I Did Not Like It!

Draven had seen countless expressions like hers throughout his long existence, but for some unknown reason, he didn't like them in her eyes. It made him feel this complicated feeling he couldn't quite comprehend. 

Abruptly and unbeknownst to him, a sudden surge of energy coursed through his veins—an energy he had accidentally lost control of at that very moment. He lifted his head to look at Avelina, but he went dormant the second he felt his wings twitch involuntarily.

In the moment of unforeseen misfortune, his wings instinctively flapped with a force that exceeded his control.

A sharp and forceful gust of wind erupted from the powerful beat of his wings. The sudden burst of energy surged towards Avelina, who stood only a few feet away.

Startled at the sudden occurrence, Avelina's eyes dilated as her body was caught in the heavy current. Helplessly, she was lifted off her feet. Her hair billowed around her face as she was roughly sent backward through the air.

Panic took hold of her as she was able to catch a glimpse of the wall she was about to crash into.

Draven's eyes widened, and his pale face contorted in anger as he desperately tried to fold his wings back, but it was all futile.

He dashed off at the speed of light, wanting to grab hold of her, but he was a tad bit late because even though he managed to grab a hold of her, they still collided with the brick wall, breaking through it.

A sharp gasp escaped Avelina's lips as pain coursed through her, her back absorbing the impact.

The force of the blow abruptly halted their flight, and they crumpled to the floor. 

Draven quickly unfurled his wings that he had wrapped around her body in the hope of preventing her from getting too hurt. He got up on his knees and reached out his hand for her, but Avelina did not take it. She was rather gazing at him in confusion.

Draven's features were distorted with guilt and remorse.

"I am very sorry," he whispered, his voice laced with regret. "I never meant for this to happen. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Avelina was shaken and panicked. She was trying to process what had just happened.

Draven balled his hands, unable to get a response from her.

"I still scare you, don't I?" he asked. 

But Avelina did not respond. It was as though she was dazed from shock.

"I am very sorry," Draven apologized once again. He reached out his hand, offering aid.

Avelina blinked her eyes and lifted her finger to point at him.

"Your wings…they are bleeding."

Draven glanced at his wings, and unbothered, he folded them, retracting them.

"It's fine. It doesn't hurt."

He grabbed her hand and pulled her up to her feet. "Are you alright?"

Avelina nodded. "I am."

Draven hesitantly let go of her hand. He turned around and walked back to get his shirt. He slipped into it and led her back into the pavilion.

They sat down opposite each other.

Avelina dusted her dress and diverted her attention to him.

"Is this why your father calls you the devil's son?" she queried, still curious.

"No." Draven shook his head. "Every one of us has wings, but the problem is that I am the only one born with a different color. It is not normal, and to make matters worse, I am the one who possesses them."

He sighed silently. "Everything about me is not usual. But my father's main reason for those words was because there had been so many abnormalities within the royal mansion right from the day I was born and it never ended. Everyone was and is afraid of me, the maids and workers included. I have never hurt any of them, so it leaves me quite perplexed." 

Avelina deeply frowned at him. "But it's not your fault." 

Draven looked at her. "Right. But my eyes are as red as blood, and I do not know why. My mother did not have these sorts of eyes, nor did my father."

"I also don't look anything like my father, you saw that for yourself. But my brothers do, which makes it seem like…I am not related to them." He was rather amused. 

"My father dislikes Valentine as well. We were both born by a maid instead of a noble lady, and my father believes that a royal child mothered by a maid should not have the right to live." 

He continued, "We are an abomination that never should have happened. But to him, Valentine is normal regardless. I am the only one who is...different. I can't quite understand why?"

Avelina stared at him, her lips slightly agape. "It is not your fault. H-he chose to get a maid pregnant. He should not blame anyone else for it. Nothing is your fault. Besides, I doubt a devil's son would have wings that heavenly." 

Draven lifted his head and gazed into her eyes. "Are you pitying me, Avelina? I don't like it."

"Why would I pity you?" Avelina asked in a low voice.

"Everyone who has ever cared has pitied me," Draven responded. "I am not pitiful, Avelina. I don't hate myself, and I don't mind that I am like this. Only those who hate themselves can perhaps be called pitiful."

"My late wife looked at me with such similar eyes as you are doing now and I did not like it," he said. "Look at me differently, Avelina."

Avelina thoughtfully gazed at him, dormant. She slowly offered him a charming smile and changed the subject.

"What are your abilities, Draven?"