Epilogue
brIELLE
THREE MONTHS LATER
T he feather-soft blades of grass brush the bottoms of my bare feet before my body weighs into the cold ground. A refreshing mist peppers my skin from the sacred body of water my lover fell into all those years ago. That serene wind caused the skirt of my gown to dance along my skin before I gathered it and sat on the cushion of grass beneath me.
The grass tickles the feathers of my new extensions. I have yet to learn how to use them, but vanishing has come easy with all of this new power. Azra immediately started to teach me how to use these powers and how to release them when it becomes too much.
It becomes too much very often.
No one speaks of my birthday three months ago. I barely remember what happened. It’s all a blur after that dagger slid into me.
Sometimes her features still haunt me.
Footsteps crunch on the grass behind me. I smell her scent moments before she sits beside me.
“I don’t think I’ve ever told you how well wings suit you.” The breeze blows through Andrea’s beautiful curls. I smile. She has just returned from a few weeks in Louisiana to visit with her parents.
“They give you one hell of a backache.” We both laugh. “How’s Ash today?”
“Better. We still aren’t sure if he will be able to fly again, but Cleo is trying her best.” Her stare becomes distant over the lake. I place my hand atop hers.
“I understand.” I nod as she glances at me and realizes what I am telling her. I understand how it feels to see someone you love like that. I understand how those images burn into your memory.
Her smile is soft.
Loud thunder and lightning clatter through the clear skies. We both stand immediately as an object hurls from the white clouds high above. I step to the ledge and squint to get a better view.
“What is that?” Andrea asks from behind me the closer it gets. Wings become visible and my eyes widen.
I step in front of my friend whose fingers begin to glow green the closer this angel gets. I notice the wounds and blood as soon as they land. The ground is shaking beneath us.
Long, dark hair ruffles in the wind as the female straightens. Her eyes glowing blue, just like Azra and his brothers. I only blink rapidly as her white wings tighten behind her back. Her gold armor is stained with blood splatters.
Our eyes meet and hers turn to a normal shade as the glow dissipates. Her mouth opens and the voice that comes out is serene and even, but the words are horrific and sinister.
“They’re coming.”