Page 21 of The Angel's Kiss
“And you did nothing to stop it?”
“No, I didn’t. Because I wanted to see how you’d handle adversity. If you’d be able to negotiate finesse with hostile forces. Or would you behave like a bull in a China shop, destroying everything and everyone,” Darius said.
I rolled my eyes then. “I guess I failed your tests.”
“Not necessarily,” he said.
I looked at him. “Meaning?”
“I think I’m finally understanding why Azazel is your Champion.”
“Cause I’m evil?” I asked with a sarcastic tone. Mainly because it was a question that was buried in the back of my mind for years. I often wondered why I’d been teased. Their little innuendos about me and my Champion. And then I came to discover it was a demon. There must be something wrong with me.
Darius sighed, then rose and walked around his desk. “Follow me.”
I did and he led us out to the garden. One of my favorite places to be. It was so beautiful and peaceful with all of the flowers, plants, animals, and the water fountains. I’d taken many naps in this place, because I loved it so much. We took a seat on a bench and Darius stretched his long legs out before him, then crossed them at the ankles. I decided to do the same.
“Look around you, Rai,” he said.
I did and saw nothing but natural beauty.
“Tell me, what do you see?”
“Nature in its sheer magnificence,” I said.
He nodded. “Evil can’t see that. It only sees this as something to destroy. It doesn’t know how to be humble in the presence of God’s gifts.” He looked at me now. “You’re not evil, Rai.”
“Then why am I linked to a demon?” I asked, because I was really confused.
“Perhaps, it’s not all about you.”
“But he’smyChampion.”
“You’rehisGuardian. Maybe God’s plan is for you to help him redeem his soul. You’ve been given the most difficult task of any Guardian, Rai. And maybe you’re the only one of us who can do this. It’s true, you’re not like other Guardians. I don’t think you ever were. You’ve been labeled a troublemaker, a menace, and unruly for so long. Yet, you’ve overcome such negativity and still held true to yourself.”
I looked down at my hands, I was playing with my own fingers. “And what am I?”
Darius chuckled. “A hellraiser who I’m sure will be able to handle a demon. Don’t be intimidated by Azazel. Right now, he’s still lost and trying to find his way.”
“I don't think I can accept him, sir,” I said, being honest with myself. Although, I did like him calling me a hellraiser.
Darius patted my thigh. “This is when you must put your faith in your fate.” He rose and looked down at me. “In the meantime, you will not have to be bullied by those boys any longer. I’ve seen what I needed to see. But your training will be even more extensive. Enjoy the rest of this day because tomorrow, I’m not going to show you any mercy.”
I watched Darius walk away and I should have felt relief after our conversation, but all I was thinking about was just how hellish my training was about to get.
Shit.
Chapter nine
Azazel
A Weird Occurrence
The field of greengrass, flowers, and trees were before me in all its splendidness and I felt the warmth of the sun’s rays caressing my flesh. So peaceful. The beauty of this world, left untouched by human hands was simply magnificent. I couldn’t believe there was once a time when I wanted to see it all burn. To see an ocean of blood drown out all living beings. Those days were long gone. I could feel the breeze brush over my skin, so gentle, like a soft kiss. I leaned my head back on the bench and closed my eyes.
When I opened them again, it was nighttime and the stars were bright in the sky. How odd when it had been a bright, sunny day only a second ago. How long had I been sitting on this bench in this park? Where was I? I sat up and looked around to see a man walking toward me. No, not a man, Rai, only he was an adult. He didn’t look the way he did when I’d last seen him at sixteen. No, he was breathtaking. I rose, but he held his hand out, stopping me.
“Sit,” he said and I obeyed.
