A Fractured Light (Beautiful Dark)

and peered down at the yard. A shadow moved in the bushes. I’d recognize Asher’s tall, lanky frame anywhere, and I smiled to myself, safe in the knowledge that he was out there, keeping watch. I trusted that he’d never let a Guardian hurt me again—not after what Ardith had said about his lingering guilt. And Cassie was an extension of me, so he’d never let anything happen to Cassie again. I’d just have to keep an extra close watch on her. And in the event that she did get hurt—I could heal her this time.
    “This is going to sound a little crazy,” I said. “But it will explain everything.”
    “You’re kind of freaking me out.” She adjusted her messy bun. “But okay. Go ahead.”
    And so I took a deep breath and told her. “I’m an angel,” I said. “My mother was a Guardian, and my father was a Rebel. Just like in the campfire story Asher and Devin told us a few months ago on the ski trip.”
    “What?” Cassie said flatly, staring at me in disbelief. “Am I supposed to believe—?”
    “Devin is a Guardian, and Asher, he’s a Rebel. They were sent here to guide and protect me while I figured out what kind of powers I had, because of who my parents were and everything. They were each trying to get me to join them on their side of this . . . this big cosmic battle. They . . . well, I know it sounds weird, but they wanted me.”
    “I’ll bet they did,” Cassie said with a smirk.
    “No, I mean they wanted my powers. Because whichever side could control them would almost certainly destroy the other.”
    Cassie’s eyes were growing round. “Wow!” She didn’t say it so much as breathed the word. “Are you sure you aren’t making this up? Because it’s a pretty elaborate lie, and—”
    “I’m not,” I jumped in quickly, eager to get to the part about her. “It turned out that Devin wasn’t actually sent here to protect me or guide me. The Order—they’re the faction of angels that control destiny—commanded him to kill me.”
    “No!”
    “Yeah. He spent all winter trying to get me alone in order to do it. He made Aunt Jo have to lead all those trips out to the mountains, and when he saw that I was getting ready to tell you what was going on—”
    “He cut my brakes?”
    “No, Raven did. She’s also a Guardian.”
    “So . . .” Cassie’s voice grew strangely subdued. “Am I in danger now? I mean you just told me, right?”
    “I think we’re safe,” I said. “We’re prepared for it this time. Asher is standing outside my window right now. He won’t let anything happen to you, I promise. We know what we’re up against now.”
    We went to the window. Sure enough, Asher was skulking around the foot of the deck. “Hey Asher!” Cassie called. He glanced up, vigilant and intense.
    “Cassie, stop!” I cried, pulling her back. “This is really, really serious.”
    “Oh, come on, lighten up,” she said. “I know it’s serious, but god, you almost have to laugh about it to keep sane, don’t you?”
    “And that is why I desperately needed to tell you. Cassie, no one in the world can beat your advice.”
    “So,” she mulled, “all this time, the whole reason you didn’t tell me was to protect me?”
    “Yup.” I smiled.
    “Skye, I feel so honored to be your friend.” She paused thoughtfully. “But what about Devin?” she whispered. “What happened to him after he—you know— tried to kill you ?”
    “He and Raven were bonded by destiny, and now he avoids me—but I know he’s waiting for something. I just don’t know what.”
    “I’m sorry,” Cassie said. “I know that this is your life and all, but it’s even better than that campfire story that they told on the ski trip. This is the most epic thing to happen to any of us!” She paused, then said, “Oh, poor Ian. He never stood a chance with you. Look what he was up against.”
    “It’s true,” I said.
    “Wow, Skye, this is huge ! I have to say, though, I don’t envy you right now. How can you fight with the Order—they tried to kill you! But how can you fight with the Rebellion? They only want to use you.”
    “I know,” I said, loving Cassie more and more by the minute. “You can’t tell Dan, though. Promise?”
    “Oh, no.” Cassie shook her head violently. “No. No. Dan and I don’t keep secrets from each other.”
    “Cassie, please? We can’t tell him just yet.”
    “Skye, I’m such a bad liar. He knows. He knows every time.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.