Page 57 of Angel of Ruin

I can't help but chuckle at his reaction. "Welcome to my home. This is how most humans live out here."

As we walk, I point out various landmarks. "See that big tree? I used to climb it all the time as a kid. And over there, that's where I'd help my mom hang laundry."

Sariel listens intently, his golden eyes scanning our surroundings. "It must have been challenging growing up here."

"It was," I admit. "We often went to bed hungry. Mom would make stews all the time for us and our neighbors because they would last longer, but they grew bland quickly with a lack of spices. And Dad would mend our clothes over and over because we couldn't afford new ones."

We pause in front of my parents' house. Sariel's hand finds the small of my back, a comforting warmth spreading from his touch.

"Lyra," he says softly, his voice filled with a tenderness that still surprises me. "You and your family will never have to struggle like that again. I promise you that."

I lean into him, grateful for his support. Taking another deep breath, I reach for the door, ready to show my parents how much our lives are about to change.

I step into the familiar, cramped living room, my heart racing. Mom and Dad are there, sipping tea from chipped cups. Their eyes widen as they see me, then nearly pop out of their heads when Sariel ducks through the doorway behind me.

"Lyra?" my mother gasps, setting down her cup with a clatter. "What are you doing here? And who is..."

Her voice trails off as she takes in Sariel's imposing figure. His head nearly brushes the ceiling, and his wings are partially folded to fit in the small space.

"Mom, Dad," I say, my voice shaking slightly. "This is Sariel. He's... well, he's a xaphan. And he's here with me because..."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for their reaction.

"I did it. I completed the wing trials. I won."

For a moment, there's only stunned silence. Then my dad speaks, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You... won? But that's impossible. No human has ever..."

I can't help but smile at their disbelief. "It's true. And there's more."

With trembling fingers, I reach for the clasp of my cloak. I let it fall away, revealing my wings in all their glory. The pearlescent feathers catch the dim light, seeming to glow from within.

My mother's hand flies to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. My dad just stares, his mouth hanging open.

"Oh, Lyra," she finally manages to say. "They're... they're beautiful."

I can see the mix of emotions on their faces—awe, pride, and yes, even a flicker of jealousy. It's everything I'd hoped for.

Dad stands up slowly, his eyes never leaving my wings. "I can't believe it," he murmurs. "Our daughter, a... what are you now? Not quite xaphan, but..."

"She's earned her place among us," Sariel interjects, his deep voice filling the small room. "Lyra has proven herself worthy in ways few others ever have."

I watch as my parents take in Sariel's words, the full weight of what I've accomplished finally sinking in.

I hold my breath as my dad turns to Sariel, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And how exactly did you come to know our daughter?"

Sariel straightens, his wings rustling softly behind him. "I was an overseer for the wing trials," he explains, his voice steady and clear. "It was my duty to train and evaluate the candidates, including Lyra."

I watch nervously as my parents exchange a glance. But Sariel continues, his golden eyes softening as he looks at me.

"I've watched Lyra grow throughout the trials. Her determination, her resilience... they're truly remarkable. She faced challenges that would have broken most, yet she persevered."

My cheeks burn at his praise, and I duck my head, embarrassed but pleased.

"She's become an extraordinary person," Sariel says, his voice filled with unmistakable pride. "Her strength of character, her compassion for others even in the face of adversity... I've never seen anything like it."

My mother's eyes are glistening with tears again, and even my father looks moved. "We always knew Lyra was special," my mom says softly. "But to hear it from someone like you..."