Page 7 of Vayn

Another chill raced down my spine. It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought the exact same thing myself, many times. Though the words that left the dean’s mouth were always polite, there was an air of danger to him. There was no doubt in my mind that he was a predator, just like the rest of the Fallen.

In my human life, I’d always believed angels were kind winged beings who protected humankind. Wrong. They were dark and malicious, created for two purposes only, to guard and destroy. If ordered to, they’d destroy the same beings they’d once guarded. Even if they weren’t ordered to, they still would.

Which was how the Fallen came to be cursed on Earth in the first place. So, did I think the dean was evil? Yeah, somewhat. I think all of the Fallen had a bit of evil in them. And since I was one of the cursed descendants, that meant there was an evil inside me also.

Do you think the dean is evil? Charm asked again.

“I think we all have a bit of evil in us.”

More of the clouds around his face dispersed, revealing his smirk. This was my first time seeing one of the shadows smile.

“You look just like him, your Fallen.”

That’s because I’m an extension of him. Do you find me handsome?

“He still can’t hear us, right?”

Correct.

“Yes, Charm. I find you very handsome.”

His smirk transformed into a full-blown smile. I suppressed a gasp. Wow! It should be a sin to be that gorgeous. I mean... wow... just wow.

I like that you consider me handsome, he told me. I think you’re beautiful, little one.

I don’t know if it was the word beautiful or the phrase little one that got me, but I found myself smiling up at him, delighted by his words. I frowned when his smile faded. I immediately wanted it back. His expression darkened.

Be careful in our world, little one. Those who seem evil, sometimes have the kindest hearts. And those who seem kind, sometimes have evil intentions. My Fallen is ordering me to return to him. Be careful as you walk home. I’ll watch you through his eyes. He nodded to his Fallen, who was standing a good distance away from us, hiding in the shadows. Goodbye, little one.

“Goodbye, Charm.”

I wasn’t ready for him to go. However, I couldn’t force him to stay. So, I did and said nothing as he moved away from me, bringing an end to our conversation. Seconds later, his dark clouds dispersed. Suddenly, I felt very cold and alone. I was used to being alone.

Yet, that loneliness felt different after having been held by Charm. I often felt this way after Rage left my side. Don’t tell me I’m growing attached to my guardian’s shadows. I stared at where my guardian was standing a few feet away from me. His dark eyes were fastened on me. He was wearing his signature scowl of disgust.

Nothing new there. I was sore and tired. Too tired to care about what my lurking guardian thought of me. Rolling my eyes, I turned away from him and walked straight into a solid wall of male chest. I stumbled backward, tripping over my own feet.

Clumsy much? This time, the hand that stretched out to catch me wasn’t shrouded by clouds. Long, tanned fingers reached for me, then stopped. Flailing, I landed flat on my ass. Pissed off, I stared up into the eyes of Vayn Shadow-Fallen. The bastard who’d just let me fall.

Worst guardian ever!

Chapter Three

Destiny

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The pain already plaguing my left leg intensified.

“Owww!” I glared up at my guardian.

This was the first time he’d appeared directly in front of me. Now that he was this close without his shadows swirling around him, he looked even more threatening than before. His signature scowl was still in place as he stared from his hand to me.

“You suck at being a guardian,” I told him.

He pulled his hand back and folded his arms over his chest. “And you suck at... everything.”

That should sting. It doesn’t because it’s a lie. I’m good at some things. Lots of things. Too many to name. I pushed myself to my feet since, clearly, my guardian angel wasn’t going to help me up. Duffle slung over my shoulder, I started to walk away, fully intent on completely ignoring Mr. Tall and Grumpy.