Angel of Ruin

28. Sariel

28

SARIEL

I stand beside Lyra at the entrance to the grand xaphan temple, my wings twitching with nervous energy. Never in my centuries of existence did I imagine I'd be here, supporting a human about to receive her wings. Yet here we are, about to make history.

Lyra fidgets beside me, her hands smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from her ceremonial robes. I want to reach out and steady her, but I know this moment is hers alone.

"You ready?" I ask, keeping my voice low.

She nods, a determined glint in her eyes. "As I'll ever be."

The massive doors swing open, revealing the cavernous interior of the temple. Hundreds of xaphan line the aisles, their faces a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and barely concealed disdain. At the far end, the High Praexa stands on a raised dais, wings gleaming gold in the light streaming through stained glass windows.

I feel Lyra tense beside me as we begin our walk down the center aisle. The weight of so many eyes upon us is palpable. I hear whispers, see pointed fingers. But Lyra keeps her head high, her stride steady.

As we near the dais, I catch sight of a group of humans near the front, their faces alight with hope and wonder. This is why Lyra insisted on a public ceremony - to show others like her that it's possible, that they too can achieve what was once thought impossible.

As I guide Lyra into the temple, my hand hovers near the small of her back. The cavernous space takes my breath away, even after centuries of visits.

Soaring ceilings arch overhead, their vaulted heights lost in shadow. Intricate mosaics line the walls, depicting scenes from xaphan history - our creation, great battles, moments of divine revelation. Shafts of light pierce through stained glass windows, casting rainbow patterns across the polished stone floor.

At the center of it all stands the altar, bathed in an ethereal glow that seems to emanate from within the stone itself. The Praexa waits there, his golden wings spread wide, a living embodiment of xaphan power and grace.

Xaphan dignitaries and officials crowd the front of the temple, their faces a mix of curiosity and barely concealed disdain. I can feel the weight of their judgment pressing down on us both.

The Praexa raises his hands, and a hush falls over the assembly. Her voice, rich and resonant, fills the space.

"We gather today to witness a transformation," she intones. "To honor one who has proven to be worthy of our magic and status. To become a xaphan." She looks at Lyra. "To earn her wings."

I feel the energy rolling off of Lyra beside me. Her breathing quickens, and I fight the urge to take her hand.

"Step forward, human," the Praexa commands. "Approach the altar and face your destiny."

Lyra moves with measured steps. I hang back, watching her small form grow smaller as she nears the towering figure of the Praexa. Even from here, I can hear the thundering of her heart, a rapid staccato that seems to echo off the temple walls.

I watch, my heart pounding against my ribcage, as Lyra steps into the circle of runes etched into the ancient temple floor. My fingers twitch at my sides, itching to reach out and pull her back.

But I can't. I won't. This is her moment, her destiny.

Ancient symbols flare to life beneath her feet, casting an eerie, otherworldly glow across her delicate features. Her blue eyes widen, a mix of fear and determination etched into every line of her face.

The Praexa begins to chant, his deep, rumbling voice resonating through the chamber. The words, older than time itself, seem to vibrate in my very bones.

Tendrils of xaphan magic, shimmering and ethereal, swirl around Lyra's body. They caress her skin, weaving through her blonde hair, probing, testing. I clench my jaw, fighting the urge to intervene. This magic is unpredictable, dangerous.

And yet, as I watch her stand tall in the face of it all, I can't help but feel a surge of pride. My little nexari is stronger than she looks.

She gasps, her back arching as the energy seeps into her skin. I can see the strain etched on her face, the way her fists clench at her sides until her knuckles turn white. Every damn instinct screams at me to rush to her aid, to shield her from this torment.

But I force myself to remain still, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. I can't interfere, no matter how much it kills me to watch.

The magic intensifies, pulsing with a rhythm that matches the frantic pounding of my heart. Lyra's skin begins to glow from within, as if molten light runs through her veins.

She cries out, a sound of both agony and ecstasy that tears at my very soul. I've never heard anything like it - raw, primal, filled with power and pain. It echoes through the chamber, reverberating in my chest.

I dig my nails into my palms, drawing blood, anything to distract myself from the overwhelming urge to intervene. But I can't look away.

If she has to endure this, the least I can do is bear witness to her strength, her determination. My little nexari, facing down the very essence of xaphan magic. Who would've thought she had it in her?

My wings rustle with agitation as I watch her, wanting to save her. But I keep myself still. I've never witnessed a human transformation before, and the raw power on display is staggering.

Lyra's body twists and contorts, her muscles stretching and reshaping beneath her skin like some grotesque puppet show. I can see the outline of nascent wings pressing against her back, fighting to break free from their fleshy prison. Her screams grow louder, more desperate, echoing off the temple walls and piercing my very soul.

The Praexa's chanting reaches a fever pitch, their voices blending into an otherworldly chorus that sets my teeth on edge. Blinding light erupts from the circle, forcing me to shield my eyes with my arm.

When I finally dare to look again, I'm struck breathless by the sight before me. Lyra is suspended in midair, her small frame wreathed in golden flames that lick at her skin but don't seem to burn.

With a final, gut-wrenching cry that'll haunt my dreams for years to come, Lyra throws her head back. There's a sickening crack that reverberates through the chamber, the flames blooming and growing until I'm forced to wince away from them.

The magic swells until it shatters, the tension in the air breaking like glass. With eyes pinched closed, I can see the light fading and I turn back, hating I took my eyes off Lyra for even a moment.

As the blinding light fades, I blink rapidly, trying to clear the spots from my vision. When my eyes finally focus, I'm struck breathless by the sight before me.

Lyra stands in the center of the circle, her body trembling but upright. A pair of pristine white wings unfurl from her back, stretching out to their full span. They're smaller than mine, but no less magnificent - each feather seems to glow with an inner golden light, a testament to the power she's just endured.

Without thinking, I rush to her side. Her legs wobble, and I wrap an arm around her waist, steadying her. She leans into me, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

"I've got you," I murmur, my voice rough with emotion. "You did it, little nexari. You actually fucking did it."

The Praexa's voice booms through the chamber, but I barely register the words. Something about Lyra being officially declared as winged, no longer fully human, bringing honor to her family. All I can focus on is the woman in my arms, the impossible miracle she represents.

Lyra's face is a mix of exhaustion and pure, unbridled joy. Her eyes, brighter than I've ever seen them, meet mine. A smile spreads across her face, and I can't help but return it. I squeeze her hand, trying to convey everything I can't say out loud. My pride, my amazement, my... fuck, I don't even know what to call this feeling swelling in my chest.

"How do you feel?" I ask softly, mindful of the crowd still watching us.

She takes a shaky breath. "Like I've been hit by a damn lightning bolt." Her wings twitch, as if emphasizing her point. "But also... incredible. Powerful. Like I could take on the world."

I chuckle, relief flooding through me. "Easy there, little nexari. Let's get you steady on your feet first before you start conquering kingdoms."

But she only smiles up at me, looking absolutely stunning and I lean in. "How about we start with that promise I made, hmm? You on your knees letting me show you just how fun these wings can be."

The Praexa coughs behind us, clearly having heard us, and I chuckle as Lyra turns red and shoves me. But I wrap an arm around her, tugging her into my side with every intention of doing just that when we get home.