Prologue
Two figures stood in the clearing. The only things not cast in shadows were their wings: a pair of white and a pair of black. The rest of their bodies were covered in dark clothing, to make sure no one could recognise them. The place they picked for their meeting was small, remote. No one dared to come here as a giant beast haunted it. That was perfect for the pair.
They had to be sure no one could stop them: the ceremony shouldn’t be interrupted.
“Are you certain about this? Once we set things in motion, we have to follow through,” the one with golden eyes and white wings whispered.
“Yes, Hell has been uneventful, and I crave some entertainment. But we need high stakes.” The dark figure smiled, revealing bright white teeth and a set of fangs. “We both seduce the same human and make them fall in love with us. The loser will surrender their wings to the Devil.”
“I’m shocked he provided us his blood.”
“How else will we stay in our human form long enough? So, you agree with the terms?”
“Yes, of course. Be careful not to fall in love yourself.”
“I won’t. I’ve done it before, and I’ll stop myself before getting to that point again.”
“I hope you enjoy being human.” The other grinned, showing equally white teeth, but without fangs. “True love is and always has been a lie humans tell themselves to be happy.”
“You’re wrong. Only because you’ve never experienced it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. You’ve seen it before as a guardian angel. I was there.” His black wing twitched. Thinking about having to go back to Hell made him shiver.
“Doing anything for a thousand years, it becomes tedious. I need something different to get my blood flowing again. My missions are always long and dull. I’ve never had to step in. I don’t understand why I was needed.” The golden eyes didn’t blink. “It’s not like a human’s death will sentence me to eternal damnation.”
“It isn’t death you should worry about. Love is what will get you killed. Figure of speech, of course.”
“Yeah, yeah. You don’t have to share your love history with me. I know what happened to you and to others. It’s not like they will shut up about it upstairs. But I doubt a mere mortal will sway me. Their love is fickle, and they’re easily discarded. They will love one of us before I will be in any danger.” His white wings spread, the tips nearly reaching the canopies of the thousand-year-old trees.
“Sure. Your hubris will be your downfall. Not that I’m complaining. Let’s get started.” Black feathers rustled through the wind and a howl sounded in the distance. The beast was awake.
His pale hand reached inside his coat and took out a candle and matches. He lit the candle, while his friend revealed a small vial containing liquid as dark as night.
“Is that…? For real?” The golden-eyed shadow held the candle up to the vial. The light scattered on the sanguine shimmer in the substance, mimicking a demon’s face. He grinned with excitement.
“You better believe it, buddy. He was very willing when I asked. Especially for a chance to get another set of wings.” The one with black wings didn’t share the same excitement. This bet would be his only way out. As he popped the cork, smoke swirled to the sky.
They started chanting in a forgotten tongue. They held the vial and emptied it above the candle while whispering the oath they had prepared. The liquid trickled out and black smoke rose from the now purple flame.
“The deal is sealed. I’ll see you soon. You know where.” The dark-winged silhouette’s smile disappeared, only showing the tips of his fangs.
The white-winged angel blew out the candle; the wax sticking to his pale skin as it splattered from the breeze.
The bet made that day wouldn’t only change the lives of everyone involved, but would have terrible consequences. Possibly for the world.
