Breaking The Rules | OPEN

Iva sat at the water's edge, letting herself be soothed by the lapping banks. She had missed relaxing during the school days, so she sat at the banks at dusk, watching the sun slip.

Her eyes were starting to slide closed as a yawn overcame her system. She leaned back, sighing happily. Sure, she wasn't supposed to be alone, but, really, what were the chances? Nothing would happen, she'd be fine.

A shadow parted from the other shadows, the fading light revealing it to have the form of a man with large, black wings. Moving forward, it stopped when it was standing over the girl, regarding her silently until she opened her eyes.

Iva was drifting off to sleep when a soft sound appeared behind her. The soft, rustling sound of feathers. She opened her eyes slowly, tilting her head back to see what had caused the sound.

Only to find herself facing a large, winged man, resembling a dark angel. Her heart galloped forward as her breathing hitched. She scrambled forward into the lake, crawling backwards away from the ...thing.

"No! No, please, no!" she whispered, fumbling around for her wand, "I-I am innocent! Please, no! I did not do anything!"

Her words turned into panicked prayer in her hitched breath as she attempted to find her wand.

A tilt of the head and a slow blink were its response to the girl's panic. Nearly all had met it with refusal and alarm. Did they not know?

It attempted to ease the child's terror.

Moving forward, it took her by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet. "My purpose must be served," it said, voice a rasping monotone. "You will come with me."

Iva trashed in it's grip, alarm rising in her voice. It wasn't human-like. The blinking, tilt of the head, the monotone voice, all reminded her of an animal ready to attack.

"Please! Please, no!" Tears were in her eyes. This was serious; she was going to die! "I will do anything! Please, Mr. Angel! Leave me here! Please!"

She began to ramble on as she tried to pull away, feeling incredibly weak.

No use. It might have sighed, if it knew how. Instead, it lifted the thrashing girl up and over its shoulder, pinning her legs with one arm.

Wings beating the air, it flew into the night, taking the crying girl with it.