About Flight
by Amanda Steiger
52 pages / 11525 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-077-0
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html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub
Kell is nineteen, becoming a man. His best friend, Ash, has already grown
his wings and crossed the threshold into adulthood. The Change is a time of
rapid, violent transformation, both physical and emotional, and with these
changes come mysterious new desires, culminating in the ritual of the mating
flight.
Too bad Kell isn't ready to grow his wings and leave the simple pleasures of
youth behind. Despite Ash's encouragement, he fears the unknown and the loss
of his old life. But the Change comes to all, whether they want it or not...
and when Kell finally grows his wings, he finds himself flooded with
powerful and confusing new feelings for his friend.
Sample
Kell leaned forward, peering over the narrow, stone ridge -- all that
stood between himself and a thousand-foot drop.
Far below, waves crashed against the jagged rocks at the cliff's base,
and gulls soared over the water, crying out in their lonely voices.
Overhead, a pair of much larger winged forms circled in the cloudless
sky: a young couple on a mating flight, probably. Kell shaded his eyes
with one arm, watching them swoop and glide.
A hand touched his shoulder, and he gave a start.
"Relax," said a deep voice. "It's just me."
Kell turned and met a pair of familiar dark eyes. "Ash... how did you
know I was here?"
"Just a feeling." Ash tucked his hands into the pockets of his new
robes. Unlike the tan robes of a youngling, Ash's were a deep, vibrant
blue, marking his new status. His glossy-feathered wings, the same
charcoal black as his hair, were folded neatly against his back.
So strange, thought Kell, seeing Ash with wings. But that wasn't the
only difference. His shoulders and chest had grown broader and more
powerful since the Change, and stubble roughened his once-smooth jaw.
Not long ago, they'd been of equal height. Now Ash stood about two
inches taller. "You've been spending a lot of time sky-watching lately,"
Ash remarked.
"I guess so." Remembering his manners, Kell bowed his head and touched
his brow with the first two fingers of his right hand. "Sorry," he
muttered. "I keep forgetting."
Ash rolled his eyes. "I told you, you don't need to bother with that
silly formality around me. We're still friends. Nothing has changed."
"I know, but... you're an adult now."
He shrugged, flexing his wings. "I'm still me."
Kell didn't reply. He turned back to the drop, hands resting on the
ledge.
Ash stepped up beside him. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm fine," Kell said, staring at the ocean.
"Kell..." One warm finger touched the underside of his chin and lifted
his face. When Ash's gaze met his, Kell's heartbeat quickened, though he
didn't understand why. Those dark eyes searched his. "I know when
something's bothering you," Ash said, his voice low and gentle.