***

– HAZIEL – The Angel of Forgiveness and Compassion.

***

Blood splashes onto my face, blurring my vision, while at the same time moistening my eyes, which have been open for too long. Running the tips of my fingers over the hollows of my eye sockets, I look around at the blood that has spread, coating the walls and the floor.

The demon's head rolls near me, while its body remains standing and motionless. As I stand up, the rest of the demon's body falls forward, slamming to the ground.

Behind it, there is Hayden, stained with the same substance as me, from his head down to the tips of his black feathers, holding his celestial sword.

He rushes to me and pulls me into his arms.

This gesture, which would be harmless in my world, feels uncomfortable in this one. Or is it because it comes from him that I don't like it?

– Are you okay?

Tears of fear, which I've been holding back since my face-to-face encounter with the demon, finally fall. In front of this creature, I had refused to feel anything, as if my soul itself had put itself on pause due to fear, and now everything seems to be functioning normally again. Drops of bitter water still trickle from the corner of my eyes down my cheeks, mixing with the red blood of this creature.

– Answer me.

He holds my shoulders, looks at me, and wipes away a tear that begins to trace its path. This touch brings me back to reality.

– Yes, I'm okay, I finally say.

He releases me, looks at me once more, checking that I'm not injured.

– Good. We need to hurry, I think I've found what can save us.

He climbs the stairs and makes sure I'm following him. He then picks up an old book from the floor that had been left open carelessly, as if it had been dropped in haste.

– What's affecting my sister and the others is a curse.

I listen, but I'm not really there. I don't feel well, forcing myself to focus while swallowing all my emotions.

– So, it's the demons who did this? I ask.

– No, actually, curses only activate with the blood of a living being with a soul, but demons don't have one.

He flips through the pages one by one during his explanation, searching for the right page, then continues:

– In the book, it says that a human uses curses through demons by summoning them, sacrificing soul blood.

– So, it would be a human who...

– There are no humans in this world, he interrupts.

I grew up on Earth, but I'm not human... not entirely.

– How then?

– Think about it, there are only two kinds of living beings in Ailys. Well, more or less, he says, glancing at the body at the foot of the stairs over the railing.

– But demons don't have souls.

– Exactly!

I'm stunned, my eyes wide, feeling my body tense for just two seconds as I realize where he's going with this.

An angel, I think.

I stay silent, waiting for him to continue his theory to confirm what I suspect.

– Yes, an angel in the academy cast the spell, bringing the demons here.

– How can an angel do that? Aren't you supposed to be good and light?

– We were like that when the seraphim were still alive. But since then, we've become beings between angels and mere humans. Losing the light of angels, we became dark both outside and inside. Our feathers are now black, as are our hearts, feeling only the darker human emotions. We learn this in history lessons.

– Dark emotions? I repeat.

– Yes, anger, envy, guilt, pain, and many more.

– That's sad.

– By the way... he says, moving his face closer to mine... You? You say "you" as if you're not an angel too.

I didn't realize it, but it's true that I don't quite accept the idea of being one, or at least, not fully. I still can't come to terms with being part of their community. Maybe because I didn't grow up here, in the world of Ailys.

– Uh... Yes, I mean... Damn, I don't know what to say to him...

– It's true that you don't know what it feels like to change; you've remained a white angel.

Without looking further, he's found an answer to my problem.

– So, how do we lift the curse? I ask, trying to change the subject.

– Good question...

He turns his eyes back to the book and almost reaches the end, showing me a specific page. There, written in three lines, each numbered at the beginning of the paragraph. Reaching the last line, my eyes lift to Hayden's, who understands what I've seen.

– Yes, we need blood, and not just any blood, but that of an angel with pure wings.

Mine.

I take a step back as I see him staring at me intensely.

– I really don't like the way you're looking at me.

– Don't worry, just a few drops will be enough to break the curse.

I don't reply, waiting for him to continue.

– I'll only prick the tip of your finger.

He steps toward me, and at the same pace, I step back.

– I don't like this, Hayden, I say, raising a finger to stop him.

Blocked by the library shelves, I can't retreat further while he keeps approaching me. I'm trapped, the only way out: jumping over the railing and landing one floor below.

I can't.

From his pocket, his right hand pulls out a blade. The same dagger he used when we first met, when he cut the center of his hand to free my wings.

He looks into my eyes, then places the open book on the floor. I hide my hands behind my back, but he manages to grab one with force.

– Fine, okay, but wait a second, I say, panicking and breathing heavily.

– We can't wait.

– Okay, okay, just the fingertip then.

I fold my fingers, leaving only my index finger extended, then squeeze my eyes shut and clench my teeth.

I hate the sensation of a cut or prick. Just imagining my skin splitting makes me feel the pain, and my heart tightens.

The moment the tip of the blade touches my skin, blood springs forth. I open my eyes and watch what happens next. He flips my hand palm-down, letting gravity pull each drop of blood.

– I think this will do.

He rolls up the sleeve of his black cashmere sweater on his left arm and clenches the blade tightly in his hand, spilling his blood over mine, blending our essences.

The worst part comes next.

– This is the next step: a pure source mixed with a cursed one. Since dark angels are cursed by nature, I'll mix my blood, hoping it will suffice.

It's not the blood that makes me hesitate to help him. It's what he'll do with it afterward.

– Are you ready?

– No, not at all.

He smiles.

– Now, close your eyes and repeat after me.

He begins to recite a phrase made of words I can't understand.

– Go on, repeat it.

– Are you sure this is what we're supposed to do? Because looking at us, it feels like the start of a cult.

– A what?

– Forget it.

I repeat after him, saying the strange words that sound like no language I've ever heard. On the third repetition, we open our eyes, but nothing happens.

– Damn it... he yells.

– What? It didn't work?

I knew it wouldn't work, and I suspected he had misunderstood the steps in the book, but I keep quiet.

I don't want to suffer.

He crouches down to reread the steps, thinking he missed one.

– You don't look much like an angel like this, he says as he gets up.

– What do you mean?

He's figured out what's missing. Damn it.

– Your wings, you need to bring them out. You're not complete without your ceremonial transformation. I'll have to force them out again.

This is why I didn't want to do it, and this is what I hate.

– No!

When I read the steps, I immediately realized it required a complete pure angel. I didn't tell him because the pain I felt the first time terrified me, and I don't want to go through that again.

Remembering the pain I can't even describe, a shiver of dread runs through me.

– It's the only way.

– I said no, I repeat, raising my voice.

He clenches his fists, then relaxes them.

– Fine, he says more calmly.

He gives in more easily than I expected. Too easily, even.

I glance to my right, toward the entrance below, thinking I heard a noise. Then I hear Hayden say:

– I'm sorry...

My eyes drop to his feet and see the infinity symbol drawn in blood, the trigger for transformation.

Liar.

Suddenly, an excruciating pain explodes in my back. Holding back a scream, I bite my lower lip to avoid attracting more demons to where we are. Silent, I can hear each bone in my body break and feel my flesh stretch and tear along my back. My lip splits under the pressure of my teeth, tasting my own blood.

On the ground, I lift my eyes toward Hayden, glaring at him with a look as dark as his wings, before my thoughts override my current weakness, focusing only on the pain.

When my wings finally emerge, I stand slowly, glaring at him furiously, tears brimming in my eyes from the pain I just endured.

– I hate you!

He smirks, his vicious grin showing how much he enjoys seeing me suffer at his hands.

– And I don't care, sweetheart. Now, repeat the phrase.

Remembering I'm doing this to save others, I regain my composure and repeat his damn magical phrase.

On the third repetition, our mingled blood ignites instantly. A mix of blue and white flames dances before us. Suddenly, a shrill noise fills the air, like an ear-piercing scream coming from everywhere, making the streetlights above us vibrate and our eardrums ache. We cover our ears as best we can, waiting for it to stop.

– It's done, I think it worked.

– How can you be sure? And what was that sound?

– The demons' cry.

I'm about to dash down the stairs without listening to what he just said. The only thought in my mind is to reach the girls in the basement, but my body won't move.

– Let me go.

He's holding me by the arm.

– Where do you think you're going?

– To see the girls. You just said we lifted the curse. And don't touch me, I yell, pushing his hand away.

– Are you deaf or do you have a death wish? Didn't I just tell you those cries were the demons'? We broke the curse, but they're still here. Fold your wings and stay close to me, he orders, picking up his sword.

– I have a question first.

He turns his head to show me his profile, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, waiting for me to speak.

– Why can't I tell anyone about my wings?

He doesn't respond, standing silently. Frustrated by his lack of an answer, I step closer to demand one.

– I just asked you a question, answer me...

I stop abruptly, frozen in an awkward position, my body balanced on one foot. I feel a cold, metallic blade pressed against my throat, and a powerful light shining from beneath my eyes.

– I think you've forgotten...

He cuts his sentence short and looks me up and down. That vicious smile spreads across his face—the one that makes it seem like he's about to do something inappropriate—before he speaks again.

– ...everything I told you before. Do you really want to make me angry?

– N...no.

I hate him.

He slides his sword back into its sheath and steps closer, running his hand through my long black hair before gripping my head firmly. With a sharp tug, he pulls me toward him and whispers in my ear:

– That's good, sweetheart. I prefer when you listen to me.

At those words, I shove him away fiercely and take off running, bolting down the stairs. Seeing the exit door ahead of me, I reach out toward the golden handle—until Hayden suddenly lands right in front of it, between me and my escape.

He locks eyes with me before spreading his wings wide. With a single motion, he brings them forward so they touch at the front, creating a gust of wind so strong it makes my hair whip around wildly. He does it again, and this time, I feel my feet sliding backward across the floor. Crossing my arms in front of my face, I shield myself from the wind and any debris that might fly into my eyes.

– Stop! I scream.

The wind is so deafening that I can barely hear my own voice, almost smothered by the roar of the gale he's creating. He flaps his wings again, even harder this time. The windows of the library fly open with a crash, creating a draft that sends books tumbling off their shelves.

On the third flap, Hayden finally stops. As I lower my arms, I notice a tear glistening at the corner of his eye. I don't understand. None of his facial features show any emotion, yet his eyes are shining—and the veins in them are bright red, as if they're about to burst.

My heart tightens at the sight of him like this, making me forget entirely about what just happened. All I want is to comfort him.

– Hayden? I murmur.

– I'm sorry, he says in a weak voice.

I watch him, trying to piece together everything that's just unfolded.

Despite all the torment this boy has inflicted on me, I find myself feeling pity for him in this moment. As I step closer to him, he suddenly takes off, flying above me and through the large windows that had flung open earlier. A single black feather falls in his wake, twirling gracefully through the air before settling softly on the ground.

I fold my wings away and quickly leave before the demons show up, hearing the racket Hayden caused still echoing around the academy.

***

I open the door to the Gard room, but it's empty. I freeze in place, standing in the doorway, looking inside.

Where are they?

– Marie.

It's Hailey, trotting toward me.

– Hailey, are you okay?

– Yes, I woke up, but you and Elise were gone. What happened?

She's unharmed—I feel relieved.

– It's a long story. We need to find the others. Demons are roaming inside the academy.

I take her hand.

– I haven't seen any demons so far, and where are the others? You haven't seen them? she asks. I woke up all alone.

– No, I have no idea where they are.

I pull her along by the hand, leading her up the stairs. There's no one in sight, so we move forward through the corridor.

– Marie, stop.

I turn to face her.

– Tell me what's going on, now.

– The demons are still here. We can't stop moving.

– Just tell me why you're covered in blood. And where were you? You weren't with me in the great hall anymore.

– It's not my blood. It's a demon's.

– You killed one? By yourself? How is that possible? Only a celestial weapon can eliminate them.

– I wasn't alone.

I sigh.

– Hayden was with me. Actually, he saved my life.

– My brother, is he okay? And Hadrien—have you seen him? she asks, worried.

It seems like she had forgotten she had brothers until I mentioned one. I was about to answer when I noticed she wasn't moving anymore.

Hailey stands frozen, her eyes wide as she stares over my shoulder. Oh no. I slowly turn around, scanning for what's caught her attention, and come face-to-face with a demon.

Again.

A shiver runs down my spine as I feel its hot breath and catch the stench of its toxic, smoke-like odor. I suppress the urge to cough and carefully step back, grabbing Hailey's wrist. I signal for her to follow my movements, leading us away from this soulless creature. Placing a finger to my lips, I indicate for her to stay silent, and she seems to understand—or perhaps it's fear that keeps her mute.

– Marie, Hailey! someone shouts from behind us.

The demon suddenly moves, charging toward us. Hailey shoves me aside, and the demon crashes into her, knocking her to the ground. It pins her down, its razor-sharp claws swiping at her.

She manages to shield her face, holding her arms up to keep the creature's claws from reaching her.

Without thinking, I lunge behind the demon, grabbing it to make it release its hold. As soon as my hand makes contact, my vision dims, and I go completely blind. That familiar darkness that refuses to let me go engulfs me once again.

I can still feel the pressure of my hand on the demon, which also seems frozen, unable to move. We both remain motionless, trapped in our own thoughts.

I feel warm.

A strange heat spreads through the darkness, and my pulse quickens.

– Help me! Save me! pleads an unfamiliar voice.

As soon as I hear the cry for help, the scene around me shatters, and my vision gradually returns. The first thing I see is the demon's lifeless body sprawled on the ground before me, pierced by an arrow of light straight through its abdomen.

Wondering who shot the arrow, I trace its path with my eyes and see Elise and Liam, who is still holding his bow.

– Marie, are you okay?

Hailey pulls me into her arms.

– Uh...what just happened?

– The demon and you... You weren't moving.

Whose voice was that, begging to be saved?

I lift my head and watch Elise talking to Liam. After a brief exchange, he leaves, and she comes over to join us.

– Are you two okay? I shouted to warn you about the demon.

– We were face-to-face with it, I'll have you know, Hailey yells, pointing at the demon's corpse lying at our feet.

– Yes, but... I panicked.

– Elise, what did Liam say to you? I ask.

– Oh... He told me to bring you both with me. We're supposed to regroup with everyone else at the training grounds.

Hailey huffs angrily and starts leading the way outside. The rain has lessened, and the sky is gradually clearing, revealing piles of monster corpses. Thankfully, no angels are among them, which allows me to breathe a little easier. Several battle angels are flying overhead, armed and directing others to the gathering point on the training grounds.

Hailey suddenly stops and turns to confront Elise.

– Where did you go after you woke up?

Elise glances at me from the corner of her eye before answering.

– I went to look for Marie. She wasn't there when I woke up, and I thought it was strange.

All suspicion now shifts onto me.

– I wasn't there because I was trying to find a way to free all of you from this curse.

Elise steps in front of Hailey and begins questioning me.

– So, you admit you didn't pass out like the rest of us. Strange.

She crosses her arms.

– Yes, it's true. I didn't feel the same faintness as the others, I admit confidently.

– How is it that whenever you're around, we get cursed and infested with demons?

What?

I glance at Hailey, raising my eyebrows to show my shock.

– I don't know...

– Stop it right now, Marie, Hailey says, pulling Elise back by the shoulder to face her instead.

– But Hailey... Elise starts.

– It's not her. She came straight to the Gard room to find me and helped me fight the demon.

– A demon that nearly killed me because of her!

– But...

– Enough, Hailey yells.

Elise falls silent.

A battle angel flying nearby lands next to us and tells us to head to the training grounds where everyone else is gathered.

We finally find Ambre, who looks scared and heartbroken. She runs into Hailey's arms.

– Hailey!

– Why are you in this state, Ambre? Hailey asks, holding her tightly with one hand on her head.

– I... I'm sorry.

– What? Why?

– It's Hadrien...

Hearing his name, Hailey clenches her jaw and pulls Ambre out of her embrace.

– Tell me.

– I left him behind. There were too many of them.

– Where's my brother?

– In the cafeteria. There were too many...

– Damn it, she exclaims, running off.

I decide to follow her toward the cafeteria.

Before entering, I grab her arm to stop her and ask her to listen carefully.

– I've noticed that the demons are blind. They're drawn to noise, I whisper.

– How do you know?

– Shh, keep your voice down, I say, pressing a finger to my lips. Earlier, if Elise hadn't shouted to call us, the demon wouldn't have attacked.

– Are you sure? she asks, whispering now.

– Yes, trust me.

– Then I'm even angrier at her.

She seems furious with Elise.

We open the door and tiptoe inside.

For now, we don't see anything. We scan the room, but it's empty. We move into the kitchen, where we find Hadrien, injured and sitting on a nest of black feathers.

Hailey's eyes immediately fill with tears at the sight of her brother slumped against the wall. We rush over to him, and Hailey shakes him, trying to wake him up.

– He's not waking up. Do you think he's... ? she asks, her voice choked with tears.

I grab a knife from a nearby table and hold the blade under his nose. A faint mist appears on the metal with each of his slow breaths.

You learn things from movies.

– He's alive, but he's very weak. Grab his arm. Let's try to get him out of here.

– Okay, she says, exhaling with relief.

We each sling one of his arms over our shoulders and manage to almost reach the cafeteria's exit when a demon appears in front of us, motionless.

I glance at Hailey, reminding her of what I said earlier. She nods slightly, and we carefully sidestep around it.

It doesn't move, and we successfully get past it.

– Our room is nearby. Let's go there and lock ourselves in, she whispers.

– Good idea.