Skye

I watch the last strip of the setting sun disappear over the horizon. My last conversation with Kalona was still fresh on my mind. "When you get the chance, go find rest in the warmth of a shadow and stretch out your wings." After that, I came to sit out here.

I glance over at my wrapped wing and sigh. Letting the wrap fall, I close my eyes, bracing myself for an onslaught of pain. A moment goes by. Nothing. I open my eyes, turning my head with a gasp. My wing! I stand, balancing on the wall of the school and stretch my wings. A wave of excitement washes over me. "As I expected." Chuckles a voice. I look down to find Kalona giving me a knowing smile.

Artemis and Emma are behind him along with Zoey. Artemis looks at the ground with an expression I can't read. "Guess you're gonna leave now, huh?" She mumbles. Emma sighs at that. I blink from them to my wings. I can leave!... The thought made me feel uncomfortable. I playfully bump Artemis with a gentle fist. "I'll see you at dinner." She grins and nods. Emma embraces me. I laugh and return the hug. I notice Zoey smiling in approval. Kalona was..neutral.

With a running start, I take to the sky, breathing in deep as the rush of air fills my lungs. Freedom! A laugh escapes my lips would have caught me off guard if I had cared enough.

Trees blur under me. Lights from cars become streaks of color. Suddenly, the town and road vanish behind me, revealing woods as for as I can see. A huge clearing nears and I land there, catching my breath. It takes me a moment to realize there's a huge grin on my face. Best flight ever! I spin in circle, feeling giddy. The half-moon lights up the clearing dimly, casting various shadows.

A sudden cough makes me jump. I take cover behind a thick tree, holding my breath. The sound of twigs snapping under boots sends a chill through me. The cough comes again, more rough. Male? My curiosity gets to me and I lean slightly, peeking. A tall man in a black button-up and dark blue jeans slumps against a tree, panting. I squint, straining to see. He lifts the hand holding his side and I gasp. Blood cakes his hand. I spot a huge gash through the shredded shirt. The man slides down the tree, hitting the grassy ground with a thud.

His heavy breathing echos in my ears as I wonder what to do. Leave him! Out of sight, out of mind. I shove that thought away, fearing it sounding too much like Mother. See if he needs help? I ponder that one for a moment. A gurgling cough snaps me back to reality. With a deep breath, I slowly step from behind the tree, only to freeze.

Light grey eyes almost framed by pitch black hair, lock onto me, making me feel small. I blink, trying my hardest to return his steely stare. An almost beast-like snort escapes him and he looks away. I swallow hard, wondering if I should still try to help. I sigh, taking slow steps towards him. I feel his eyes on me again, but continue to walk. At his feet, which are as bare as can be, I kneel. That's when I freeze again. What do I do now? The man blinks at me in confusion. What is wrong with you, Skye? Talk! As if I had mentally kicked myself, I cough. "Do….do you need any help?" The silence is deafening as we stared at each other.

I bite my lip, ready to stand and run.

A few heartbeats pass. "Do you have any cloth?" My eyes widen at the sound of his voice. Like velvet. I blush at that thought and nod, removing my backless sweater and tearing it into thick strips. In my side vision, I watch him carefully and slowly remove his shirt. A gasp of sympathy forms at the back of my throat, but I hold it back. The gash was at least the length of my fore-arm and three inches wide. How deep is it? I shake my head, not wanting to know.

He sits up slightly, allowing me to wrap a strip around him. I tie a few more, using the rest as make-shift gauze. I sit back, letting out a breath. He goes to put his shirt back on but gasps in pain. "Here. Let me." I shift, getting behind him. Taking his shirt, I help him get one arm through, then the other one slowly. He leans back against the tree, panting in exhaustion. I sit next to him, suddenly focused on buttoning it up. He chuckles and I freeze. What a sound to make! A warm chill runs through me. What is wrong with me?! I clear my throat and finish with the buttons.

Almost afraid to look at him, I take a glance. His grey eyes are staring at my wings. I suddenly feel very aware of them and tuck them against me. The silence lasts a moment longer, then he clears his throat. "You are very helpful to a stranger. Why?" I blink at him, trying to come up with something. I settle for honesty. "You were hurt. It would have been rude not to help." He tilts his head at that. "Do you do this often? Helping strangers." I raise an eyebrow. "No. This….this is a first." He grunts. For a moment, I thought my answer pissed him off, but on further inspection, it was more of confusion then anger as his brow creased.

I sigh, getting ready to stand. "Rowan.." I pause. "Huh?" His lips curve slightly at my reaction. "My name. It's Rowan." I blink, a small smile teasing at my lips. "Mine is Skye." He chuckles again. "Skye." My skin tingles as he says my name slowly, as if testing it. "It suits you."