence.

She had not come for this. She had wanted joy, surprise. She got sorrow and shock.

Angus gave them his back and nodded back towards the door.

“Leave my home, please.” He chuckled, not quite knowing what to say. “I have to finish some armors, and you’re distracting this crazy blacksmith. Door’s right there.”

“Angus-”

“I said, leave my home.” He looked over his wings, reluctant with the next words. “Go to your new one.”

It hurt them both.

She was left speechless. Einar took the chance to wrap a wing around her, whisper to her.

“Let’s go, Aurora.” He made sure to lead her to the door, while whispering one last jab. “Let him occupy his troubled mind with simple tasks. If he can.”

Aurora sent Angus one last look. At the door, she begged her brother to say something, anything.

He said nothing. So Einar led her away, coldly, as cold as the home she once held close.

Angus stood alone in the room, empty.

Only when the seconds passed, when the lights outside faded… he sobbed.

———————

 

There were only a few people who could speak with the lone blacksmith. Couriers, at day. Officials, in the evenings.

Without a reason, he would never open the door to the ones who knocked. Without calling with said reason, the house would be silent, if not for the sounds of the fire and metal inside.

What lurked in those rooms was a man that had become more pitiful through the years. Sullen, he never left, letting the couriers be the ones to give him his weekly pay. Not much, but enough to go through. The officials did not like him, but knew of his talent in crafting.

No one visited other than for business. Not even after years, after a well know union, did he go out himself.

He did leave once, long ago; to see her. In between the crowd, he watched, hidden. He watched how she stepped up the steps into that palace, side by side with a murderer. And then, he watched her descend them, holding a hand that was once bloody.

She left her old temple. Now, she had her own. Not huge, but residing in part of a grand fort. A fortress she shared with his worst fear.

But she was safe. Many years, he caught glimpses of Aurora, when he would sneak out without anyone knowing. Zealously, those silver wings would always try to keep her close. But she always roamed, like the very sun over her. No harm had been put on those beautiful wings of hers.

He had barely seen her… and he had made no effort in trapping her light under his misery.

However, the light still tried to reach him, no matter how he wanted to avoid it. The knock came one night, unexpected, and at an uneven hour.

He looked up from his anvil with a deep frown. He kept himself sat there, waiting for that outsider to walk away.

Maybe it was just a kid, dared by his friends to knock on the door of the strange blacksmith. Or maybe, a patron who had too much liquor in the tavern, something that would put them to shame the next morning.

He sighed in relief when silence reigned for a while, believing it was an accidental knock. No one ever bothered him, and the officials would not come this late in the night.

The knock came again however. As soft as before, it confused him. It was a soft knock, but it also had a trace of nervousness.

He stood; and then walked out of his forge slowly, glaring at the door of his home.

He did not speak or call when the knock repeated itself a third time. Leaning, he let himself listen, to have a clue of who stood there. He scoffed to himself, cursing the fool who dared bother him so.

He wanted nothing more than to yell and tell them off… but as well, he struggled to do so. Listening, he found a strange sense of solace in these knocks. So unusual, insistent… adamant. They wanted him to open.

After a while, he growled and stepped away, ready to ignore the bothersome noise. Only to stop when he was about to enter his forge again. He looked at the door, to then move away once more.

The process repeated itself a couple of times.

He batted his wings grumpily, unable to decide if to creep near the door or if to ignore it entirely.

He blinked after a few moments of inner debate, because he realized he had stopped hearing the knocks. He quickly rushed to the door and leaned there to listen. Like if he now cared about the outsider, he urgently tried to pinpoint if they still stood there.

A few mutters escaped him, conflicted. It was good riddance. But as well, he was curious.

He began to fidget and pull at his feathers. He lifted a hand towards the handle of the door, and doubted there for a few minutes.

He had no reason to open, not after so many years… but he found himself doing it.

The light outside was dim, but it was there. Right under the street lamp, she had sat patiently. Her wings were wrapped around her; it took her a moment to realize the door had creaked open an inch. Her amber eyes met his, both holding great uncertainty.

Her wings lowered a little to let her sit up. She held her hands together under the big sleeves of her tunic. Her frown revealed how nervous she was internally, even if her posture was firm. Meanwhile, he was peeking through the door, surprised. But he soon opened it fully. They looked at each other, for a long while.

She did not complain for all the time she had to knock, or how much she had to wait sitting there. There was no coldness in her expression. She said one simple word.

“Hello…”

What else could they say, they did not know.

“…Hello, sis.”

She looked really nervous. Not only for being there.

“Angus, I know it’s been a long time, even for our standards, but-”

“What do you want?”

He did not ask harshly, but he was not letting her in yet. She noticed.

With a tired smile, she sighed and whispered shyly.

“I-I needed to talk to someone.”

Angus mussed to himself, frowning. He called her out, not really wanting to taunt her, but finding himself doing so anyway.

“Don’t you have a stalky husband to speak to now? Or has he finally gotten on your nerves with his unending watch?”

He was being a little hypocritical, considering he liked to sneak glances at her without being seen, sometimes.

She did not get angry. She spoke calmly, patiently. He found her nervous shyness strange.

“Einar does worry a lot for me and my daily routine. He is more attentive than you think, in a good way, even if constant.” She shook her head, biting her lip. “But I can’t talk to him about this, not yet at least. No, this is more… personal. It is something that worries me, a lot. Something that would make any angel seek a priest.”

“Are you sick?”

He had taken a step as soon as he dreaded the possibility. Angels rarely got sick, but when they did, it was a serious matter.

He stopped himself from walking out as soon as she assured to calm his fear.

“No, I don’t need a priest either. Not yet anyway.” She found his worry telling. He still cared. “I- I just need to talk, please. It is very important to me, and I couldn’t think of another one who would understand me as much.”

Angus fidgeted at the door, seeing her hold her hands, look at him with hope. There was the shyness and nervousness that she lost so long ago.

“Not your mighty husband, not a wise priest… but a crazy blacksmith in the most humble of districts?”

She nodded, giving him a look.

“You are not crazy, Angus. Ok? I have never said that.”

“You’ve never corrected him either.”

“I have, multiple times. Every single time he dares speak of you in front of others. You have punched him, he can’t let go of it.”

Angus smiled at that, amused.

“So he does remember…”

“Angus, please.” She stopped him from commenting, showing again her distress. “I have not come here to talk about him or your rivalry. Not again, please.”

“Then tell me why you are here, no?”

She sweated, eyebrows trembling.

“W-well, aren’t you going to let me in? I’m not going to tell you under a street lamp.”

“Afraid of someone eavesdropping?”

“N-no- Well, m-maybe!” She snarled, her wings doing a little shaky flap. “Are we really arguing like this, Angus?!”

He moved a finger up to his lips, hearing her raise her voice a little.

“Shh, you’ll wake the baker next door.” She had knocked softly, but she was getting more nervous. Whatever she had to speak with him, it was making her old anxious self show. “Fine, I guess you can, well, come in.”

He was not sure about this, but he was not going to tell her to go away.

With a deep breath, he moved to let her enter. He contained a sigh when she did, because she soon saw how unkempt her old home was. She glanced at him to question, but she shut up when he shook a hand to plead silently.

He quickly walked over to a chair and offered her to sit with a nod. He sat himself on another one, more creaky and old.

“Well.” He leaned on the table and clasped his hands together, inquiring. “You can speak. I’m listening.”

She shrunk a little under her wings, and bit her lip.

“Mmm, how can I say this?” She fidgeted, looking everywhere but at him. She kept quiet at first, but then she spoke quickly, increasing in pace. “You see, it’s been a long time. I really had not expected us to talk again like this. But it is really keeping me awake at night. Yes, it is enough to do that. I have not been this nervous since we were brats and you would get us into trouble. You always made me nervous, but you would always make me feel safer than anyone. Does that even make sense? I hope so, because even if you’re the first person who I want to tell this, I am still a mess now. Thinking of it makes me so nervous and, gosh, you would get it better if you were-”

“Woah, woah, slow down. You’re rambling.” He gave her a look, seeing her bow her head with a shaky breath. “Heck, even your wings tremble, rapidly.”

“I know.” She brushed her long hair back, smiling with an unstable grin. “I can’t seem to get it out, right?”

He stared her down, deadpanned. He was caring, but direct, even after all this time.

“Just spit it out.” He joked, somewhat bitterly. “I doubt it can be a bigger shock than when you told me he was the one to join you.”

He was sure it could not be a bigger surprise.

He was wrong.

“I…” She gulped, and then said it quickly with her eyes closed, with a deep blush. “I-I think being an uncle could be a pretty big shock, brother.”

She opened one eye after a few seconds. She shied more, realizing he had not said anything, because he was staring through her with his mouth open.

Aurora sweated more, stammering with her words.

“A-angus?”

He took a few moments to react fully. When he did, he did so slowly.

“You said, uncle?”

She nodded slowly, uncertain.

“I’m not really sure, but… I can’t think of any other thing that can explain what I experience. I have felt unwell, recently. I don’t know if I should speak of the details, it is a little embarrassing.”

Angus stood up. She cowered a little on the chair, because his expression was now serious, intent. He looked right into her eyes, and after a moment, he kneeled at her side, to lay his hands on hers. He spoke carefully, never looking away.

“The term you look for, Aurora, is pregnancy. You’re expecting a child.”

Aurora met his eyes, and saw that his seriousness was out of care, not out of judgment. He was supportive, as she had hoped. So she opened to him, admitting how she felt.

“It feels strange to use that term. It feels even stranger to apply it to myself.”

He understood her apprehension and numbness. They both had to take a moment to assert it.

Angels rarely conceived. They were creatures that lived for ages, and took great effort to bring another one to life. Their race could of course reproduce, but much less than humans. It was considered a blessing by any family honored with it. However, it was also a curse. A birth usually weakened most mothers, sometimes to troublesome degrees.

Angus considered this fact first.

“You should have gone to a priest first, not me.”

Aurora frowned, looking up worriedly.

“If I had, they would have told Einar faster than lightning. No, I had to come see you first.”

“And why not let him know right away?” Angus gave her a confused look, snarling. “He should be the one to make sure you’re alright, as soon as possible. I will always support you, but we haven’t spoken in a very long time, and that will make Einar even saltier. You tell me, a lunatic, before your long time husband.”

“Exactly…” Angus leaned back, because Aurora smiled, somewhat knowingly. “We have not talked in a very long time. Do you think that if he knew first, he would let me come see you? No, he would find an excuse to surround me by priests and helpers, and keep me at home. And you, Angus, you would be the one to be salty. You would be too prideful to step into his home to see me. You both would make sure to keep your distances, no matter what.”

Angus tried to counter those words. He grumbled with his teeth clenched, wanting nothing more than to deny she was right.

“I would have gotten into that pompous fortress of his if it meant seeing you! I would have pushed him out of my way and gotten to you, at any cost!”

“That’s the problem.” She moved a hand and grabbed one of the braids of his beard, to give it a gentle exasperated tug. She scolded him, much to his annoyance. “Angus, I’m tired of your fighting. I don’t want you to take Einar out of the way. And I don’t want Einar to shun you. I want you two to stop this unending hatred of yours.”

Angus huffed and pulled his beard out of her hold.

“So this was only a ploy to try and make us both have to deal with each other again?”

She nodded and stood, not minding how anxious she felt. She was tired, and not only for the dizziness that would sometimes take her.

“You always say that you value me over anything else. Yet, you only act in favor of what you feel. For once, think of what I want. Think of how things could be, if you two let go of your silly grudge.”

“It is NOT a silly grudge.” She sighed, because he grew defensive and stern, again. “Besides, do you really think, that if I let go, he will as well? No, he will not let go. He will not let me be around, not if he can boss his men around and prevent it.”

“He will not do such thing.”

“Yeah, right. How can you be so sure?”

“Because I will ask him to.” She crossed her wings angrily, while turning slightly to show her discomfort. “I am the only person he listens to, the only one he takes orders from. You can’t see it or believe, but he shows great care for me. We’ve been together for a long time now. And he is going to be a father, as he soon will discover. He has to listen, he likes it or not.”

She sounded firm, even if she still looked nervous.

A tense silence fell between them. The implications of her words sank in. Angus looked down for a moment, knowing well she could walk towards the door at any moment. She wanted him to be part of this.

“So…” Aurora’s eyes opened with less sadness, when Angus spoke more gently. “I am going to be the crazy uncle, huh?”

She turned slowly, and then gave him a tender smile. Her whisper made him let go of his hate right then.

“A good one.”

—————–

 

The highest-ranked angels had no taste, in his opinion.

He was seated on a fancy cloth, on the ground, facing a table full of desserts. Desserts that were more decorative than anything. In his opinion, the room was as well tasteless, even if full of elegant white pillars and silver silks. All was grand here, according to others.

All made him want to bolt; but nothing more than the blandest and unpleasant thing in this place, which was at the other side of the table. Seated right there, with that calm smug look, the most punchable idiot of all angelic reign.

Of course, he could not voice his inner thoughts, so he kept sipping on his bland infusion with a forced unaggressive expression.

For his sister, he could stay seated and quiet while Einar rambled.

“I have ordered the most select of drinks and foods. It is essential for her to follow a strict diet, if she is to bring a healthy newborn. You can try some of them right here, on the table. I would have sent you a letter telling you of these facts, to lessen your worries, but she insisted on inviting you to our home instead.”

Aurora caught Einar’s tone.

“Now, Einar, it was you who begged me to not roam in the streets and rest instead. Of course I had to invite my brother, if he was to see me.” She coughed and smiled at Angus, trying to lessen the tension. “Because we agreed he could keep a close watch, right?”

Einar hummed coldly, eyeing them both pridefully.

“Of course.” He ordered a server silently, for more infusions to be brought to her. “Anything that pleases you. If it will help our son to be born with great strength and health, I will ensure anything you need.”

Angus interceded plainly while biting on a treat, much to Einar’s annoyance.

“You don’t even know if it will be a boy or a girl yet.”

Einar smiled with a lean of head, crossing his wings on his lap.

“My lineage has always been known for mighty warriors, patriarchs. I am sure fate will bring me a good heir to carry my name with glory.”

“Are you implying a woman would not?”

“Not at all… friend.” Einar motioned to Aurora, who knew already of Einar’s typical views. “Women are just more talented with magic and scripture. She is a good example of that. Our son would carry my sword with skill, while a daughter would carry the voice of angels.”

Aurora spoke, sending Einar a sharp glance.

“Well, if it was a boy, I would not mind him being a priest.”

“Priests can become elders, and so they are the most important of angels. But a warrior builds the road on which elders walk on.”

“What if the lad wants to be whatever he likes?” Angus took their attention, with his usual bluntness. “A baker, a farmer, a brute, or a boring priest… you shouldn’t choose anything more than his name.”

Einar almost glared Angus down. Almost, because he had already learnt to not do so from previous meetings, which went along less pleasantly. Instead of bickering or insulting, he decided to do what Aurora would not condemn: simple sarcasm.

“He will be reasoned with, as long as he does not partake in a profession as simple as blacksmithing.”

“Einar…”

She did condemn it, with her typical snarl and subtle flap of wings. Einar changed the subject quickly.

“Our son must have a meaningful name. Something that showcases my lineage’s dedication to our deity.” Einar began to ponder, ignoring Angus’ glare. “Eliud is a good name. Perhaps Adir could reflect it as well.”

“You might as well name him Zviad, it would reflect your lineage better.”

Einar caught the insult, knowing that the name meant arrogance.

“I see you still hold some knowledge from our old studies. Could swear you pushed away everything we lived for.”

“I changed ways, not brains. I still remember the books we were forced to memorize. Too many names in them, could offer you a few.”

“Most names are worthy. Some will be forgotten. Some, like Ang-”

Both stopped, because a wheeze echoed at their side. They forgot their bickering instantly when Aurora held herself in slight pain with both her wings. Einar was closer at her side, so he reached for her more easily, even though Angus reacted fast as well.

Propped up, Aurora blinked in a daze for a couple seconds. She then tried to act like the sting of pain had been nothing.

“I’m fine, y-you can let me go, Einar.”

The angel of silver wings was wary of many things. He cared for only a few of them. Her, and his future heir.

Both had seen her in pain these past months. The more the pregnancy progressed, the more these stings would happen. Einar was the one to command now, and neither she nor Angus could speak against it.

“No, you need rest.” He glared, serious, calculative. “You heard the priests. You know you need to sleep, and not make much effort.”

Angus knew of this. And he did not like it.

He had not considered a dangerous pregnancy. Not with her. Not even with moments like this he wanted to.

Einar stood and straightened his pose. With a flap of wings, he requested his servants around him.

“Take her to her chambers, now.” His eyes narrowed while looking at Angus next. “And please, escort our guest out. Aurora needs tranquillity.”

The guards and servants under Einar’s command were quick to do as told. Until Aurora lifted a hand to complain.

“No, no need to-”

“It’s okay.” She frowned, because Angus smiled and nodded calmly, to take his leave himself. “It is late anyways.”

The servants watched awkwardly while the humbly dressed blacksmith left, without a single complaint, unlike other days. Before marching out the main arc, he looked again at Aurora, to reassure her.

“Just rest. Take it easy and don’t worry about anything else but yourself, okay?”

Einar rolled his eyes, disliking how Angus seemed to be the better man in that moment. Angus walked out of their home, without showing any resentment, even though he was worried sick for her. Alone at last, Einar paid full mind to his wife, and her developed pregnancy.

Aurora would have thanked her brother, if she did not suffer another wave of discomfort and pain. She was led to her bed, where she struggled to fall asleep, even though she felt very tired.

None of them wanted to think of the high risk that birthing brought to some angels.

—————

 

The whispers in his mind soon became too much to bear.

An unconsidered chance became a possibility. Even if a slim one at first, it quickly seemed to grow into a reality. A reality none wanted to admit. Not even he had wanted to, but he could not keep denying the truth.

The symptoms were there, right before his eyes.

“She is getting worse.”

No one wanted to think of it. Death was something foreign to beings like them, even if it still happened.

“She is just experiencing what many women do. She will prevail.”

“How can you be so calm? She is right now in bed, put to sleep by the elders’ spells; you don’t care?!”

“I care, but I do not have to fear. Of course she is in pain, Angus. She will give birth soon. It is a hardship that she’ll overcome with time. And with it, she will bring another life.”

“No, Einar. You are going to have nothing but more death on your hands.” Angus had held back his hatred for a long time. Not now. He grabbed Einar and pulled at him to glare into his cold eyes. He whispered menacingly, seeing a clear threat for Aurora’s life. “A lot of angels die giving birth. You are blind if you say she can’t possibly die. She is showing much more than birthing pains. She is in more pain than others, she is fainting too much. If she keeps feeling like this, I dread she won’t make it. And you know what the worst part is? It will be for nothing. I see her belly, bigger, but small too. That baby has not grown enough. She can’t give birth yet, it’s too soon.”

Einar slapped Angus’ hold off, calmly. Standing tall, he batted his wings, daring the other to start a fight. Angus’ blood boiled while listening to that tone, so sure and arrogant.

“She won’t die. She is strong. My son is strong as well. There’s no way my own blood could be born feeble and weak.”

“Einar, blood and beliefs have no place in this matter. Her death can happen, no matter what you think of it.” Angus suddenly became grimmer. Einar was surprised to see his expression change, to hear him beg. “We have to put an end to this, before it is too late.”

Einar’s eyes showed emotion at last. They opened more, with surprise. Slowly, he looked sideways at Angus, expression hinting anger.

“…I hope you are not suggesting what I think you are, Angus.”

Einar warned. Angus did not falter.

“I am.” He clenched his fists, never looking away from those angry eyes. “It is her, or neither.”

Those silver wings opened. Angus scowled, because Einar stepped close, wings high. The tall angel raised his voice slightly, enough to show how displeased he was.

“Never in ages has my bloodline been put to an end, Angus. Never. None of my ancestors has died while delivering. You dare to suggest, to me, to her, to give up on our heir? A newborn is a rare blessing, one that we struggled for. No elder will agree to end this. That is a shame to our race, to our deity. Only the lowest of angels, the most disgraceful of scum would resort to such a thing. I won’t let you insult us, Angus!

Angus could not keep the whispers silent. He could not stay quiet himself.

“It is more shameful to let her die!”

Einar flinched and recoiled, for Angus had moved. Angus panted and became sullen, fist lowering in guilt. After the sudden punch, Einar brushed his face slowly, glaring resentfully. He did not answer the attack with any hit. The only thing he gave Angus was spite, a hissed taunt.

“Will you ask her to kill her son, Angus?” Einar smiled coldly, meeting those doubtful scared eyes. “Will you tell her you want to end your own nephew? Will you stand by her while she sobs, mourning the life of the being she expected with open wings? Will you do that to her, Angus?”

Angus felt cornered. With each word, Einar had advanced, while he cowered. In the end, he hit the wall of the alley where they argued, with no more ground to escape to.

He had called Einar to reach an agreement, for her sake. He had only managed to open old and new scars. Einar glared him down, wings firm. He spat more words, which set his ultimatum.

“No, you won’t have a word.” He turned around, affirming. “Let this be understood. No son of mine will end her life. Both will prevail. Both, or none. Fate sometimes brings death, and it is to be obeyed.”

Einar was sure fate was on his side. With no more to say, he walked away, back to his sanctuary, where he was sure his wife would be awake. Awake, and not in pain.

With nothing he could do, Angus hid his face into his hands, left alone in the dark.

The whispers continued, unheard by the blind.

—————–

——————-

 

The cell grew silent for a moment. The words stopped flowing.

He spoke next, to fill the sad silence.

“You wanted to end my life, in order to spare hers.” His uncle was not looking at him. He tried to meet his gaze, to no avail. “I can’t blame you for that, Angus. I… I may even feel thankful for your intentions.”

Angus growled to himself, trying hard to not crumble right then. He found Alexis’ words far too kind. His nephew still did not know to which extent he deserved to judge him.

“No, kid. You should resent me.” Angus noticed how Alexis had not taken a single bite of the bread he had managed to get him. Maybe it was because he wanted to listen closely to his tale, but he wondered if he would be able to eat later. There was more to reveal, and he did not like it. “You may think that Einar and I threatened your life by letting her deliver you. He gambled you both, while I tried to dismiss your right to be born. We did not care how much she loved you already. Our argument is nothing more than the tip of the iceberg. We both attempted to end you a second time, after you were brought to this world.”

“What do you mean?”

Angus laughed.

“Such a fragile thing you were then… alone, at the mercy of two resentful fools. She was not there to protect you.”

Blindness could be caused by rage, ignorance, or sorrow. It was easy to get lost in it, and not see a way out. A deep self-consuming abyss, which could be inescapable.

Said blindness could be cured, sometimes, by the very emotions that caused it.

Alexis was lucky Angus had been cured right on time.