***

– CAHETEL – The Seraphim Angel of Gratitude.

***

Hailey and I are barricaded in the room, our legs stretched out on the cold floor, our backs pressed against the heavy furniture that shields us from whatever lurks outside.

We stare ahead, watching the bed where we've laid Hadrien. He's resting there, injured and unconscious, still too weak from his many wounds to regain his strength.

– Th... tha... thank you, she whispers hesitantly, as though the words are difficult to force out of her mouth.

– Thank you? For what? I ask, turning to look at her.

– For helping me earlier... and for not letting me go find my brother alone.

– Oh, it's nothing.

I smile at her.

I pull my knees to my chest, wrap my arms around them, and rest my chin on top. It brings me a bit of warmth, a small comfort after all the events that have sent chills through my blood.

– I want to know something, she continues.

– What is it?

– How is it that you didn't pass out like the rest of us?

– I have no idea. Honestly, I'd like to know that myself.

– From what I understand, you went off to find a way to get us out of this mess. So... you're the one who freed us? she says, shifting to sit cross-legged.

– Yes, but I had help.

– Someone else escaped it, too?

– Yes, your brother, Hayden.

– So, you were with him while we were all unconscious? she asks, her voice suddenly sharper, taking on a graver tone.

– Yes, that's right. But calm down, Hailey. Speak more softly; the demons could hear you.

– You're right.

She regains her composure.

– It's just... I don't like my brothers hanging around other girls.

Me, "hanging around" him? That's a bit of an exaggeration.

– Why?

She turns to face me, adopting the same curled-up position I'm in.

– You're probably going to think I'm toxic, but I don't like it when my brothers spend time with other girls.

– Is there a reason for that?

– No. Or maybe yes. I don't really know. I just don't like it, that's all. It's hard to explain, but when I see them with other girls, it feels like someone's taking something away from me that's mine.

– Hailey, that's being possessive.

– Possessive? Is that what I'm feeling?

– Yes. And maybe a little jealous that they're with someone else and not with you, I say, offering her an awkward smile.

She stands up and walks over to her brother, gently brushing the golden curls on his forehead.

– I'm afraid they'll abandon me for someone else, and I'll end up all alone.

– Don't worry. Family always stays together. I know what I'm talking about—I have two brothers. Although, for me, it's the opposite: I wish they'd leave me alone, I joke, standing up and walking over to join her.

– I didn't know you had brothers. Where are they?

– They... I don't like talking about my family. Can we change the subject?

– I see. You must miss them. So, you understand what I feel.

– Maybe we should focus on taking care of him for now. I think there are still bandages and supplies from the last time he was hurt.

While I search the bathroom for first-aid supplies, Hailey takes care of changing him. As I rummage through the cabinets, a chill runs down my spine as I recall how he acted the first time we met in this very room. Why am I still helping this creep? Ugh.

I finally find everything I need in a small wicker shelf under the sink and return to the room. Hailey is frozen, staring at Hadrien, motionless.

– What is it, Hailey?

– Look, she says, pointing at her brother.

I crouch beside Hailey and examine his body. His torso is bare, and my gaze falls on a strange wound on his abdomen. It doesn't look like his other injuries. This one seems deep, but no blood flows from it, and the skin around it is blackened.

– Did a demon do this to him? I ask, my eyes wide.

– A demon can't cause this kind of wound. They slash, they bite—but this...

She trails off, placing her hand over the still-open wound. Her fingers glide gently along the scar from top to bottom, as if trying to figure something out. She grimaces slightly, leaning closer and bringing her nose near his abdomen. She sniffs delicately, trying to confirm her suspicions.

– His skin looks like it's been burned. There's an acrid, piercing smell coming from the wound.

– It's strange, isn't it?

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

We whip around toward the door, both gasping and widening our eyes at the same time. Frozen, we stare at the door, waiting to confirm whether we really heard the sound the first time.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

– Open up, it's Ambre! she shouts.

I glance at Hailey, who doesn't seem thrilled at the idea of seeing her friend again, her brows furrowing deeply. Left with no choice, I partially block the entrance myself and unlock the door for the redhead waiting outside.

As soon as the door creaks open, Ambre rushes inside, bumping into me on her way and heading straight for the unconscious, injured figure on the bed.

– Don't take another step.

Hailey steps in front of the bed, blocking Ambre's path and glaring at her fiercely. Ambre, visibly worried for Hadrien's life, begins to tear up, her eyes filling with water.

– Let me through, Hailey, sniff.

– No, you're not going anywhere. This is your fault—you left him alone.

– I didn't want to leave him, I promise you, Hailey, sniff, I didn't...

Hailey turns as something grabs her arm, and she finds that her brother has finally opened his eyes. Seizing the opportunity, Ambre slips past her and throws herself into Hayden's arms, making him wince under her weight.

– Ugh, he groans. Get off, you're crushing me, he says weakly.

She lets go of him and scans his face and body with her eyes, asking if he's okay as a single tear rolls down her cheek.

– You're alive, my love.

My love... So my suspicions were right. She *was* with Hadrien in that hallway before the spectacle with the combat angels.

Stunned by what she's just heard, Hailey can't hide her disgust, her face contorting into a perfect display of revulsion.

– Your *what*?

She folds her arms and presses on.

– Your *love*?

She pauses, as though struggling to accept what Ambre just said.

– Wait, are you two together? she asks disdainfully.

– Calm down, sis, and help me sit up, Hayden says, struggling to prop himself up on his hands.

Hailey places a firm hand on Ambre's shoulder, pulling her back a couple of steps to clear the way. Ignoring Ambre's protests, she helps her brother up, despite his groans and grimaces of pain, until he's leaning against the headboard of the bed.

I watch from a distance, still by the door, quietly observing their conversation.

– So, what's going on between you two? Hailey presses.

– Nothing. I've told her not to call me that. We're not together... it's just something to pass the time, he says with a sly half-smile.

Hearing that answer from the man she just called "my love," Ambre clenches her jaw, trying to stop the small pools at the corners of her eyes from spilling over—her tears of relief turning into tears of anger. When one finally escapes, she immediately brings her fingers to her cheek to catch it, staring at them as if it's the first time she's seen her eyes cry.

Hayden doesn't even spare her a glance since waking up. Suddenly, his eyes flick to me, holding a provocative gaze before finishing it with an inexplicable wink.

Ambre catches the shift in his attention, turns to look at me, and abruptly swallows all her tears. The anger she felt toward him now redirects itself at me.

– You're always in my way.

– Me? What do you mean?

I'm caught off guard, stunned by her sudden hostility. Without hesitation, she unloads all her emotions onto me, leaving me speechless.

– Always pretending to be so innocent, acting like you don't understand what's going on.

Hadrien has gotten up without a sound and now stands just behind her.

– Stop. Right. Now, he orders.

She jumps, startled by how close his voice is, but quickly recovers her composure.

– Or what? You're not exactly a white knight like your brother. So, tell me... or what? she challenges him.

Hadrien's expression darkens, his eyes flashing with barely restrained fury. His jaw clenches with such force it seems like it might crack, each muscle in his face taut with the effort of holding back. The storm brewing inside him is unmistakable, the fire threatening to consume everything in its path.

– That's enough, Ambre. None of my brothers will be with anyone. Not you, not anyone, she said, throwing me a pointed look as she finished her sentence.

Another stray bullet I have to take.

Ambre exhaled loudly and headed for the door when, suddenly, it swung wide open, sliding the furniture blocking the passage. A raven-black head of hair appeared in the doorway.

– Well, what happened here? What's with those faces? he asked, scanning us one by one.

Ambre kept walking and exited the room, slamming the door behind her.

– What are you even doing here? Everyone's supposed to be on the field.

– Yeah, we're...

– Nothing, my brother, Hayden cut me off.

Turning his gaze on him, the newcomer took in the sorry state his brother was in, and a flash of anger crossed his face.

– You little idiot, I was looking for you everywhere!

He marched toward him and tugged on his tattered, open shirt, revealing the blackened skin around the strange burn mark on his abdomen.

– I hurt myself with my weapon. Let go of me, Hadrien said, brushing off his brother's hand to release the fabric. It's nothing, it'll heal soon.

– These marks... they look familiar.

He straightened slowly, as if a revelation had just dawned on him. His gaze turned fixed and expressionless, his face void of emotion. Even the blue veins on his temples seemed frozen in place.

This change plunged the room into a heavy silence, the atmosphere thick with mystery. It was as if he was hiding something deep in his heart and mind, something far from reach.

Hailey grabbed his hand, bringing him back to the present. Even so, he still looked like a lost little boy, as if his soul had been sucked out of him, leaving behind an empty shell. Hailey, however, seemed moved by her older brother's state, a flicker of sadness lighting up her dark eyes.

– Are you okay?

– Huh? Oh, yeah, he answered, shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts.

He brought his free hand to his face, taking a deep breath before continuing:

– It's nothing, little brother. It's just a scratch from my blade. You know how quickly we heal. It's not the first time we've gotten hurt in battle. Don't worry; in two days, it'll be gone.

– I don't believe you. How can you injure yourself so deeply with your own blade? And why does your wound look like this?

– I... it happened too fast. I remember fighting off several demons, then managing to hide in the kitchens. After the angeless left me alone, I think I lost control of myself.

Hailey glanced at me, and I noticed the strange light in her eyes, which filled me with a sudden sadness I couldn't explain.

– He passed out. I found him alone on the floor, injured, and with... his wings...

Approaching her, seeing how she struggled to finish her sentence through her sorrow, I decided to step in and continue explaining.

– Hadrien, your wings are far too damaged, and this wound doesn't look like an ordinary injury. I think you should rest for a while and stay out of the fights.

He listened but said nothing, seemingly starting to realize the true state he was in.

Hayden seemed to understand as well, and agitation began to show on his face.

– What's wrong with his wings?

– He can't fly anymore, I replied.

Hailey let out a faint sob at my words, drawing all eyes to her. Suddenly, Hadrien and Hayden moved closer to her, forming a protective circle around their sister. None of them spoke, but their presence was enough: each of them placed a hand on her to offer her a bit of their warmth.

– By the way, what's happening outside? Hadrien asked.

– That's why I was looking for you. Everything's under control. We've managed to kill all the demons.

– Okay, I'm heading back to the dorm. Little angel, take care of my sister, he said, hiding his sadness behind a forced smile.

– Wait, I'll come with you. I need to wash all this blood off me.

They walked out of the room slowly, the two Nox brothers together, one injured, the other lost in thought.

***

As the evening fell, Hailey and I stayed in the room without saying a word. The atmosphere was heavy. After everything that had happened, I didn't feel like starting a conversation. As for Ambre, poor thing, she'd been rejected in front of us and hadn't returned since.

I couldn't stop wondering what Hayden had been thinking when he saw the mark on his brother. Those thoughts seemed to cause him inner pain, and his sister had noticed it right away, as if she already knew why... and how.

As I got up and decided to step outside for some fresh air under the night sky, Hailey called out to me.

– Marie, I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier.

I straightened up and waited as she approached me.

– You're right, I'm possessive when it comes to my brothers. I... I want to change because, thinking about it, I think I'm hurting them, she continued in a calm voice.

There it was again—that spark. She must really love her brothers.

– With me, it's fine. I'm not looking for a relationship with either of them, but...

– Ambre, she said, finishing my sentence.

I nodded, looking at her to let her know she had, indeed, done wrong.

– She's your friend. I don't know how long you've been friends, but you must have hurt her.

– She hates you, you know. So why are you being so kind to her?

– I... I don't know. Let's just say it's my soul speaking.

– I wish I had a soul less dark than mine, she said, lowering her head to stare at her shoes.

– It's not dark, trust me. It's just so full of love for your brothers that you leave no room for anyone else.

– Really?

– I'm about to go for a walk. Want to come with me? We can look for Ambre while we're at it.

***

We walked side by side, dragging our feet along a sandy path that led to a small flower garden—or rather, a cemetery.

In my world, cemeteries are filled with headstones, giving them a duller, more melancholic appearance. It's as if, when someone loses a loved one, the light within their soul is extinguished as well, captured by death and buried underground. Their grieving hearts are reflected in the stones, leaving behind a sadness that seems endless.

The night had fully fallen, and a few dark angels flew overhead, circling the academy like ravens to ensure no demons remained in the area.

As we walked, Hailey began sharing the poignant story of how she met Ambre and the childhood they spent together. As she spoke, my mind wandered to the mysteries of angels.

How are they born? Do they know their celestial nature from the start? Do they have parental figures they can rely on, just like I have mine?

If I voiced these thoughts aloud, she'd quickly realize I'm not from this world.

– Ambre's not a bad person. She just has a bit of a crappy attitude. Still, I've been feeling this weight on my chest. It's a feeling I've had often lately.

– Speaking of that, do you... have anyone you're interested in?

– Me? No, but there was a time when I... I was seeing Liam.

– Liam? If I remember correctly, he's the one who fought with your brother, and you punched him? By the way, nice hit, I chuckled.

– Yeah, that's him.

She smiled, but then her expression turned awkward.

– I've got a question for you. Do you know what happened between them?

Expecting her to say she didn't know much about the story, I kept walking, not noticing she had stopped. It was only after taking three more steps that I realized the sounds near me had disappeared. I stopped abruptly.

When I turned around, I found her standing still, her head tilted down toward the ground.

– Hailey...

I approached her slowly and placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but she gently moved it away without looking up.

– Are you okay? I asked, concerned.

She turned away and walked off in a hurry without looking back. I wanted to call out to her but held back, thinking she might need some time alone.

She seemed weighed down by a lot of remorse, likely for what had happened earlier.

Well, I guess I'll just continue on my own. Now, where is that garden?

Lost in thought, I kept walking aimlessly, trying to imagine adorable baby dark angels—their innocence contrasting with the darkness of their wings.

According to Hayden, dark angels don't feel any good emotions. So when they create families, do they marry? Do they have feelings for one another beyond hatred?

– Ouch.

The sting of a small flying creature on my arm caught me off guard. My hand reacted instinctively, trying to swat the insect before I even made the conscious decision to do so.

– No!

– A voice? Who's there? I asked, spinning around with a racing heart, scanning my surroundings.

That's when I realized I had wandered off the dirt path. I didn't recognize anything and couldn't figure out where I had come from.

Where on earth did I end up? And what was that strange little voice?

The trees stretched endlessly, so tall and dense that they blocked most of the starry sky. Only tiny rays of moonlight peeked through their leaves.

– Be careful, will you? You almost crushed me!

I looked down at my feet but saw only the imprint of my shoe on the grass.

– I'm right in front of you, idiot!

– Where? I don't see you!

A spark of light flickered, illuminating the dark forest. It danced in front of me, close to my face, before moving away and growing brighter until it blinded me. Shielding my eyes, I kept watching the flickering glow, which suddenly took on a human form.

What was this magnificent creature?