I leaned back in my chair, tired. What a day. From an itchy back, a free get-help-from-me to an emotionally charged power of three beings that commanded authority all in one spot. Can't this day get any more enjoyable?
Isaiah had gone through everything with me, on how they like to do their presentation. I took notes and thought over different ideas to start. The day went by, ending my work. I got up, pushing my chair into my desk.
"Hey, Sarah." Isaiah called out, stopping next to me.
"Yea?" I grabbed my phone, pocketing it.
"In three days, there is a company-wide gathering that will happen every year. The big three: Regis, Sol, and Hills will be present in addition to other major companies, and it's expected for all employees to be in attendance.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes," he chuckled. "It's called the Luna Gathering."
"Why is it called that?"
"Because it happens on the full moon."
"But that's every month, what's the difference?"
"It's tradition, getting into a Luna Gathering is nearly impossible unless you are with the company or invited. It's something anyone in the world would want to get into, which happens every year."
"It sounds like a pain in the ass."
"It is, but it's where romance begins too. A lot of pairings happen; this gathering inspires famous romance novels. It's….like fate." He winked.
I rolled my eyes. "Fate." I mumbled, I dislike that word.
Fate can shove her pretty face up to her ass, same with time too. Both are a bitch that work hand-in-hand. I sighed.
"What's the dress code?"
We were both getting on the elevator, heading to the ground floor. The others were chattering in quiet around us, excited.
"Formal animal costume party."
"Animal Costume?" Was this some kind of kink going around?
"Yep, some of the people like to wear ball gowns and princess attire."
"Oh…uh, okay. Thanks for the update. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, have a great night."
"Thanks, you too."
The elevator door opens, letting us out. I head straight to the exit.
Nearby were Daimon, Eric, and Tyler, waiting in their own cars. A Lamborghini pulled up, someone stepping out as Eric walked over, getting in. He pulled out, leaving both Tyler and Daimon behind.
The next car pulled over; this time, a beautiful bombshell of a woman that seemed to have come straight out of a magazine stepped out. Her red hair reminded me of fire, and her s line curve was beautiful. A tight dress hugged her, giving her an alluring look.
She walked over, pulling Daimon's collar into her lips. She kissed him passionately, which Daimon didn't seem to care about. It was a long kiss; I couldn't help but shake my head at them. I knew what that lady was doing: staking a claim. A territorial mark.
This was for sure going to be annoying. A territorial woman, and the damn feather was found by him. A chaotic storm if I didn't walk around him with caution. I don't want to be entangled in whatever they have going. Not my fight, nor my wanting.
She separated from him and clung to his body as if she belonged there. Daimon held her up. He turned with her and froze. Our gazes met. His hand slipped. The woman in his arms seemed to sense that something was wrong. She glanced around, searching for where his gaze was landing.
I tore my gaze and proceeded to walk. Not wanting to be entangled in whatever that was.
My taxi was here. I walked over to the side, pulling the door open. Sliding in, I entered. I sat, leaning back, and looked out the window.
Daimon's gaze never left.
I froze. Not liking it at all. My skin crawled with his gaze, telling me once more. Get the fuck out and run.
Nope. We aren't playing that game.
The taxi sped off, leaving me with a deep-seated sigh. Finally, free from that iron gaze.
I arrived not ten minutes away from an open field and two houses that were gated. Getting out, I thanked the driver. He sped off, leaving me by myself. Fresh air welcomed me. I breathed in fully.
I walked over to the usual spot, where I hid my small bag hidden under a rock and a bush. Hidden from prying eyes, as the trees and bushes cover me from the streets. It was a cul-de-sac, with hardly anyone traveling in or out. The house in this entire area is mine. Both of them, but I did not live there. Heck. I didn't want to, as one was decrypted and abandoned, and the other served as my fake house when I didn't want to go home. It was where people would come and go, a place where nobody would think this is where I lived. I opened the bag, pulled off my blouse and instead pulled on the sleeveless black shirt that had two open holes in the back for my wings to breathe. Alll my clothes had the back remade, so I wouldn't have to tear apart any new clothes. Heck, I would wear one of these under my blouse, but I was in a rush and forgot to. My gold necklace with a cross hung on my chest.
I sighed and groaned. Standing up, my wings spilled out from my back like it wanted to kiss the wind every time. Being stuffed away my wings rioted at me for hiding it away.
With quick steps, I headed out into an open field in the back. My wings fluttered and flapped at a gradual pace a few times, telling me that she was ready to take flight. Each step was a call to fly, each pump of my wings was telling me Go!
I ran, feeling the beat of my wings fluttering up and down with a powerful stroke, until I was airborne. The wind fluttered on my face. I reached down in my bag, pulling out shaded glasses that I fashioned on, which fit perfectly and stayed on without falling off.
It wasn't fun whenever bugs splatted against my eyes, making me go blind for a few seconds. I hated that. Luckily, these glasses protect my sight.
Each pump took me higher. The ground before me became smaller and smaller. The setting sun was beautiful. I love how the sun dipped and kissed the horizon; it was as if two lovers were in its eternal embrace, creating a magical aura.
The wind carried with it a scent and memories of the world. The sweet evergreen tree's scent brushed past, a fragrant whisper of pure joy. I gazed down, my eyes focused, zooming in like binoculars. Two rabbits were munching on grass, a deer hopping through the shrubs, and large open fields.
I flew through the crowds, paying attention to any aircraft in the sky. Time seems to be still in the sky, flying through space, humming. There was a time when I sang with happiness with my father and mother, but those days seldom came. The sweet taste of the past was like an inkling of poison, seeping and twisting.
Off in the distance, I saw my home. From all directions, trees graced all sides, with one road leading up to it. Large open land, with three large green houses.
I landed in front of my home in the middle of a large open land with a one-way road leading up to it. A three-story house with a basement. The only thing that was left standing was my family history. One of the last few Gibbons families. High black fences protect the 1500-acre land; every month a group of landscapers comes through to keep the land maintained.
A Victorian house, riddled with beautiful hand carved walls that had sculptures of birds, man, and angels. Dancing through each corridor as if they were playing. I opened the door, a whoosh of flower graced my nose, welcoming me home. I inhaled. This was home.
Silence welcomed me, and I was fine with that.
I took off my shoes, entering.
Multiple frames of pictures graced my wall. Every single one of them is a family picture of my father, mother, and older brother. Who moved out of the country?
I walked to the screened patio. Opening the door, I slipped and sat on the sofa. The comfortable cushion welcomed me. Pillows graced my back, allowing me to sink in deeper. Ah, this was peace.
Closing my eyes, I sank into the silence.
Thrums of images crashed through me today. The corporate job, the project, but for some reason my mind went back to the three strange men. I never understood how three powerful beings that commanded such authority could tolerate being in the same room. Each commanded an air that normal leaders didn't have. I knew it wasn't just their presence. There was something about them that screamed ruthless power and the beings in the spirit world, where normal can't see, hear and obey.
Everything in the spirit came first, then the physical followed, although it's a few seconds delayed. They were absolute commands, and those three pulled with a voracious grip of the unknown like a powerful whip. Everyone in that company could feel it. Hell, I could see it being wielded like a sword every time they spoke out their commands.
I shivered.
That was an excessive amount of power for three people. Their power commands a different authority that normal leaders didn't have. Just because the physical plane could move mountains, the spiritual twisted the very fabric realm of reality. It was as if they were hiding something that I couldn't exactly put my fingers on, too.
"What are you hiding?" I mumbled through my breath, curious about the three. Especially Daimon. There was something about him that made me itch every time I was near him.
My phone rang, breaking me out of my thoughts. I picked up my phone, looking down as I saw the words Lost One. I pressed accept.
"Sam, it's good to hear from you."
"Sarah," said Sam in a gentle voice. There was a hint of warmth in his voice that told me he was doing fine.
"It's been five years since you called. You left hastily after our parents died." I curtly spoke, angry that he left me behind.
"I know." Sam said with a sigh. "Not enough of an apology will be able to say I am sorry."
"You're right. There isn't any." I coldly said, my heart twisting. Heaviness pressed down, the betrayal of being left behind left a gaping wound. "You could have called."
"No, I couldn't. I wasn't in the right mind."
"I'm family Sam." I barked. "Have you forgotten we are blood?My tone grows in anger.
"No. I never forgot. I was just lost…and ashamed. I'm sorry, Sarah."
"Well, why did you call?"
The call on the other end was silent; I could hear my brother breathing deeply. There was a sense of sorrow hidden in his voice that I struggled to identify. "I'm coming back home."
"Why? I thought you were having a fine and dandy time leaving out in the world, far from your only living blood?"
"Sarah," Sam said in a stern voice. "I have a son and a daughter now."
"What?" I sat up straight. "When? How? Wait, with whom?"
"My wife is in a coma, unable to wake up, Sarah. I….just need help."
There was a weight to his words that I couldn't pinpoint. A set of heaviness that screamed depression and sorrow so great, it spilled through the phone.
"Alright. When are you going to be here?"
"In a week, I have my first flight in the morning."
"Are…your children like us?" I couldn't help but voice my opinion. I knew that finding others like us was rare; heck, I haven't seen one except my father, mother, and brother.
"Yes. I met her one day at the bar." A deep chuckle escaped Sam's lips. "She was adamant about coming to see you…until the accident." his voice wavered, pain lanced it with sorrow.
I gasped, bubbling with surprise. "I'm sorry, Sam. I don't know what to say."
"I know. Oh God, I just…" Sam sighed. "I should have brought them to you earlier with her when she was awake. It's just…. she's in a coma. I knew we were on the path to avenge our parents. I haven't forgotten the blood debt; it just….she pulled me out of that hellhole and saved me." His words were like a lightning strike that made my whole body shiver.
"Wait, are you saying what I think you are implying?" My hand started to shake. I gulped, my eyes wide.
"Yes, I found my peace back."
I opened and closed my mouth. Shocked to my core. "You're white wings. Holy cow, Sam." Tears started to drip down my face, my heart full and happy. This was tremendous news, and celebrations warranted a party. Just like me, when we fell, both of our wings turned jet black and our hair changed.
"I know."
"When?"
Sam chuckled, "When we married. From that moment, the black feathers fell, and new ones grew in place. Now, it's completely white. I can't find a single one where it's black."
"Even your hair?"
"Yes."
"So, it's true. You found peace."
"Yes."
"I'm jealous of you, brother."
"Don't be. You'll find yours as well."
"Not now," there was a bite to my words, "not until I find our parents' killer. I will have that blood." A simmering anger sizzled under my skin. My heart twisted in ugly darkness, dampening with a heated fury. A blood debt, it must be paid, and I wanted it painted on the ground. The world will hear my enemy's dying breath.
To hear that my brother was back, not lost. Brought an old pain soothed over. It stung, and forgiveness was an ongoing challenge. I was delighted to learn he was bringing his entire family. The once quiet house was going to be full for a second time.
The painted grey and dull life of the past five years was miserable, and I hated it. To feel an inkling of the past, brought back here, brought a sense of semblance of normality that I didn't think I would have anew.
"I'll get your room and the two guest rooms for your kids."
"Thank you, Sarah." Sam let out a sigh. "So, how have you been doing?"
"Well, I'm still searching, and I am working for Regis Corporation."
"What? Are you serious? They are dangerous, Sarah."
"It's the best clue I have."
"The Regis family controls a third of the city; hell, they are one of the top richest men in the country."
"Yea?"
"Nevermind, I get the feeling that you won't move. I'll help you."
"That's what I like to hear."
"I swear, you're going to be the death of our family."
"Quite your grumbling. I know you love me."
Sam snorted. I could see him shaking his head on the other side of the line. "Though I have been hearing some interesting things about the three families."
"Like?"
"That they are having some kind of massive gathering for hookups, dating, and marriages in three days."
"Are you talking about the Luna gathering?"
"Luna gathering?"
"Yea, in three days, the three corporations and other large corporations are convening for a gathering. I didn't know it was a dating gathering. That's quite strange.
"Tell me about it." Sam snorted. "Its….not a business gathering, it's as though they came for a dating experience or something."
I burst out laughing. "I guess the people don't go out and see many people."
"Come on, Sarah. Be serious, whatever this Luna gathering is, it's not like a normal gathering. I heard they do some shady things under the guise of this so-called .... gathering."
"Well, I'll keep an eye out for it."
"Good," said Sam. "Incidentally, do you drop feathers since you know…the murder?"
"Um….I did today."
"Are you serious?"
"Yea, today was my first one that dropped and someone picked it up. I didn't think anyone would gain a feather. It's been….too long."
"This is good news," she said with enthusiasm. I sensed his palpable excitement, a clear indication of excellent news on the horizon. It didn't feel like it at all.
"What? You're kidding, right?"
"Absolutely not. You know what our powers are. Our feathers don't fall unless the world is crying out for one to be dropped and picked up. Don't you remember what your father said? When we gather white feathers, they call us to guide, protect, help, and guard. When the black is gathered, we battle, hunt, and help. Whoever has that black feather, war is on the horizon, and we answer it every time, sister. It never fails and fate doesn't play."
"Hell with fate, we lost our parents as well."
A sad sigh escaped Sam's lips. "I know, but Sarah, who was the one who picked up your black feather?"
I shifted, uncomfortable with his question. The first man who took the first black feather, in existence. It was a dangerous, powerful feather and an call that screamed power in its own way.
"Sarah, when you're silent it means it's someone big."
"Well…" The silence stretched considerably longer. I wished he would just not talk about this.
"Sarah."
"Daimon Regis."
"What? You don't mean the CEO of the Regis Corporation."
"Yes."
Multiple streams of curses laced Sam's lips. I could tell that he was fuming. "You said the oath?"
"Yes, it spilled out of my lips when he held it up from my face."
A deep groan reverberated from Sam's lips. "Fuck. It has begun."
"Tell me about it. I couldn't stop it."
"I know. This is not good. I thought it was good news, but if the Regis family is involved, hell, we could be seeing something that we both don't know. I'm moving up the date. I'll find a way to arrive in three to four days and bring my team with me."
"I'll be fine. Wait, your team? How many rooms do I need to free up?"
"Three more."
"Alright. It seems our home will be full." I chuckled. It left a few more rooms unoccupied, but it brought an unexpected life to them. "Just get here safe with your children and wife."
"Roger that. Stay safe. I'll call tomorrow night.
"Good night, Sam."
"Good night, Sarah."
The call ended. I let my head fall back, and I closed my eyes. Allowing sleep to take me.