Wicked Wings

3

Wipe their memories? s**t, this isn’t just any angel, this is Archangel Jophiel, the only one with that power. I’m going to have to be extra careful with what I say to her.

“Not that it’s your fault of course,” she continues, “and we’ve certainly dealt with worse incidents before, though not many. Most people grow up knowing what they are.” She pauses to study me. “Do you really not know? Remember, it’s impossible to lie to me.”

I stare back at her and reply without hesitation. “What do you mean? Know what?”

She considers me for a moment and buys my lies. “Olivia, you’re an angel.”

“A what?” I blink at her. “Like in the Bible?”

“Not exactly.” She waves a hand. “They got some things right, and other religions are correct about different things. But you get the basic idea, anyway.”

I let out a slightly insane laugh. “This is a joke, right? Angels don’t exist. And if they did, I’m definitely not one of them.”

She sighs. “Who are your parents? Are they…different?”

“Different how? My mom died when I was a kid, and no one knows who my father is.” The lies roll smoothly off my tongue, and Jophiel never even reacts. I nearly touch my necklace again, but this time I restrain myself. Thank you, Mother. “I grew up in foster care.”

Jophiel gives a terse nod. “As I thought. Your father must be one of us, but it’s unlikely he will come forward. It’s forbidden for our kind to breed with humans.”

“Our kind?” I ask.

A rush of air sweeps through the hospital room as her copper-colored wings suddenly flare out from her shoulders. I let out a small scream and recoil against the bed, giving it my all as the wings spread wide, taking up the entire wall. There’s no denying what she is now. With her wings out she glows with an inner light, and everything about her is a little too perfect. You might even call it divine.

“Angel,” I whisper while clutching at the bedsheets as if they’ll protect me. “It’s true.”

“Indeed.” Her wings disappear back into her shoulders as if they never existed. “Now, let’s talk about your future.”

I blink at her with big eyes like I’ve just seen a ghost. I’m really playing up the naïve half-human part, and Jophiel seems to be drinking it all in. “My future?”

“Now that you’ve Emerged, your other powers will be manifesting soon.”

My jaw falls open. “Other powers?”

“Of course.” A touch of pity crosses her face. “We all get our wings and angelic gifts at twenty-one years of age, but most grow up among other angels and are well prepared for their Emergence. Since you had no idea what you are, it’s no wonder you were a bit shocked.”

“That’s an understatement,” I mutter as I drag a hand over my face, trying to pull myself together. “Sorry, this is a lot to take in.”

“I’m sure it is, but now that we’ve found you, we’ll take care of everything. Starting with your education. Every angel is sent to Seraphim Academy for Angelic Studies at around twenty-one or so, usually after they finish their human university studies. I’ve already informed the headmaster you’ll be attending.”

I hold up a hand. “Wait. I’m confused. I’m going to a school…for angels?”

“Yes. It’s imperative that you attend Seraphim Academy and learn to control your powers and how to hide what you are from humans. It’s a three-year program, and once you’re done, we can help you find a suitable career for your skills.”

“Three years,” I say slowly. “That’s a long time.”

“It will fly by, I promise. No pun intended.” She smooths her skirt as she stands. “It’s fortunate for you that Seraphim Academy’s next term starts in a few days, although that gives you less than a week before you need to arrive there. We will handle all travel accommodations and email you everything you need to know about the school.”

Time to play reluctant. “Wait. A week? I need some time to think over this first, and—”

Jo shakes her head. “I’m afraid that isn’t an option. If you don’t learn to control your powers you will be a danger to yourself and others. Attendance is mandatory for all angels.”

“But what about my plans for the future? And how will I afford this? I’m not exactly making a ton of money at the bar I work at.”

She waves a dismissive hand. “Your plans for the future are irrelevant now that you know what you are, and you don’t need to worry about the financial details. My company, Aerie Industries, covers tuition for all students, along with a small allowance for supplies.” She offers me a clipped smile. “As you’ll see, angels take care of our own. Even the ones who are half human.”

I stare out the window with a frown. “I guess I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“That’s correct.” She moves to the door, but then turns back. “One last thing. Where did you get that necklace?”

“Oh, this?” I touch it again. “It was my mother’s.” This is one of the first things I’ve told her that isn’t a lie.

“I see.” She looks skeptical, but lets it go. “As I said, everything will be emailed to you. All you have to do is show up at the school next week. If all goes well, I’ll see you in three years when you come work for Aerie Industries.”

She walks out of the room, and I finally drop the clueless act. I lean back on my pillows as a satisfied smile spreads across my lips.