Nathaniel

Nathaniel had always been fascinated by myths and legends, particularly those of Asia. As a graduate student at the local college, he had dedicated himself to the study of these captivating stories, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of folklore and tradition. It was a pursuit that often led him to explore the city's hidden corners and forgotten places, searching for fragments of tales long past.

On this particular day, Nathaniel was wandering down another unfamiliar street, his notebook filled with scribbled notes and sketches of stonework and carvings. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. As he walked, he marveled at the city's unique blend of history and modernity, where towering skyscrapers coexisted with centuries-old architecture. It was the older buildings that captured his interest.

His curiosity had drawn him to this part of the city, where there was a thicker concentration of historical structures. He was researching a local legend about black magic and a phantom that haunted the shadows. It had piqued his interest, and the breadcrumbs of folklore led to this spot, in the lee of an ancient firehouse.

Nathaniel's dark hair fell in unruly waves over his forehead, and his sharp hazel eyes sparkled as he sketched a particularly hideous gargoyle perched above the doorway. Dressed in a simple, worn leather jacket and faded jeans, he looked like a throwback to a simpler time when young couples drank pop and cruised in pastel-colored convertibles. Rather anachronistic to his current setting, calling to a time between the structure he surveyed and the current era.

As he continued his exploration, he felt a pull toward a quiet corner, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. There, in the dimly lit alley, he witnessed a sight that defied explanation. A woman, ethereal and radiant, with glorious ebony wings, stood before an otherworldly portal. In stark contrast, her hair cascaded like a waterfall of faded sunlight.

Nathaniel's heart raced as he observed the unfolding scene. The woman appeared both out of place and impossibly captivating, a figure that seemed to exist beyond the boundaries of the mortal realm. He watched in awe as she extended her hand, urging another woman to step through the glowing portal. The second woman hesitated, and the dark angel took her hand.

She was nothing short of breathtaking. Luminous, reminding him of light and shadow all at once shining amidst these nocturnal surroundings. Her wings, shimmering like onyx, added to the surreal spectacle.

As they stepped through together, he felt a sense of loss. Would she emerge so he could gaze at her again, or was she gone forever? To distract himself, his gaze shifted to the portal itself, its edges pulsating like a living thing. It was a phenomenon he had never read about in his research, a supernatural gateway that almost felt alive to him. Nathaniel's mind raced with questions and theories, each one more improbable than the last.

Nathaniel couldn't tear his eyes away from the flickering light. Waiting. Realization struck him like a bolt of lightning. He had witnessed something extraordinary, something that defied all logical explanation. His heart pounded with a mixture of wonder and disbelief. The legends and folklore he had dedicated his life to studying were here, playing out before his very eyes. His mind raced to make sense of it all, to reconcile the supernatural with the rational.

Then she was back. His angel stepped through the gateway, alone this time, and it faded out of existence.

He gasped in reaction, realizing for the first time that he had been holding his breath. She jerked her head around, suddenly aware of him. The woman regarded him with a mixture of shock and apprehension. Nathaniel met her ebony gaze, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. He had no doubt that she knew he had witnessed the impossible, and he could only wonder what this encounter would mean for both of them.