Angels of Darkness

true, no matter how you’re hurting.
    â€œHow was the angel when you saw him last night?” she asked.
    â€œShort-tempered and feeling sorry for himself” was my prompt reply.
    That widened her green eyes, then narrowed them in consternation. “You talked to him? I told you not to bother him.”
    I shrugged. “I had to explain who I was. And then we exchanged a few more words. He struck me as a very bitter man.”
    â€œAnyone might be, under the same circumstances,” she said, but she didn’t sound convinced. I was willing to bet that Alma had met her share of adversities and refused to buckle under any of them.
    â€œMaybe,” I said. I made a neat pile of the salve and bandages, then stood up and began gathering dinner items. “I’m impressed that you were able to cook a meal,” I said, peeking under the lid of the pan. It appeared to be dried meat made tender again by baking in juice and onions, and it smelled delicious.
    â€œIt took me the entire day to assemble everything,” she said. “And I made the easiest meal I could think of.”
    â€œWell, he certainly liked what you cooked yesterday,” I said, filling up a plate and adding a good chunk of the bread. “He ate it all.”
    â€œHe did?” She sounded pleased. “Usually I bring back half of what I take him.”
    I had picked up the tray, but now I paused with a couple more questions. “How long has he been here?” The angel had not answered when I asked him the same question.
    â€œSix or seven weeks.”
    â€œAnd how does he occupy his time?”
    â€œThe headmistress usually spends part of the evening with him, but I don’t know what they talk about. And sometimes when he’s alone, I hear music.”
    â€œSinging?”
    â€œNever. Some kind of stringed instrument, but I don’t know what.”
    â€œAnd other than that, he just sits up in that room by himself all day, doing nothing? Sweet Jovah singing, it’s a wonder he hasn’t thrown himself off the roof by now.”
    She frowned. “I’m sure he has plenty to occupy his thoughts,” she said stiffly.
    â€œ Nobody’s thoughts are that interesting,” I said and headed toward the door. Just on the other side of it, I turned back. “What’s his name?”
    Alma was still frowning. “You may address him as angelo, if you need to speak to him at all.”
    â€œOf course,” I said smoothly, though I had never used the honorific in any of my infrequent conversations with angels, and I wasn’t about to start now. “But what’s his name? Just so I know it.”
    â€œCorban,” she said.
    â€œVery well,” I said. “I’ll go take Corban his dinner.”

CHAPTER 3
    L ike Alma, the angel was waiting for me, or so it seemed: He had turned his chair so it faced the door, and his whole posture was alert. Even his wings were less dispirited, arching behind his back as if they had been plumped and groomed. It was obvious he had heard me climbing the steps and could tell by the cadence of my footfall exactly when I crossed into the room.
    â€œI’m back. Moriah,” I said. “Are you hungry tonight?”
    â€œA little,” he said.
    â€œYou should try to eat everything, since it cost Alma some effort to make it for you,” I said. “Her ankle is still very painful.”
    â€œIt smells quite good,” he said, shifting his body to track me as I crossed the room. Still dark and gloomy up here. I would have to bring up multiple lamps and leave them in strategic spots to brighten the place up.
    â€œI’ll tell her you said so. Here. I’ve set everything out.”
    Corban came to his feet and crossed the room, but hesitated before he sat down. “Will you dine with me?” he asked abruptly. “It feels very odd to eat while someone watches me.”
    I was starving, and I’d actually put more food on the plate than it seemed likely he’d finish, with the thought that I could sneak a few bites. I laughed.
    â€œI will,” I said, “if you don’t mind me eating with my fingers.”
    He offered a smile—small and twisted, but the first one I’d seen on his face. “I doubt I’ll notice.”
    We took our places on opposite sides of the small table, the plate between us. I had moved the lamp over, as well, and now I studied him by its