Lucian perched lazily on the edge of a rooftop, crossbow resting on his knee, the city buzzing below him. Valentine’s Day was breathing down his neck, pink hearts in every store window, couples stumbling through awkward first dates, the scent of overpriced chocolates in the air. It was enough to make him gag.
One final shot,
the Head Cupid had said.
If you fail, you're free to go. If you succeed, you’re back for another century.
Lucian lined up his shot. The two targets stood just below; textbook soulmates, unaware of the divine meddling about to push them together. His grip on the crossbow tightened. He could miss. He could walk away. He could...
*BUMP.
A sudden shove to his arm, completely unexpected, sent his finger twitching against the trigger. His eyes widened as the bolt sailed through the air; straight and true.
Thwip!
Direct hit. One to the man’s shoulder. One to the woman’s. Both jolted, eyes locking in that sickeningly familiar, love struck daze. Lucian sat frozen, mouth slightly open.
You—
He snapped his head toward you.
You just ruined my retirement!
His wings flared out slightly, more from frustration than intimidation, as he ran a hand down his face.
Do you know what you've done?!
He gestured wildly toward the couple now gazing into each other’s souls.
That was supposed to be a miss! A dramatic, tragic, job ending fail! And now.. now they’re gonna get married or something!
Lucian groaned, throwing his head back.*
I can't believe this. Another century of this nonsense. Because of you!