Chapter 66 - Fates decided

They made it back to the council hall within the hour, tension thick in the air. Anastasia's stomach twisted as she prepared to hear what Zadkiel and the rest of the council had decided regarding her terms for staying in the Celestial City. The weight of the decision wasn't just on her—some of Bastian's companions' fates hung in the balance, too.

As they settled, Zadkiel's piercing gaze locked onto her. His voice carried a solemn weight. "Anastasia, we have discussed your terms. First, let's address Bastian's companions. Trixisia Chrysalis, Hugh Gregorios, Jacob Gibbethon, and Phillip Silvius."

The four angels stood to attention, bracing themselves.

"These are children of Archangels and Seraphim. Their crimes are severe, and as such, they cannot return home. The council's decision is to send them back to the Ethereal Battlefield."

Murmurs erupted. Anastasia's jaw clenched. She opened her mouth to protest, but Zadkiel raised a hand, silencing the room. "However," he continued, his voice measured, "when I proposed the idea of placing their fate in your hands, the council was willing to hear your suggestion."

Gabriel stepped up, eyes blazing. "This is absurd! Letting a human decide the fate of angels? This is blasphemy!"

Zadkiel's gaze turned cold. "Tread lightly, Archangel Gabriel." His voice was soft, but it carried a warning that made Gabriel bite his tongue.

Zadkiel turned back to Anastasia. "You are passionate and care deeply for those around you. If you do not wish for them to return to the battlefield and they cannot go home, what would you suggest?"

Anastasia's pulse pounded. She had already anticipated this. "My father and I discussed this. We want to take them under our family's care."

Another wave of murmurs swept through the hall. The four angels exchanged glances, unsure whether to feel relieved or wary.

She pressed on. "You agreed earlier that angel and human families could remain on Earth but that you would send no further reinforcements. Then let them be the last. Send them down to fight alongside the demon hunters. Let them protect the innocent. Let them find families of their own."

Zadkiel tilted his head, studying her as if weighing the very essence of her soul. "They are no ordinary angels. They will outlive their human companions by thousands of years."

"Then they will protect their kin for generations," she countered without hesitation. "It's better than living in a place where the only purpose is to kill or be killed. If they fight for something real—something they care about—they'll find a new purpose."

Silence fell. Then, one by one, the council members nodded. But the most important nod came from Bastian and his friends. Their smiles were small but genuine—grateful.

Anastasia's chest swelled with warmth. But nothing compared to the way Bastian looked at her. That smile. That familiar, heartbreaking smile.

Zadkiel whispered among the council before turning back to her. "We agree. When your family returns, Trixisia, Hugh, Jacob, and Phillip will follow."

A collective breath of relief swept through the group. The four angels clapped each other on the back, embracing in victory. Trixisia turned to Anastasia, mouthing, 'Thank you.' Anastasia mouthed back, 'You're welcome.'

But she wasn't done.

Her spine straightened. "What of Archangel Elijah Silvius?"

The warmth in Zadkiel's expression vanished. His features hardened into unreadable stone. "Archangel Elijah Silvius is another matter entirely. We will address that at the end." He gestured to the four. "For now, you may step out."

They wasted no time, shaking Bastian's hand and whispering words of encouragement before slipping out the door. As the last one exited, Zadkiel's attention snapped back to Anastasia.

"We must discuss your request to see your family."

Her stomach twisted. Here it comes.

"The council approves—on one condition. They cannot come here. You will have to go to them."

Her heart leaped with excitement. Finally, a win. But then—

"But you will require my approval before each visit. You will only be allowed two visits per year, each lasting seven days. And because the underworld is after your kin, you will be escorted by two Archangels at all times."

Her joy shattered like glass.

Her family's expressions darkened behind her. "Zadkiel, please. Can we negotiate the frequency?"

His expression was unmoving. "This is a generous offer. The amount of visits or time of visits is not negotiable."

Her brain raced. Think. Think. "What if I split one visit into multiple days? Instead of one trip for seven days, I take seven separate visits for one day each. Then, the 'second visit' can be the full seven days during the Christmas period."

Zadkiel opened his mouth to shut her down—but then paused. He raised a brow and looked toward the council. They, too, seemed intrigued.

"My, my, Anastasia Goodwin," Zadkiel pondered, eyes glinting with amusement. "You are quite the clever little mortal. Fine. I approve. But remember—you cannot leave without signed approval."

Anastasia's family relaxed slightly, nodding in agreement.

Zadkiel exhaled. "As for Bastian…" His voice softened, a trace of regret flickering in his eyes. "There is no elixir to restore his memory."

Her heart dropped.

"But," he continued, "I am sure there are things you need to conclude on Earth before disappearing completely. I will grant you one month to sort out your affairs. Bastian may accompany you."

Hope flickered in Bastian's expression. "A month… on Earth?" he murmured.

"There is a slight chance—only slight—that his memories may return in a familiar environment."

Bastian's hands clenched at his sides. 'If this girl—Anastasia—if she really is my woman… if she really is carrying my child…' he thought. 'Then I need to remember. I want to remember.'

Silence.

Then—

"I OBJECT!"

The words boomed through the hall like a thunderclap. The air thickened, crackling with energy. Anastasia flinched, whipping around to face the source.

A figure stormed forward, robes billowing, eyes burning with fury. The entire council stiffened.

Wyatt tensed beside her. "Who the hell—"

The voice rang again, seething with rage. "I will not allow this farce to continue!"