*** 

– MEBAHEL – The Angel of Commitment.

***

Laughter echoes in the room, mingling with animated conversations. I approach the girls gathered around a table in the dining hall; they're chatting while eating from their respective trays. 

Worlds may change, but dining halls work the same way. We grab trays and line up to serve ourselves food. The only difference here is that everything is free, and no one is selfish enough to take more than they need. I now realize just how selfish humans are. 

– Hey, Sleeping Beauty, how was your nap with the prince? she jokes, tying up her beautiful blonde curls. 

– Elise, it's not... 

– I'm kidding! No need to explain yourself; we know you must've been exhausted after such a long trip, she says with a smile. So, how was it? 

– How was what? I ask, sitting across from her and next to Hailey. 

– Sleeping next to one of the Nox brothers? 

I pause, observing her. Hailey smiles, while Elise leans forward, eager for my answer. Ambre, on the other hand, subtly listens, pretending not to care, though her curiosity is evident. 

– Nox? 

– It's their nickname. Every girl dreams of being with one of them. "Nox" is just short for their last name, Elise explains, still leaning forward. 

– Yeah, our full name is Ombranox, Hailey adds beside me. 

– A group of fanatical Angelesses gave them that nickname. It's mostly made up of girls whose advances the brothers turned down... poor things, Elise continues. 

At that moment, Ambre lets out an audible sigh, but Elise, sitting beside her, doesn't seem bothered. I glance at Ambre, catching her staring at the bottom of her tray. 

She's listening, and it's clear she's annoyed that we're talking about Hayden. I noticed her reaction when we first met, and now it's confirmed. 

– Oh, I see... 

I look at Hailey, trying to analyze her, but she seems to have tuned out of the conversation for a while now. 

– Don't worry, you can talk in front of Hailey, right? Hailey... Hailey... 

Elise also notices that Hailey seems distracted, her head turned to her right. Ambre, sitting across from her, is the first to notice what's capturing Hailey's attention. Both of them are now staring in the same direction, silent. 

I glance at Elise, who seems as lost as I am. 

Suddenly, a commotion breaks out in the room, and everyone stands up abruptly. All eyes turn in the same direction, following the movement, curious to see what's happening. 

Looking up, we spot Hayden engaged in an aerial fight with another dark angel. The scene is mesmerizing. Their rapid, powerful movements send feathers falling, creating an incredible spectacle that leaves us speechless. It's breathtaking. 

It's a brutal kind of beauty. Feathers, dark as night, fall from above, brushing against our skin as they descend. 

When they touch the ground, the fight continues. Hailey doesn't hesitate and joins the fight, taking advantage of their landing, likely trying to calm the situation. However, before she can even say a word, she's struck hard in the face by the opponent, though the blow wasn't originally meant for her. 

I immediately stand, a small gasp escaping my lips at the shock of what I've just witnessed. 

Hayden, visibly shaken by the act of violence against his younger sister, lets out a furious shout. As he moves to retaliate and defend her, Hailey takes matters into her own hands, delivering a powerful kick to the angel's stomach. Her new opponent, no longer focused on Hayden, is now entirely hers. She manages to send him flying three meters vertically before he crashes to the ground and doesn't move. She's incredibly strong. 

– She's so brave. Poor thing, she must have it rough with her two brothers, I mutter to myself. 

– Yeah, she's strong. We think she'll become a combat Angeless, just like them, Elise responds. 

Hailey, her face marked with pain, grabs Hayden by the ear and demands that he follow her. 

She looks just like my mom when she gets mad at the twins. Mom... 

– Look at what you did to my face! she shouts. 

– I didn't ask you to intervene. Let me go, he retorts, yanking his wrist free from her grasp. 

They stare at each other for a moment before Hailey breaks the silence in a soft voice: 

– Do you think I like standing by and watching my brother fight without doing anything? 

He looks into her eyes, his own no longer filled with hostility, and gently places his hands on her face, pulling her closer to plant a delicate kiss on her forehead. 

If they weren't siblings, I'd have thought their relationship was something else entirely. Their family bond is so strong; it's beautiful to see. 

I watch them and smile, reminded of moments I've had with my own brothers. 

Hailey returns to us and asks Elise to show me around the academy while she takes care of tending to her brother's injuries. 

Ambre volunteers to go with them, but Hailey stops her: 

– No, I don't need your help. Stay here with the girls. 

Over Elise's shoulder, I spot movement in the distance. The opponent, who had been lying still on the ground, sits up cross-legged. 

Did he stay down intentionally after that kick to avoid fighting her?

– Coming with us, Ambre? Elise offers. 

Without a word and with a tense expression, Ambre leaves the dining hall, her fiery red hair swaying as she walks away, leaving the two of us behind. Elise shrugs as if she's used to it, then smiles at me. And just like that, I find myself with the lovely and kind Elise as my guide. 

***

As we stroll peacefully through the castle grounds, Elise takes her time explaining the organization of the academy in detail. 

– At the center of the castle, on the first floor, are all the dormitories, along with the dining hall and the grand library. That's where we just were. 

Oh, a library—that definitely catches my interest. 

We walk through a long hallway that feels like it stretches on forever. 

– The eastern sections are for classrooms, while the western parts house the grand halls, like the ballroom, the ceremony hall, and others. 

– What kind of subjects will we be studying? 

– Each course is unique, and only those with the corresponding gift can attend. But before we can join any classes, we need to go through the Passage Ceremony to unlock our powers. 

In addition to wings, I'm going to have powers too? 

– Oh, right, the ceremony! 

– It's a very special and solemn moment. 

– And what's in the tall towers? 

– The two main towers are strictly off-limits, so I couldn't tell you. But here's some advice—if it's forbidden, it's probably for a good reason. 

We arrive at the back of the castle, where an incredible training ground stretches before us. Wooden sabers are scattered across the dirt-covered ground, which is partially blanketed by black feathers, likely dropped during training sessions. Further along, wooden bows and training arrows lie beside three large targets, gently swaying from the wind as they hang from trees. 

Looking up at the sky, I spot some angels flying gracefully. It's truly impressive to watch them soar, using their agility and strength to move swiftly through the air. 

– Their wings... they look different, I remark. 

– You're right! Damaged wings belong to angels who have fought many battles against demons. On the other hand, those who've just completed their ceremony have fuller, more abundant feathers. That's the downside of being a combat angel, but it's also a mark of their courage and dedication. They're also the only ones who can wield angelic weapons.

– Angelic weapons exist? 

I'm learning something new every day. 

– Yes, sacred spears imbued with the pure source, celestial bows that shoot arrows of light, and shimmering swords capable of burning demons. 

– What happens if an angel isn't a fighter but wants to use one? 

– In those cases, the weapon doesn't respond and remains just an ordinary weapon, without celestial powers. 

– Oh wow, I see. 

I watch them for a long time, flying so gracefully through the air. 

– Um... isn't that the one who was fighting with Hayden earlier? 

– Yes, that's him—Liam! He's often involved in intense battles to protect our world from darkness. Just like Hayden. 

– Why were they fighting? Aren't they on the same team? 

– Well, sometimes even teammates can have disagreements or conflicts. In this case, Hayden and the other angel have had a grudge for a long time. 

– What happened? 

– We don't really know... One day, they went on a mission together with another companion. But no one knows what happened out there. Liam was the first to return—alone. Then, a few hours later, Hayden came back injured, carrying the third member of the group on his back... lifeless. Since that day, Hayden has despised Liam and refuses to speak to him. Neither of them has ever explained what really happened. 

– I see... 

Poor Hayden. Something awful must have happened. I understand now why he's so... cold in his words and always alone. 

– Oh, I have to go! I completely forgot I was supposed to meet Ambre in the library at this time. Do you have a good idea of where you are now? Can I leave you? Will you be okay? 

– Yes, don't worry about me. See you later. 

I continue the rest of the tour on my own and walk into a small building right next to the training grounds. 

What is this building for? 

The doors and hallways resemble those in the castle, except everything that's red over there is navy blue here. There's no noise, and the building feels larger inside. 

Suddenly, I notice light shining from beneath a door—the only room that seems occupied in the entire building. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I lean in to peek through the keyhole. It's Hayden. 

Hayden? I thought he was with his sister. Not wanting him to hear me or know I'm here, I tiptoe past the door silently. 

– Woah! 

Out of nowhere, I feel myself pulled backward and spun around, coming face-to-face with a bare chest. 

– Spying on me, pretty girl? 

I lift my head, and there he is—the very person I was trying to avoid. 

I didn't even hear his door open, and I have no idea how he realized I was here. Do angels have a sixth sense? 

Grabbing me by the arm, he drags me into the room and shuts the door behind him, locking it securely. 

Uh-oh, I don't like where this is going. 

I can't help but glance around the room, which perfectly reflects his dark and mysterious personality. The ceiling is adorned with intricate patterns, adding an artistic touch to the space. The navy-blue carpet creates a calm, soothing ambiance, while the white walls highlight the simplicity of the room. There's not much decoration, giving it a minimalist vibe. 

As I take in my surroundings, my eyes are drawn to his toned abs and muscular build. I notice a small scar on his left pec that oddly resembles a bite mark. 

– What is this room? 

– My room. 

A chill runs down my spine. 

– Your room? But the dormitories are... 

– These are the special dorms for combat angels. It's more convenient for us since they're closer to the training grounds. 

– Oh, I see. Well, I'll leave you then. 

I hurry toward the door, trying to leave, when suddenly my feet leave the ground. His hands grip under my arms, effortlessly lifting me before tossing me onto the mattress. 

– You're staying here! he commands in a clear voice. 

I feel heat rise to my cheeks as he flashes a mischievous smile, positioning himself above me with a knee on either side of my legs. Leaning closer to my ear, he whispers: 

– Don't move. 

His head still near my ear, he leans in further, pressing his lips to my neck in a soft kiss. My body freezes, fear gripping me as I recall how he can react, especially if I disobey him again. My heart races, and the urge to escape overwhelms me, but he tightens his grip on my arm, preventing me from leaving, and presses his legs against mine to keep me immobilized. The tension is suffocating, and I feel utterly trapped. 

– I want to leave. Let me go. 

– Have you forgotten what you promised me? 

– I didn't promise you anything. 

– Didn't you say you'd do whatever I want? 

– I... I take it back. 

– No, no, my pretty girl. It's too late for that. No turning back now.