Read His Black Wings for Free Online

Shangri-la of my sleep. A gray hulking mass peppered with gargoyle rain spouts and countless windows. I knew I would go to that house.
     
    “Lily?”
     
    I opened my eyes and looked into Mr. Brighton’s. He was standing above me looking down. Concern, then amusement, was visible in them.
     
    “You were dreaming.” He stated. I ran my hand over my hair, making sure it was in place.
     
    “I’m sorry Sir, I hadn’t meant to fall asleep. I was reading and just drifted.”
     
    “No harm done.” He smiled warmly and picked up the book I was reading.
     
    “And what’s this?”He looked at the cover, then frowned.
     
    “I hope you don’t mind Sir, I picked it out of your library. I…at first thought it a children’s book, but I see it is for all ages.” He gave me the queerest look.
     
    “I like it very much.” I added somewhat lamely. I did in fact enjoy it and wanted him to hand it back to me. It was a story of a gnome who has to make his way in the world of hostiles. I hadn’t read very much, but wanted to continue it. He replaced it on the book shelf.
     
    “You like it do you?” I nodded.
     
    “Well there will be plenty of time for reading later. That is one of my son’s favorite books you know. If you are going to borrow it, make sure you take care of it.” He looked at me intently for a moment then walked to the other chair to sit. I had the strangest feeling he was testing me. Seeing what I was made of. Trying to crawl inside my mind and find out what I was made out of. I passed his comment off as a joke.
     
    “Oh no, I won’t as much touch it if it means that much to him. I am only sorry I started reading it. I m afraid I’m hooked.” I said smiling even though I didn’t feel like it.
     
    “Read it please, you take me too literally. I am glad to have someone employed that enjoys books as much as we do. I must say that I was astonished to learn you could read. Not many women do nowadays.”
     
    I bristled at that, and he seemed to noticed.
     
    “Not many people in general Sir, seem to read. Especially in this area.”
     
    “Yes, you are quite right. Are you familiar with this area Lily?”
     
    “Yes, I spent a few weeks here last summer with a sick Aunt.”
     
    “Yes, and your Aunt? How is she now?”
     
    “She…passed on. Last summer.” He nodded gravely and turned away. Was it an effect of the firelight, or did I observe the faintest smile on my benefactors lips? His face was turned away now and I had no way of ever knowing.
     
    “What kind of illness was it?” He asked. I thought it an odd question. He did not apologize for her death, just posed another question. Perhaps he was not as well mannered as I at first thought.
     
    “She had always been sickly, but at the end, no doctor could help her.”
     
    “What do you mean sickly? Mental?” He questioned brusquely. I felt myself blush deeply by his guessing something hidden.
     
    “I don t know, my father never really let me visit her. When I was little she almost let me drown. A stranger saved me and since then I wasn’t allowed to go near her.” He nodded his head gravely.
     
    “Do you think she did it on purpose?”
     
    “Oh no! I just don t think she realized I was drowning. She was always very sweet and talkative. When it became apparent she was getting worse, my father granted me permission to take care of her. I didn’t even know she was ill until he told my mother and I.”
     
    “Why did you, a young girl, take care of your Aunt and not your mother?” I felt shame for my mother’s sake and softened the truth.
     
    “My mother was inclined to faint at the sight of blood or sickness. She hardly visited me when I had an ordinary cold. I don t blame her.”
     
    “That is good you are not like her in that way, Lily. You have a strong personality, but are also humble.” I squirmed under his compliments.
     
    “Thank you Sir.” He smiled knowingly.
     
    “Where are your parents now?” I was not