Into the Veil: The Siren's Angel

I’ve always believed that I was born a victim of circumstance. No one ever asks to be born, but I believe that the Nephilim tend to be a cut above the rest when it comes to life being unfair.

In the beginning, the only Nephilim to exist were the children born between Fallen Angels and human women. They were one of a kind, born with a foot in both the mortal and spiritual worlds. Their existence was known to humans in the early centuries, and many lived in peaceful coexistence with them.

However, as time passed, things began to change. More Nephilim were born, but their existence was covered up when the Higher Powers set forth the rules of the masquerade. The mortal world and the Veil were forever separated, yet inexplicably intertwined. Humans would forever consider such creatures as myths, only believing in Heaven and Hell, along with the Angels and the Demons.

As the separation continued and the churches rose in power within the human world, dynamics within the Heavens changed too. Angels who had always been on the fence about the Nephilim began to view them as aberrations that should never have been allowed to exist. After much debate, it was decided that the world should be cleansed of them.

And with that, the hunts began.

A specific group of Angels was given this task, led by a high-ranking Seraphim called Judiel. They struck in waves, killing off countless Nephilim in their wake. Only the strongest and most ingenious managed to continue escaping. For them, life was full of secrecy and fear. Not only did they forever have to hide what they were, but they now had to worry about the hunts to come, along with fighting off their own fathers at times, who wished to make them strong enough to defy the Angels.

It was horrid, and on the whole, it wasn’t much of a life worth living at all.

This was the pattern of life and death that would carry on for centuries—a ruthless bloodbath on both sides. But nothing lasts forever, and change would come toward the end of the nineteenth century.

Some of the oldest Nephilim began to step up and speak out, demanding an audience with the Higher Powers to plead their case for why they should be allowed to live peacefully and not be killed. Though there were many attempts to silence them, there was enough heard to spark new conversations and debates about them within the Heavens.

This was what led the higher Angels to consider another opportunity—bridging the gaps between the mortal and spiritual worlds. While they already had creatures called Sumarians who served as guardians between the two, the Higher Powers decided to create families of Nephilim to assist that purpose.

For this, three high-ranking Seraphim were chosen and sent into the mortal world to start these families. As they were formed, the hunts also lessened, though they didn’t completely stop.

This would spur on the original Nephilim even more, who were now being referred to as Shadow Wings to discern them from the families. They continued their push to survive and be heard, rallying for their rightful place in the world.

Of course, when it comes to such things, nothing is ever easily achieved, as we all know far too well.

Even though pleas were heard, and many discussions continued, the Shadow Wings still struggled to get enough attention to stop the needless killings. They had to keep fighting, and many were still dying. All of this was enough to finally catch the attention of a very special Angel—one of four extremely powerful ones that had been locked away in their caverns for eons. They were known within the spiritual realms as the Seraphita.

The four Seraphita, representing each of the four directional points, had been watching since the beginning. They were considered some of the most powerful Angels made by the Creator who also kept their freedom of choice in what they would deem right and wrong. For that, it had always been feared that they could be corrupted, and very few were ever allowed to communicate with them.

Yet they were always watching the events of the outside worlds through their orbs, and that was how this one became so interested in the plight of the Nephilim. Seeing an opportunity for them and himself, he sought and was granted permission to strike a deal with them: he would help determine whether or not the Nephilim should be allowed to exist, and in exchange, he would be allowed to be reborn as one of them.

This was what set fate into motion, giving freedom to the oppressed.

Well, most of the oppressed.

The memories of that story echoed in my mind as I slowly opened my eyes. The room was dark, and the windows were now closed. I slowly sat up in the bed, rubbing my eyes and glancing at the nearby clock: 1 a.m.

Wow. I couldn’t believe that I’d slept that long.

Scooting to the side of the bed, I planted my feet on the floor and counted to three before attempting to stand up. I was a little off balance at first but got it back quickly. Slowly walking to the window, I pulled back the curtain and looked out. It was very dark outside, with only moonlight illuminating the courtyard. I didn’t see a sign of anyone moving about.

My stomach growled as hunger overtook me. Even though it was against my better judgment, I decided to see if I could find the kitchen. If anything, maybe I’d run into Maline or Soliel, and they could help me fix myself something to eat.

The hallway was lit with dim oil lamps, which cast long shadows over the walls and royal blue carpeting. That carpet was soft under my bare feet as I slowly moved forward, making sure to keep my guard up. No telling if there may be guards patrolling. Lyric had probably informed everyone about me, but I preferred playing it safe.

The halls of this place were like a maze. I went down three before I finally found the dining room. It was huge and nicely decorated with a long table in the middle that had several vases filled with flowers. Three huge chandeliers hung over it, their crystal shimmering in the dim moonlight that was pouring in from the high windows.

I sighed as I held my stomach. I was starving now, but I still wasn’t sure where the kitchen was. Would there even be anything I could prepare in there?

“Anya?”

I jumped, spinning around to see someone standing a few feet from me.

“Lyric,” I breathed, trying to slow my racing heart. “You scared the hell out of me!”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to,” Lyric responded. He looked concerned as he placed a hand on my shoulder. “What are you doing up? I would’ve thought you’d still be asleep at this hour.”

“I woke up starving, so I was looking for something to eat,” I explained.

Lyric’s eyes softened. “I see. I apologize. I should’ve had Maline leave food in your room in case you woke up. But let’s see what we can find.”

He took my hand and guided me to the other side of the room. We went through a door and down another shorter hallway. The door at the end of it opened to an extensive kitchen. I was somewhat surprised by the appliances in there. They were all modern, like what one would find in the mortal world.

“You have appliances and electricity like the mortal world?” I asked him as we stepped in.

“We enjoy the convenience of them, though our power is supplied by the crystals under the palace,” Lyric explained to me. He went over to the refrigerator, opened it, and scanned what was inside. “Damn. They must be waiting for a morning delivery, but maybe we can make do with what’s left.”

I watched as he pulled out some meat and vegetables.

“Is it okay to do this?” I had to ask.

“It’s fine. I have a habit of fixing food on my own late at night. All-nighters can be a killer sometimes,” Lyric responded. He brought the ingredients to the counter, pulling out what he’d need to prepare them.

I watched him for a moment, then stepped over there.

“Can I help with anything?”

Lyric smiled at me. “You can help me by cutting up these vegetables. We’ll make enough for both of us, considering I didn’t get the chance to have dinner with you earlier.”

I admit it did feel a bit strange to be there with him fixing a meal, but at the same time, I kind of liked it. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d done anything like this with anyone.

“So tell me, Anya,” Lyric continued as he flipped the ingredients in the pan. “Do you have a family on the other side?”

I shook my head. “No. My mother died when I was born, and my father’s a Fallen, so it’s always just been me.”

“Makes sense, though I’d imagine someone looked after you while you were growing up,” Lyric contended.

“I was passed around to some families before spending time in a poor house. I never called any place a real home, and I’ve been a full Nephilim since I was sixteen.”

Lyric seemed a little surprised. “Sixteen, huh? Out of curiosity, how long were you trapped with those others that were harming you?”

“I have no idea. I couldn’t keep track of time there,” I confessed.

Lyric put our food on plates, and the two of us headed into the dining room. He snapped his fingers, and one of the large chandeliers came on, giving us plenty of light so that we could see. As it did, a figure came out there with us, bringing a tray with glasses and a pitcher of water.

He was a young man with silky dark hair dressed in a white shirt and black pants, with a black vest on. His skin shined like porcelain, and his eyes reminded me of glass. He fixed us drinks, then bowed and hurried back to where he’d come from.

“What is he?” I inquired.

“That is one of the Dolls. I had a Hag Witch make several for me to work in the kitchens and help clean around the palace. I don’t believe in keeping a large number of servants, and Dolls only do what they are designated to do,” Lyric explained to me.

“That’s different. Do they make a lot of them on this side?” I probed, taking a bite of my food. It had turned out good. I’d learned something new about Lyric now; he was a good cook.

“It depends on where you go. As I said, I had it done more for convenience,” Lyric answered. He was watching me as we ate. “I am curious about you too. I admit that I only know the bare minimum about Nephilim, and we never really see them on this side.”

I sat back in my seat. “I don’t know a whole lot about the others that are supposed to be like me either. I’ve only gotten to meet a few so far. But I guess I can speak for myself and the things I’ve heard through my father if you’re curious.”

“You don’t mind speaking to me about those things?”

“Not really. If I don’t want to talk about it, then I won’t.”

Lyric let out a small chuckle. “You have a point. You can also feel free to ask about me if you’re curious. I see no need to keep anything from you.”

Well, this might end up being fruitful for me too. I was curious about a lot of things with him.

“Okay then,” I took another sip of my drink, my belly satisfied after that nice meal. “Did you want to start?”

“I could,” Lyric responded. “I was wondering about the designations among the Nephilim. I heard a while back that there are two different types now. Why is that?”

“You must be referring to the Shadow Wing name. They ended up calling the original Nephilim that after they started the three families. I don’t know much about them other than they’re led by three Seraphs that are still considered holy. The difference with the Shadow Wing Nephilim is that all of us were born from Fallen Angels, and before the Redemption stuff was done, we used to all have black-feathered wings,” I explained to him.

“The Redemption. I do recall hearing of that event. It was when they finally decided that they would stop those barbaric hunts. It took them long enough,” Lyric scoffed.

“You disagreed with the hunts?”

“I did, as did the other rulers. We all considered it barbaric, especially when all we’d ever heard was that most Nephilim tend to be peaceful. Even if it didn’t affect this side that much, it was a big deal to us when we heard about it, not to mention we had times when we had to take in an influx of creatures that normally lived on the mortal side and were driven out by the hunts for fear that they would be caught up in them,” Lyric explained.

“I get it. Those hunts affected many things, including those around the targets. Did you know that they’d kill humans involved with them too?”

“They did?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “Sometimes those humans were from the mother’s family and had been taking care of the Nephilim child, and sometimes they were just people that the Nephilim had become close to. It wasn’t much different with the Fallen either. Sometimes they would go after the humans who were close to the Nephilim simply because they were easy targets.”

Lyric sat back in his chair, thinking this information over.

“I see. It would seem that the situations around them were always tense. All the more reason that the Redemption desperately needed to take place.”

“It did, and I’m glad that it all went through. Maybe things didn’t turn out that great for me, but it’s better than what it was in the big picture,” I lamented.

“You know, I can’t say that I fully understand that,” Lyric interjected. “All of that work to gain peace and standing for all of the Nephilim, yet it seems that some were still allowed to take and harm you. Why would such a thing even be allowed to happen?”

He made good points. I couldn’t deny him that.

Yet I couldn’t tell him the complete truth behind it. “I can’t answer that, and I choose not to think too much about it. But I don’t see where it matters that much. He was the one our father wanted. I was only in the way.”

It took me a moment to realize what I’d just blurted out—and I internally cursed at myself. I hadn’t wanted him to hear that.

Lyric studied me as we sat there in silence. When he finally did speak, it surprised me a little. “I think I understand a little, but I have the impression that you’d rather not speak further into all of that. But for what it’s worth, I will say that I believe you are worth more than what you’ve been made to feel, whether intentionally or not.”

I let out a long breath, feeling a strange ache in my chest as I heard that. No one had ever accepted me like he just did. I wasn’t sure whether to smile or cry.

“I’m sorry, Lyric. I’m getting a little tired now. Can you help me get back to my room?” I requested.

“Of course.” Lyric got up and helped me stand, then led me out of the dining room.

The two of us were quiet as we went down the hallways and finally made it back to my room. I looked down at the floor as we stood by the door. I couldn’t face him as I made another request.

“Hey Lyric, I know this might seem wrong, but…can you stay with me for a while?”

“I don’t mind if that’s what you’d like, and I wouldn’t do anything to make you uncomfortable,” Lyric promised.

“Okay. You haven’t so far, so I believe you.”

The two of us slipped into the room, and I crawled onto the bed. Lyric lay down beside me, turning to face me. We didn’t bother moving the covers. It was very comfortable without them.

I felt him hold my hand between us while I closed my eyes. “Thank you for this,” I whispered.

“Don’t mention it. This is comfortable for me too. At the risk of sounding impolite, it is nice not to sleep alone,” Lyric whispered back.

“No more than this, okay?”

“No. I promised you that I wouldn’t do anything you were uncomfortable with, and I meant it.”

I smiled, opening my eyes to look at him. He had his eyes closed and looked peaceful, like he was falling asleep. Closing my eyes again, I squeezed his hand and relaxed.

This was okay. He was my friend, and I felt safe with him.

The two of us ended up falling asleep together, and when I next awoke, it was nearly eight in the morning. Lyric was still sleeping beside me, although I’d moved a little closer to him during the night. I didn’t bother moving away. Instead, I was studying him as he slept, taking in his handsome features.

I admit that Lyric did fascinate me. I’d never seen a guy like him, even if he wasn’t human. I called him handsome, but some of his features fell into the beautiful category too. I’d never seen anyone with white eyelashes before, and those blue streaks accented his white hair perfectly.

I wondered what he was. Most creatures on this side had what one could call a species. There were Faeries, Elves, Gnomes, Dwarves, and even animal types like Foxes, Dogs, and Birds. I was trying to place what Lyric was, but couldn’t do it, and was kicking myself for not asking him the night before.

I moved back slightly as his eyelids began to flutter and watched his eyes open, taking in his golden irises. “Morning already?” he whispered as he stretched.

“It’s about eight,” I whispered back.

“Have you been awake long?”

“Not really.” Lyric shifted a little. “I could hope that I’ll get a reprieve a bit longer, but I know how Soliel tends to be. He never lets me sleep in too long.”

“You really have that much to do in a day?” I asked him.

“It depends.” Lyric turned on his back, looking at the canopy over the bed. “There are always things that they want me to deal with, and I can’t say I mind it that much, but I do want to make sure I keep enough time for you now. I hate thinking that I’d leave my new friend on her own too much.”

“We’re friends?”

Lyric smiled at me. It was a sweet smile that made my heart skip a beat. “Of course we are. There’s no reason we can’t be, is there?”

I did my best to hold back tears, although I did move over and lay against his shoulder, letting him hug me. “No, and I want to be your friend. I want to trust you,” I confessed.

“I get where it’s going to be hard for you to do that completely, at least for a while, but I’ll do what I have to so that I can help you through everything they did to you. If you can trust anybody, I hope you’ll be able to trust me,” Lyric continued.

I admit that this embrace did feel good, and I liked listening to the gentle sound of his heartbeat through his shirt. For the moment, I was able to forget about all of my insecurities and just feel comforted.

It wasn’t very long before Soliel was knocking on the door to retrieve Lyric. Maline was with him as they came in. Lyric and I sat up in the bed right before they did so that they didn’t catch us in that position together. That might’ve looked wrong to them.

“Master Lyric, did I not speak to you about not sleeping in your bed at night? It takes me much time in the mornings when I must look for you,” Soliel was saying to him as they stood by my bed.

Lyric shrugged, rubbing his head as he yawned, “Yeah, yeah. I know. I was just helping Anya out. She was having a hard time sleeping, and I offered to stay with her so she felt more secure.”

“While that is admirable, sire, you could have requested Maline to do so,” Soliel reminded him.

“I wouldn’t mind. If you like, Anya, I’ll show you where my room is so that you can come and get me whenever you need me,” Maline offered.

“There’s nothing wrong with me doing this. I do consider Anya my friend, and it’s my choice what I wish to do,” Lyric informed them.

Neither of them was in the position to argue with him, and they knew it. Maline quickly changed the subject.

“Oh, by the way, sire, I spoke to Jewel this morning. She will be here within the hour to work with Anya so that she can start making her clothes.”

“Great. I want to speak to her afterward to get her timeline on when things will be ready. Anya can’t keep walking around in only that shirt,” Lyric responded.

“This is true. I was hoping to draw her up a nice bath this morning before Jewel arrives, too. I could let her borrow something of mine to wear in the meantime. It might be a bit big on her right now, but it could work,” Maline suggested.

Lyric took a moment to think about it, then something seemed to come to his mind.

“I may have a solution. Go ahead and take Anya to get cleaned up. I’ll bring it by to you shortly.”

“Yes. Of course,” Maline agreed.

Lyric ran his fingers over my cheek, giving me a reassuring smile.

“Go ahead and get yourself ready for the day, Anya. I’ll see you in a little while,” he promised.

“Thanks, Lyric. See you soon,” I responded, returning his smile.

Maline bowed, standing up straight after he and Soliel walked out. She looked a bit surprised by all of this as she turned to me.

“Goodness. I wasn’t aware that Master Lyric was staying with you. I apologize if we were interrupting.”

I held up my hands. “No! No! It’s nothing like that. He really did stay in here with me because I was having nightmares and couldn’t sleep,” I insisted.

“It’s okay. I understand,” Maline assured me. She sat on the bed with me. “Master Lyric’s a very kind person, and I know you went through some truly horrific things before he found you. If it helped you to feel better with him in here, then no one has a right to say anything more about it. I won’t repeat it to anyone either. Promise.”

“Thank you, Maline.”

I was grateful for that. I didn’t want word about this getting around and others getting the wrong idea.

Maline got up, helping me to stand with her. “Okay. Let us head to the washroom now and I’ll draw you up a nice bath.”

I followed her out of the room, my mind still spinning a little. Now that I let myself think about all of that, I did wonder why I’d done it. I hadn’t even known Lyric for a day, and I’d just spent half the night in the same bed with him. No, nothing had happened, but the implications were still there. I must’ve had some kind of serious lapse of judgment.

The washroom that Maline was talking about was several doors down from my room, and just as big as any bedroom. There was a huge bathtub in there that reminded me more of a jacuzzi, along with a large shower stall on the other side. Maline filled the tub before turning to me.

“Would you like me to help with your hair?” she offered.

I shook my head. “No. I’m sorry, but I don’t want anyone in here while I’m getting undressed. You can come back in if you want when I’m in the bathtub,” I told her.

“I understand, and I respect your wishes in this. I’ll be right outside the door if you need me, and I will knock before I bring in your clothes,” Maline promised.

“That’s fine. Thanks.”

I waited until she’d stepped out and closed the door before looking at the shirt I was wearing. Even though I didn’t like this, I knew I had to do it. Besides, that bath did look inviting, so I stepped over by the wide mirror and slowly took off the shirt.

Now that I was standing there without it, I could see the bandages on my right side and my arm. I carefully peeled them off, looking at the healing wounds underneath. They didn’t look bad at all. I probably could get away with not covering them anymore.

I put a hand to my mouth and did my best not to cry as I caught sight of myself. They were right. I was so thin. Even if I couldn’t see all of my bones, I knew I was thinner than I should’ve been.

But even worse, I could see the faint outline of the scars on my body. There was a long one on my shoulder and more on my back. All carried the devastating memories of the tortures I’d endured.

I lowered my head, hiccupping as I forced down a sob. The truth sure did hurt when it was staring you right in the face.

It took me a few minutes to calm myself down enough to carefully step into the bath. The water was warm and relaxing, and I let out a content sigh. This made me feel a little bit better. Reaching to the side, I picked up the bottle of shampoo and opened the top, taking in how it smelled like roses. I smiled as I laid my head back, wetting my hair. May as well try to enjoy this.

I had just finished washing my hair when I heard Maline knock at the door.

“May I enter?” she requested.

“Yes,” I called back.

She came in with a bundle in her arms, which she set on the table near the sink.

“Master Lyric has asked that you wear this when you get out, so I’m going to put it here for you along with your undergarments. Is there anything else you need while I’m in here?”

“No, I think I’m good. Thank you, Maline. I’ll let you know when I’m out.”

Maline agreed before stepping out. I looked at the bundle that had been placed on that table, taking in its pretty light blue color. Was it satin? It looked like it, but I wasn’t completely sure.

I was feeling very curious now. Lyric had picked this out for me to wear until I got my own clothing. I wondered where he’d gotten it from.

I finally got out of the bath, being careful to step on the carpet, and grabbed the large towel that was hanging nearby. It was nice and soft as I dried off. I went over to the table afterward and put on my bra and underwear, then picked up the bundle, letting it fall out.

It was a beautiful dress. The pale blue shimmered in the light, and the fabric was incredibly soft. The skirt was the type that was shorter in the front and longer in the back, and the top part of the dress was tied at the neck and waist.

I was excited as I slipped this dress on, looking in the mirror while I tied the ribbon behind my neck. I then pulled the ribbon on the waist, fitting it a little tighter around me but not overly so. I confess I felt pretty as I stood there looking at myself in it, and smiled as I twirled the skirt a little.

“May I enter now?” I heard Maline call as she knocked again.

“Yes. Come in.”

Maline stepped in with me, and her eyes widened as she saw me, a happy smile crossing her face.

“Oh wow, you look wonderful!” she chimed.

“Thanks. It’s really beautiful,” I said, looking in the mirror again.

“I was very surprised when Master Lyric said he wanted you to have this dress, but now I see why. It fits you so well,” Maline went on. She stepped behind me, gathering my long hair in her hands. “What do you say to us fixing your hair too? I’m sure Jewel can do wonders with it, and she has just arrived.”

“I guess, but I don’t want it short,” I told her.

“I agree. I wouldn’t think that would fit you, but you can tell Jewel what you think of her suggestions, okay?”

I agreed, letting Maline run a brush through my hair before leading me out of the washroom and down the hallway. We ended up walking down several more before we finally reached the door to the wardrobe room, and Maline opened it for me, ushering me inside.

The wardrobe room seemed to be an all-purpose fitting room. It was bigger than the bedroom I’d been in, and the walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. In the middle of the room were steps leading to a pedestal where one could stand and see themselves from all directions. All of this was covered in dark blue carpeting.

A woman was already in there waiting for us as we entered. She was very tall and thin, with a narrow face and long black hair that reached the floor around her. She was wearing layers of robes that were white and gold, and a smile crossed her thin lips as she saw us. She had the blackest eyes I’d ever seen, along with the longest black eyelashes around them.

“Good morning. I take it this lovely young lady is the one Master Lyric spoke of,” she greeted us. It seemed like she glided as she came over to me.

Maline nodded. “Yes. This is Lady Anya.”

“Anya. What a pretty name,” the woman commented. She gave me a polite bow. “I am Jewel, and I have been called to take care of your needs in clothing. It is my great pleasure to do so as well. You are quite the lovely sight, even if you will need to gain back some weight.”

“Um…thank you,” I managed. Something about her unnerved me a little, though I wasn’t sure why.

“It’s okay, Anya. Jewel is very good at what she does, and she will make sure you stay comfortable through it all,” Maline reassured me.

Jewel held out a hand to me. She had very long hands and fingers, with sharp pointed red nails.

“Please, come to the side and remove your dress for me. I must take your measurements first,” she requested.

I stiffened, shaking my head hard as I held the top of my dress.

“No. I can’t.”

“It’s okay, Anya. She’s only taking measurements to ensure your clothing will fit correctly,” Maline reminded me.

“I can’t! I don’t want to be seen like that!” I insisted, holding myself tighter.

I was shaking now. As irrational as this was, I couldn’t take the thought of being in just my underwear in front of anyone. All I could think was that my tormentors were going to burst through the door and attack me again.

“Oh my,” Maline whispered.

Jewel was understanding. She gently placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned close to me with a comforting smile.

“Now, now, child. Calm yourself and breathe. We don’t have to do this right away. Let us take some time for you to feel more secure,” she reasoned.

“I don’t want them to come after me,” I shakily breathed.

“No one will. I have made certain of that,” Jewel promised. She looked upward. “Look, darling. Do you see the strands that reflect up there?”

I slowly looked up with her, trying to see what she was talking about. It took a moment for my eyes to catch sight of glittering on the high ceiling. It looked like lines of thin silk had been crisscrossed up there.

“You see them? They are everywhere around the palace, even on the grounds outside. If anyone were to try and sneak in here to cause harm, they would trip over them, and he would carve them into pieces. That is Lyric’s order. So you never, ever need to be afraid here,” Jewel explained to me.

I was starting to calm down, now able to think clearly and rationally. It was okay. I could do this. Nothing could hurt me here. Lyric had made sure of it.

“Okay. I think I can do this now,” I softly relented.

Jewel took me to the side, where I slowly removed my dress. Once I did, I stepped up onto the pedestal, doing my best not to look at myself in the mirrors. Jewel moved around me slowly and methodically, using a measuring tape to take all of my measurements. Incredibly, I saw that she had a second set of arms that came out from under her robes. She used them to write her measurements down.

“Good job, darling. You’re doing well,” she encouraged me.

“I’m trying,” I responded. I looked up at the strands again. “Um, who were you talking about with these strands? Is it something Soliel has done?”

Maline stiffened a bit as she stood near me like she was afraid.

“No, but you needn’t worry about it. Master Lyric takes care of things with that one,” she answered.

That was kind of weird. Why would Maline be scared of someone guarding the palace under Lyric’s orders?

“I’m certain you will know more of him eventually. He just takes time to acclimate to others,” Jewel elaborated. She stood up straight again, giving me a reassuring pat on my head. “I have finished, so you can put your dress back on. Once you are done, how about I help you fix your hair so that it lays nicer?”

“Okay,” I agreed, letting her help me step down.

I was feeling better thanks to her. Even if Jewel had unnerved me a little at first, I did feel like I could trust her now.

Once I’d put the dress back on, Maline helped me tie it, and I was made to sit in a chair Jewel had pulled in front of one of the mirrors. She draped a dark cloth around me and pulled my hair back, running it through her long fingers.

“It’s thick, but I don’t want it too short. Maybe just below my shoulders,” I requested.

“I agree. You have very pretty hair. The color reminds me of the sky right before dawn. Let me make it more manageable for you,” Jewel offered.

It only took Jewel about ten minutes to finish working on my hair. I felt like I was looking at a new person as she removed that cloth. Jewel had left my hair long, and she’d allowed me my long bangs as I’d liked them, but it was laying so much nicer and felt so much lighter. With the dress I was wearing, the thought crossed my mind that I looked like I had angelic blood again.

“My goodness, Jewel. She looks so radiant,” Maline commented in awe.

“As one who carries angelic blood should,” Jewel told her. She gently ran her fingers through my hair, then whispered in my ear. “You no longer need to feel fear of what was. This is who you are meant to be.”

Her words echoed in my mind as Maline and I headed to the dining room about twenty minutes later. Jewel had gone through some fabrics with me so that I could choose the ones I liked. She promised me that she would have outfits made for me within a few days.

She expected that Lyric would lend me a few more dresses like the one I had on until then. “Hey, Maline,” I said as we walked. “Do you know where this dress came from? Did Jewel make it for someone else?”

Maline shook her head. “Not at all. That dress belonged to Lady Ellis.”

“Lady Ellis? Is she related to Lyric?”

“Yes, but she passed away many years ago. She was his mother.”

Seriously? I thought as I looked at the dress I was wearing. Lyric had given me a dress that belonged to his late mother?!

We’d made it to the dining room as this sunk in, and I felt a bit self-conscious as we walked in there. What was Lyric going to think of my little transformation?

Lyric was standing in there with Soliel. It seemed like they were engrossed in a conversation, and he didn’t notice us at first. Soliel glanced over, and I saw his eyes widen a little. Lyric followed his gaze. His reaction was the same, though he looked entranced too. I didn’t know whether to take that as a good or a bad sign.

Maline giggled a little. “Doesn’t she look wonderful now? Jewel did such a wonderful job.”

Lyric pulled himself together, shaking his head as he walked over to me. “You look lovely. I’m sure it feels much better for you,” he said.

I returned his smile. “It does. Thank you for lending me this dress too. It’s a lot more comfortable than walking around in just a shirt.”

“I’d imagine,” Lyric agreed, chuckling with me.

The four of us sat down at the table together. As we did, several Dolls brought out our breakfast. It was a spread of different items, from eggs and bacon to pastries, and everyone was able to pick what they wanted for their plate.

“So, that’s all that’s on the agenda today, huh? I’m rather surprised,” Lyric was saying as we ate.

“Thankfully it would seem that the ferals have remained in their territories, and the recent land disputes between the towns to the north are being negotiated as you requested. All that is left for now is the meeting with the village leaders that we have once a month,” Soliel told him.

“Sounds good to me. I like it when I actually get some free time,” Lyric responded. He turned his attention to me. “Since my morning is free, would you like me to show you around the palace?”

“That sounds nice, but I’m not going to be taking too much of your time, am I?” I asked him.

“I don’t see it that way at all. I told you before that I’m looking forward to getting to know you, and this presents a good opportunity to do so.”

“There were a few parchments that came in, but if you would like, I will handle them this morning,” Soliel offered.

“I’d appreciate that,” Lyric told him.

The two stood up, and Lyric helped me stand. I didn’t miss how pleased he looked.

Soliel gave me a polite bow. “Pardon how rude I was earlier, my lady. You look very lovely, and I am happy to see that you are doing well now,” he added.

“I didn’t see it that way, but thank you, Soliel,” I responded.

Lyric looked at Maline, who bowed her head to him. “Maline, I’d like you to fetch the other dresses that were stored away. I want them to be cleaned and given to Anya. You can also make sure that things are prepared for her as she needs them.”

“Of course. I will take care of it right away,” Maline obliged.

The two then excused themselves and left the room. I felt a bit nervous being alone with him now, though I tried hard to swallow it. There was no harm in his admiration of my transformation.

“This is amazing. You look like a new person,” Lyric stated as he looked me over again.

“You think so?” I asked, looking down as I held the skirt.

“I do,” Lyric confirmed. He pushed my hair back, looking into my eyes. “You’ve had a rough life, but I’m glad we can start making it better.”

A better life. Could I truly have that? In my heart, I prayed that it would be so—and standing there looking at this one in front of me, I believed it may just be possible.