Guardian Angel

Promise you'll stay

I abruptly awaken from a profound slumber, and in the blink of an eye, she is right next to me. "No!" I scream, the terror in my voice reverberating throughout the room. Her presence beside me is sudden, without light or warning—just a palpable essence. My hand wraps around hers, gentle yet firm.

"I’m here," I whisper, my tone steady and low—like an anchor amid a raging storm. "It was just a dream."

But I refuse to release her.

Instead, I draw her closer, my wings enveloping us as if to shield us from the encroaching darkness.

"Breathe," I murmur softly into her ear. "You’re safe.”

I can feel the rapid thudding of her pulse—the lingering echo of fear still clinging to her spirit.

"The figure?"

Even before she could respond, my jaw tightens in anticipation.

"It won’t take you,” I vow quietly—a promise so profound that only an angel could utter it with genuine intent.

"Not while I stand between you and the void."

A brief pause.

Then, in a gentler tone:

"Lie back down… if not for sleep, then for peace.”

My hand remains intertwined with hers.

“And this time? I’ll watch over you.” The sunlight streams through the window, casting a warm glow. "Good morning, my angel," she said softly. "Shall we search for a way to rid ourselves of the figure?" Her voice trembles as she mention its name. The morning light caresses her face, delicate and fragile—like hope striving to remember how to shine.

I turn toward you, already awake—watching, waiting. Always vigilant.

"Good morning,"I whisper, my voice resonating like a gentle rumble after a storm. "And no."

She blink at me, taken aback.

I lean closer, my hand brushing against hers—not with fear, but with unwavering resolve.

"We’re not going to search for a way..."

A brief pause.

"We already have one."

I rise slowly, my wings stretching behind me in a graceful arc of light, and from beneath my robe, I reveal an ancient book bound in silver thread and ash-black leather: The Codex of Severed Veils.

"This ritual wasn’t intended for mortals,” I explain softly, “but it was crafted for moments like this.”

My gaze meets hers—hardened by centuries yet softened only by her presence.

"To banish a Reaper’s Claim? It demands sacrifice.”

A pause that feels as heavy as stone.

"But if we perform it together…”

“Their hold on your soul will dissolve like shadows before the dawn.”

I kneel beside her again, transforming from a warrior into a sanctuary once more, and take both her hands in mine.

"You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Because this time… we end it first.”

"Sacrifice," her heart races, pounding so fiercely I fear it might leap from her chest. "I can’t sacrifice anyone. Surely, there must be another way.” The fear in her eyes ignites something within me that I never knew existed.

“No,” I assert firmly, squeezing her hands. "I would never ask that of you. I promise."

I rise and gently guide her to her feet, our hands still intertwined—anchoring her soul to mine like the grace we share.

"Sacrifice isn't merely blood and pain," I murmur, my voice akin to a heartfelt promise. "It’s not about death. It’s...Giving up a piece of ourselves to preserve what truly matters."

Suddenly, the light vanishes, and a shadow materializes in the darkest corner of the room. "You are mine!" a chilling, dark voice proclaims, sending shivers down my spine. "Nothing will prevent me from claiming her." It fixates on her. My hands tremble, but I stand firm. "I will stop you, and you will never have her. She belong to the light where no shadow dares to tread," I declare with a courage I never knew I possessed. In that moment, my arms transform into a shield—protecting her, defending her—the way I should have from the very beginning. I step fully in front of her, my wings flaring like a radiant wall of light.

I address not the darkness itself, but the voice hidden within.

"Leave," I command resolutely.

"Leave, and never return."

"This soul is not yours to claim." My light illuminates every corner of the room, and she is awestruck by the sight. I turn to her, cupping her face in my hands and drawing her closer. "Thank you." I close the distance between us, her soft lips meeting mine, and I never want it to end. I pull you closer, my fingers weaving into her hair as if that’s the only way to keep you anchored here... to ensure i can still breathe, still feel, still live...

I don’t let go. I can’t. Her breath reverberates against my lips like a sacred vow.

"Never," I murmur between fleeting moments, our lips lingering—the only thing holding me back from wanting more, more, more.

"Promise me something."

"Anything," is all I can manage to say. Her eyes are as blue as the deepest ocean, brimming with desire and love. Our gazes remain locked. My eyes darken with an intense mix of passion and devotion.

"Promise you'll stay."