The Celestial Veil shimmered beneath Elanaria's bare feet as she hovered just above the threshold between realms. Young by angelic standards, barely into her third cycle, her wings still shimmered with untested grace white and soft, like twilight mist.
Below her stretched the human world.
Loud. Imperfect. Brilliant.
She tilted her head, studying them from the sky with wide, awestruck eyes. They moved so fast crying, laughing, living and she was to watch them. Observe only. No contact. No favor. That was the rule.
"Compassion without interference. Curiosity without attachment." The Elders' words echoed in her mind like wind chimes in a silent room.
But then him.
At first, he was just another soul in the city of towering lights, a teenage boy with scuffed shoes and a tired heart. His name was Nolan. He sat alone most days. A sketchbook on his lap. The world passed him by, but he drew it anyway—his hands translating emotion better than his lips ever could.
Elanaria watched.
He intrigued her. There was sorrow in him… but also fire. And when he looked up, his eyes dark, searching made her wings flutter involuntarily.
She moved closer. Just a little.
Then closer still.
What began as passive observation became silent companionship. Every evening, she lingered near his rooftop. When he cried, she willed the wind to drown his sobs. When he walked home late at night, she bent shadows to make his path safer. When he nearly stepped into traffic while lost in thought, her unseen hand tugged his coat back.
And no one knew.
Not her parents. Not the Elders. Not the seraphs who taught her the laws. Not even Raraiel who rarely looked at her unless to lecture.
One night, a mugger tried to follow Nolan home through a rain-slicked alley. Elanaria should've just watched documented, not interfered. But her wings burned with panic.
She descended.
Invisible to human eyes, she raised her hand and the streetlight above them shattered. Sparks rained down like divine warning. The man ran, slipping in the wet, swearing about ghosts.
Nolan just stood there, wide-eyed, soaked in golden sparks and rain.
"…Thank you," he whispered to no one.
And Elanaria felt it, something foreign and terrifying.
A pull.
Not duty. Not divine command.
Love.
EIGHT YEARS LATER*****
"Aerisiel, can't you help me this once just this one time, please?" Elanaria begged, clutching her friend's wrist with desperation glinting in her wide emerald eyes. "I promise I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."
Aerisiel groaned, looking away, trying her best to avoid eye contact. She knew better than to look into those pleading eyes. They always got to her. "Aria… please don't do this," she whispered. "It's dangerous out there. You know I'll be punished if the King finds out. He'll skin me alive if he even suspects you're not in."
But Elanaria pouted, lips trembling, gaze unwavering and full of unrelenting hope.
Aerisiel sighed heavily and threw her hands in the air. "Argh, fine! Fine! Just this once." She pointed a stern finger at her. "But you have to be back before anyone notices you're missing. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, yes! I love you so much, Aerisiel!" Elanaria squealed, planting a quick kiss on her cheek.
Aerisiel covered her face with both hands. "Oh heavens… this girl will be the end of me."
---
On Earth, in the Human Realm
Elanaria stood in the middle of a broad open street, surrounded by towering buildings and strange contraptions zooming by car. She spun around in slow circles, her white gown fluttering lightly in the breeze.
"I'm in the middle of nowhere," she murmured, squinting at her surroundings. "Where do I even begin to look for him?"
A soft murmur began behind her, growing louder by the second. She turned and noticed people gathering, whispering to each other, pulling out little glowing rectangles phones, they called them.
👥 "Wow, she's stunning. Like... unreal."
👥 "She looks so much like an angel…"
She blinked rapidly, confused and uncomfortable under their stares. "What are they doing?" she whispered to herself, brushing her black hair behind her ears.
"Hey! What's going on there?" a loud voice rang out, commanding attention. A uniformed man security strode through the crowd. The gathering dispersed quickly, people scurrying like startled birds. And then… their eyes met.
The security guard froze. For a moment, he couldn't breathe.
What in heaven's name is she?
She was radiant. Her gown shimmered softly under the light, her black hair catching the sun like it was woven from threads of serenity. Her emerald eyes seemed to glow. She looked too divine to belong here.
"Wow…" he breathed.
Aria tilted her head. "Are you lost?" he asked gently.
She nodded once.
He blinked, trying to process the situation. "Where are your parents?" he asked.
Aria pointed upwards toward the sky.
The guard followed her gaze, then frowned. "I hope she's not out of her mind," he muttered under his breath.
"Well, don't worry. Follow me. We'll sort this out." he gestured.
Elanaria hesitated for a heartbeat, then slowly trailed behind him.
---
At the Police Station
The station buzzed with normalcy until the guard walked in with Elanaria. Then everything stopped.
Every officer turned to stare.
She had just walked into the room.
"I think she's lost," the security man said, almost apologetically. "Please take care of her. I've got to get back to my post."
The young officer at the front desk blinked several times before clearing his throat. "M-Ma'am… please… take a seat," he stammered, pointing at the chair opposite his desk.
Elanaria looked at the chair curiously. Then, to his astonishment, she picked it up and placed it beside him instead. She sat down calmly.
The officer turned bright red.
"What are… y-you doing?" he asked, scooting his chair away slightly. She was too close, and his heart thudded violently in his chest. He was trained, disciplined but this? She made his whole system short-circuit.
She was just sitting there, blinking, with that serene expression, and he had to grip the desk to keep from reaching out and touching her face. He gulped hard and slid farther away in his seat.
Elanaria gaze swept across the desk until her eyes landed on a newspaper. Her breath hitched.
There.
Him.
The reason she came to Earth.
There was his picture, printed on the cover. He was the key to everything.
She reached out and tapped the paper, then looked at the officer with urgency.
He raised an eyebrow and picked up the newspaper. "This?" he asked. "What about him? You said you were lost. What does this guy have to do with anything?"
Riana sighed, frustrated. Their strange way of speaking was already giving her a headache. Aerisiel was trying to reach her through the soul-link again, but she kept pushing it away. She needed focus.
She couldn't leave. Not yet. She hadn't even laid eyes on him in person. She could have easily checked where he was but she couldn't cause she no longer watch him anymore.
She thought for a moment, then pressed her fingers together into the shape of a heart and said softly, "Him. Me. Love."
The officer blinked. Then frowned. "Wait… are you saying… he's your boyfriend?"
Elanaria didn't know what the word meant exactly, but from his tone and reaction, she nodded eagerly. That must've been the right answer.
The officer leaned back in his seat and sighed. "Ah, a lovers' quarrel then. Must've had a fight, and he kicked her out. Poor girl." He muttered the words mostly to himself, trying to justify the situation. But it didn't make her presence any less... distracting.
Elanaria tugged his sleeve impatiently.
He turned to her.
"Lovers," she said urgently this time.
"Okay, okay!" He raised his hands in surrender. "I get it. Just… wait here."
---
He hurried over to his superior and explained the situation.
"Sounds like a trivial lovers' issue," his superior replied with a shrug. "Just escort her to the guy. Make sure she gets there safely."
"Yes, sir."
---
Back at the desk, Aria was drumming her fingers restlessly. Her patience was wearing thin.
"Alright," the young officer said, grabbing his keys. "Let's get you to your boyfriend, so you stop wandering around. Do you know where he lives? Or maybe where he works?"
Elanaria said nothing. She just stared at him.
He sighed. "Alright, we'll go to his workplace. That should be enough."
He led the way out of the station, and Aria followed, her gown billowing softly behind her, her eyes set on one single goal, him.
Nothing would stop her.
Or so she believed.
*****
The car slowed as they neared a colossal glass structure that shimmered under the sunlight. Bold letters etched in silver crowned the building: CROSS ENTERPRISES the most powerful and influential company in the country. Sleek, modern, and intimidatingly grand.
"We're here," the young officer, announced as he pulled to a stop. He stepped out and made his way around to open the door for her, trying not to get distracted by the serene beauty of the girl beside him.
Elanaria stepped out gracefully, her bare feet brushing against the concrete. She took a slow, wide-eyed look around, completely unaware of how the hem of her flowing white gown fluttered like wings behind her. She looked like a celestial being misplaced on Earth.
The young officer glanced down, noticing her bare feet. "This is the only help I can offer, ma'am," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "You're not even wearing any shoes… You and your boyfriend must've had a serious fight."
He walked back to his car, rummaged through the dashboard, and scribbled his number on a piece of paper. He returned and handed it to her.
"Here. That's my number," he said with a gentle smile. "If anything happens… or if you need help anything at all, don't hesitate to call me. My name's Brian."
Riana blinked slowly, her gaze drifting from his face to the paper. Her fingers closed around it.
"Take care of yourself," Brian added, giving her a soft nod before retreating to his car and driving off.
Elanaria watched the vehicle disappear into the distance, then looked down at the number in her hand. She folded the paper carefully and tucked it into the folds of her dress.
---
Inside Cross Enterprises
The moment Aria stepped into the glass-floored lobby, a hush fell over the bustling room.
All eyes turned.
Some mouths fell open.
Phones rose into the air, silent cameras snapping to capture the vision before them. She didn't look real, her white gown glowing like moonlight, her hair a golden waterfall, and her eyes like twin emerald flames.
The reception desk blinked at her arrival.
"E-Excuse me, ma'am," the receptionist stammered, blinking rapidly and forcing herself to sound composed. "How may I help you?"
Elanaria tilted her head and studied the woman's face. Then she stepped closer, reached out a hand, and gently touched the woman's cheek.
The receptionist froze.
"Pr…etty," Riana said with a soft smile.
"Oh my God…" the receptionist whispered, cheeks flushing deep red. How can someone look this ethereal and this stunning? At the same time? She laughed nervously, hiding her face with her hand to contain her blush.
Meanwhile, the office workers were still whispering, trying to act discreet while secretly taking photos of her. It wasn't every day to see someone that looks like an angel strolled into your workplace.
Elanaria looked around, scanning the room. Her emerald eyes darted to the elevators, the winding staircase, the security panels. But she didn't see him.
"Ma'am?" the receptionist asked gently, trying to draw her attention back.
Riana finally turned toward her and said softly, "Nolan."
The receptionist blinked. "You mean… the boss? Do you have an appointment?"
Elanaria bit her lower lip. Appointment? Another strange word. These people and their strange accents, it was exhausting. She tried to think of the officer's earlier words.
She leaned forward, placing her hand on her chest. "Lover's… fight. Him… me."
The receptionist tilted her head. "You guys had a lovers' quarrel?"
Elanaria immediately nodded. As long as the word "lovers" was in it, she knew they understood.
"Ahh…" the receptionist gave her a teasing smile. "So you're the girlfriend! Ouu… my boss has a very high taste. I mean, look at you!"
She reached for the desk phone. "Let me call up first."
Elanaria stood still, eyes growing distant. The room faded, replaced by a familiar ringing in her head. A sudden pull on her consciousness. Her lips parted in surprise.
"Oh, goddess Aerisiel?"
"Shut up, Aria." The voice came sharply, hushed but firm. " What do you think you're doing? You've been gone too long already."
"No, no! Aerisiel, please not now. I haven't even seen him yet! Please… just give me a little more time!"
"I can't!" Aerisiel hissed. "I had to forcefully pull you into the soul link, do you know how dangerous that is? You've ignored me for too long. The Queen is getting suspicious. You've been locked up in your quarters all day. She'll notice. You know how she is. Now, come back now."
And just like that, the link snapped.
Elanaria's soul slammed back into her body. She gasped, blinking rapidly, trying to steady her balance.
"Ma'am?" the receptionist said again, still holding the phone to her ear. "Your boyfriend... I mean, the boss, he's on his way down. He sounded surprised."
Just then, from the other end of the line came a sharp voice:
"Girlfriend? What did you just say?"
"Yes sir, that's what she said."
A stunned silence. Then
"I'll be down in a minute." Click.
Before the receptionist could speak, Elanaria turned and ran. Like wind.
"Ma'am wait! He's coming down!" the receptionist cried out, but it was too late.
Elanaria pushed through the crowd, dodging the gasps and questions, and vanished out the front doors like a wisp of smoke.
The workers watched in shock.
The receptionist placed her palm over her chest, trying to calm her thudding heart. "You all better get back to work before the boss fires the entire building," she muttered.
Murmurs faded into reluctant typing and phones ringing again though plenty of side-eyes remained.
---
Moments Later…
The elevator pinged, and a man stepped out.
Dressed in an all-black designer suit, he was tall and dangerously handsome, his aura exuding command. Two buttons of his shirt were undone, teasing a glimpse of his toned chest. Dark hair swept effortlessly back. His sharp jaw clenched slightly as he approached the desk.
"Where is she?" he asked with quiet intensity.
The receptionist cleared her throat. "Umm… she left, sir."
"What?" His voice darkened.
"She just, she just ran out. I was about to tell her you were coming down, but she left so suddenly…"
He didn't respond.
He simply stood there, staring out toward the doors she disappeared through.
The receptionist exhaled slowly, realizing she'd been holding her breath. Then she whispered to herself, "Oh my God, he talked to me. He actually talked to me… Mae, you need to calm down. Don't lose your job over a fantasy. Focus…"
---
Back in Nolan's Office
"You jerk."
The voice snapped through the room as the office door slammed open. Jade, his best friend and secretary, walked in, arms folded and eyes blazing.
Nolan didn't look up immediately. He leaned back in his chair, brown eyes calm, but intense.
"You realize we're at work, Jade."
Jade ignored the comment. "Why did you send her away?"
Nolan's brow lifted slightly. "Who?"
"Your girlfriend."
Nolan's expression shifted just slightly. His gaze sharpened.
And the room went still.
Nolan couldn't help it he burst out laughing.
"What the heck, bro? Me? A girlfriend?" He shook his head, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "You, of all people, should know I don't do girlfriends."
Jade folded his arms, unamused. "It's not funny."
"Oh, come on, it's hilarious. You look like you've seen a ghost," Nolan said, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "It's probably one of those clingy girls. I've warned them never to step foot here. The audacity... Don't worry, I'll handle it."
Jade narrowed his eyes. Should he believe him? Nolan was full of surprises. Sometimes too many.
"What? Stop looking at me like that," Nolan huffed. "You know I can't be tied down, man. It's not in the cards. Having a girlfriend?" He gave a hollow laugh and leaned back in his chair. "That's a liability in my world."
Jade sighed, pushing past the topic. "Fine. For now. Did you check the mail I sent?"
"I was about to, until you barged in and called me a jerk." Nolan smirked.
Jade rolled his eyes and checked the time on his watch. "Lunch break's almost over. Let's go grab something to eat."
Nolan groaned. "There's a fully stocked kitchen right over there. Why not make something yourself?"
Without warning, Jade slammed Nolan's laptop shut and clutched his chest dramatically. "Why do you hurt me so? My best friend, my brother, my eternal pain."
"Ew. That's gross." Nolan scowled, kicking lightly at jade's foot. "You're an idiot."
"I'll keep being an idiot until you accept my love," Jade teased.
"Fine," Nolan growled, standing up. "Let's go, before you embarrass both of us further."
Jade tried to hug him, but the icy glare Nolan gave sent him backing off in surrender. He chuckled, already halfway out the door.
"Annoying brat," Nolan muttered, following behind.
---
MEANWHILE IN THE CELESTIAL REALM
"I didn't get to see him, Aerisiel," Elanaria voice trembled, her emerald eyes clouded with sadness.
"Oh, my sweet baby," Aerisiel whispered, wrapping her arms around Elanaria and pulling her into a hug.
"I don't just want to see him, Aerisiel... I want to feel him. I want to be in his arms."
Aerisiel sighed deeply, brushing strands of golden hair behind Aria's ear. "I know. But Elanaria, listen to me. You've got to get rid of this obsession. What if Azel's vessel stops responding? What then?"
Elanaria looked up, broken. "Aerisiel…"
"No, let me talk," Aerisiel whispered. "What if he's not the person you think he is? What if everything you're hoping for isn't real? You and I both know... a human and a—"
She didn't finish. A knock interrupted them.
"Yes, who is it?" Aerisiel asked, straightening.
"It's the Queen," the guard announced.
Immediately, both girls stood upright.
"My daughter," Queen Elira entered gracefully. "Sit."
They obeyed without hesitation.
"I was wondering why you didn't come out of your chambers today. I heard you've been with your friend all day."
"Yes, mother. I decided to spend the day indoors with Aerisiel. It's been... peaceful," Elanaria said, forcing a smile.
"Oh, that's good," the Queen smiled, caressing Aria's hair with gentle fingers. "I just came to check on you. Do you need anything?"
Elanaria hesitated. The words were on the tip of her tongue: Can I live with a human? But she held them back and simply shook her head.
"You're sure?" the Queen asked, her tone soft.
"Yes, mother. I have Aerisiel. I'm good."
The Queen turned her gaze to Larisa. "And you, dear?"
"I'm well, my Queen," Larisa said respectfully.
"Good. I'll take my leave, then." The Queen stood, and both girls bowed deeply until she was gone.
Elanaria slumped back down with a heavy sigh. "I was this close to asking her…"
"Don't even think about it," Aerisiel warned. "If you bring that up, you'll be grounded maybe worse. Don't worry, though. I've got your back. Always."
---
WEEKS LATER – CROSS COMPANY
"I'm here," Elanaria said, stepping into the building, glowing as always.
Mae, the receptionist, looked up and nearly dropped her pen. "Ma'am! You're back!"
Elanaria nodded with a soft smile.
"Let me call him right away." Mae dialed swiftly. "Hello, sir? Yes, the same lady… Okay." She hung up and beamed. "This way, ma'am. I'll escort you to his office."
As they walked down the hallway, heads turned again. Elanaria moved like a dream in a white flowing dress, her golden hair trailing behind her like sunlight.
👤 "Holy Christ… Is she an angel?"
👥 "No, seriously… did she drop from heaven?"
👥 "Wait… isn't she the boss's girlfriend?"
👤 "What?! For real?"
👥 "But… why isn't she wearing any shoes?"
Elanaria didn't notice the whispers, though. Her eyes were focused, her heart pounding.
They reached Nolan's office.
Mae was about to knock, but Elanaria touched her arm gently.
"Do you... um... a name?" Elanaria asked softly.
Mae blinked, then smiled. "Me? Oh—yes, my name's Mae."
"Pretty name," Elanaria said with a smile that made Mae blush furiously.
"Oh my goodness, you made me blush again!" Mae giggled and knocked.
"Come in," a voice said from inside.
"You can go in, ma'am. See you later!" Mae said and walked off, still blushing.
Elanaria stared at the door, hesitating. Her hand reached for the knob
But before she could touch it, the door flew open from the inside.
Jade stood there and froze.
His mouth dropped open. His eyes nearly popped out.
He gasped so loudly the hall echoed with his voice:
"HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF JEZEBEL!"