Bleak and Gloomy Life.

Following the altercation with Hayden, Emily was taken back to the Obsidian Angel Dominion by Xavion, who then locked her in her bedroom. Since she had entered the Human Realm, which is prohibited in the Obsidian Angels' universe, she couldn't argue that it wasn't warranted.

Naturally, Loren was aware of Emily's actions, but Xavion and the Queen were blissfully ignorant. Emily sat on her luxurious red velvet bed for the time being, gazing down at her black sneakers. The issues and queries that had been bothering her since the conclusion of her conversation with Hayden made her head spin. The first was a query: why hadn't Hayden fled as he ought to have? She was a vile creature who, if she ever defeated him, would most likely go to Hell. She didn't think there was a higher power in the afterlife since, after all, where had He been? She wondered how a common human like Hayden could ever be friendly to such a barbaric creature as herself. Perhaps his small mind was unable to process the event because he was in such a deep state of shock. Or perhaps he had a natural inclination to console her, which he had displayed to her during their time together. Sadly, those instincts were wrong and might have deadly implications if it were the case.

Speaking of fatal outcomes, Emily was certain to suffer harsh consequences from the Queen following Xavion's disclosure of this occurrence, which she believed he was doing at the time. Since the Queen could only hurt her, she wasn't really concerned for herself, but she was frightened for Hayden. If humans knew about Obsidian Angels, they were instantly and forever silenced. As she pictured the Obsidian Angel Sentinels pulling him away and into the Queen's regal chamber, where he would perish, she trembled. As a physical representation of the retribution that awaited him, bile swelled in her throat and her fangs lengthened. She was to blame for putting him in this terrible predicament in the first place! These incidents would not have happened and Hayden would not have been aware of Obsidian Angels if she had exercised greater caution and made sure that no humans were present when they attacked those drugged-up ladies! Unfortunately, they wouldn't have kissed if Hayden hadn't witnessed them murder those girls.

It was the best experience Emily had ever had, and she had never kissed anyone before in her life! She had never felt so happy in her life, and there were too many feelings to list during the kiss! She knew why she had kissed Hayden, but she had no idea why he would do so to a morbid devil like her. She might have sobbed if she hadn't already, experiencing the warmth of his lips against hers and the emotion of love that became stronger the longer they held each other in the hug. However, this would also mean that it would be even more difficult to be apart from him once he passed away. She clinched her fists, picturing the wicked woman who would burn him at the stake, stab him, suck him dry, or murder him! No! She would not put up with such a horror, nor would she permit this to occur! She got to her feet and ran to her bedroom door, kicking and beating it till it nearly broke. Xavion looked at her curiously and opened the door before she could strike again.

Sharply, "What are you doing?" he inquired.

"I'll find Hayden first and hide him away where you won't find him if you told the Queen and she sent the Sentinels to find him!" Emily ran down the corridor and yelled. She was being chased by Xavion, who jumped from wall to wall until he landed in front of her and blocked her way. He was body-slammed to the ground as she smashed right through him. As she tried to get away, he kicked up his feet, tripping her and pinning her to the ground.

"Leave me alone!" She growled.

He remarked, "I didn't tell the Queen," just as she was ready to use her abilities on him. Before I summon the Sentinels, please calm down!

She went slack at his words, and Xavion got up to leave her. He lifted her up and offered to help.

"You didn't?" she inquired, her tone tinged with mistrust.

"No, I chose to be kind to you. Rather, I informed Tara.

She moaned mockingly, "Splendid," knowing that Tara would curse her for this transgression from sunset to sunrise.

"Don't be concerned. He said earnestly, "She's just going to talk some sense into you."

Emily moaned once again, knowing full well that Tara was the one who gave the drawn-out lectures.

"Emily, you shouldn't get connected with him. "It might end badly," he added, his worried face displaying sternness. She nodded, but she knew full well that things would go horribly wrong if she kept in touch with Hayden.

Tara was writing at her desk when Emily walked into her room. A luxurious red carpet and ruby-red wallpaper decorated the room. The room was dominated by an opulent king-sized bed covered with a velvet duvet, and mahogany dressers flanked the walls. The desk on the right side of the room was oriented toward the wall, and the paper Tara was writing on was softly lit by a lamp. Tara looked up hopefully as Emily cleared her throat. Her long, straight black hair fell to her waist, and she had the same pale complexion and dark eyes as any other Obsidian Angel. She wore a black tutu over black stockings and a thin black coat with a red shirt underneath. She beckoned Emily over with a lovely smile and said, "Come. Sit down, please.

With a sigh, Emily made her way to the bed and sank into the plush velvet. Still grinning, Tara got up from the desk and sat next to her.

She started, "I've heard that you've gotten yourself into some trouble."

"You can say that," Emily said with a somber laugh.

"Believe me, I wanted to express my support for you."

With fatigue beginning to seep into her voice, Emily clarified, "Well, so is Xavion, which is why he wanted you to speak to me."

"No... Not all of Xavion is on your side. "He wants you to break up with that human boy," Tara said.

Emily gave her a perplexed look. "Aren't you attempting to persuade me of that?"

Tara chuckled. "No, I don't agree with Xavion's intentions. I will assist you in a different manner.

Tara could tell by the look of surprise on Emily's face that she still had no idea what she was implying.

Tara clarified, "I'm going to help you stay with Hayden."

"B-but the Queen will punish me and get rid of Hayden if I stay with him!" Emily stumbled as she talked about Hayden's impending demise, a bitter aftertaste in her mouth.

"Silly, not if she doesn't know," Tara remarked slyly. Emily came to the realization that there might be a potential for her and Hayden to have a relationship, at least temporarily.

Emily urged them to continue, and Tara went on to describe the strategy.

Ignoring Trent's greeting, Hayden hurried into his drama lesson and sat down. Every student, with the exception of Emily, was present and engaged in joyful conversation. He looked around the room till he saw Loren sitting next to a girl with spectacles and blond hair near the rear. He walked over to her, attempting to hide his worry.

With his heart racing, he inquired, "Where is Emily?" He had been worried about her safety ever since she left abruptly last night. He suspected it was related to a guideline or code that people needed to be aware of regarding Obsidian Angels. Loren turned to face him and saw the anguish on his face. She was wearing knee-length brown trousers and a simple brown T-shirt. With a troubled look on her face, she handed him a crumpled piece of paper after groping through the small brown purse she was holding. Just as Mrs. O'Brien started to call the class to order, he accepted it and went back to his seat. Trent gave him a perplexed look as he sat down. Hayden opened the paper and hid it under the desk to avoid the teacher noticing, mouthing to him, "Not now." Mrs. O'Brien had a habit of taking notes and reading them out loud.

The note said as follows:

Hey Hayden,

I'm sorry for being absent from school today and for my impolite departure last evening. Unfortunately, I can only meet you in secret because of the restrictions of the Obsidian Angel. If you still want to meet, that is. Meet me at the park where we waited for Loren and Trent on that double date if you want to see me again. Don't meet me at all and leave the current circumstance if you don't. You have until eight o'clock at night to decide, Hayden.

-Emily

Emily did, in fact, have a meeting with him scheduled for tonight at eight. This news caused his heart to leap and do somersaults. He kept the note secure by tucking it into the pocket of his sweatshirt. He could only pray that Emily was safe, that this note was authentic, and that the Obsidian Angel Dominion wasn't deceiving him.

Trent insisted on knowing what had transpired after class.

Hayden reassured Trent, "It's nothing."

"Really? Because you only ever refer to me as Trent when you're lying," he said. He was wearing his go-to sleeveless sports shirt and loose-fitting shorts.

Hayden let out a sigh. "Listen, I'll go over everything in private later."

"Why? What is happening? Trent inquired in a suspicious tone.

Sebastian cut off their chat before Hayden could say another falsehood.

That note in your pocket—what is it? He pointed to Hayden's gray sweatshirt's right pocket as he asked.

“Nothing,” Hayden said, surprised by his sudden demeanor.

"You heard me. Why is the note there? Reaching inside Hayden's pocket for the note, Sebastian challenged once more. Sebastian staggered back after Hayden shoved him away, gave him a look of complete shock, and then went in for the kill. Hayden went down when he decked him in the right eye. Sebastian grabbed him by his sweater and gave him two kicks.

“You desire a fragment of me!” Spitting in Hayden's face, Sebastian yelled.

"Hey, dude! Get out of here! Trent cautioned, who Loren was holding back. She attempted to force him away by standing in front of him like a wall, but Trent refused to move.

"Stop talking!" After shouting at him, Sebastian turned to face Hayden. As soon as the principle walked in.

With his arms folded across his immaculate black-tie, striped suit, he shouted sharply, "What is going on here?" He wore black slacks that complemented the suit's stripes.

Sebastian responded, "Nothing," and let go of Hayden.

"Oh, I see. In my office right now, young chap! The principal pointed to the door in reprimand. Sebastian grudgingly made his way there.

Trent said, “That was some crazy shit, man!” and gave Hayden a high five.

Hayden nodded, as though being thrashed was a commonplace event.

"Are you okay?" With a hint of worry in her voice, Loren questioned.

Despite trying to shrug off the throbbing sensation in his eye, Hayden nodded.

"Come on, man. Trent remarked, "We have to get to our next class."

He put his arm around Loren, and the three of them left the house, acting as though the altercation had not disturbed them.