Angels of Darkness

go outside.”
    â€œThis will be a good night for flying,” I noted, some of my tension easing at his reasonable tone. I set the tray down and served us both. “The moon’s still close to full, there’s only a light breeze, and it’s a little warmer than it’s been the past few nights.”
    â€œI hope you brought a jacket, even so,” he said, spooning up some soup.
    â€œYes, thanks so much for your concern.”
    â€œBecause I want you to come with me when I fly.”
    I suddenly remembered the part of the previous night’s conversation that had led to my emotional confession. I laid down my spoon and said, “I told you, I don’t want to do that.”
    â€œYes, I know, you hated it when you tried it, but you have to admit that wasn’t a typical incident,” he said. He was very carefully not specifying why I had been in an angel’s arms once before, and I grudgingly gave him credit for that. “Flying is—an indescribable thrill. And so many mortals never get the chance to experience it. Shouldn’t you attempt it at least once, with someone you trust—to wipe out that old memory, if nothing else? And maybe to find yourself enthralled and delighted? Moriah, don’t you want to go flying ?”
    His voice was so passionate and at the same time so pleading that I had to laugh. The pictures he conjured were sorely tempting, but all I said was, “What makes you think I trust you?”
    â€œWell, I know that I trust you ,” he replied, sounding a little hurt. “I’ve had to, these past few nights. I would be distressed to learn you didn’t feel the same about me.”
    â€œOh, that was very good,” I told him. “You practiced that, didn’t you?”
    He grinned. “Not out loud.”
    â€œCorban, I—”
    â€œWill you?” he interrupted. “Please? I have to keep pushing myself, testing myself. Maybe, once I get stronger, I can hire someone to be my guide, but right now I’m not ready to do that. You’re the only one who can help me. And I really want to do this.”
    â€œYou’re a manipulative bastard, has anyone ever told you that?” I demanded.
    â€œNo, because I never had to manipulate people back when I could see ,” he said. He didn’t seem offended at my insult. “I could just do what I wanted without asking for help. But now you’re forcing me to beg—to humiliate myself—as a kind woman would not do—”
    â€œYou don’t sound humiliated. You don’t even sound humble.”
    â€œBut you’re kind, aren’t you, Moriah?” Now his tone was wheedling.
    I exhaled an exaggerated, long-suffering sigh. “Let me finish my meal,” I said. “I need to fortify myself against the night air.”
    â€œYesssss!” he exclaimed and slapped a palm to the table. Then, in case that seemed too triumphant, he hastily added, “Thank you most humbly. I hope you will enjoy the experience, but I know you’re a little anxious—”
    â€œJust eat,” I said. “Let’s not waste any more time.”
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    F ifteen minutes later, we were back on the roof. I had buttoned my jacket to my throat and pulled on a pair of gloves Corban lent me, but even so, I wasn’t really warm until he picked me up and settled me against his chest. It wasn’t just his body temperature that sent a spike of heat through my blood. It was excitement—amazement—nervousness. Attraction. I’d never been this close to a man and not kissed him.
    â€œPut your arms around my neck,” he directed. “I’m unlikely to drop you, but that might make you feel more secure.”
    â€œUnlikely?” I managed to ask, not sounding too breathless.
    I could see his grin in the lavish moonlight. “Well, it’s been a while since I’ve flown with a passenger.”
    â€œJovah’s balls,” I muttered, then, more urgently, “Corban, if you’re not sure you’re ready for this—”
    â€œI’m ready,” he said and leapt into the air.
    I muffled a squeak and tried not to cower in his arms. His whole body was nothing but strain—muscles bunching, wings working, every bone and tendon pulling skyward. I didn’t see how he could do it, didn’t see how he could possibly lift from a stationary position to an upward arc, carrying a