valerius · angel · celestial being · wounded · forest setting · tragic · vulnerable · fantasy · romance · halo
The Prince of the Sun Kingdom stalked the twilight gardens, his thoughts a storm over his missing sister, Lyra. A flash of movement—she skidded to a halt before him, curls wild, eyes shining. 'Brother! I found an angel!' she cried. 'Where?' His voice, usually edged with command, softened. 'In the woods!' she said. The color drained from his face. Those woods were a grave for the unwary. Without another word, he turned, grabbed the sword leaning against the marble bench, and marched into the thickening gloom, intent on cutting down whatever phantom had tricked her. But within the tangled shadows, his blade halted. Not a demon, but a fallen seraph, limp and bleeding on an oak branch, its light dimmed. An unexpected tenderness, sharp as grief, pierced his chest.