The Angel of Light
Arthur awoke in agony, his body aching as if fire burned through his muscles and bones. His vision was blurred, his head pounded, and he lay somewhere between consciousness and the black void. Yet, through the pain, he felt something else—a warm light surrounding him. It was gentle, unlike anything he had ever known, like a comforting embrace holding him together as his world fell apart.
Through the haze, Arthur caught a glimpse of a figure—a young woman, ethereal and 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 the pain ebb away. The warmth of her touch seeped into his flesh, soothing the deepest bruises, mending bones and torn muscles with an energy that felt like pure light. It was as if she wielded some inexplicable, almost divine, healing power.
As she worked, something slipped from her hand—a small, crystal-like device. It landed with a soft clink on the asphalt beside her, but she was too focused on him to notice. Moments later, her movements slowed. She swayed, her face growing pale, her eyes fluttering. It was as if all her strength had drained away. Before Arthur could react, she stumbled backward and, with a sudden gasp, collapsed over the edge of the bridge, vanishing into the dark waters below.
Arthur blinked, his mind foggy but slowly clearing. The agony he had felt moments ago was nearly gone, replaced by a strange energy coursing through him. His injuries had almost disappeared, but the surreal scene he had witnessed left him dazed.
He sat up, shakily taking in his surroundings. The night was still, the faint shimmer of the woman's light now fading over the river. His car was wrecked against the guardrail, but his attention was drawn to the small crystal device lying near his hand, glinting in the dim light. The woman who had saved him—if she had truly been real—was nowhere to be seen.
His fingers trembling, Arthur pulled out his phone and dialed Edwin, his assistant.
"Edwin… I—I need you to come. Bring the car," he stammered, his voice still shaky. "I had an accident. And… I need help getting back to the apartment."
Edwin, ever professional, asked no questions. He assured Arthur he'd be there soon. Arthur remained at the edge of the bridge, staring at the spot where the mysterious woman had disappeared, the crystal device now clutched tightly in his hand. Something extraordinary had happened. He couldn't shake the feeling that the light in the sky, the woman, and the device were connected—and that his life would never be the same again.