Chapter 1 - Birthday Celebration.
1254 Words
Ayla POV
The castle is all fuzz and buzz with the birthday preparations. Today is my dad's birthday and the whole realm will celebrate his life.
My father, King Engelbert, is the most wonderful king and father the Angel realm has had over several centuries. My grandfather, King Angelo, was a great ruler, but my dad has accomplished so much that I can assure you he is the best.
I know my judgment may be skewed, but hey… I am daddy's girl. Well, one of his girls. I am Ayla, his oldest daughter, at 25 years old. I should be married, but I haven't found my "alma". For us, angels are similar to your soulmate, your other half, your husband, or, in shifters' words, your mate.
My sisters Ariel and Charmaine are his second and third daughters. They are 23 and 21 years old. Angel's realm is a bit different. We grow our wings at maturity, and that is when we hit 21. My sister, Charmaine, just got hers a couple of months ago.
My mom, Queen Angelique, is the most beautiful angel around and she is the greatest. People love her because she is kind, loving, and fair.
The realm is thriving and today we will all have a reason for celebration.
"Ayla, stop daydreaming and get ready." My sister Ariel yelled my way.
"I am not daydreaming… I was contemplating in my head what I should wear for today's event." I rolled my eyes. I wish I could find my "alma" soon, but after 4 years of looking without success, I am starting to believe that love was not meant for me.
"Anyways, hurry up!" Charmeine chimed behind Ariel.
I took a deep breath and walked inside my closet, and started changing into a beautiful gown. Mind as well, I should look good. You never know if on this occasion I will meet him.
My dress was made of the finest silk available in the realm. A lavender color contrasted with my ivory skin. It had a deep neckline in a v-shape and at the waist, the fabric flowed freely. My dark hair was pulled in a messy updo, and my shimmery smokey eyeshadows accentuated my green eyes.
The final touch is a delicate flower wreath over my head, and my beautiful ivory and gold wings on display on my back.
Our kingdom is a beautiful mix of marble and ivory that shimmers with the reflection of the sun. That beauty, with the added gold and silver decorations of the ballroom, made the whole stage idyllic.
My sisters and I were announced and all the attendees' eyes shifted our way. We descended the long and curvy stairway.
My dad beamed our way. Next to him, Mom, royally dressed for the occasion. Next to Dad, his second in command, Commander Raziel.
Commander Raziel was the captain of the Angel Army. He had suggested to Dad several times that he was interested in becoming my "chosen alma".
I hated the fact that he was trying to gain power by denying me the opportunity to meet my "true alma", besides, he is as old as Dad, and I don't see my life next to such a man.
Thankfully, Dad refused. He knows me so well… I guess as convenient as it was for both men, Mom had something to do with my dad's refusal.
Mom gave us a knowing look, as we walked in the crowd to our place on the stage.
The party was great, but my soul didn't connect with any other one, meaning my "alma" was again a no-show.
I wanted to leave, so I excused myself after the cake, knowing pretty well that if I stayed at the party I would have to deal with Commander Razel's advances.
Mom and Dad nodded my way, and my sisters followed suit. As annoying as they were sometimes, we moved together everywhere. We were glued to our hips, and I love them to death.
We kissed dad's cheek and then mom's, and walked out of the ballroom. We returned to our chambers, and suddenly an alarm sounded. "Are we under attack?"
My sisters looked at me in panic. As the oldest, I am supposed to know what to do. Usually, I do, but in this case, my mind was completely blank.
A knock on the door followed by loud steps broke our concentration.
"Quick, let's go", our guard Jaziel ran to us.
"Jaziel, what is happening?" I was alarmed. He motioned for us to run with him, and we complied.
"As soon as you left the ballroom, there was a coup. Our king has fallen and our queen is captive. I need to take you to safety," Jaziel informed us.
"HURRY UP, ARIEL AND CHARMAINE… WE NEED TO GO" I yelled to my sisters.
We ran out of our chambers, and we followed Jaziel. He led the way, carefully avoiding being seen by the army commanded by Raziel.
"I need to take you to the portal room. You need to leave this realm." Jaziel informed me and I nodded.
The portal room is at the core and center of our realm. We angels are responsible for all the goodness in every realm, and the portal room is what connects our realm to the others.
There are many realms; the Dragon realm, the Lycan realm, the Mermaid realm, the Demon realm, the Human realm, the Vampire realm… well you get the picture. Anyway, those portals connect the realms, and they allow us to spread positivity, goodwill, kindness, and faith, among others.
As soon as we entered the portal room, the door closed and behind Jaziel stood Raziel, sword in hand.
"Do you think you can leave this place?" He threatened. Jaziel quickly moved and pulled out his sword from its holder.
"Quickly RUN" he yelled, and I took my sister's hands in mine. I knew Ariel would want to help Jaziel, he was his sword instructor. She is a warrior princess.
We headed towards the portal… and I stopped in my tracks, instead of being this golden orb, it looked different. They said the portal's energy came from the king, and since Dad is no longer there, the remaining of his energy was keeping it open, but unstable.
Our options were to stay under Raziel's control or step into an unstable portal into the unknown.
"Quick Char, walk in… Ariel and I will be behind you…" I said to my youngest sister. She is the most vulnerable of the three. Her tender nature would never harm a fly. She hesitated, but I gave her a reassuring look, with a faint smile.
She shook her head, then I gave her a stern look and she walked into the portal, vanishing from my view.
"ARIEL… YOU ARE NEXT…" I commanded my sister. As the oldest, I am the rightful queen, and now that my dad is gone, my command is powerful and irrefutable.
She nodded and whispered, "See you, my queen." Her farewell squeezed my heart.
I looked around and saw Raziel plunging his sword into Jaziel's chest. He fought to death to give us a chance. With the last light in his eyes, he encouraged me to leave. And before Raziel could get to me, I stepped into the portal.
Behind me, the portal collapsed. The king was dead and the rightful queen left the realm. There was no energy to hold it.
Everything turned dark and I fell with a loud thud, into the unknown.
- Writer
