Winged Warrior

Chapter 9: Disconnected

Skye spotted the source of the howl, and she couldn't help but gasp at the sight of it. She had momentarily forgotten that the chances of it being a plain old regular wolf were slim--and this wolf was huge! Definitely a werewolf, and a familiar one at that.

She swallowed her panic and prayed that she didn't know whoever it was, nor them, her.

A mere glimpse of the animal had her heart pumping. Skye forced herself higher and scanned the land beneath her, she wouldn't be surprised if it followed her. She was surprised, however, to see how well it kept up with her, appearing almost effortless as it bound through the forest, dodging trees and brush, all while keeping it's sight on her.

She wondered how long it could run for, confident that she could best it. She assured herself that it wouldn't be able to recognize her with all her layers anyway... Right? Strangely, if she could have the assurance that it meant no harm, it felt nice having someone who could keep up--even if from the ground. It lessened the loneliness.

She tested it, maneuvering over tougher terrain to watch the graceful creature trot effortlessly over it as well. She sped up and slowed down, watching how it mimicked her tempo. She even threw in a few loop-the-loops, somersaults, and dives, showing off a little.

Though she was curious about the identity of her pursuer, she dared not descend. It was still a giant wolf after all.

When she tired of her game, she followed the current of the wind, chasing it uphill, keeping her eye on the tailing wolf. When Skye reached the peak, it flattened out for a while before jutting to an abrupt overhang, admiring the crashing waves below its lengthy fall. The immediate cliff worried Skye, so she stopped herself at its edge. She would feel terrible if the wolf plummeted itself into the rocks below. Seconds later, the wolf slowed, eyeing her suspiciously. It took it a moment to notice the steep, not wanting to take its eyes off of the angel-like being.

When Skye was certain it had seen the danger, she flew into the night sky, higher and higher, until she was confident it no longer had its sights on her. She thought she had heard distant yelling, but wasn't about to turn around to reveal her identity. She soared deeper into the clouds, relishing the moment a little while longer, until she made her way back to her room.

That was just what she needed.

After removing her layers, Skye returned to her untouched nest-shaped covers and slept for the few remaining hours before her alarm clock would sound. She dreamt of the mysterious wolf who joined her on her outing. Maybe she would see it again.

She struggled to climb out of bed once the sun was up, wishing she could sleep in just a little bit longer. She secretly regretted telling Jesse she'd sit in on her training.

Regardless of her wishes, she kept her commitment, showering and readying herself for the day. She allowed her damp hair to air-dry and applied light makeup before changing into ripped jeans and a long-sleeved, simple, black shirt. She pulled on a slightly large burgundy trench coat over her back and shoulders, tucking her wings into the same makeshift pouches that she installed on her cape. She decided to leave the front undone.

Uncle Rad had bought her plenty of garments to hide her impressive feathered wings.

Skye waited for Jesse outside her room, and the two girls then walked to training together, excitedly chatting about their upcoming mall trip in a few hours.

"I'm thinking something a little more fitting," Jesse started, "Y'know, something I normally wouldn't wear."

Jesse rubbed her chin and slouched, raising her brows as if checking out an imaginary person, "Oh damn! Whose that alluring doe."

"Is that what they'll say?" Skye laughed, nudging Jesse teasingly.

Jesse had way too much energy this morning. Skye hoped that some of it would rub off on her.

Just like last time, Skye sat and watched from the bleachers, daring herself to gaze at the deceivingly scenic view that lay behind the gymnasium's dramatic windows. She shuddered, wondering if other creatures waited for students--or worse--her, to near the blue depths. Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when Riftan burst through the doors, that lined the opposite wall, a little too aggressively. He was late and everyone knew it. Skye heard and listened to nearby assumptions, "I wonder who the lucky girl is."

Riftan scanned the room with a feral eye, eventually landing on Skye, causing her to shift in her seat uncomfortably. The last thing she wanted was the "shrew" rumor to spread further.

He breathed a deep breath before composing himself, running a hand through his dark, curly hair. Riftan sauntered over to where his beta had already begun directing his group. This time his group practiced with weapons, practicing proper stances with swords and knives, thrusting, and dodging.

Despite his disheveled appearance, Riftan moved with precision, skillfully directing his attacks as he practiced with his beta. When he was able to, Riftan would spare a glance in Skye's direction, feeling her eyes on him. She looked nice, and it was distracting.

Skye noticed Riftan's glances, having continued from the previous day. She attempted to avoid peeking at him, but it proved to be more difficult than she had thought. Almost as if she couldn't stop herself, she could not deny the pull.

Something told her, that he couldn't either.

Riftan appeared tired, sweating and panting, wiping at his scarred brow. Skye found this side of him attractive, and let herself lust--just a little. This was supposed to be normal for the average being...No? So why not partake?

Every time Riftan snuck a glance toward her, an excited immoral feeling crept between her thighs. She had no idea what had gotten over her, but she carelessly let it control her. She was inexperienced with people in general, let alone boys. However, Skye currently lacked discernment, and her judgment and intuitiveness were clouded. She would likely regret giving in to her covetousness later.

She excused herself to the restroom, needing to refresh her mind and reassure her purpose. She sipped from a fountain before entering and was thankful when the bathroom was empty. Skye sauntered to the sink and cooled her sweating palms under the faucet, lifting her hair to pat the coolness onto the back of her neck also. She internally kicked herself for wearing a coat to watch training.

As Skye turned the corner to exit, the door swung open and Riftan walked in.

Stunned, Skye took a step back, "This is the womens r-" But, she couldn't finish.

In his weary, panting state, he swiftly, yet gently pushed her backward into the wall opposite the door, and simultaneously flipped the lock on the door with his other hand. He swung to face her, placing his hands on either side of her head.

Riftan almost looked crazed as his eyes flashed black with desire. Fear replaced the longing she had for him moments earlier. It was one thing to dream of fantasies such as this, but another to act upon those fantasies. Skye slowly and cautiously pressed her hands to his chest, daring to put some distance between them. But, he didn't move, not even teeter.

"Riftan?" She whispered, looking up at his eyes. She held his gaze.

As his face moved closer and his lips grazed her jaw, she sucked in a breath, daringly turning her face to the side slightly. Her heart thudded and she almost wanted him to follow through. But, he didn't.

Riftan stopped himself. He didn't pull back either though. His head fell drooped beside her own, and he breathed her in, slowing his breaths. When Riftan finally straightened himself up and turned to leave, he mumbled a short, "Sorry," before unlocking the door.

Skye was dumbfounded. "Why?" She wasn't sure if she was asking why he stopped, why he was sorry, or why he did it in the first place. But, he didn't answer. Just left.

She stood there for some time, contemplating what just happened. She mindlessly walked back to the gymnasium and searched for Jesse. She sat herself down as she had done when she arrived earlier and stared blankly at the students. Riftan also returned to training, acting like himself again. This time, he did not spare Skye a glance. She wondered about his intentions and realized she likely mistook his prior "staring" for something else.

She picked at her fingers nervously for the rest of training, attempting to regain her composure.

As soon as training ended, Jesse skipped over to Skye. Skye followed her back up to their rooms and waited for Jesse to change.

"You're awfully quiet," Jesse quizzed when she was ready.

Skye shrugged, "Watching you do all that training made me tired."

Jesse scoffed, "I should be the tired one," she complained, "My group had to do thirty laps...And that was warm-up!"

Arriving at the mall, the two girls spent hours upon hours in dress shops, browsing every exquisite article. Jesse was having much better luck than Skye, having also decided to attend the ball as an angel, she scoped each store for long, elegant, light-colored gowns. Skye decided to copy her approach.

When Jesse tried on dresses, Skye insisted that she not show her. To leave their appearances as a surprise until "the night". This way, Skye didn't have to explain herself when the time came.

Finally breaking for lunch Jesse and Skye settled at a cafeteria table, burgers, fries, and Jesse's new dress in hand.

"There's one more shop to check out," Jesse sighed, "Then we move to shoes and masks!"

Skye happy-danced in her seat as she bit into her hamburger, her energy being restored, "Even if I don't find anything, I can just throw on a random dress. Nobody will recognize me with a mask on anyway."

Jesse blew air from her pursed lips, "We aren't leaving until you find something."

"We'll see."

After eating, Jesse skimmed through mountains of shoes, and Skye browsed a sales section pushing hangers aside. She paused at an elegant laced crimson gown. However, she was attending as an angel, not a devil. She collected the dress and drooped it over her arm while she continued to search.

Nearing the end of the aisle, another gown caught her attention. A gorgeous pure white gown--mostly. Dark green vines with pointed leaves crawled along the bottom of the flowing skirt, making their way towards the corsetted waist, twisting around see-through bishop sleeves. Dainty red flowers lay strewn across the vines. The neckline lay low enough, but not distracting, and the back could be laced up. It was almost as if it were made for her.

She could lace the back up in a way where her wings connecting to her back would not be visible. The length made her nervous, but she would be wearing heels. Plus, she had been altering her clothing long enough to be able to trim off some of the bottom, if need be.

Collecting both dresses, Skye headed for a dressing room.

She tried on the red dress first. It was decent and fit well, dragging on the floor slightly, but her wings protruded from her back quite obviously--she'd have to wear a coat of some kind.

Next, she slid into the white dress. Skye struggled to lace the back herself and had to take a break halfway through. Guess I'm working off that burger. Once laced, she wiggled and adjusted her bodice. When ready, she turned to gaze at herself in the mirror. It was perfect and completely blew the red dress out of the water.

Though her chest was fairly small, her breasts looked plumper, showing off just enough. A delicate thin bow drooped between her pair. The vines and flowers twisted around her feminine curves and flowed towards the floor. The bishop's sleeves delicately rested beneath her shoulders. Though the gown was considerably long, it was not a deal-breaker. The most important thing was that her wings perfectly protruded from beneath her dress, hiding where her feathers diminished into flesh. Skye had found "the one".

It was much easier to take off than to put on.

She purchased the dress and met with Jesse, where they both found suitable shoes. Jesse chose violet flats, voicing her wants to be shorter. Whereas, Skye picked a light green pair of 5-inch heels that tied around and up her ankles.

Skye was surprised to learn that the mall contained a shop specifically for masks. But, this was Anasidora after all. Perhaps, masquerade balls were a common occurrence.

The girls found their masks, and Skye found a lone large golden halo-like ring, "You should get this, too." She looked over at Jesse.

"Mmm," Jesse appeared skeptical.

"We can tie it to your antlers so that it hangs perfectly above your head. Plus, look!" She showed the price to Jesse, and it only read $4.99. Looking into the mirror and raising the ring above her head, Jesse agreed and made the purchase.

The shopping trip had been a good distraction for Skye, too good. She was shocked and almost distraught as she approached the building to her dorm and saw Riftan waiting. Likely for her. He had already been looking at her when she had noticed him.

When Skye neared the building with Jesse, she kept her head low and tried to pretend like she hadn't seen him. She was almost completely past him when he stopped her. Jesse hadn't noticed though, and kept talking as she entered the building.

"Can I help you?" Skye mustered up her courage and lifted her head to look him in the face. She could feel her cheeks warm, and she wanted to slap herself for it.

"We should talk." He blinked.

"Okayyy," Skye steadied her voice. The awkwardness knawed at her stomach.

Skye jumped a little when Jesse suddenly popped her head out the door, "Skye?"

"Oh! I'll be up in a sec'. Go ahead without me," Skye shot her her best smile.

When Jesse saw Riftan, she just nodded and slipped back inside.

Silence fell upon the two, and Riftan seemed to carefully keep a distance between them. "I apologize for earlier.," He finally said.

"Thank you, I appreciate and accept your apology," She shifted, unable to hold his stare.

Riftan breathed a long exasperated sigh, looking as if he wanted to say more.

As he began to turn to leave, Skye spoke up, "I feel it too." He froze. "I mean, a connection. Or attraction? Like a pull." She stammered and paused before continuing. "Can we be friends first, maybe?"

He tensed, looking at the ground. He smirked and raised his brow, "Don't flatter yourself," He sneered, "I just saw an opportunity and took it. It's not like you tried to push me off."

"What?" Skye was baffled. Unbelievable. "So, what? You were just testing the waters?" She spat, trying to hide her shame.

He looked her up and down before he met her eyes, "Something like that."

Disgust coursed through her as she held back her tears. She hated herself for being used like that.

Nearly a gallon of water unexpectedly soaked Riftan, flattening his hair over his forehead and causing his clothes to cling to his muscles. Before the water fully soaked him, a fist instantaneously flew towards his face, almost grazing his cheek.

Riftan stepped back revealing Emery.

"You're such a d**k," Emery gritted, steadying himself for another swing.

Riftan shoved Skye to the side, causing her to drop her bags, and he chuckled while taking a step back, "Angry that I beat you to it?"

Emery pulled back and looked at him in fury. He steadied himself, grabbed the air in front of him, and pulled toward himself. He sucked in a breath and pushed his fists back out, causing the ground beneath Riftan to rumble and shift. Controlling the earth under Riftan's feet, Emery used his imbalance to strike, viciously swinging at his face while Riftan clumsily avoided him.

Finding a moment of steady footing, Riftan returned a single punch, striking Emery's left eye.

"Stop it!" Skye scrambled to her feet in time to have Emery knock her back over.

Rage filled her core, replacing her embarrassment. She jumped to her feet and walked to Riftan laying a stinging slap against his face, leaving her hand tingling. She held his stare a moment, silently communicating her wrath. "Enough." She said to the boys.

Riftan left.