Chapter 49 - The Battle Priestesses

Gabriel stood quietly in his radiant home, his six wings slightly unfurled as he regarded the three women before him. Astrid, Liv, and Eira wore smiles of joy, their eyes occasionally glancing at the golden rings on their fingers. The gifts he had given them were already sources of pride and wonder, yet Gabriel's serene expression suggested he was not yet finished.

"I'm not done yet," he said softly.

The sisters looked at him, curiosity replacing their smiles. Astrid tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp. "What do you mean?"

Gabriel stepped forward, his gaze meeting each of theirs in turn. "There's one more thing I want to give you," he explained. "Something greater than weapons or armor."

Liv looked puzzled but intrigued. "What could be greater than what you've already done?"

"You'll see," Gabriel replied with a small smile. He extended a hand toward Liv first. "Let me show you."

Liv hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his. As soon as their hands touched, a soft golden light began to radiate from Gabriel's palm, spreading up Liv's arm in a gentle wave. Liv gasped, her body tingling as the light wrapped around her like a warm embrace.

"What is this?" Liv whispered, her voice trembling with awe.

"It's a gift of life and strength," Gabriel explained. "A power beyond what mortals possess. It will protect you, sustain you, and make you stronger than you've ever imagined."

When the light faded, Liv stared at her hands, her wide eyes filled with wonder. She could feel it—an unfamiliar yet exhilarating energy coursing through her veins. Everything around her seemed sharper, clearer. "I feel… different," she murmured.

Eira stepped forward eagerly. "Me next!" she said, thrusting out her hand.

Gabriel chuckled softly, taking her hand in his. The golden light returned, swirling around Eira like a playful flame. Eira's usual grin faltered for a moment, replaced by awe as the energy flowed into her.

"This is amazing!" Eira exclaimed, clenching her fists as if testing her newfound strength. "I feel like I could take on the whole world!"

"You're capable of more than you know," Gabriel said with a smile. "But remember, this power isn't for boasting. It's for protecting."

Eira nodded, still marveling at the sensation coursing through her.

Finally, Gabriel turned to Astrid. Her expression was calm, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty. Gabriel extended his hand toward her, waiting silently. After a moment, Astrid stepped forward and placed her hand in his.

The light that enveloped Astrid felt different—stronger, more focused. She closed her eyes, letting the energy settle into her being. When it finally faded, she opened her eyes and looked at Gabriel with quiet intensity. "I feel indestructible," she said simply.

"You are," Gabriel replied. "What I've given you is a power that transcends mortality. No one in this world can harm you now, and no weapon can pierce your defenses. You are untouchable."

Astrid nodded slowly, her expression resolute. "Thank you."

Eira grinned at her sister. "So we're invincible now?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

Gabriel inclined his head. "Yes. And more than that—you will not age. Time will no longer hold power over you."

The sisters exchanged surprised glances, their earlier excitement giving way to a deeper understanding of what Gabriel had just said. Eira was the first to speak. "You mean… we're immortal?"

Gabriel nodded. "In a sense, yes."

At first, the sisters were elated. The idea of eternal youth, of living without fear of death, was intoxicating. But then Liv's expression clouded, a shadow crossing her face.

"What about our parents?" Liv asked softly. "And our friends? Will we have to watch them grow old while we stay the same?"

Astrid and Eira fell silent, their earlier joy tempered by the weight of Liv's words. Gabriel stepped closer, his voice gentle and reassuring.

"You don't need to worry," he said. "I have a plan for them. It's not something I can share with you just yet, but I promise you this—I will not let you suffer that kind of loss. Trust me."

The sisters looked at him, their uncertainty softening under the warmth of his gaze. Finally, Astrid spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "We trust you."

Gabriel stepped back, his wings spreading slightly as he addressed them. "From this day forward, you are no longer just warriors or protectors of your village. You are my Battle Priestesses."

"Battle Priestesses?" Liv echoed, her brow furrowing in curiosity.

"Yes," Gabriel said. "You are more than fighters. You are my choice. You will use your strength not for greed or conquest, but to protect those who cannot protect themselves. That is the oath I ask of you."

Astrid nodded solemnly. "We accept."

Liv and Eira exchanged glances before nodding as well, their expressions filled with resolve.

Gabriel's gaze softened. "Good. But remember, this power is not a weapon to be used carelessly. It is a gift, meant to bring light to those in darkness. Never forget that."

The sisters smiled, their earlier worries fading into the background as they embraced their new roles. Eira was the first to rush forward, throwing her arms around Gabriel with a laugh. "Thank you, Gabriel! You're amazing!"

Liv joined in, her embrace quieter but no less heartfelt. "We won't let you down," she said softly.

Astrid hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and wrapping her arms around Gabriel in a brief but genuine hug. "Thank you," she said simply, her voice steady but filled with emotion.

Gabriel felt a warmth rise within him, unfamiliar yet comforting. As the sisters stepped back, their faces glowing with happiness, he found himself smiling.

Eira's grin widened as she looked at her sisters. "We're unstoppable now," she said. "Right?"

Astrid chuckled softly. "I suppose we are."

Liv's smile was gentler, her gaze thoughtful. "We'll use this power wisely," she said, looking at Gabriel. "Just as you asked."

Gabriel nodded, his voice warm. "I know you will."

The sisters exchanged glances, their joy and determination shining brightly. As they turned to leave the room, their laughter echoed through the halls, filling the space with a hope and promise. Gabriel watched them go, his wings folding behind him as a quiet sense of fulfillment settled over him.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt truly connected—not just to them, but to the world he was beginning to call home.