Chapter 22 – Balancing the scales

The wind whipped across the Drake rooftop, tugging at Bastian's hair as he leaned against the ledge, staring out over the city. It had always been their place, a haven of sorts. But tonight, it offered him no comfort. His mind was a storm of emotions—anger, hurt, disbelief.

He couldn't calm down, no matter how hard he tried. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Anastasia stepping in front of Matt, the sword slicing through her, her blood staining the ground. The thought of losing her again was a weight he couldn't bear, but what hit harder was the fact she'd chosen this path without him—again.

How could she? After everything they'd been through.If she couldnt respect him enough to tell him her plans whats the point of him being there.

"That is a good question," a voice spoke up.

The sound of footsteps made him whip around. Gabriel stood there, illuminated by the moonlight. His wings shimmered slightly, and his look was incomprehensible—a strange blend of authority and compassion.

"Gabriel?" Bastian's voice was harsh, and his body tensed. "What are you doing here?"

Gabriel did not respond quickly. Instead, he moved forward, his presence nearly smothering. "I know what she did, Bastian," he stated calmly but definitively. "And you know, as well as I do, that there are consequences."

"Consequences?" Bastian scoffed, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I've faced nothing but consequences since the moment I came back! You think I don't know what she did was reckless? You think I don't feel the weight of it?"

Gabriel's gaze softened somewhat as he inclined his head. "Bastian, it's not only about feelings. It's all about balance. The consequences of Anastasia's actions have already begun."

Bastian's jaws tightened. He turned aside and grabbed the ledge's edge once again. "So what?" What do you want me to do about this? Lecture her? She doesn't listen to me anymore."

Gabriel's voice hardened. "This isn't about a lecture. It's about the cost of what's been done. Anastasia's choices have altered the timeline—her survival, Matt's resurrection, and now…" He paused, his gaze heavy. "Your unborn child."

Bastian froze, his mind blanking for a moment before spinning out of control. Slowly, he turned to face Gabriel, his eyes wide. "What… did you just say?"

Gabriel's expression didn't falter. "Anastasia is with child. She doesn't know it yet, but she is. And that child tips the balance even further. The scales are beyond skewed, Bastian."

Shock and awe rippled through him. A child? His child? He blinked, his anger momentarily forgotten. The thought filled him with a strange mix of pride and protectiveness. He allowed a small smile to creep onto his face, but it didn't last long.

Gabriel's next words were a hammer to his chest. "If you don't come with me willingly, that child will not live to see the light of day."

Bastian's world came to a standstill. His hands clinched at his sides, and his whole body trembled. "You're threatening my child?" He hissed, his voice low and threatening.

"I'm not threatening," Gabriel replied evenly. "I'm stating a fact. Balance must be restored, and sacrifices must be made. Anastasia's actions have forced our hand."

"You think I'm just going to let you take me? That I'm going to abandon her, abandon them?" Bastian took a step forward, his anger palpable.

"You have no choice," Gabriel said, his tone firm. "This isn't a negotiation. The universe demands balance, and you know this. You've been an angel long enough to understand how these things work."

Bastian's breathing was ragged. He couldn't lose his child. He couldn't lose Anastasia. Not again. "And what happens if I refuse?" he spat.

Gabriel's gaze darkened. "Then the child dies. The timeline collapses. And the ripples grow into waves that could destroy everything you've fought to protect. Is that what you want?"

Bastian remained silent. He couldn't see a way out, but the notion of abandoning Anastasia, of having her believe he no longer loved her, tore him apart.

Gabriel took a step closer, his voice softening. "You must make her believe it's over, Bastian. She can't come after you. She can't try to fix this. If she does, the consequences will be catastrophic."

Bastian shook his head, his voice breaking. "You're asking me to break her heart."

"I'm asking you to save her," Gabriel countered. "To save your child. This is the price, Bastian. And you know there's no other way."

Bastian turned away, his hands gripping his hair in frustration. He wanted to fight, to scream, to find another way. But deep down, he knew Gabriel was right. The rules of the universe were unyielding. Anastasia had made her choice, and now he had to make his.

Finally, he turned back to Gabriel, his eyes filled with anguish. "How do I do this? How do I make her believe I don't love her anymore?"

Gabriel's gaze softened, but only slightly. "You'll find the words. You've faced battles far harder than this, Bastian. You're stronger than you think."

Bastian let out a shaky breath, his chest tightening. He glanced back at the city below, the lights blurring as tears filled his eyes. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the weight of what he was about to do.

"I'll do it," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "But if anything happens to her or the child…"

Gabriel nodded solemnly. "You have my word. They will be safe."

Bastian didn't respond. He turned back to the ledge, his mind already crafting the cruelest words he would ever have to say. Words that would shatter the love of his life. Words that would ensure she stayed away, no matter how much it killed him inside.

As Gabriel vanished into the night, Bastian stood there alone, his heart breaking into pieces. The city below seemed to mock him with its indifference, but he didn't care. All he cared about was Anastasia and the life growing inside her.