"Since, Keith Vanburen wasn't the one committing the crime, he won't receive the ultimate punishment which was death. However, since he agreed to take all the responsibility his punishment will be..." I took a deep breath as the Prince seemed to hesitate. "His wings, our pride, freedom, and status. That'll be all." finished the Prince.

My wings... My beautiful wings... I wouldn't be able to fly again, to do acrobatics in the air. I started to cry not able to keep my tears anymore.

"Prince, may I ask for a favor?" said Angela pretty angry.

"I'm listening."

"May my brother keep his wings for the day since he wouldn't be able to fly anymore and everyone knows how much he liked it. Plus, he wasn't the one killing our King, please show mercy?" requested my sister and that made me cry harder.

"Request accepted. However, tomorrow at dawn, Keith Vanburen punishment will be held." he turned his back to us, returning to his father's side.

Members of the elite escorted us outside of the house and one of them would be following me around to watch on me if I tried to escape or anything. At our house, without warning, I received a slap on my cheek. Confused and shocked I look at the one that hit me.

"Mom, why?" my voice trembled.

"You silly! Why did you do something so stupid?!" mom shouted for the first time angry. "We could have figured out something together! Now, look what will happen to you! As soon as you'll lose your wings, you will be considered no more than scum!" this time, it was mom turn to cry and my sister tried to calm her.

"I'm sorry... But, I didn't want anything to happen to you two! At least, sister has a good future in the clan and you, mom... I couldn't even bear the thought of something happening to you!" I said my feeling exploding. I didn't know how to feel anymore, all at the same time, I was angry, sad and somehow relieved. "And Angela... Thank you for what you did."

"Keith... To be honest, I didn't expect you to do that at all, since I knew how much you loved your wings. That was the least I could do, but remember, with or without wings, you'll always be my daydreaming and cute little brother. Mother and I always had and will always love you." Angela confessed her feelings, which was really rare.

"We will talk about this tonight, go enjoy your day..." said my mother with a sad smile.

I nodded and ran outside and as soon as I could, I flew in the air. This feeling of freedom, this breathtaking view, this speed... They all would be the last time feeling it. For the first time, I felt sadness while flying in the pure blue sky.

I decided to visit my best friend, Sebastian. I supposed that the King's being attacked and my punishment were still a secret. I looked at the window of his room and saw him there, laying on his bed. I gently knocked trying to get his attention. He looked up, got on his feet and opened the window.

"Hey, you want to do a race with me?" I said out of nowhere.

"Now? Why so suddenly?" he asked confused.

"I just feel like it, so you're up?"

"Yeah, let's go. To the usual place right?" he agreed as I nodded.

I started to fly toward the forest. I didn't fly as fast as possible, just at a comfortable speed, enjoying every single moment of it. I did some flip here and there, at a moment I went faster and at other time, slower. Without forgetting that I was flying with my best friend! I laughed as Sebastian started to do acrobatics too. When we arrived at my refuge, the biggest tree, I gently landed on my branch. I looked around, it'll be the last time I would be coming here. Even if I knew how to climb trees, I wouldn't able to reach where I actually was. I sighed and looked far away.

For now, I tried to push Father... No, the traitor stupid action in the back of my mind. I tried to enjoy this moment. If only I could stop time, so tomorrow would never come.

"You're acting weird today. What's wrong?" asked Sebastian out of blue with a frown.

"Nothing... I guess I'm not thrilled with the chores waiting for me at your house." I lied hoping he wouldn't see through me. "And... How am I weird?"

"Your face, you never made this pained expression here and you act as if you..." he stopped.

"I?" I tried to encourage him to continue.

"Nah, nothing. I guess I'm starting to see things." he waved his hand side to side. "Let's go back, it's starting to get late." he looked at the sun.

"Can we stay a little longer?" I begged not wanting to go yet.

Fortunately, he nodded and we contemplated the view in a comfortable silence. My mind was going everywhere. Like what if Sebastian would stop being my friend tomorrow? What if mom and Angela lied? Would I survive without wings? Would my mate still want me after tomorrow? Would I live the rest of my life alone with no one to talk to?

At the time we went back, everyone already finished to eat. So, I proposed to go to Sebastian house and I would cook something for us. He agreed without hesitation and even threatened me to put me on his shoulder because of how slow I was flying.

We ate and talked about everything. I laughed and smiled as usual, but inside of me, I was still hoping, he wouldn't change because I would be a hybrid without wings, a human...

I said goodbye and hugged my best friend that may not be my friend tomorrow because I saw how he... All the others acted to humans. I wouldn't different tomorrow, I'll become a low life, a nobody and even if I died nobody would care.

Home, mom and Angela were both here waiting for me. They had this sadness and pity in their eyes and that made me felt bad, so I looked away and directly went to my room, without saying anything. Why couldn't they act normally and stop looking at me like that?? I was trying to forget about tomorrow!!

I took a cold shower and went outside by my window. I flew on my house rooftop and sat there all night long because...

Tomorrow would be the beginning of the end of my life in HELL.

"Now, what do I want Keith to do for me?" when I heard those words, I gulped.

Sebastian was doing it on purpose. He was purposely playing with me, wondering what I should do for him. He made me wait all the way home, starting his sentence, but never-ending it.

"Spit it out already!" I burst out of patience as he laughed. "I don't see what's funny..." I pouted crossing my arms.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it, you're so easy to tease." he tried to stop laughing, but miserably fail.

"If it's like that..." I turned around and was about to open my door house when a hand stopped me.

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry." he said with a small smirk. "So, I want you to..." he took a pause and then a huge smirk appeared on his face. "I want you to do all my house chores for a week. That also includes one of your special cooking per day."

"Fine. I'll see you tomorrow. 'Night." I sighed, at least he didn't ask me anything embarrassing like... Walking around commando.

"See you tomorrow darling!" Sebastian exclaimed as he sent me a flying kiss, which I avoided it with a head movement.

As I entered my house, mom was in the living room reading a book. So I guessed father wasn't home yet. When she finally snapped out of her book, she looked at me with worried eyes.

"Keith..." she started as her smooth and modulated voice filled the room. "I'm sorry for what happened today. Your father knows you're doing your best every day. He just... doesn't know how to show it that's all." she apologized as she tried to explain.

"Mom, you don't need to apologize. It wasn't your fault and for father... I guess I'll have to double my efforts?" My affirmation came out as a question as I fought my tears.

"My baby... Don't cry..." she soothed me her voice breaking too.

"I'm okay, I'm... I'm tired that's all. The hunt and the race took all my energy. I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight mom." I explained not only trying to convince her, but myself and gave her a kiss on her cheek.

"Goodnight, sleep well."

I went upstairs and Angela was already there waiting for me. She also had a glint of worry in her eyes, but only for a few seconds. Contrary to me, she was a dominant and a knight and her wings weren't only a pure white, but also strong and powerful. That's why father didn't say anything to her since he was proud of her not like me.

"Hey, little brother. I know I'm not the best sister ever, but this time, dad went too far. Forget what he said and continue to do your best because even if he doesn't see anything, everyone else does." she gave me a hug, which was rare. "Now, go take a shower, you stink." she said before going back into her room.

I smiled at that. Yes, Angela was sometimes cold to me, but at least we cared and loved each other. I smelled my shirt and she was right smelled really bad. I went to wash all day's dirt off me, it felt so good that I almost moaned. I surely took my sweet time. When I got out all fresh, the light downstairs was still on. I looked at the clock and it was pretty late. What was father doing? A meeting with the King couldn't take more than three hours. So, I went downstairs and told mom to go sleep first that father would understand. However, she refused and didn't want to move an inch. So, at least I took a blanket and put it on her shoulders.

Next morning, someone banged on our front door, taking me out of my peaceful slumber. As I rushed downstairs, mom and Angela were already there answering whoever it was. Not expecting this at all, the elite, a group of warriors trained for the sole purpose of protecting the King, came in. I joined the rest of my family waiting for the bad news since the elite only brought bad news.

"I suppose you're wondering why we're here." one of them, the leader I supposed started to talk tonelessly. "I'll be direct, yesterday the King summoned Daniel Vanburen in order to talk about his behavior. Let me tell you, that Daniel Vanburen tried to murder the King and we are actually searching for him."

"M-my husband tried to m-murder the K-king?" mom silvery voice turned brittle.

"Yes, Mrs. Vanburen. Is your husband home?"

"No, he didn't come back since last night." answered my sister as woman heavily dressed with weapons came to whisper something to him.

"Yes, my men, just confirmed it. However, Daniel Vanburen did kill the King and since he's nowhere to be found..." he sighed. "Please, get dressed and come with us. In case, one of my men will follow each one of you."

I knew what was going to happen, as soon as the commander said that father was nowhere to be seen... But, we did as he commanded, we didn't have the slightest chance to win or to escape. The only hope we had, was that they would find father before it was too late.

I rapidly changed not comfortable with someone watching all my movements. I couldn't believe father really killed the King. He was so good to us, why?

We were taken to the pack house, where the King's body was connected to way too many machines. The elites did say he was dead, but he was still breathing. Well, kind of, not by himself, but he was. Next to the bed, there was the Queen and the King's son. They were crying until recently, their eyes were all puffy and red.

"I heard what happened. Since I'm the only heir, I'll be the one in charge of this matter." he took a deep breath like he was trying to calm himself. "You all know that family and the bond we create are everything. If one member of the family committed a crime, and the one accused is nowhere to be found, someone has to take responsibility." he stopped his speech waiting for someone to speak out.

I couldn't let Angelina take responsibility since she would be the one helping us to survive and mom... She was way too weak, too fragile not only physically, but also mentally. Not only she lost her husband, but she also learned that the man she loved was a murderer. At the time, I couldn't be selfish, it was for the family.

Then I looked up to the Prince. We didn't talk a lot, but we knew each other and our relationship was great. I could see all the pain in his eyes and the unshed tears accumulating. I took a deep breath and I took a few steps forward, even though I knew I would regret it later. I was just hoping that Sebastian wasn't going to act as if he didn't know me. Since I knew and I saw what happened to people like me.

"Since, Keith Vanburen wasn't the one committing the crime, he won't receive the ultimate punishment which was death. However since he agreed to take all the responsibility his punishment will be..."

The wind was hitting my face and the scenery extending to the infinite. With my wings, nothing was unreachable. Joy filled my heart as I did a spin before letting myself fall into the sky. Just before I touched the trees, my wings extended instinctively and I was back flying in the beautiful crystal blue sky. As I did another spin, I heard my name being called.

"Keith! Stop fooling around and help us hunt the damn deer!" screamed my best friend Sebastian as he and other members of the Aquilam clan stealthily followed a pack of deer.

Sadly, I stopped my flip halfway and pouted as I silently joined the rest of the hunting group. We were following the pack until they stopped in a plain. We separated in groups of two and took strategic positions. In fact, each team had to have a knight which was Sebastian and an archer, me.

I was in position ready with my bow, waiting for the signal. I eyed my friend and he told me with some hands movement which deer I should target first. I nodded as I went higher in the sky, so I could see the plains in its entirety. We, the archers, waited patiently and when the knights moved their swords with a perfect synchronization, each archer of each team killed their assigned deer. The animals started to run away from the dead corpses and as planned, the knights were waiting for them. After a few minutes, we were already flying our way back to our homes.

"It was a good hunt today. Everything was in our favor. Good job everyone!" congratulated Daniel our group captain and my father. "However, Keith..." he sighed. "I don't mind you having fun before the hunt, but you were slightly late compared to the others. A few more seconds and you'll have missed your target." he explained disapprovingly.

"I'm sorry father... I promise to work on it." I apologized as I looked down. Sadness filled my heart knowing I let father down, but it was sadder to know that he was never satisfied no matter how well I did.

Back home, we gave all the dead animals to the next team, so they could prepare everyone's meal. As soon as my duty was done, I flew away. I went to my favorite spot, it was on the highest tree of the forest. Each time I was there, it gave me a peaceful feeling and gave us the illusion of flying. I watched the sunset as my mind wandered away.

I was thinking about father and how I could make him happy and proud of me. Then, my mind wandered to my mate. Not that I wasn't happy or felt loved, but at a time like this, I felt incredibly lonely.

I was so into my thoughts that I didn't hear my best friend arrive.

"Keith, lost in your thoughts again?" said Sebastian with a chuckle.

"What?!" I jumped in surprise. I turned around and saw Sebastian behind me. "You startled me... Is it already time to go back?" I asked looking back at the sunset.

"Yeah, if we don't go back now, we'll miss the meal." he said as he appeared in front of me blocking the magnificent view. "Come on, don't make me put you on my shoulders." he joked, well I hope it was a joke.

I slowly went on my feet on the branch and lazily my white and pure wings extended. I saw Sebastian glaring at me and made a hand movement to tell me to move faster. Then, without warning, I jumped and flew as fast as I could. I laughed when I heard my best friend swear, but when I looked back, he was no were to be seen. I stopped and called his name, but no answer. Where did he go?

"Searching for someone?" the voice of the owner resounded, but Sebastian body? "I'm here." he poked my back. "Let's race back, the one arriving first can ask anything to the loser."

"You're way faster than me, so I want and advantage!" I bargained crossing my arms.

"What do you propose?"

"I want to start five minutes before you." I tried. From where we were to our clan village, it would usually take 25 minutes, but while racing, I took 10. If I could do more than a half in five minutes, I may have a chance to win. Because if I took 10, Sebastian can easily take five to eight minutes.

After some thoughts, he finally accepted. So as fast as I could, I flew without looking back and forced myself to fly faster than I usually did. However, I didn't know how much time I already used. Then, I felt an air flow above of me. I looked up and saw Sebastian smirking at me. I groaned and tried to fly faster, but I already was at my maximum. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't the case for him, easily he passed me and landed a minute or two before me.

Exhausted and panting, I fell on the ground next to him. That was a reason why I couldn't be a knight. I was too slow and didn't have enough stamina. Some even said my wings were too short and to stay at the village helping the injured or the punished to cook. I refused, of course and trained hard to fit as an archer.

Sebastian helped me go on my feet and we walked toward the communal house dedicated for the pack meetings or the meals. Almost everyone was already there, so was Sebastian and my family. We sat down next to each other and on the other side there was my sister, Angela. After the King's speech, we all started to eat and discussions filled all the tables.

"What did you do after we were back from hunting?" asked my dad as he took his glass of wine.

"I..." I hesitated from telling the truth, fearing to disappoint him again.

"We trained. I helped him practice and we raced to come back." Sebastian explained for me.

"And I guess you lost." he asked with a frown forming on his forehead.

"Yes..." as soon as I answered, I heard him sigh as he shook his head. "I'm so-"

"If only you were my son Sebastian. You're a dominant, a knight and you don't daydream. That way, I won't be so ashamed." declared father making me look down as swallow back the tears threatening to fall.

Tension went up at our table as I heard some whispering. I didn't dare to look up and see all those eyes pitying me. I did everything I could to please my father and he was still blinded mainly because I was a submissive.

Supper ended more badly than usual. It seemed like the King heard what father said and they were now mostly talking about me. As Sebastian and I were walking home, he tried his best to take my mind away from my father's words. It didn't seem to work until he got to the prize of the winner for the race.

"Now, what do I want Keith to do for me?" when I heard those words, I gulped.