T. L. Searle Author: AQUILA: From The Darkness

"Early birds get up before the sun. So I guess that's what I am, an early bird."

Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings?

The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night.

Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively.

In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone.

The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around.

War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home.

"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day."

Jude 1:6

AQUILA; From The Darkness

Death is strange. It takes you quickly—in the blink of an eye. So fast, that you may not notice—if you had no warning.

I am dead. I must be.

I am floating in an eternal ocean, viscous fluid fills my body. My lungs work tirelessly, pumping the thick liquid in and out. It doesn’t hurt—or burn as I had imagined it might. Is it strange? to still need that action . . . to still feel?

I feel the water as it caresses my skin; I feel the tension of it. I open my eyes and I can see. Nothing has changed. The world remains the same. The universe looks down on me in my fluid grave. The stars twinkle and shine like they have for millions of years. The man in the moon is unconcerned.

The Author

T. L. Searle is a full time student studying at the University of the West of England. She lives in Somerset, England, with her husband and two children.