Chapter 34 – A Homecoming Like No Other  

The week leading up to their departure was a whirlwind of emotions. Sean and Matt carried their grief with quiet strength, mourning their father while finding solace in the angels' honor. The celestial warriors erected a statue in his name, a tribute to the courage of mortals who had fought alongside them. Anastasia thought it was excessive, but she couldn't deny the pride swelling in her chest. Her father's ashes were sent to Earth for a proper farewell, ensuring those closest to him could pay their respects.

Elijah's fate had shifted as well. Though his sentence was lifted, he chose to remain by the Goodwin family's side. His devotion was unwavering, and he was declared Alex's godfather, and he vowed to protect the child and the family's lineage. "I've finally found my purpose," he had told Anastasia, and for once, he looked at peace.

Finally, the day came to say their goodbyes.

Zadkiel stood before Anastasia, his expression softer than she'd ever seen it. "You've changed this realm more than you realize," he said, clasping her hands. "Your father, your child, even yourself—you are proof that the human heart is stronger than any force we have ever known."

Anastasia felt her throat tighten. "You taught me more than I could ever repay."

Zadkiel nodded. "Then go and live, Anastasia. And if ever you need us, you know the way."

Gabriel was next. He approached with his usual composed demeanor but there was warmth in his eyes. "I suppose this is farewell—for now," he said, handing her a small feather. "A reminder that no matter where you are, the heavens are watching over you."

Anastasia's lips trembled as she accepted the token. "You're not as terrifying as you pretend to be, Gabriel."

His lips twitched. "And you're far more trouble than we ever anticipated."

Then came Bastian and Gabriel's goodbye, which was bound to be something else entirely.

"So," Bastian said, rocking on his heels, "guess we're not trying to kill each other anymore."

Gabriel smirked. "A tragedy, truly."

Bastian chuckled, extending a hand. "You know, for an uptight celestial overlord, you're not so bad."

Gabriel stared at his hand for a long moment before finally shaking it. "And for a reckless, insubordinate warrior, you managed to not get yourself obliterated. Barely."

Bastian grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Gabriel sighed. "Do me a favor and try not to bring any more interdimensional crises to my doorstep?"

"No promises."

With their farewells said, Anastasia, Bastian, and their family stepped through the celestial gates, leaving behind the war-torn heavens and returning home.

The moment they arrived, they were surrounded by the warmth of familiar faces. Trixie, Hugh, Phillip, Jenny, and Billy were waiting, their eyes lighting up at the sight of their long-lost friends.

Jenny barely had time to process Matt's return before he swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground. "You came back," she breathed, her hands gripping his shoulders as if afraid he'd disappear.

Matt smirked. "Did you really think I wouldn't?"

Jenny pulled him into a desperate kiss, clinging to him like he was her lifeline. The others cheered, even as Hugh muttered, "Alright, get a room."

Billy and Rose went to the kitchen away from the others and stood a few feet apart, uncertainty thick between them. Rose's eyes were filled with unspoken regret. "I know I have to earn back your trust," she said quietly. "But I will. No matter how long it takes."

Billy crossed his arms. "You let me believe you never cared. You betrayed us. Do you have any idea how much that destroyed me?"

Tears welled in Rose's eyes, but she held his gaze. "I thought I was protecting you. My brother gave me no choice, Billy. He told me if I didn't go with the plan, he'd kill you. And I couldn't—" Her voice broke. "I couldn't bear to lose you."

Billy's stance faltered, his jaw tightening. "You should have trusted me."

"I should have," she admitted. "And there's no excuse. But I'm here now, and I swear to you, I won't let anyone keep us apart again."

For a moment, Billy didn't move. Then, with a sharp exhale, he pulled her into his arms, gripping her like she might vanish. She buried her face in his chest, whispering apologies against his skin. When he finally kissed her, it was slow, lingering—like making up for lost time.

Nearby, Anastasia and Bastian embraced Phillip, Trixie, and Hugh. Hugh grinned. "While you were busy fighting the celestial war, we had a bit of a battle of our own."

Phillip nodded. "Wyatt's partners, the demon hunters, and even Billy's parents worked with us to hold things down here. It wasn't easy."

Trixie, who had been unusually quiet, stepped forward and took Anastasia's hands. "We're so sorry about your father," she said softly. "And, Sean… I know nothing can make up for what you've lost, but I hope you know we're here for you."

Sean met her gaze, something unreadable flickering in his expression. He gave a small nod. "Thank you, Trixie."

She smiled, but there was something else in her eyes—something that made Anastasia raise an eyebrow. Interesting.

"Oh congratulations on your new-born," Hugh said delightedly.

As the angels crowded Anastasia to coo at Alex, it felt like, for the first time in a long while, everything was as it should be.

Until the air in the living room felt strange.

The joy drained from the space as an unnatural chill crept in. Shadows thickened, swirling together like ink spilling across a page. Then, in an instant, three figures emerged, their dark eyes locking onto Anastasia.

"Miss me?" one of them sneered.