Chapter 45: A Father's Dilemma

The air around Gabriel's home was thick with the lingering presence of divine energy as if the heavens themselves had descended to touch the snowy ground. The pillar of light that had pierced the sky moments ago had vanished, but its effects still hung over the people gathered near the house. Gabriel stood at the entrance, his six radiant wings gently folded behind him, their glow still faintly visible in the soft light of the northern day.

At the base of the hill, Bjorn, the mighty Viking chief, dismounted his horse. He had ridden up after hearing of the light, driven by both concern and curiosity. His powerful frame moved with ease despite the climb, though his mind was far from at ease. His daughters—Astrid, Liv, and Eira—had beaten him to Gabriel's house, their horses already tied outside.

From a distance, he could see them speaking to Gabriel, their expressions a mix of a awe and delight. His heart tightened at the sight, a storm of emotions brewing within him.

As Bjorn reached the top of the hill, he stopped short, his sharp eyes locking onto Gabriel. For a moment, he was struck silent, his mind unable to fully process what he was seeing.

Gabriel had always seemed otherworldly, but now he was something more. The six wings that stretched behind him gave him an almost overwhelming presence, their sheer size and brilliance radiating an aura that made it impossible to look away. His silvery-white hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and his luminous eyes, filled with calm and understanding, seemed to see everything.

For the first time in years, Bjorn felt small.

"By the gods…" Bjorn muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. He had faced countless foes in his lifetime, and endured wars and storms, but nothing had prepared him for this sight yet again.

Gabriel turned to him, his glowing eyes softening. As if sensing Bjorn's unease, Gabriel smiled—a warm, reassuring expression that somehow managed to ease the tension in the Viking chief's chest.

"Bjorn," Gabriel said, his tone calm and welcoming. "You've come."

Bjorn stepped closer, his usual confidence tempered by the weight of his thoughts. His daughters, standing near Gabriel, turned to greet him, their smiles wide and carefree. It was a rare sight to see them so unguarded, especially Astrid, whose warrior's demeanor often masked her emotions.

Bjorn studied them for a moment, their joy unmistakable. And yet, it was this joy that stirred a pang of worry in his heart. His daughters were enamored with Gabriel—each in their own way—but he couldn't help but wonder if this would lead to heartbreak. Gabriel was not a mere man; he was something far beyond their world. Would he ever truly see them as equals, or would they be left longing for something unattainable?

Gabriel seemed to sense Bjorn's internal conflict. He approached the Viking chief, his movements graceful yet unassuming. Stopping a few steps away, Gabriel met Bjorn's gaze directly, his smile tinged with understanding.

"Don't worry," Gabriel said softly, his voice carrying a quiet assurance.

Bjorn blinked, caught off guard by the statement. "What?"

Gabriel gestured subtly toward Astrid, Liv, and Eira, who was watching the interaction with curiosity. "I know what you're thinking, Bjorn. You care for them deeply, as any father would. But trust me when I say, I will never hurt them."

The simplicity of the statement carried a profound weight. Gabriel didn't offer grand promises or declarations, but the sincerity in his tone was enough to ease some of Bjorn's concerns. Still, the chief couldn't shake the lingering question in his mind, What could Gabriel truly offer them?

After a moment of silence, Gabriel turned to Astrid, Liv, and Eira, his expression softening further. "If you'd like, you can stay here," he said gently. "There's more than enough space for you in my home. Bjorn, you and Sigrun are welcome as well, of course."

The three sisters froze, their eyes widening in unison. The invitation hung in the air like a shimmering thread, their excitement almost tangible.

"Really?" Eira blurted, her voice filled with astonishment. Her hands clasped in front of her as if she were holding herself back from jumping with joy.

Liv's expression mirrored her sister's excitement, though she managed to remain composed. "Are you sure, Gabriel? We wouldn't want to intrude."

Gabriel chuckled softly. "You wouldn't be intruding. It would be nice to have company. Besides, I think you'd enjoy it here."

Astrid, though quieter than her sisters, couldn't hide the faint blush that crept across her cheeks. She nodded quickly, her usual confident demeanor momentarily overshadowed by the glow in her eyes.

Bjorn, however, cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "As generous as your offer is, Gabriel, I think it's best if we remain in our own home. The girls have responsibilities in the village, and Sigrun and I would miss having them around."

Gabriel inclined his head respectfully. "I understand."

Despite Bjorn's polite decline, the sparkle in his daughters' eyes remained. They exchanged glances, their excitement barely contained. Even as their father's words settled over them, it was clear the idea of living closer to Gabriel had struck a chord.

After a few more moments of conversation, Bjorn placed a hand on Astrid's shoulder, signaling it was time to leave. The three sisters hesitated, their gazes lingering on Gabriel.

Gabriel smiled warmly, nodding to each of them. "You're welcome to visit anytime."

"Thank you," Liv said sincerely, her voice soft but heartfelt.

Eira grinned, her enthusiasm shining through. "We'll come back soon!"

Astrid remained silent, her eyes meeting Gabriel's for a brief moment before she nodded in agreement. Her usual confidence was still present, but there was a subtle vulnerability in her expression that only Bjorn noticed.

As they mounted their horses, Bjorn turned to Gabriel one last time. "You've done much for us already, Gabriel. And for that, I thank you. But… keep an eye on them, will you?"

Gabriel's smile widened slightly. "Of course, Bjorn. Always."

With that, Bjorn and his daughters began their ride back to the village, the hill growing smaller behind them.

Later that evening, back in the warmth of their longhouse, Bjorn recounted the day's events to Sigrun. The fire crackled softly, its glow casting flickering shadows on the walls as Bjorn paced, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"They're smitten with him," Bjorn said, his voice carrying a reluctant chuckle. "All three of them. It's almost impossible not to notice."

Sigrun, sitting near the hearth, arched an eyebrow. "And this bothers you?"

Bjorn stopped pacing, crossing his arms. "He's not like us, Sigrun. Gabriel isn't a man. He's something far beyond what we can understand. What if they get hurt?"

Sigrun's expression softened, her gaze steady. "Bjorn, you've always protected them, and I love you for it. But this isn't something you can shield them from. They've grown women, and they've chosen to admire Gabriel. You can't control their hearts."

Bjorn sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "But what if he doesn't feel the same? Or worse, what if he does? What kind of life could he give them?"

Sigrun stood, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "There is no better man—or being—for them than Gabriel. You've seen his kindness, his strength, and his sense of responsibility. If he does care for them, I can think of no one else I'd trust more."

Bjorn looked at her, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "You truly believe that?"

Sigrun smiled. "I do. But for now, let them enjoy this time. There's no rush. Let whatever is meant to happen unfold naturally."

Bjorn nodded slowly, her words settling over him like a balm. Though his worries weren't entirely gone, they were quieter now, tempered by Sigrun's faith.