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  "It's your last day with us, so we're going to make it the best it can possibly be," Micha says. His baby blue eyes always bore right into me. It's like he's looking further into me than even I can see. But it's weird, because he's never really said too much to me. Of course, up until this point, we've been very serious.

  "Okay…" I wait for him to elaborate further.

  "I have a really hard obstacle course. If you make it out first out of the four of you, we'll give you the gift we bought you," Micha says.

  "Well, Mr. Michael bought it, but I'll take credit," one of the guys says. I look over and it's the kind of lanky guy. We usually get paired up together because of our similar sizes. The other two guys are stockier and a bit heavier than me, so in any fight, I'd be at a huge disadvantage.

  "Gear up and we'll get started so we can celebrate!" Micha yells, clapping his hands to get us moving. I stare at him one second too long, and he catches me, a slow smirk evolving on his face.

  My cheeks instantly heat, again, and I turn away as fast as I can and run into the small female locker room. What is wrong with me? I've gotten to spend weeks with Micha and now he starts to notice me.

  I quickly dress in black shorts and a black tee-shirt. The only time we're every allowed to wear colors is when we're on the job. Since we're training for our jobs, we're allowed to change out of white. I take full advantage of this perk, as I hate wearing white and matching everyone.

  I rejoin the group just outside of the training center doors and see the large obstacle course that Micha has created. It reminds me of the course that the guy got hurt on early in the year during our training. My stomach flips with adrenaline and nerves.

  "Remember," Micha says as he stops in front of the course, "Use your strength and speed to your advantage. Don't rely as much on your legs, because you'll have wings soon. Be smart, but fast."

  "Want me to go easy on you?" Liam, the lanky boy asks.

  "No. I want to win by myself," I say, narrowing my eyes on the prize. It is one of my biggest pet peeves when Angels try to go easy on you. I hate being let to win. If I win, I better earn it, and that's exactly what I plan on doing.

  "Ready…set…go!" Micha says, and I sprint to the first obstacle. We're all on par with each other when we get to a large, white wall that's at least three times my height. I stop in front of it and look up, defeated.

  I watch from my peripheral vision as the guys try to jump upwards using their legs' strength. I debate on doing it, but Micha said not to rely on legs, so there has to be another way. I walk back a few steps and decide to use my speed.

  I run as fast as my little legs will take me straight towards the tall wall. When I'm just a few feet in front of it, I push off my back leg and leap up. Luckily, I make it half way up the wall to where a little foothold is. I didn't notice the tiny divots until now; it's perfect, because I can use them to my advantage.

  I make sure to grab onto the indent and hang from the foothold with my fingers just barely hanging on. I don't know what to do from this position, but I can't give up now. I'm almost there.

  I breathe, short, small breaths as I survey my surroundings. Another foothold is about five feet above my head. I can't make it from the position I'm in. There's no way I can just use my strength and jump five feet alone. That's basically my entire height.

  But I can use my hands on the foothold to spin up side down and then grab the foothold with my foot. It's risky, but I think that I'd be able to do it. What do I have to lose? Nothing.

  I spin around, using both of my hands on the wall. My stomach bottoms out when I look down and all there is below me is hard, white ground. I refuse to quit. I make it to the second foothold by just barely getting my foot on it and use my legs and arms to move myself up.

  Before I know it, I've made it to the top of the wall. I let out a sigh of relief, but I can't just relax now. There are at least three more stations that I have to get through. I jump down from the top of the wall and use the white rope that hangs down the side to propel me safely without hurting myself.

  The next obstacle is much easier and I get through it quickly. It's a set of blocks that vary in size from small, to medium, to large. The largest is only about eight feet tall and the smallest is a little under five. I have to jump and climb from block to block without falling into the water.

  By the time I finish the obstacle, two of the three guys are right on my trail. The thing about being first is that you get impersonators. I do all the hard work of figuring out what works when these guys can just copy me and then speed it up. It's insanely frustrating, but there's nothing I can do.

  I walk to the next station, pacing myself so I don't get too tired too fast. There's a tall building with one red door to enter. The red stands out against the white walls and white ground. It pops out like a warning. I look around the building, thinking that maybe I have to climb to the top, but that's definitely not the case.

  So, I enter through the door and immediately, two guys jump out from the shadows and grab me. They pull me in different directions and the room is so dark that I can barely see them. It takes a few moments for my eyes to adjust.

  Just as I can see the two Angels that have attacked me, I get hit square in the eye with a swift punch. The shooting pain fuels me and kicks me into high gear. I bend forward and roll to the side to put distance between my two attackers and me.

  They're smart, skilled attackers. They look at each other and then rush me at the same time. Only this time, I'm ready for them. I dodge the first guy and stiff-arm the second, my arm hitting him right in the throat.

  He falls backwards, clutching his neck as the second guy lunges towards me from behind. I duck under his swinging arm and swipe out my leg to trip him. He falls backward, and his head hits the white ground, hard. I jump on top of him, straddling his body, and place my hands on his neck, showing that he's in the kill position. One flick of my wrists and the man would be decapitated—dead.

  A whistle is blown, and I know that I have won that fight. I jump up from the guy on the floor, swinging my fists in the air in victory. I quickly find a white door on the opposite side of the room I entered and run out as fast as I can.

  One of the guys from my ground is already ahead of me. I'm not going fast enough. My heart sinks, but I push myself through the thick ground, refusing to admit defeat. I see the next obstacle as I run down the path. This last station was made for me.

  I don't even look at the other three lanes for fear that I've fallen too far behind. I don't want to know what they're doing. I have to only focus on myself now. I jump off the short plank and catch the rope in both of my hands.

  There's a pool of something black on the ground below me. It's something that I definitely don't want to fall into. This obstacle is all about upper body strength. I hang onto the rope and start to swing it side to side so I can reach the second rope.

  I realize that the ropes have been put just far enough away form each other so that I can't just grab onto the next one. They want us to jump for it. So, I swing and swing until I feel like I can make the jump and then use the hardness of the rope to propel me towards the next.

  I continue this pattern until I get to the last rope. It's definitely placed the farthest away. I don't know if I have the ability to make it far enough to clear the gap. But I have nothing left to lose.

  I jump towards the final rope, which hangs above dry land, and just hang on for my life. I hit the ground hard, clinging to the rope as my last safety. I fall backwards, my head lolling down and nearly touching the blackness under the ropes.

  My arms tremble with my full weight resting on them. But I muster all of the strength I have and pull myself up and out of harms away. A bell is rung, signaling the end of the obstacle course, but I have no steam left inside me. I'm beat.

  "You did it!" Liam yells as he runs around the ropes and comes right to me. He wraps his frail arms around me and holds me, laughing.

  "I can't wait for your present
," the other guy says, standing above us.

  "Spectacular job, Annie. I look forward to seeing you gain your gray wings in a few days," Micha says, reaching a hand down towards me. I push my way out of Liam's arms and take Micha's large hand.

  The instant our skin touches, I'm filled with his power. He regenerates me, and I'm left energized. I look at him, tilting my head to the side, but he ignores me. He walks us all back into the training center in a blissful silence.

  "Give me one second," Micha says then he flies over to the back of the training center and comes back out with a large, white box. I have no idea what these guys have done for me, but I think it's the nicest thing ever, no matter what the box holds.

  "It's really a present for us all," Liam whispers, smiling like a little child.

  "It's a special day in an Angel's life when they graduate from children's school and move on to learn their trade. It has been an honor to help you discover your inner power and fight. I have no doubt in my mind that you will make a spectacular Fighter. It's just who you are. So, this is from all of us." Micha's words almost bring me to tears. I don't cry, so it speaks wonders.

  Micha flips open the box and waiting inside is a small cake that could fit in the palm of my hand. It's beautiful. We don't eat in the Veil, unless it's during a birthday or special occasion. Then the Archers travel to Earth and bring cake back. I've never loved anything more than I do cake—except fighting. I love that, too.

  Liam reaches for the cake with his dirty hands, but Micha shuts the box quickly on his fingers and pulls it away. "Let the birthday girl eat first," Micha scolds him. Liam's face goes bright red, but the other guys just laugh at him. I do, too.

  I dip a finger into the white frosting and scoop a little of the cake into my mouth. I can't help but shut my eyes as I savor the sweet flavor. I moan as I let my tongue lap against the sugary frosting. It melts right on in my mouth.

  "Okay, eat, boys," Micha says and gives the boys the box of cake.

  "You don't want any?" I ask him, noticing that he didn't even get a finger full.

  "No. I'm not a big cake person."

  "Who isn't a cake person?" I joke.

  "Apparently me," he laughs back. "Are you excited for your big birth hour?"

  "I guess. I'm just nervous, more than excited. If I got any color other than gray, my heart would be broken," I admit.

  "You'll be a Fighter. I can tell. Rem has our best interests in mind. You'll get exactly what you want."

  "Yeah, you're right."

  "Can I ask you a question?" Micha asks, averting his eyes down.

  "Sure," I answer, nodding.

  "Why didn't you request to be an Archer?" I look at him, a bit confused at his question and he continues. "I mean, you have the skill. Is the idea of Earth what scares you?"

  "I'm not scared," I state vehemently, scoffing that he would imply that. "The seven of you were just chosen two years ago. I figured it would be a long shot. I know I can be a good Fighter, and at the end of the day, the job is similar enough that I know I'll like it."

  "That's very smart of you," Micha muses, pursing his lips. Neither of us says anything for a few moments and an awkwardness in the air settles.

  "So," we both say at the exact same time. I laugh with embarrassment; so does Micha, his blue eyes sparkling with his happiness.

  "You go," he says, gesturing towards me.

  "I was just going to say thank you. You know, for helping me and being a trainer—a good trainer. It was nice to meet you, and I hope you have a good life," I say, holding out my hand for him.

  "Is this goodbye?" he asks, his eyes full of mischief as he takes my hand. I love the way our skin feels when it touches. I know it's just because he's so powerful, but it radiates off him. It's wonderful to experience.

  "No!" I answer back, our contact making me frazzled. "I just meant, like, thank you. If we see each other, we do. But if not, we don't. I mean, we can see each other."

  "Annie," Micha says, cutting me off. "You're welcome."

  CHAPTER THREE

  Final Training Day

  Tab comes over the same evening during mandatory Guardian time. The Veil is very strict with its rules and rituals. We have to spend at least one hour of quality time with our Guardians before we meditate each day or so.

  "So, Tab, how are your specialized classes going?" my mother asks him. We're all seated at our main table in a plain room. I'm not sure why it's set up this way, but there's not much to look at it, and I easily get bored. Especially since usually during quality time, my Guardians just drone on and on about what it means to be an Angel, and how I act against the rules. I can't help who I am.

  "They're fine. Today I was able to channel my determination and use it to convince someone my way is better than his. It's a bit intimidating being with such a high Angel as Jariel."

  "He's harmless. He has a really good heart. He went to child school with Val and I."

  "I should bring that up so that maybe he'll like me more."

  "Of course. Please, do. We want you to succeed almost as much as we want Annie to."

  "What?" I ask out, not realizing that the conversation had switched to me. I frown at my mother, because she knows that I don't like to talk about this during Guardian time. I don't like talking about it at all, but especially in front of Tab.

  "Excuse me," my father says as he enters our home. His hair is disheveled, and he looks as if he flew here as fast as he could. I've never seen him like this before so when he storms into the room, I sit up straight in my seat.

  "What is it, Val?" my mother asks, her voice shaky.

  "We're going to have a ceremony!" my father yells. "It's the choosing day, and they've requested that Tab and Annie, along with their families, attend at the square."

  "What?" my mother shrieks, jumping up from her seat and clapping her hands.

  "It might be nothing," I say, praying to Rem that it is nothing.

  "Go upstairs right now and put on one of your fancy dresses. Tab, dear, run home and tell your parents. We will meet you in the square at once. How much time do we have?" she asks my father.

  "Not long. Just be swift," he answers, dropping his bag and running to the back room where they mediate.

  I stand, rooted in my spot, not sure what to do. How can this be happening to me? I cannot be chosen. There is no way. I'm not ready to become a Guardian and supply the community with a child.

  The choosing ceremony is so archaic. I don't even fully understand it. Of course, I was born from my Guardians being chosen so I shouldn't be complaining. I was one of the five children born in my year, along with Perry. I simply wouldn't exist without the choosing ceremony.

  The teachers in the children's school say that the choosing of mates is supposed to help with the population in the Veil. Rem, our ruler, doesn't like to clue us into much, so that's just what Angels say.

  I don't understand why Rem would choose me for mating. I didn't plan on ever being chosen. Only five couples in each community get chosen a year, and with the amount of people, I just assumed it would never happen to me. It's not something I even had on my radar.

  "Annie!" my mother yells as she re-enters the room. I haven't moved an inch, and I can tell by the look on her face that I'm pushing the limits with her. She glares at me, and I finally move up to my room to change.

  My brain must be in shock, because I don't register my surroundings. I just grab an article of clothing and throw it on, then grab another and throw it on. By the time I'm dressed and ready to go, my Guardians are already waiting outside my door eagerly.

  "I can't believe this is happening," my mother mumbles under her breath as she takes my hand and walks with me down the front steps. My father trails behind us.

  "Me either," I mutter, shaking my head side to side in utter disappointment.

  The walk to the square is swift. I pass by the square every single day as I walk to school with Tab. It's just a meeting place that Angels can hold conferences or t
alk about the community. Usually the adults meet once a month and just speak about problems or happenings.

  There are two long tables on top of a raised platform that our leaders sit on. The desks are empty right now, but that's only because the Princers like to make a statement and have the attention all on them. They oversee everything that Angels do, and make sure we follow protocol.

  Tab and his Guardians are already standing together, in a small little huddle, at the square. I recognize one other group of Angels from my class: a girl named Mariel with her Guardians, along with some guy and his.

  I'm about to raise my voice and question why this is happening when the four Princers from this community fly to the tables before us. Their dark blue wings glow in the white air and tuck neatly behind the Angels' backs as they take their seat at the tables.

  "Welcome!" a Princer booms out.

  "We've asked you all here for our annual choosing ceremony. As you know Rem chooses five Angels from each community for mating for the year. You've all been chosen," a different Princer explains. His words make the entire congregation ring out with applause and cheering. I just stand here, dumbfounded at what is happening to me.

  "First, I will announce the pairings. Then to each of the children, we'll explain the process. Let us begin!"

  I tune out as names get called. Until of course, I hear my own name: Anniel, of the parents Valoel and Abdriel. I stand in shock just hearing myself as a chosen one. The Princer announces Tab by his full name, Tabbris, which I know must upset him.

  But if it does, he doesn't show it. Tab reaches backwards and grabs my hand and leads us both towards the two tables in the middle of the square. My feet stumble beneath me, but Tab doesn't wait or help me. He just drags me along like deadweight.

  "And here are your five chosen ones!" the Princer yells. We all turn and face the crowd in front of us. I look to my left and see Mariel smiling wide, like this is the happiest day of her life. All of the Guardians clap and hoot and holler with glee. I stare out at them, wondering why they condone this.