Chapter 30 – Fractured Bonds  

The Healers' Guild was a battlefield in its own right. The massive structure, once a serene place of worship nestled within the Celestial Palace, had become a warzone of its own—angels in agony, healers scrambling, the metallic tang of blood polluting the air. Anastasia shoved through the chaos, Rose's limp body in her arms, her own heart hammering against her ribs.

"Help me!" she shouted.

A healer turned, robes smeared with blood, and pointed toward an empty bed. The moment Rose was laid down, the healer hesitated, eyes flicking to the unmistakable aura of darkness wrapped around her patient.

"She's on our side," Anastasia snapped. "Just heal her."

The healer hesitated, then pressed glowing hands over Rose's wound. Power surged between them, but Anastasia couldn't focus—her nerves were coiled too tight.

A sharp inhale from behind.

Billy stepped into the hall, tension crackling in his stance, his eyes locking onto the bed like he'd been physically struck. "Rose?"

His voice wavered. His body moved before his brain caught up, feet barely touching the ground as he raced forward. "What the hell is she doing here?"

Anastasia caught his arm, firm but not forceful. "Let the healer work. Rose will explain when she is better."

Billy's expression twisted, conflict burning behind his eyes, but he didn't move. His hands balled into fists before releasing, his breaths ragged.

Then Anastasia asked the question that had been clawing at her insides since the battle ended.

"Where are my father and brothers?"

Billy stiffened. His gaze lowered, and something unspoken passed between them.

A chill spread through Anastasia's veins. "Billy. Where are they?"

A muscle in his jaw ticked. "Your brothers… they'll live."

Relief barely had time to register before he spoke again, softer this time. "But your father—" He exhaled sharply, meeting her gaze. "Anastasia, he's not doing well."

No.

"Where is he?" Her voice wavered, but there was no room for weakness now. Not when the walls were closing in, the world threatening to swallow her whole.

Billy hesitated before nodding toward a large side chamber. "Come on."

She didn't waste another second.

The moment she stepped inside, the air grew heavy.

Her father lay on the cot, skin pale, breath shallow—like a man already halfway gone. Around him, her brothers sat in silence, the weight of their grief pressing into the room like a living thing. Their wounds were obvious—bandages stained red, armor cracked—but none of them looked at their own pain. Only at him.

Anastasia's legs felt weak, but she forced herself forward.

"Dad?"

His eyes barely fluttered open at the sound of her voice. When they did, they held none of the fire she was used to—just exhaustion. Just pain.

"Ana?"

"I'm here," she choked, sinking to her knees beside him, gripping his hand as if she could anchor him to this world. Tears burned her eyes, but she didn't care. "I'm right here."

A tired smile ghosted his lips. His fingers barely curled around hers.

"You came back."

"Of course, I did." Her voice was raw. "I never should have left."

He exhaled slowly, eyes slipping shut for a moment, like the effort of staying awake was too much. "I'm dying Ana."

One of her brothers shifted beside her. "Ana, we need to—"

"No," she interrupted, fingers tightening around their father's hand. "Not yet."

Because she wasn't ready to say goodbye.

"Dad, you can't leave us," she whispered desperately. "There's so much we haven't done. There's so much you need to teach your grandson."

Wyatt's lips curled into a faint smile. "You and your brothers are strong. I am so proud of you. You've come a long way."

"I'm not ready to let you go." Anastasia's voice broke as she fought back sobs.

Sean and Matt sat stiffly opposite her, their grief suffocating, their faces streaked with silent tears. They hadn't looked this broken since their mother died.

"I'm ready, Ana," Wyatt said gently. "I have lived. I have three beautiful children who have grown into the best people I know. I love you. Now, I will be going home. I'll see your mother, and we will watch over all of you. One day, we'll see each other again."

The door opened, and Bastian stepped inside with Zadkiel beside him. Bastian moved to Anastasia's side, placing a steadying hand on her back. Wyatt smiled knowingly.

"You know what I'm about to say, Bass."

Bastian nodded, his voice unwavering. "Yes, sir. I will look after her always and forever."

Wyatt let out a weak chuckle, but the laughter turned into a cough, blood splattering against his lips.

"Dad," Anastasia cried, clutching his hand tighter. "Maybe—maybe don't chuckle."

Zadkiel stepped forward, placing a hand over Wyatt's chest. "You are one of the most resilient and bravest mortals I have ever met, Mr. Wyatt Goodwin. Your name will not be forgotten."

Wyatt smiled in gratitude, his gaze heavy with understanding.

"Because you gave your life to protect us, I would like to grant you a gift." Zadkiel lifted his hand, and suddenly, the room filled with radiant light.

A figure emerged from the brightness.

Helena.

Gasps filled the room. Wyatt's breath hitched as his wife, the mother of his children, stepped forward, looking as she had in life—radiant, ethereal, untouched by time.

"Helena…" Wyatt whispered, his voice trembling.

"Hello, my love," she murmured.

"Mom," Matt and Sean choked out. Anastasia just stared, remembering the times her mother had appeared to her before—when she was drowning, when her powers awakened. And now, she was here for their father.

"How is this possible?" Wyatt's voice cracked.

Zadkiel gave a knowing smile. "Did you forget where you are, Mr. Goodwin? Your wife has been waiting on the other side of the Celestial Realm. They are not allowed to enter this plane, but my superiors have made an exception. You and your family risked everything today. This is our gift to you." He inclined his head. "Your bloodline is blessed for what you have done."

With that, he stepped back, leaving them in peace.

Helena turned to her sons, kissing their foreheads. "You have grown into fine men. Look after each other and your sister. Your journey is not over."

Matt and Sean nodded through their tears. She then embraced Anastasia and Bastian. "I am proud of you both. You have overcome so much. And my grandson… he is special. He is blessed."

Anastasia smiled through the ache in her heart. "Thank you, Mom."

Finally, Helena turned to Wyatt. "Are you ready, my love?"

Wyatt exhaled a shaky breath. "I've waited long enough for us to reunite. I am ready."

"I love you, kids," he murmured one last time.

"We love you too," Anastasia whispered as Helena slowly disappeared into the light.

And then, Wyatt took his last breath and was gone.