It was like a light flicked on in my mind as I remembered all the times I needed help, and Kade was there, offering me the magical potion.
After another a minute, Raphael stepped back. “You should be good as new. Now tonight, during your transformation, you shouldn’t feel as much pain. And, you are now free from any infirmity.”
“I had infirmities?”
“A few bruised ribs and a broken heart. The heart might take a while to mend, but eventually it will. I promise you.”
I didn’t see how. I knew as soon as they left and I was alone again, I would start to drown in my sorrow.
Arella walked forward and stood next to Raphael. They looked into each other’s eyes, and for that brief moment, I saw nothing but pure unconditional love. It was a look Kade and I had shared.
His mom then turned, leaned over and hugged me. “Thank you, Emma, for loving our son. He never loved anyone as much as he loved you.”
“He was everything I could have ever wished for.” I fought a never-ending battle with tears that would not relent.
“Remember… it wasn’t your fault. We all know what happened, and Lucifer will pay a pretty price for what he’s done,” Raphael added. “You don’t have to worry about him. You have drawn the attention of the Creator, and he has made sure Lucifer is kept under tight reigns. He has been bound to the Underworld, with no portal to escape. And now that Lucian is gone, there will be no more senseless killings of Nephilim. You have fulfilled the prophecy.”
“But the cost was great,” I sobbed.
“There has always been death and mourning, and it will continue until the end of time. Those who have passed are no longer in pain. It’s the ones who remain who suffer the most. But we must remember to celebrate their life, and not mourn their death.”
“It’s so hard.”
“But don’t you see, Emma? You haven’t even transformed yet and you’ve already fulfilled the prophecy. Lucifer is gone, the war has ended, and all Nephilim will be free,” Arella added.
“It’s been a rough road, but we know you will make it. Look how far you’ve come. And we will all be watching over you,” Raphael added.
“Thank you,” I said, appreciatively.
“I have to leave on a mission, but my dear Emma, it was an honor to finally meet you. I hope it won’t be the last time we see you,” Raphael said, taking my hands in his. “And, don’t fret my child. Have faith.”
I nodded not seeing how faith would help.
Arella wrapped her arms around me one last time and kissed my forehead.
“Goodbye, Emma. If you ever come to Grandia, please come and visit us.”
“I will,” I smiled. “Thank you again. It was such an honor to meet you.”
“The honor was ours,” Raphael said with a nod, then grasped hold of his wife’s hand.
They both turned and acknowledged Michael before they walked back into my closet. With a flash of bright light, they were gone.
Michael stepped forward, holding his arms out to me again.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said as I walked into his embrace.
“Michael, grandfather, which should I call you?”
“Whatever you are comfortable with. I realize I’ve just appeared into your life and I won’t be offended.”
I smiled. “Could I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” he said, with a glint in his eye.
“I thought all angels who mated with mortals were executed?”
A wide smile grew on his face. “Yes. It was a rule, but only if caught in the act.”
“But then, why was Lucifer’s brother killed if he wasn’t caught?”
“Because some of the rules in the Underworld were altered after the Fall. Though they kept most of the rules, the ones which would be punishable by the Creator, the others were mildly amended. Lucian made his own rules. He wanted to overthrow Lucifer, and accusing him was his way of attempting that feat. Lucifer blamed his brother because it was the only way to turn Lucian’s wrath away from him.”
“So, you’re not going to be executed?”
Michael roared with laughter. “No, dear child. I most definitely will not be executed.”
“That’s good,” I exhaled. “You haven’t met Alaine yet, have you?”
“No,” he said. “And right now is not the time. I came because of you needed me most. But one day soon our paths will cross, and I will finally meet my daughter.”
“Should I tell her I met you?”
“Let’s keep it secret for now.”
“She will just die. You’re even more amazing than I ever could have imagined,” I said. “Michael the Archangel is my grandfather.”