Chapter 60 - An Extraordinary Offer

Anastasia's heart pounded so hard in her chest that she swore everyone in the room could hear it. Angel Zadkiel's piercing gaze locked onto hers, studying every flicker of emotion that crossed her face. He was far too calm, far too knowing. It made her stomach twist in a way that wasn't quite fear—but it wasn't comfort either.

"You seem surprised," Zadkiel finally said, his voice smooth, almost amused. "Did you truly believe humans would go unnoticed in our city? That we wouldn't be aware of the infiltrations? We are omnipresent within these walls, Anastasia."

His use of her name sent a shiver down her spine.

Wyatt stepped forward, his stance rigid with defiance. "Then why haven't you stopped us?"

Zadkiel's lips curled slightly. "Because we like to see things play out as they are meant to. As they are written in destiny." His voice was rich with something unspoken, something heavy. "The Powers and Dominions are always watching. So are the Seraphim. If you were truly a threat, our response would be far more severe."

Anastasia clenched her fists, grounding herself. "And what about Gabriel?" she shot back, her voice laced with anger. "He interferes constantly, yet you let him. He's dooming an unborn child to either death or to be taken from its mother to be raised here. How is that fair?"

Something in Zadkiel's eyes flickered, but it was gone before she could name it. "Ah," he mused, tilting his head slightly. "So it's not just the alliance between angels and humans that concerns you. It's the unborn hybrid." He exhaled, as if considering. "You must understand… this child could be a threat. That is where our interference becomes necessary. And let me guess… you also seek Bastian's freedom?"

Wyatt stepped in again, trying to negotiate, explaining the reasons behind their plea—the human-angel alliance, the unborn child, the unfair punishment looming over Bastian. As he spoke, Anastasia didn't take her eyes off Zadkiel, searching for any trace of reaction. Nothing. He remained an unreadable force of nature, serene and still, like a statue carved from celestial energy itself.

Except… he knew she was watching him.

Occasionally, he glanced at her, his curiosity barely concealed. She fascinated him. Was it because he had never truly encountered a human like this before? Or was it something deeper, something neither of them could explain?

Finally, Zadkiel let out a slow breath and spoke. "Your arguments hold merit," he admitted, "but the ruling cannot be overturned. However… I can alter it slightly."

Anastasia held her breath.

"The angels who do not wish to reside in the Celestial City may remain on Earth," he continued. "They live human lifespans. Their lines will die out eventually. But no reinforcements will be sent to aid them any longer."

Wyatt dipped his head slightly, acknowledging the compromise. "We appreciate that consideration."

"As for Bastian…" Zadkiel's gaze found Anastasia again, and this time, he didn't look away. "He cannot leave the Celestial City."

The words hit her like a punch to the stomach.

"You cannot bring a loved one back from the dead," Zadkiel continued, his voice unwavering. "If we allowed it, others would demand the same exception, and the balance would be shattered."

Anastasia's breath came out shakily. "No," she whispered. "No, I don't accept that."

He didn't waver. "If you succeed in taking him from the Ethereal Battlefield, you may say your goodbyes. But you will never see him again."

Anastasia's hands curled into fists. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be happening.

"And," Zadkiel added, his voice dipping lower, "considering you are with child… this, too, disrupts the balance. This life should never have existed."

Anastasia's vision darkened with fury.

He lifted a hand before she could erupt. "However," he said, and for the first time, there was something softer in his tone, "I do not condone the destruction of an innocent soul that has not yet lived. Therefore, it shall grow here, in the Celestial City."

"No," she snapped immediately, her anger boiling over. "You're wrong."

Zadkiel blinked, seemingly taken aback.

"You talk about balance," she spat, stepping forward, her whole body shaking, "but what about love? What about choice? What about fairness?" She jabbed a finger in his direction. "Bastian fought for me. He suffered for me. And now you're telling me he doesn't even get a chance to live?"

Zadkiel watched her, unflinching.

"And my child?" she went on, her voice thick with emotion. "You say it shouldn't have existed, but it does. It's here. And I won't let you decide its fate just because it doesn't fit into your neat little picture of 'balance.'"

For the first time, something flickered in his expression. Interest. Consideration. Amusement?

When she finally finished, breathing heavily, expecting to be dismissed, something entirely different happened.

Zadkiel stepped closer.

"Come with me," he said.

Wyatt and Sean immediately stepped forward in protest, but Zadkiel raised a hand. "I will return her. I only wish to show her something."

Anastasia hesitated. But there was something in his gaze—something unreadable but oddly compelling. With a deep breath, she nodded and followed him through an arched doorway, leaving the others behind.

He led her through the winding halls, past grand celestial murals and glowing corridors, until they reached a set of double doors. With a simple motion of his hand, they opened to reveal something so breathtaking Anastasia nearly staggered.

A balcony. But not just any balcony.

Before her stretched Earth itself, suspended in the void, glowing like a sapphire jewel against the endless cosmos. She could see the curve of the planet, the clouds swirling over oceans, the faintest twinkle of city lights in the night.

She had never seen anything like it.

The sheer magnitude of it stole the breath from her lungs.

Zadkiel watched her, something almost—almost—soft in his expression.

"You see," he murmured, "this is balance."

She didn't answer, unable to look away from the sight before her.

For the first time in a long time, she felt… small. Not in a powerless way. But in a way that made her realize just how much was at stake.

Zadkiel, still watching her, then did something completely unexpected.

He leaned slightly closer, just enough that his voice was nothing more than a whisper.

"Would you consider living here?"

Anastasia's heart stopped.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she finally turned to face him, utterly stunned.

Did she hear that right?

Live here?

With them?

The weight of his words slammed into her like a tidal wave, and she had no idea how to respond.