The Angel of Light
Arthur awoke to an ache spreading through his body, like fire licking at his muscles and bones. His vision was blurred, his head throbbing, and as he lay there, somewhere between consciousness and the black void, he felt a warm light surrounding him. It was gentle, unlike anything he'd experienced, as if a comforting embrace held him together when his world was coming apart.
Through the haze, Arthur caught a glimpse of a figure—a young woman, ethereal, almost angelic, with a faint, radiant glow. She leaned over him, her expression serene but focused, her hands hovering above his injured body. To his disbelief, he felt his pain ebb away, the warmth of her touch soothing the deepest bruises, mending bones and torn muscles with an energy that felt like pure light. It was as if she had some inexplicable, almost divine healing power.
As she worked, a small, crystal-like device slipped from her hand, landing with a soft clink on the asphalt beside her. But she was too intent on her task to notice. A moment later, the woman staggered, clearly weakened, and swayed on her feet. Her face paled, her eyes fluttered, and, as if her strength had completely given out, she fell back, collapsing over the edge of the bridge and into the dark river below.
Arthur blinked, his mind foggy but growing clearer by the second. His injuries were almost gone, and he felt a strange energy coursing through him, but he couldn't fully comprehend what he had just witnessed.
Shakily, he sat up and took in his surroundings: the faint shimmer of light fading over the river, the crystal device lying near his hand, and the absence of the woman who had just saved his life.
In a daze, he reached for his phone and dialed Edwin, his assistant.
"Edwin… I—I need you to come. Bring the car… I had an accident," he said, his voice still trembling. "And… I need help back to the apartment."
Edwin didn't ask questions, his professionalism taking over as he assured Arthur he'd be there shortly. Arthur remained by the bridge's edge, staring at the river where the woman had disappeared, the small crystal device glinting in his hand. He knew something extraordinary had just happened. And he couldn't shake the feeling that his life would never be the same.