The Beasts of Upton Puddle by Simon West-Bulford

reunited with loved ones they believed were dead, twenty-eight million people laughing hysterically at something unexpected.
    â€œAnd, Joe, you had no idea any of it was happening at this moment. You will never experience those things yourself.”
    Joe was listening intently, entranced by her words.
    â€œWe are always missing out on amazing things,” she continued. “Dead or alive, it is the same. What matters is that you hold on tightly to the miracles that belong to
you
. Learn to find value in those things that exist
now
.”
    Joe opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
    â€œBut there is more to this than you say.” Danariel left the desk and hovered closer to Joe. “Death is a greaterburden to your heart than it is for most boys your age. I wonder if it has touched you in a deeper way.”
    The seraph’s diamond eyes were suddenly all Joe could see, and a yearning to pour out every trouble and fear swept through him. But in equal measure, Joe felt the need to stay silent, to resist this longing that somehow did not feel real. He rubbed his eyes, as though waking from a heavy daydream.
    â€œNot only happy but strong.” She smiled. “You will confide in me when you’re ready. I cannot pry where I am not allowed to go.” She danced through the air to find her place on the desk.
    Joe drew a long breath. “Did Mrs. Merrynether teach you her technique too?”
    At that, the seraph laughed, sending out a pulse of light between each breath.
    â€œVeronica learned it from
me
many years ago. Of course, she cannot read minds, as the seraphim can, but she has embraced the simple skills of a novice. She can impress feelings upon man or beast, and she can discern the feelings of a troubled mind, but she is still only a human. She will never go further.”
    â€œYou can read minds?”
    â€œOnly if I am given permission,” Danariel said, “and even then, there can often be barriers.”
    â€œCan you teach me what you taught Mrs. Merrynether?”
    â€œIf I wished to, but I have another purpose for you.A greater purpose.”
    A fresh skin-prickling excitement accompanied the seraph’s words and Joe clutched at the chair in anticipation. “Mrs. Merrynether said my purpose was to meet you, to see if I could . . . see you.”
    â€œJust a little fib on my part.” She tilted her head. “I did not come here wishing for a cure, though it would not be unwelcome. I came here because I’ve picked you out as someone special. I impressed on Veronica’s mind what to look for, and when you came, she knew you were the one, but she is unaware that this is my idea.”
    â€œOh!” Joe scratched his head. “I see . . . I think. So why do you need me?”
    â€œNot just you. There will be a gathering of champions. A group that will play a vital role in a struggle against a great enemy. When all are assembled, I will reveal everything. But until then, I will say nothing more.”
    Questions erupted in Joe’s mind. “Tell me now!”
    â€œNo,” she snapped playfully. “Now go to the door and call Veronica and Heinrich back to the vault. I imagine our hosts are becoming quite restless by now.”
    Biting his bottom lip, Joe obeyed. He had to go home soon. With an inward groan, he opened the door.
    Waiting for Sunday would be even harder this week.

N INE
    Joe didn’t feel much like a champion. Champions were not in the habit of crouching behind school dustbins to evade a good beating. Despite the seraph’s inspiring words of destiny, Joe did not feel any compulsion to face Kurt Duggan and his thug friends. Half an hour had passed since he’d tucked himself behind the bins, knees clutched to his chest. The three silver silos were large enough to hide a horse, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be discovered.
    He’d switched off his mobile phone again for fear of being given away