Encounter

Rose POV

 It was a normal day at the restaurant I was working as a waitress, after the long shift since 8 am to now 9 pm it was a very busy day today so I had to stay over the program to help. My shift came to an end so I was finishing cleaning the tables, my friend Lucyla who was a chef in the kitchen was preparing to start her night shift and we were chatting a bit before I was done. We were best friends since I moved in the town and started working here where I meet her. I was 20 with a long golden blonde wavy hair, turquoise blue eyes, a slender frame and 170 cm height, my uniform made me look quite mature but pretty nonetheless. Lucyla was the same age as me but she had pretty quite curly ginger hair and emerald green eyes, she was also slender with a slim waist and with 5 cm taller than me, she is quite a chatterbox but fun and honest maybe a little too brutally honest sometimes but very supportive and i loved her dearly as my best friend. 

 Lucyla was sitting down on one of the white couches at the table covered by a pretty yellow tablecloth with flowers on the edges while I was cleaning a nearby table. The restaurant we worked in was elegant and quite known but not that famous and great as other restaurants and i was glad cause that meant less attention I could get and the horrible lord won't enter those doors as he didn't found it on his taste yet we did had great dishes I sometimes helped with the desserts and I was enjoying that chance cause I liked baking and I was a huge sweets lover. The walls were in a warm yellowish color with many posters with recipes and menus and nice motivating messages on the walls, we even had a nice little library for the people who like to read and relax while enjoying sweets and coffee. 

- I can't believe is been 2 months since the ex Lord was defeated and replaced by a new one.

 My friend said to me still as shocked as the first time we heard the news on TV, I still remember that day clearly I was working here when the owner changed to the news channel and the reporter announced the ex cruel Lord was finally defeated and replaced we were all shocked to find out such happening was possible, he was known to be ruthless, violent,cruel and abusive. 

- It was about time, he was pure evil and cruel. I'm glad someone finally replaced him I just hope the new Lord isn't as bad as he was.

I answered her nonchalantly.

- I wonder why the new Lord didn't showed his face yet, the Lords don't usually stay anonymous like this. 

Lucyla said deep in thoughts, she was right is been 2 moths yet we never got his name and he also didn't showed up yet. I was also wondering why but it wasn't really my place to be so interested in the wealthy world of the rich people, he probably had his reasons being busy fixing everything the ex Lord destroyed and he did made quite a disaster ruining entire neighborhoods, buildings and lives.

-He's probably just a busy person, at least we know he's a male and rumors are saying he might be an angel so that makes him even busier.

I said to my friend facing her and putting the towel aside after finishing the cleaning. In our world magic was a thing we knew there are some mysterious beings out there but they usually only interfere in very dangerous circumstances it wasn't easy to meet beings who can use magic. What I know though is that there were people with special gifts like me, I had the power to heal others but the healer takes the pain even though in my case I eliminate it through spilling blood or a dark liquid after using it, it takes me a bit and I do take the pain depending of the wound and how critical it is it takes me a few minutes until I can escape the pain. My friend knew about my ability but she kept it a secret, she was wounded badly once when we were in town and she got shot in the shoulder I was so worried for her and I took her out of there as fast as I could, then I took the bullet out and healed her I just couldn't see my best friend bleeding and suffering. She was amazed and I did told her I have the power since I was born but a little voice in my head never let me use it unless really necessary and the only other person who knew about it was my twin sister but she also kept it secret and she was far away now so Lucyla was everything I had and I don't intend on losing her.

-What are you thinking of Rose?

My friend asked me when she noticed I've been silent for a few moments, i snapped from my thoughts and smiled at her. 

- I was just thinking about this Lord and if he's really an angel it seems so surreal that an angel would meddle In humans world even though I'm glad he did no one could defeat that tyrant.

-Well he was a bastard

My friend said in a matter of fact tone and she was right, that made me chuckle. My friend smiled at me then I noticed a hint of sadness in her eyes, she felt bad she had to take the night shift and leave me go home alone at such late hours especially when you don't know what can lurk into the darkness

- Don't worry Lucy I'll be fine I always take the shortcut plus is not like we have a choice, the owner wanted you on the night shift.

I told her trying to reassure her with a smile, she sighed but we had no choice tomorrow we'll surely go home together as it won't be such a busy day anymore.

- I know Rosy but just be careful alright?

She said hugging me tight then she whispered in my ear:

- I know you can heal people but unfortunately you can't heal yourself even though your healing can be faster then at usual people. Sometimes i wish i had powers too so I could protect you the way you protect me and others that deserve to be protected. 

She says the last part with sadness 

-You don't need powers to be my best friend, I love you just the way you are! You're strong and you know how to stand your ground and fight back plus you're beautiful!

I said the last part with a wink and she smiled, we complete each other like yin and yang while I'm shy and more quiet she's very sociable and chatty, I'm more patient and forgiving while she tends to be a little more on the vengeful side especially when someone is disturbing or upsetting me and they won't get I'm just not interested but I also tend to be very protective over Lucyla and stand up when necessary for anyone being mistreated, we are both very stubborn and we do have arguments but we make up to each other pretty fast because we both love each other too much to let such small issues ruin our friendship. 

 One more hug and we say our goodbyes, she goes to the kitchen while I go to the lockers to change into my normal clothes to head home, I changed into my comfy black pants and my pink blouse with roses, I've put on my pink jacket and took my little bag with my water bottle and the lunchbox on my shoulders. I take off my phone from my jacket and checked the time, it was 9:15 pm. I waved at Lucy before getting out the front doors of the restaurant and she waved back. It was a nice March night, the breeze was cool but the sky was clear and thousands of star were sparkling on the dark blue night veil. I went to the left, my apartment was quite far from here almost 2 hours from here on feet but there were some dim light alleys that made a shortcut to my apartment and it only took half an hour to get home. The alleys started about 2 buildings away from the restaurant and I was about to step on that alley who went behind a 4 floors building when I felt someone approaching me. I turned to my right and i noticed a guy coming my way from the other side of the street I didn't knew him and I thought it might be just a coincidence so I didn't wanted to stare, i didn't stopped walking but he said in a firm yet polite tone:

- Wait!

That made me stop and I turned back to look at him, he was now right in front of me. He had pretty golden curly hair and mesmerizing blue eyes who struck me like lightning, he was wearing a white shirt with the folded colar and 2 buttons left open leaving his neck free, a pair of black joggers and soft ivory skin. He was definitely charming nonetheless but I was in this dazze only for a moment because I came back to my senses and wondered how did he got here so fast, I looked at him confused.

- Can I help you sir?

I asked him still unsure of why would he want me to stop. 

- What is a pretty young girl like you doing out here at such an hour?

He asked politely

- I might look young but I'm in my 20s sir but some of us need to work to afford living, now if you'd excuse me I'd like to go home. 

I answered him in the same polite tone and I was about to turn around when he spoke again:

- Where are you working? Did you stayed after program?

This guy was very curious and I was exhausted but I looked at him again and answered in a matter of fact tone:

- Im afraid I cannot give you such informations, you're a stranger after all.

He looked at me curious then he smiled

- Don't you know those dark alleys can be dangerous? Why don't you take the main path?

I sighed but I found it interesting he cared about my safety so I remained polite

- It takes too long to get to my place on the main path, the alleys are a good shortcut and I'd really like to go home, im exhausted. Plus Is okay is not like anything bad happens in this part of the town. 

The guy stayed quiet for a few moments then he spoke again:

- Well then may I join you and accompany you home miss? May I ask whats your name so i can be proper?

I stared at him a few moments trying to read his intentions even though he didn't emanate any danger and I felt quite drawn to this charming stranger but I couldn't trust him, he might be just a creep in the end and I couldn't afford being followed home. 

- No thank you, I think I can handle myself but thank you for your offer as for my name I'm not sure if is a good idea to give it to you. 

I answered him politely and turned around stepping towards the alley, I was about to wish him a good night but while I was turning I noticed movement from the corner of my eyes like a shadow moved but there was nothing so I shaked it off thinking maybe it was just a cat it wouldn't be unusual. But I heard him stepping closer and he was right beside me in less then a second 

- I insist miss, i promise I won't do anything to you I don't have such intentions. 

He said in a gentle tone and from the look in his eyes I could tell he won't take a no so I sighed and shook my head but he only smiled back.

- How do I know that? You're just a stranger after all

I tell him in a firm tone but his smile doesn't fade and he answers playfully with a wink:

- I guess you'll have to wait and see, you'll have to trust me on this one!

I stared at him with a serious expression and then i started walking forward and he followed me keeping the pace.

- So will you please tell me your name now?

I look in his direction debating for a few moments but then I answer him politely:

- Is Rose 

He smiles even sweeter and says while taking my hand kissing it gently:

- A pleasure to meet you miss Rose

His gesture takes me aback and makes my cheeks warm up a bit and I feel those weird tingles all over my body, he seemed to be a gentleman, I came back to my senses fast enough and recompose myself pulling my hand gently from him. I was left without words so I just looked in front of us walking normaly. As we walked a bit more he was about to say something else when there was more movement to my right, he was on my left so It couldn't be from him, my eyes snapped in that direction thinking maybe is just a cat and indeed in the next moment a cat does come out and runs past us. I thought maybe we scared her as we both watched the cat running further away then we look back forward but right that moment a huge black wolf made of dark mist jumps in front of us, we were already quite far from the main path, and starts snarling and hissing vigorously in our direction, it was a Shadow Demon. They are known to shape shift in whatever forms they want and feed of fear making them stronger and bigger. 

 The charming guy took a defensive pose in front of me ready to protect me in case the demon wolf will attack us and he did, he started laughing and said in a menacing tone:

- There you are little girl, im gonna kill you so i won't have to deal with you anymore, I've been looking for you! 

I was confused, why did he wanted me dead?? What did I even did to him? I don't remember offending him let alone meeting him. 

-What have i even did to you?!

My question came out in quite a revolted tone and i noticed the guy glancing at me from the corner of his eye, his expression changed drastically from warm to very intimidating and quite scary, but then the demon spoke again: 

- Is nothing personal little girl, I just need to get rid of you while I still can!

The last words came raspy because he launched in our direction, the handsome guy slightly pushed me behind and summoned a sword out of thin air. I was so surprised that I didn't managed to balance myself properly and I fell on my butt. I was processing what the heck was going on right at this moment in front of my eyes while the guy blocked the demon's attack. The demon growled angrily and tried to slash the guy with his claws but he was fast enough and avoided being touched with a simple jump on the side. He glanced at me and said in a firm voice:

- RUN! 

I got up in an instant and I tried to run but the wolf appeared in front of me so it made me stop in my track and head to the opposite direction deeper on the alleys towards the direction of my home, the demon tried to hit me but the guy appeared in front of me blocking him with his sword, at the moment I got worried for this gentleman because the demon growled even more angrily but he told me in the same firm tone:

- Go now, go home! I'll hold him a long as possible! 

I wasn't the type to run away from a fight and I didn't wanted to let him alone but his glance made me understand he won't accept it, he was trying to protect me and he couldn't fight if I was there so I started running while i heard him blocking another hit but the next growl made me look back, the poor guy got hit by the demon tail and he got a big deep wound between his shoulder and chest, the demon hold him down with one of his claws and was about to slice him with the other so I took a rock and throw it straight into his head with all the power I could muster. He stopped fir a moment and his head snapped into my direction at first he looked stunned but soon the anger replaced it and he threw the guy on the ground, I heard him grunt in pain. The demon was now running towards me so I run towards him and before he could touch me I slipped underneath to the other side and i went straight to the poor guy who was trying to get up. I went behind him and he was laying on the tip of my knees, he looked at me baffled and quite annoyed that I didn't left and he asked me on a matching tone:

- What are you doing?! I told you to run!

-You're hurt I can't leave you like that he's gonna kill you plus you saved me I already feel guilty that you got hurt

I told him as serious as I could then I put my hand gently on his wound we didn't had much time until he will attack again so I healed him, he looked confused at his now healed wound then at me, I was in pain, the wound was pretty deep.

-Are you alright? Did you got hurt?

He asked me in a worried tone.

-The healer takes the pain, I healed you now go finish him!

I told him in my most serious tone. He got up right the moment the demon was about to reach us and he slashed the demon shoulder, that made him howl in pain and retreat for a few moments. The guy was glowing and I realized he's an angel, he took the opportunity and kept hitting the demon who was now caught up between him and a wall. While they were busy I quietly got up and used the chance to sneak behind them to continue my way, the alley was split in 2 ways a few steps away and I took the right corner and watched from there. The angel succeeded to put him down and he stuck his sword în the demon chest, he was dead. Just then I decided to continue my way knowing the guy is safe even though I was still in pain it started to subdue and was now bearable so I could walk. Soon enough I got to the building my apartment was in, a building with 5 floors, my salary was enough to help me live here comfortably. I entered the staircase, my apartment was on the 4th floor so I took the elevator this time, once I got out I went to my apartment with the big 17 number on the door I took my keys and opened the door. Once inside I made sure to lock it and I collapsed on the floor with my back on the door out of exhaustion and the pain from his wound, that was a crazy night after such a busy day but at least I got to encounter an angel and a demon and well how many people can say they had the chance to just catch a glimpse of such beings? That was really cool but then I realized i forgot to ask him his name! I slapped myself but then I thought maybe that's for the best at least i healed him, he tried to protect me so it was only fair just at that moment the pain finally dissipated and I run straight to the bathroom knowing what was about to happen. I spilled blood into the sink then i cleaned and washed my face, I was feeling better now. I went to the kitchen and made myself a bowl with yogurt and fruity cereals, then I went to the living room and sat on my modest couch turning on the TV to watch something until i finish eating then I'll go shower and straight to bed.

 The living room was right as you enter the front door is not very big but is enough, there's my pink couch with 2 white pillows and a golden star pillow on it a lil behind the direction facing the door, In the left and right of the couch are 2 comfy white armchairs with golden roses silhouette pattern, facing the couch is a medium flat TV screen on the wall not too high but neither too low and in front of the couches is a small rounded table. The kitchen is open to the living split by a nice counter continued around the walls, I have an oven and some closets but enough to keep my stuff in there. Then there is another door on the wall of the living room opposite the kitchen counter with a small hallway, in that hall are 2 rooms facing each other, the one on the left Is a guest room that I keep of course for guests and on the right is my bedroom, the rooms arent very big but neither too small, the guest room has a double bed in the middle with 2 bedside on each side, 3 windows on the 3 walls except the one with the door and a big wide closet on the left wall with the window right where it finishes close to the corner.

My bedroom is quite the same is just more personalized on my liking and the difference is I have 2 Windows on the right wall and one on the right side of the bed perfectly situated between the bed and the corner. In the head of the hallway is the door to the bathroom, not very big but neither too small there's a shower place, a bathtub, a toilet and some closets and of course 2 metal bars ,opposite the closet with the sink and mirror, fir the towels and a lil spot to hang my bathrobe. It isn't much but Is comfortable enough. I was enjoying my yogurt when i felt a breeze around the front door but it didn't gave any danger vibes so I ignored it and I sent Lucy a message that I arrived home so she wouldn't worry.

Gabriel POV

After I ended the demon I looked to the spot I left her but she was gone, I started looking around but I couldn't see her. When I left her she seemed deep in pain so I touched the spot she healed without realizing it, I had to be sure she was okay she risked her life to save mine. I knew my subordinates will come and clean this mess so I decided to use my power and follow the energy she left behind so i did, it took me on the right side of the alley to a little neighborhood to say so with buildings with 5 floors. I didn't had the chance to come around this spot of the town yet but I made a mental note to come check this area and the way people live here. I continued following her energy to one of those apartment buildings and I follow it to the 4th floor where it stopped at number 17. I made myself invisible she wouldn't like a stranger bursting in her home she made it clear she didn't wanted strangers around her home either but i just needed to see if she's alright. So I entered through the door and I instantly spotted her on a small couch with a bowl and looking at some documentary. She seemed much better now I guess the pain she took from me after she healed me subsided. I decided to take a look around out of curiosity so I noticed the open kitchen, it wasn't very big but I seemed enough for one person then I saw the other door and went trough it. I found 3 more doors and I checked the rooms, i found a room that looked like a guest room and another bedroom with pretty flowers on the walls some were painted other seemed bought but they were indeed beautiful then I heard her soft footsteps she went to the kitchen and I went to check, she was washing her bowl. She then went to her bedroom and i guessed the last door must be a bathroom I still checked to be sure then I heard her changing, I didn't not disturbed her privacy but after I heard her sitting on her bed I decided to see her one more time before I leave. I went through the door and I saw her in bed I got closer, she had her eyes closed but once I was at the bedside she opened them. She looked around confused and curious, for a few moments I thought she might be able to feel me. Her eyes stopped in my direction but then she sighed and put her head back down. She really looked exhausted so I helped her relax with my energy, soon her breath became steady and I knew she was asleep.

 This girl was very intriguing to me for some reason so I decided that I'll have to find out more about her, the way she healed me so fast she could help me a lot with all those creatures that decided to come out of hiding and create havoc I can't heal fast enough if I'm hurt deeply like how it happened today. And I didn't even got the chance to thank her or introduce myself properly but I know what to do about this.

 I looked at her a few more moments then I touched her forhead gently to pat her but then I felt these tingles that surrounded my very soul and I remembered I felt that when she healed me too at that moment I thought it was just her energy that she used but now I wasn't so sure anymore I've heard stories in which 2 beings feel these sparks when they find their soulmates but I never thought I'd feel them. Could this be the reason why i feel drawn and interested in this human girl? But maybe is not that maybe is just her healing powers effect I need to be sure before jumping to such conclusions and maybe even ask Father about this, would He really match me with a human? But the question is why a human? She seems so small and weak and she's very stubborn that's for sure even though she showed she can be very brave I'm not sure about this entire situation.

I already have so much to deal with, I don't think that's the right moment to focus on romance. But if she really is my soulmate and is my Father will then I'll gladly embrace it but first I just need to be sure. I took one last glance at her sleeping figure and I went to the closest window, I opened and spread my wings and I was out in the split of a second making sure i close her window back using my magic. It was a long day and I decided to go home and ask Father in my prayers if she's really the one for me.