"No!" comes Azrael's cry from above my head as I plummet top speed towards the ground, my wings tucked behind me to propel me faster. But by this time, his voice is already fading. Breathing hard, I extend my wings out behind me, stiff from disuse, and let my plummet form a continuous glide as I soar over the palace grounds, my heart beating like a jackhammer. From up in the palace, Azrael's ruby eyes are still visible from outside the window, his expression a furious mix of disbelief and embarrassment.
But something is wrong. He is moving haphazardly, fishing around on the inner wall for something I can neither see, nor comprehend. It is only when I see the glint of metal between his fingers that I realise exactly what I am in for.
