The Descent

Lily slowly stepped over the dry branches on the dark forest floor, careful not to make too much noise. Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest, and she took a deep rasping breath. She had seen the strange light descend into the tall trees just minutes ago, so she could not be too far from where it had landed. Many explanations flashed through her mind of what it could have been, from fallen meteor to UFO. Lily shook her head, knowing her theories were ridiculous. Surely there was a better explanation. Finally, she saw a sprinkle of pale light gleaming through the thick trunks. She squinted, trying to focus on the object, wary of coming too close. Her lips opened in anticipation, eyes wide and heart hammering in protest. There, on the ground, between the stagnant forest giants, sat a person. But this was no ordinary person; he was glowing, as if light were pulsing from beneath his skin. Lily’s thoughts faltered. Strange, distorted protrusions were reaching out behind his hunched form, gleaming with the same brilliance that radiated from his skin. Automatically, Lily started placing one foot in front of the other, curiosity pulling her towards the beautiful glimmering man. After a few anxious breaths, she reached the spot and immediately knelt in front of his muscular body. Admiration had taken over her fear as she lowered her head to capture his eyes, which were shut in frustration. The protrusions were bent, but there was no doubt in Lily’s mind of what they were. She reached out to touch the place where an iridescent liquid seeped out of a broken tendon. He gave a slight groan and his eyelids fluttered open. Lily gasped, yanking her hand back. Pools of glacier blue light were looking up at her in question. His full lips twitched.

‘Are you my angel?’ he asked softly in a melodic voice.

Lily frowned. ‘You’re the one with wings.’ she replied anxiously.

His lips curled into a smile. ‘I’m no angel. At least, not anymore.’