Winged Warrior

Chapter 11: Porcelain Cries

As fate would have it, training was not canceled the following day. This resulted in many groans, moans, and complaints from Jesse. Of course, Skye didn't mind though. After last night, she preferred to bundle up in her comforting pajamas and keep to herself for the day.

Skye wished her friend luck and hid herself away in her room until Jesse returned.

When Jesse finally returned, their attention was turned entirely to tonight's ball. Though Skye couldn't help but ask about lunch. She did skip breakfast, after all.

Once their stomachs were filled, the girls spent some time painting their nails in Skye's room, with polish they had bought on their mall trip a week ago. They giggled and expressed their excitement.

Jesse had hopes of spotting or being able to identify Jax. She claimed that she wanted to be a mystery angel to him, but Skye had to burst her bubble.

"Ah yes, who could this beautiful angel with antlers be?"

Jesse smacked her arm, "Fine! I'll just have to be the most beautiful angel then." They laughed.

Skye applied her simple green polish. It matched the vines woven around her fond gown, whereas Jesse opted for a glittery light purple.

"I can't wait to see you all dressed up," Skye mused.

"I was just thinking the same about you. I wanna see what you've been hiding all this time," Jesse winked, "My only hint is 'green'".

"And you're purple," Skye beamed in response.

The ball didn't start until after dinner, having been planned to run late into the night. So, the girls tried to pass the time and enjoy their time chatting. When the time drew nearer, Skye began helping Jesse with her updo.

Jesse expertly explained each step, having Skye curl her ends before beginning. Jesse did most of her hair herself, but Skye stood ready with bobby pins, so she could assist her in any way possible.

By the time Jesse's hair was perfect, almost forty-five minutes had passed. She posed in the mirror and admired her high bun. Delicate pinkish flowers tied around the base of her updo, and long, curly whisps of hair framed her face.

"Jax would be dumb not to notice you," Skye complimented her pretty friend.

In response, Jesse squealed and jumped excitedly, "Now, let's do you!"

Skye had chosen a half-up, half-down style, deciding that it would be best if some hair could cover her back. This was the first time she was going to be displaying her wings so freely, but her nerves still egged her to hide them any way she could.

Jesse carefully separated Skye's hair and curled it. She sprayed some product so that it would stay put. Utilizing the flowers around the academy, Jesse placed white flowers and deep green leaves through Skye's scalp, almost forming a small crown of sorts.

Once completed and admired, Skye began to tie the golden halo between Jesse's antlers with a small clear twine. She positioned it inches above Jesse'd head and tied the twine in two places on either side of the halo--to stop it from spinning.

Despite her antlers, Jesse looked like a glorious angel. Skye could hardly wait to see her completed look.

The girls waited until dinner and took a break from glamorizing each other. Jesse advised Skye to eat light so that she wouldn't be full and bloated for the ball. Skye disregarded her friend's counsel.

With supper out of the way, and Skye having once again stuffed her face, the girls head back to their dorm to finish getting ready. They aided one another with makeup--though admittedly, Jesse did most of the work again. What could Skye do? She hadn't had much experience with this kinda thing before coming to the academy.

Jesse entered her dorm while Skye stayed in her own. They dressed themselves and popped their heads into the hallway to surprise one another.

"Ready?" Jesse counted, "One. Twooo... THREE!"

The girls flung their doors open to show off their angel appearances.

Jesse spun, allowing her glossy violet dress to twirl with her. The neckline revealed her attractive collarbone with a silver pendant gracing her neck. Two spaghetti straps crossed and hugged her shoulders. When she spun, two moderate-sized angel wings seemed to poke from her back, though the straps holding them in place were slightly visible. A deep purple mask, dusted with gold, had purple ribbons draping down her cheeks, with one half of the mask stretching down to the left side of her jaw.

"Oh! Wow!" Skye gasped.

"Oh wow, yourself!" Jesse returned, "Now you give me a spin!"

Skye slowly spun, allowing her friend to take it all in. Her light skirt twirled, showing off the intricate details of the exceptional vines and flowers, and the green laced straps that tied around her calves from her heels. Skye tried not to let Jesse stare too hard at her wings and swallowed her anxiety. The corset squeezed her waist and bosom allowing the flattering neckline to show just enough cleavage--keeping the rest to the imagination. Large, transparent sleeves graced her thin arms superbly, and the closely laced back hid her fastened wings perfectly.

"Those really suit you!" Jesse complimented, nodding at her back.

If she only knew, Skye hoped she could tell her friend one day.

She placed her mask over her eyes, showing off the details of the white lace, adorned with feathers that swooshed beside her head.

Jesse let out a low whistle, "Damn, who is she?!"

For a moment they just jumped up and down giggling with excitement. "I can't wait," Skye squealed a little, "I've never done anything like this before."

"You're gonna kill it!" They happy-danced.

"Okay, okay, okay. We're gonna ruin our hair!" Jesse breathed.

The girls linked their arms and strutted down the hall, making their way to the grand event.

They were truly awe-struck when they pushed through the double doors. The ballroom was already filled with countless beings, with red and plenty of whites and soft colors floating around the dance floor. Chandeliers and flowers hung from the towering ceilings. A long table full of delicate treats and snacks caught Skye's attention.

The girls glanced at one another and continued to the dance floor, still linking arms. A live orchestra played an upbeat tune, allowing the girls to swing, sway, and playfully dip each other, losing themselves in amusement. They laughed loudly and tirelessly spun, not caring about anyone who may be watching or judging them.

When a slow song started, they escorted one another to the snack buffet and loaded their plates.

"Oh, careful..." Skye cautioned her friend, "Em' said he was gonna be spiking the punch," The girls laughed uncontrollably.

"Yeah, well you better grab your drinks before I do!" Emery popped up from nowhere, surprising the girls.

"Whoa! Whoa! Who is this mysterious guy?!" Skye playfully acted innocent.

Emery was dressed in a white suit, with a red undershirt. He wore and black bowtie, and red devil horns poked through his hair. His face was fully covered with a black mask that glistened a blood red when the light hit it just right. He looked devilishly handsome.

"Skye," He looked her up and down, "I didn't expect you to show up as an angel."

"Didn't ya' know?" Jesse poked her head between them, "She's my guardian angel!"

"Punch, miladies," Emery handed Skye and Jesse each a full champagne glass of punch.

"Fancyyy..." Skye plucked the glass from his fingers, "Thank you."

As a girl walked past she stopped and complimented her, "Wow, these look so real!" She reached out to touch Skye's wings.

"THAnks!" Skye turned towards her, hiding her wings, "You look great!" She returned the compliment and cleared her throat. Smooth, she internally mocked herself.

When the music picked up again, Jesse dragged Skye back to the dance floor, leaving Emery alone with the punch bowl.

Some nearby girls laughed at the unrestrained duo and joined them, dancing their hearts out.

Skye wasn't sure how long they danced, but she did know that it was likely the most fun she had had--ever. That was until a slow song started playing again, and a tall figure stopped her from exiting the dance floor.

Her eyes matched the height of his chest, and she knew exactly who it was.

He wore a dark red suit with a black undershirt and a long tie. His dark, curly hair lacked devil horns, but a thin devil tail poked from beneath the back of his jacket. A red mask covered half of his face, with black beads dangling over his broad shoulders. Skye met his deep blue orbs and sucked in a breath. Riftan.

He didn't speak, but rather reached for her hand and spun her around, gently wrapping his free, arm around her back. She tensed as he guided her back to the center of the floor. Spectators gossiped as he swept Skye across the floor. Surely, they knew who he was. But, who was she?

She didn't look at him, "What do you want?" They swayed to the music and he spun her. She followed his step.

"To apologize. Again. For real this time." He searched down at her face.

Skye sighed, tired of whatever--this was. "It's fine, consider it forgotten." She said flatly. She wasn't sure if she meant it as anger and shame bubbled within her as she thought back to their intimate moment.

He grumbled something and Skye strained to hear him.

"My wolf, Xerxes, he--" Emery stepped between the two.

"Cutting in," He stole Skye away in a sing-song voice, leaving Riftan standing alone.

Skye sighed, secretly wanting to know what he was going to say. Yeah, she was angry with him and felt humiliated in his presence. But, the feelings were still there and he almost seemed genuine. She contemplated tracking him down later.

When the song ended, Emery led Skye up a flight of stairs. She found herself limping slightly from the throbbing pain in her soles. "Let's sit over here." Emery guided her to a large window with soft satin pillows lining the sitting area beneath the sill. She sat, groaning as she relieved her poor feet from her weight.

"I can massage them for you," He leaned forward. She couldn't see his face but based on the gleam in his eyes, she knew he was wiggling his brows, playfully.

"I think I'm good," She laughed in response, "Thank you, though... And thank you for rescuing me twice now," she dipped her head in thanks.

"Of course," His eyes smiled knowingly.

She gazed out the window, "Guess it's true, the fairies are never wrong." Snow gently floated from the blackness above. The ground was already covered with a thin layer of white.

Distracted, she felt a hand glide over her feathered wing, "They do look real--Man, they even feel like they could be real." But, Skye resisted the urge to jerk them away. What would she say if they just started moving on their own?

"Thank's," She thought of a lie, "I made them myself."

"No kidding. They're awesome."

She smiled, flattered. If only he knew.

They sat like that watching the snow for some time. Skye was grateful that he didn't mind sitting.

"Can you wield snow?" She tried to converse.

He raised his hand and she watched as the snowflakes danced outside the window. They floated and spun, momentarily looking like a tornado. They dispersed like fireworks before Emery let them continue their descent. "Wow," Skye mumbled, "That was beautiful!"

He bashfully brushed off the compliment, however, "Who's that with Jesse?" He motioned with his head.

Skye looked for her friend below, sitting up to peer over the edge. Jesse danced with a guy in a black suit and white wings. He swung her around playfully and she laughed cheerfully in response.

"I'd have to guess, Jax. Her prince charming." She smiled for her friend, glad that Jesse's dream for the night had come true.

"Oh," Emery leaned forward. Skye knew he was about to say something cheezy, "May I be your prince tonight?"

She choked a little. Nerves flooded her senses, "Well, you saved me twice, y'know?" She smiled, tensing.

He lifted his mask, flashing her a coy grin. He leaned closer and she responded by inching forward. Skye's mind raced, visualizing herself in this moment giving away her first kiss to Emery.

"VAMPIRES!!! Vampires crossed the academy's barrier!" A girl screamed frantically.

All hell broke loose.

Chaos filled the ballroom as students rushed for the exits. Skye jumped to her feet, looking frantically for Jesse on the bottom floor. When she spotted her dashing out of the way towards a wall with Jax, she calmed slightly. She looked at Emery, and he seemed as clueless as she was. She peered out the window, scanning the tree line.

All was calm and there was no movement, but a single set of footprints led through the snow that wasn't there before. Bare feet. She could see the tiny toeprints from above.

"Em'," she grabbed his wrist, not looking away from the window. "Prints. Look."

He peered below.

Students started screaming and yelling, trying to push through the doors but wouldn't budge. Panic filled the air as a window suddenly shattered on the opposite wall to Skye and Emery. "SILENCE!" A man demanded, "GIVE US WHAT WE CAME FOR AN--"

A black wolf effortlessly jumped to the second floor, and lunged at the man, grabbing him by the arm and throwing him into the wall. Once down, the wolf took the man's throat in his teeth and bit down. The head toppled to the floor and rolled away. Silence descended upon the room as people gasped in shock.

"Us. us." Skye's mind raced, the threat wasn't over, "US! There's more!" She yelled to the wolf. Its eyes flashed in her direction and a sense of familiarity swept over her. The wolf from her first flight.

Another window burst, shattering glass everywhere, this time closer to Skye. This time a boy shifted into a wolf and dove at the intruder. The intruder--another man, swiped at the wolf knocking it to the first floor. Before the man took another step, the giant black wolf was on top of him tearing him apart also.

Fear flooded Skye's mind, her eyes widening in horror. Were they there for her? They came for her! They want me! All she wanted was to jump out of the shattered window and fly to safety, but she stayed put. Emery put himself between her and the bloodied mess. The bodies drained of their black, tar-like substances from their fatal wounds.

A girl screamed, and a gunshot rang, silencing the crowd again.

When students began to realize a gun was present and had crossed into Anasidora, they murmured and whimpered in fear. Many had never even seen a gun before.

The man spoke calmly, and Skye stiffened, "We're looking for someone." She knew it. They found her. "Ohhh, Ms. Acaciaaa," He sang in a deadly tone.

Vines seeped through the floor's tiles and wrapped around the man's legs, traveling up his waist, and holding him in place. He raised his gun again, threatening. The clicking of shoes was heard as Ms. Acacia descended the final step to the ground floor.

"Vernon," She appeared undisturbed, "How can we help you, this evening?"

"You know," He flashed his fangs, his eyes gleamed with lust.

"Do I?" She tested. Skye saw what she was doing. Picking his brain, testing him. What does he know and how much?

"Where do you hide the creature they seek?"

"Creature? We are a school, not a zoo, young man. Please be more specific." He gritted his teeth in annoyance, resting his finger on the trigger of his gun. But, he stayed silent.

Young Man? If Ms. Acacia knew his name, surely she knew how old he could potentially be. It dawned on Skye that she knew literally nothing about her.

"Do you even know what you came here for?" She raised her brows.

"Yes." He lied, "Give it to us."

"Well..." Ms. Acacia stepped closer. The vines crept higher up on the man. She suddenly looked to the ceiling at a shadow stealing himself away in a dark corner, "Please tell whoever sent you, that we have no 'creature' and no business with your master." With that, the vines suddenly sprouted thorns, piercing the man's body, including his heart. The single thorn that had plunged into his chest then grew branches and manifested into a tree. It flowered into cherry blossoms before the pedals fell and it withered away. The gun toppled to the floor and a goblin carefully picked it up, enclosing it in a little case.

The man that had hidden in the corner was gone.

Many students suddenly simultaneously removed their masks and any fitted clothing. They immediately shifted into wolves and bound out of the building, the black wolf in charge. They were presumably going to hunt and secure the area.

Skye hadn't realized it, but Emery had almost fully embraced her, hiding her body with his own.

Ms. Acacia calmed the distressed murmurs and whispers, reassuring her students. She addressed the situation calmly and announced that there would be an assembly held the next day to answer questions and get information about any therapeutic resources regarding the trauma that took place. She advised students to walk back to their dorms in groups, but some even found leaving the presence of others, distressing. Some male students took turns escorting female students to their dorms.

Skye tracked down Jesse again and held her hand when she found her. Jesse was a complete mess, shaking with fear.

"We'll walk you guys back to your dorms, too." Emery nodded at Jax.

"Thanks." The girls replied though Jesse's voice was more of a squeak.

Having been escorted, the guys waited while Skye helped Jesse move her bedding across the hall to her dorm.

Once Jesse was settled in, Skye the boys for their patience and assured Jax that she could handle Jesse from here. His genuine concern for her warmed Skye's heart.

Jesse fell asleep quickly, but it was a long sleepless night for Skye. She constantly peeked through her window and couldn't stop unlocking and locking her door, making sure that she had definitely locked it. Paranoia settled in her stomach and every creak, shadow, and gust of wind, caused her to jump and search for the source. She didn't just have herself to worry about now. Now she had people she loved, so ensuring their safety made it that much more trying.

Skye crawled out of bed to check her door again, this time she cracked it open to look down either hallway. Two young men stood at either end. They hadn't been there before, but Skye didn't sense any danger from them. She wondered if Ms. Acacia told them to stand guard.

Skye slipped back into her room, locking and unlocking her door a few times. Once satisfied, she parted her curtains enough to peek outside. The same black wolf that had snapped the two vampire necks, lay under a tree, a few meters from her window. It looked up at her window, and she stared at it for a while.

A sense of dread filled her as she thought about the same wolf that she shook off before returning to her room the first night she flew. She wondered if it knew who she was and her secret. Even if it did, it seemed to be keeping watch. Protecting her. She relaxed at the thought and found some comfort in it. Perhaps, not everyone wanted to use her, kill her, or steal her away. Perhaps, there were other people she could rely on in this world.