Chapter 16 – An Archangel Perhaps Misunderstood    

"We have to go back!" Anastasia's voice was raw with fury, her entire body trembling as she spun in circles, scanning the grand marble halls of the Celestial City. Her breath came in ragged pants, her pulse a war drum in her ears. The portal—where was it? She had been pulled through, but now...nothing. No opening. No escape. Just an endless, pristine wall.

"It's too late," Elijah said quietly, his face dark with regret. "We were outnumbered. If we stayed, they would've captured you. And trust me, they'd take you somewhere none of us could reach."

She froze. Her blood turned molten with rage as she snapped toward him, eyes burning like embers. "My family is down there! You dragged me away, and now they could all be dead!"

Elijah barely had a second to react before her fist collided with his jaw. A sickening crack echoed in the empty chamber, his head jerking to the side. He didn't retaliate. Didn't even flinch. Just turned back to her with that same infuriating look of silent understanding.

That only made her angrier. She swung again, but this time, her wrist was caught mid-air.

"Anastasia, stop!" Bastian's grip was firm but gentle, his fingers curling around her shoulders, forcing her furious gaze to lock with his. She shoved at his chest, but he held steady.

Her hands curled into fists. She pounded them against him once, twice—

Then she collapsed against him, her forehead resting against his shoulder, her entire body shaking.

Bastian wrapped his arms around her, holding her together when she felt like she might shatter.

A moment passed. Then another.

Abruptly, she wrenched herself away. "We need to see Zadkiel."

"You know the rule." Elijah sighed, rubbing his sore jaw. "They won't send angels to Earth anymore. Not after—"

"Not to live. To fight." Her voice was steel. "If you won't help me find him, I'll do it myself."

Elijah didn't reply, only lifted his chin, gaze flickering behind her.

"You might be seeing him sooner than you think."

Boots thundered against the marble. A squad of celestial guards, swords glinting like silver fire, formed a tight ring around them, steel tips aimed at their throats.

"Really, Elijah," came a smooth, insufferably amused voice. "You need to be more careful with your little secret entries into the city. What if a demon had followed you?"

Anastasia didn't think. Didn't hesitate. In a flash of movement too fast for even an archangel to anticipate, she pulled the dagger from her back and slammed it against Gabriel's throat.

"Ana!" Bastian's voice rang with panic. Elijah took a single step forward before the guards pressed their blades deeper against her skin.

Gabriel, however, just smiled. Not an ounce of fear in those piercing eyes. "My, my. Still so charmingly reckless, Miss Goodwin." He lifted a hand, casually signaling the guards to hold. "But, alas, emotion has betrayed you. How very human of you."

Her grip on the dagger tightened, her knuckles white. "Emotion got this blade to your damn throat, you son of a bitch. And in case you forgot, I am still half-human—so my love for my family outweighs your pathetic, spineless rules. You clearly knew about the attack. And you did nothing. So help me save them, or take me to someone who will."

Gabriel's smirk deepened. "As you wish, my lady."

He stepped back, brushing off his immaculate robes as if she had merely straightened his collar, and gestured for the guards to lower their weapons. "Let's take this conversation somewhere more...official, shall we?"

The council hall was empty when they arrived. The vast chamber swallowed them in silence, light dripping through high-arched windows like liquid silver.

Then, the doors creaked open. Zadkiel entered, his presence a tide of unshakable power. Gabriel trailed behind, ever the smug shadow.

Zadkiel's gaze landed on Anastasia. "You've returned sooner than expected. I thought I gave you ample time to—"

"Forgive me, Angel Zadkiel," she cut in, voice firm despite the tremor in her chest. "But while we speak, my family is fighting for their lives. We were ambushed. Zython and his demons. We were outnumbered. I tried to help, but Elijah and Bastian pulled me back here before I could—before I could do anything." Her voice cracked, but she clenched her fists, steeling herself. "I need to go back."

Zadkiel's expression darkened as he turned to Gabriel. "Why was I not informed of this?"

Gabriel tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Apologies, my liege. Seraphim Simikiel requested that all information regarding Anastasia be reported directly to him. He was informed."

A flicker of irritation crossed Zadkiel's face before it was swiftly masked. "And did he send warriors to assist?"

"No, my liege."

Zadkiel exhaled sharply. His decision was swift. "You, Michael, and Raphael will go to Earth. Aid Anastasia's family. Immediately."

Gabriel's smirk vanished. His spine straightened, and with a curt bow, he replied, "Yes, my liege. At once." He turned on his heel and strode out without another word.

Anastasia frowned, watching his retreating form. Something about his quick obedience didn't sit right.

"Something amiss, young Anastasia?" Zadkiel asked, his perceptive gaze catching her unease.

She hesitated. "I just...I didn't expect Gabriel to follow your orders so easily without argument ."

Zadkiel chuckled. "Ah. You think him a bully, perhaps? A tyrant, even? It's a common perception." He folded his hands behind his back. "But he is also one of the greatest protectors in the Celestial Order. He upholds the law with unwavering loyalty. Not for power. Not for rank. In fact, he has refused promotions. His only mission is to ensure order remains unbroken. To fight when others cower. To do what must be done."

Anastasia let out a sharp laugh. "With all due respect, Zadkiel—he's a smug bastard who has attacked me, disregarded the suffering of innocents, and let my family be attacked without lifting a damn finger. So forgive me if I don't buy into this noble warrior act."

"Anastasia!" Bastian hissed, horrified, his hand shooting out to grab hers.

Zadkiel, however, chuckled. "Ah, yes. That famous fire of yours, which is what I like about you. Let's hope it does not burn you in the end. It is good that Elijah and Bastian pulled you away. You are with child after all."

A chill coiled in her gut.

Would Gabriel make it in time to save the people she loved?