Rise From Darkness Read Online Free

at his window. An entire world waited beyond the tree line. Maybe Grace was right and he could fly, if he let go of his grief. But how could he let go of the images of the woman’s death that haunted him nightly?
    He ran his hand through his hair and teetered on the edge of the window molding. Time to test if his powers really were returning. Heaven’s stamp of approval to protect Gaby.
    He concentrated on opening his skin and bones to free his wings. His body tensed with anticipation. Cracks echoed in his ears as muscles and bones painfully pulled allowing his wings to extend. He stretched through the tightness and glided to the ground. Good thing angel wings didn’t atrophy.
    He looked down the length of his right wing and watched it ripple. With a deep breath and a flutter of his wings, he pushed off from the ground, only to land a few feet ahead.
    Cursing, he kicked a rock and sent it sailing down the sand dunes into the ocean. He closed his eyes and drank in the sea’s night air then launched himself toward the sky.
    With determination he soared toward the clouds and broke through the white fluff in the sky. He tasted the damp air and the cool breeze swept through his hair. He fought the muscle spasms calling him back to the ground and continued. His heart lifted higher than he flew, finally, he was free. He’d earned his wings back.
    Grace could’ve been right, but it could also be a sign from Heaven.
    He reveled in the joy and freedom of flying. The wind caressed each feather as he circled around skimming treetops. It required all his focus to stay on target and not take to the heavens and perform his beloved loops.
    It didn’t prove difficult to find Gaby’s home. There was only one house in the direction she’d walked earlier. He dove into the shadows of the trees.
    The moon shone down on the grass around him. The sound of crickets chirping and frogs croaking filled him with peace. No lights illuminated her house, but he felt her stirring in bed. She cried out into the night, but he didn’t sense anyone in the house. His insides hummed when he connected with her. It was happening again. It had to be his powers. He felt her toss and turn in despair. Concentrating on her mind, he pulled the energy from deep inside. A vibration rolled through his body and exited his hands. She settled into a deep sleep. He’d calmed her dreams. If his powers were truly returning then the ability to heal someone wouldn’t be far behind.
    A dull ache welled up within as he jumped down from the tree and paced back and forth outside the home.
    Everything went silent.
    The hair on the back of his neck stood up. His stomach lurched. Pungent smell of rotting fruit assaulted his nostrils.
    There was only one demon with a smell that rank.
    “Alexander.” A smooth voice from above enunciated each syllable of his name. Forras leapt down from a ten-foot high branch in an old oak tree, landing in front of him in a fighting stance. “Since when does Alexander Lorre fly?”
    “Should I feel honored that you’ve taken an interest in me today, Forras ?” Alexander gritted his teeth, suppressing his hatred. It wouldn’t do any good to give into the anger and lose focus.
    “Boys, anyone notice something different about Alexander?” Forras glanced up toward the canopy above. “I think he might be ill. Is there anything I can do for you?”
    Alexander met Forras ’ gaze, hardening his features and refusing to react to Forras ’ feigned concern. Despite the demon’s large athletic build, he moved with the grace of a gymnast.
    “You appear a little flushed. I hope, no, wait a minute, I know what ails you. It’s obvious. You’re in love. You have fallen, oh pardon the pun, for that little blond human.” Eerie chuckles echoed through the woods around him.
    “Are you finished?” Alexander made his way around him when three others jumped down from nearby trees. Now outnumbered four to one, Alexander stopped mid-step. Fists clenched