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Professor Castiel makes his way through the aisles, checking on students’ progress and assisting where needed. When he approaches our table, he gives us a wide, genuine smile. “Hayliel, Theo, I see you’ve both completed your papers. Very good, as expected. Once I check your answers, I’ll likely have some extra credit assignments for you both in the coming weeks, should you be interested. Let me know.”
He walks away, leaving us both puzzled.But it’s not like I can turn down extra credit. I might need all the help I can get.
I look around the class, memorizing the faces of those too stupid to look away. There’s something about Hayliel that makes my heart pound and the blood rush beneath my skin. I’ll protect her in any way that I can, and I have a feeling Raphael will do the same.
“Give me your slate,” I demand, holding out my hand.
She hesitates but passes it to me anyway, and I program my contact details into it. “There. Send me your schedule and we can compare classes. If you ever need an escape or just a friend, I’ll be there.”
Her eyes glisten, some emotion flashing there that I can’t quite read. It’s clear that my offer isn’t one she receives often. For whatever reason, I feel tethered to her, and I know from experience just how rare those relationships can be.
I won’t let her handle this alone. I can’t.
8
ItturnsoutthatTheo and I don’t share as many classes together as I hoped, but I’m grateful for the few we do share. It was nice to have someone to talk to, especially after what that Cadriel guy said in front of the entire class.News of your wings is bound to blow over soon, Hayles.
After comparing our schedules, it’s only Theo and I left in class. We pack up our things, both of us excited to only have one class standing in the way of our freedom, but as we head toward the door, Professor Castiel calls out to us.
“Miss Hayliel, I’d like a word if you don’t mind.”
Theo shoots me a questioning glance, but I only smile and nod. It’s nice of him to worry, but Professor Castiel has been nothing but kind to me so far and, for whatever reason, I trust him.
Taking my answer, he nods and waves before taking off while I turn around to see what else this day might bring.
“How are things going?” the professor asks me, sitting on the edge of his desk. “I hope what I witnessed in class hasn’t been happening all day …”
I swallow, unsure what to say. I could be honest and tell him that comments like that have been almost constant, but what’s the point? He can’t throw everyone in detention, and the last thing I want to do is put a target on his back.Or an even bigger one on mine.
“No, no, that was the first. I appreciate what you were trying to do, Professor. Thank you for being so kind to me.”
He watches me for a moment before responding, and I wonder if he can see through the lie. “Being rude has far more cost on the soul than being kind, my dear. I do hope you’ll come to me if something like that happens again.”
“I will.” I’m stunned by his offer, and a little skeptical. Aside from Dina, who already knew my secret, that’s two angels who have offered me kindness despite the big wing reveal. What are their motives for being so kind? Surely they have one.Everyone else does.
“You best get going then, child. Your next class will start soon.”
I thank him again on my way out, pulling out the map to find my next class. As much as I want to hide away and avoid my lessons, I need to keep my grades up to maintain my scholarship. The principal made it clear that showing up on time played a big part in my continued success here, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.
As I head toward my next class, the first one taught in the Tower, I can’t help but think about Theo. How is it that a total stranger could be so kind to me? I have a firm target on my back and it’s like he doesn’t care, but why? I’m the campus weirdo. As grateful as I am for his gift, I can’t help but wonder what it is he gets out of it.
I look up and realize I’m standing in the doorway of my next class. Despite staying late to talk to Professor Castiel and the seemingly endless number of stairs I had to climb, I’ve gotten here in record time. The room is empty, so I make my way toward the back and slump into a seat in the last row, as far away from anyone as I can get.
Taking out my slate, I open a new document and writeAngelic Powersat the top. Regardless of the shitty day I’ve had, I can’t stop the jittery feeling of excitement that comes when I think about using my powers. My parents couldn’t attend a university like this one and don’t have as much control over their powers as the Pure angels do, so I’m excited to see what I can master. Then, maybe I can teach my parents what I learn.
A few students enter the class, whispering loudly about the mutant angel before taking their seats in the middle of the room. I really should be used to it by now, but every comment hurts more than the last.
The teacher enters the room next, followed by Raphael. My heart skips a beat as I wait for him to notice me. I hold my breath, waiting to see what he’ll do.
Part of me doesn’t want to know. If he rejects me now after our meeting in the cafeteria, I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle it.
But it turns out I have nothing to worry about. I’ve been so prepared for rejection that I can barely believe his reaction. His icy-blue eyes light up when he sees me, and he makes a beeline in my direction before falling into the empty seat next to me.
“I was hoping you’d be in this class. I heard the professor is obsessed with full-term partners, so you’re about to be stuck with me for a while, sunshine.” He smiles, nudging into me, and I can’t help but laugh as the tension leaves my body.
It’s like I’ve just woken from an icy slumber and my brain is finally thawing. His demeanor hasn’t changed in the slightest, which makes me think maybe he hasn’t heard the news.
“I wasn’t sure you’d still talk to me. Most angels stay away for fear of catching my disease.”
