Sariel opened his eyes and looked above as he felt the hard ground on his neck and back. Catherine and Death stood above him, trying to hold their laughter.

“I guess I deserved that.” He grunted in pain and raised his arms.

Both of them grabbed him and raised him back to the tree trunk.

“That you did.” Said Death and wiped some of the soil from his back. “I feel like I should be flattered. So many men called me recently…” She smiled and sat next to him. All of the girls gathered around them and in awe watched how elegant and calm she and the air around her was. It never got old. Death looked at them and smiled. “Hello ladies. Nice to see you all once again.”

All of the girls started saying their “Hello’s” and one by one looked at each other. Death felt a hand on her left shoulder and turned around.

“So, what will you have for breakfast ma’am?” Asked Catherine.

Death turned to Sariel who was looking at her with hope and pleading. She turned around to answer. “I think that I will have a nice cup of water and anything that you like my dear. And please don’t call me “Ma’am”. For now, you can call me Rei.” She said and winked at Gabrielle who was in shock but quickly realized and smiled.

“As you wish, Rei.”

“Will you be staying for some time?” Asked Arielle.

“I don’t know? Will I be staying for some time?” Death turned her head to Sariel and gave him a cheeky smile. “I think that I will have to, considering the situation. So you have finally realized that you don’t have to bear this on your own?” She thought to herself.

“Please do!” Said Sariel while he folded his hands together into a praying sign and pointed it towards Death. “Of course only if you can.”

“I think that I can spare a day or two. If they need me, they can call me.” She answered. All of the girls started celebrating. They will finally spend some time with the woman that can make Sariel stop on the spot. Their cheering was so energetic that even Death began to laugh. Sariel sat in his position and just looked at that picture in front of him.

Suddenly Death stopped and with a long face she turned to the house. “She is awake and I think that we are to blame.”

All of the girls looked in the same direction. “Let’s get her and set up breakfast. Sar, we will see you inside in a moment, yes?” Said Catherine as all the girls rushed in.

Sariel nodded. “Thank you for coming so fast. And I’m sorry for…” He could not finish the sentence as he felt a fist hammering him to his shoulders.

“You stupid dumbass! Do…you…know…how…afraid…I…was?!” She said while bashing him with her fist lightly. Sariel tried to dodge and cover his face with arms so that she wouldn't see the laughter but to no avail. “Oh, so you think this is funny huh?! Come here!” She said and grabbed him. He was too tired to resist and fell face up into her lap while she was bashing him all around. Her fists felt like a soft massage. But then…she started to tickle him. Sariel moved from side to side in laughter and agony, while begging her to stop. Eventually she did and he melted in her arms as she wiped his tears. When they both calmed down she placed her hand right on the spot where he was wounded during the night. “It healed perfectly, I almost couldn't feel anything. What happened?”

Sariel described in detail what happened during the night as Death listened. She processed every single detail and looked in surprise.

“So, what would you like to know first? What is happening to you?” She asked and Sariel nodded. “Very well. We do this and then we have to go inside as the girls will be waiting for us. Calm down and focus on the feeling that you felt when something touched your soul.” Death placed her right hand under his head and her left onto his chest. Sariel did as she said and she closed her eyes. She visioned it, Sariel’s soul floating in a dark void. The soul was not usual as she expected but got shocked nonetheless. Usually souls are colored based on the nature of the being with the exception of the archangels, usually white and pure or dark and murky, but this was different. Mixture of a purple, black and silvery white all together. She reached out but was stopped by an invisible field. Sariel twitched in her arms. She focused and tried to determine what it is that forces her out. It took her some time to perceive this but eventually the field revealed itself. Golden chains with thorns wrapped around his soul in a tight squeeze and with a large lock, the thorns were pushing into his soul as the dark colors tried to get out. The silvery white was able to float outside of the blockade but the rest did not. She focused on it and saw that it had a symbol on it of All-seeing eye and Tetragrammaton under it. “So it was you after all.” She thought and decided not to push further. She looked at the soul from behind and noticed that one of the many chains was cracked and spilling the other two colors. “You have cracked your own cage, my dear.” She opened her eyes and looked down into her lap. “Sar?”

She smiled so wide and so warmly that the world almost stopped because of it. Sariel was in the deepest sleep in her lap. She touched his cheek with her hand and moved away some of his hair. “Oh my, how much pain you will have to endure on this journey of yours.” She whispered. “They won’t ever leave you alone, won’t they?” Sariel did not move an inch, only his chest moved up and down as he was breathing but he was so deep in a dreamland that nothing could get him out. Death watched him with a smile and played with his hair for a time. He growled gently in his sleep and moved his lips as if he was saying something. Death listened closely and heard him calling for her. “Rei..”. She eventually lowered her head down and kissed him gently. “He won’t even remember that when he wakes up.” She thought and when she opened her eyes she saw that he was smiling, even though he was still asleep.

After about ten minutes the door to the house opened and Catherine came to them. Death turned around and gave her a signal to be quiet and to take a look at him. Catherine came forward and with a smile looked at him. “Can’t blame him. He’s been going non stop for some time.” She whispered. “Gabrielle is also sleeping like a baby now. What are we going to do with him?”

“Let him sleep. I can stay like this for a while. Can we have breakfast here? I think that if we whisper we won’t wake him, he is really deep in the dreamland.” Said Death, still looking at him.

“Sure, let me get the girls.” Said Catherine as she walked away. After a few moments all of the girls came out of the house with plates and food, cups of water and sat around the fallen tree where Death was. They brought her some bread and cheese with a bit of vegetables and all of them started eating and talking.

“It’s truly great to finally spend at least some time with you ladies. If you want to ask anything please do not be shy. I don’t bite.” Said Death while she was enjoying her meal cautiously as she did not want to disturb Sariel’s sleep. As she said that Eliana came out of the house to join them.

“My apologies, I had to wash my face a bit. Did I miss any..” She did not finish the sentence as all of the girls shushed her. She slowly walked to them with her plate and cup and noticed Sariel sleeping. “Is he okay?” She asked nervously.

“Of course. Just asleep.” Said Death and smiled at her.

“Sleep of a happy man.” Said Eva. “Look at him. He is so calm and so deep in his dreams that nothing can wake him. Never seen him like this.”

“That’s because he can now allow this to himself.” Said Catherine. “And because he has the most comfortable pillow under his head.” As she said the last part Death looked at her and blushed. “Usually he has his instincts on high alert all the time, but now that she is here, not even the Devil could get near this place.”

“So he trusts you this much? You guys have been through a lot together right?” Asked Judith.

Death nodded. “Yes. I knew him all his life. I have been a part of his unit when he was still in heaven and he studied under me. I remember like it was yesterday when God summoned me and asked me to teach him. And let me tell you, he was adorable. He was so nervous when we met for the first time that he forgot to speak when I introduced myself. Uriel had to smack him across the shoulder to straighten him. But he was learning so quickly and was so passionate about everything, every single information he consumed like it could escape him. We fought together, traveled together and fixed some things together. Thanks to him I can now be here and even have some time to do other things rather than bringing souls either to heaven or hell. I used to do it all by myself. In the beginning it wasn’t as hard since there were not that many of you on earth but when you started multiplying more and more and the first battles and wars came, it was horrible. I had to bring souls in by groups and you can imagine how that went. When there was a battle they used to fight even on their way to salvation. “The grudge of man never fades!” he used to say. Then he came up with a brilliant idea and set up a place for what he called “lost souls”. People that took their lives, were broken or those who did not believe in the Almighty but still led a good life and he offered them a job basically. They became what is now called the Reapers. My Reapers. Lost and broken souls that help other souls with their way to the afterlife. Couldn't be less poetic, doesn’t it?”

All of the girls were listening as if the story was being said for the last time on earth.

“What was he like when he was in heaven?” Asked Eva.

Death thought for a moment and then looked above. “Just, brave, proud and mostly kind. He was so good with souls, especially those who were treated poorly by the world. He said that he could for some reason feel their pain. However his position in heaven took its price on him. He was tired and he had a burning hate for demons and those that could harm heaven. Also he was wholeheartedly loyal to God. He did not question anything he was ordered and fulfilled it to absolute perfection. In his free time he used to fly across the world, watching people grow and prosper and he taught young angels the ways and how to fight and defend themselves. He invented the magic of the Moon and the calendar, he was truly something special. I loved spending time with him because there was always something to talk about and make fun of, plus I really loved developing the Purgatory with him. It was pure bliss to see his face when he finally finished it.”

“Wait, Sariel created purgatory?!” Asked Eliana as she almost choked on a piece of cheese.

“Yes he did.” Death was pleasantly surprised. “So young and so educated. Her parents must have had some plan for her…interesting.” She got a bit lost in her thoughts for a moment.

Eva chuckled and all of the girls turned to her. She pointed at something and the girls followed with their eyes. All of them chuckled but Catherine shushed them. Death was still playing with Sariel´s hair as she was answering and thinking. Did not even notice that she was still doing that.

“What's it like there?” Asked Eliana.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Death snapped out of her thoughts. “It's a bit like here. Warm, welcoming, almost like a paradise. But it has the “other” side. There is a place for evil souls that we did not want to transfer to hell, where they can be turned into demons or be otherwise used to do evil. It is a realm outside of realms. Only a few know how to get there so the souls are left there to live their own lives how they see fit, apart from the evil ones. Those are kept in chains and in a state where their minds are shut down. That was created by his other side. The wrathful one. You girls probably know this about him but Eliana doesn´t.” She said and looked at Eliana. “Nothing to be afraid of. Truth is that there are some things that he cannot forgive. He calls it the “Ultimate evil”, people that like to dominate, torture others, those that causes the utmost pain in people, those he cannot stand and since he was assigned as the “Wrath of Heavens” he fulfilled that to a point of perfection. He also has his own place there that is guarded by magic where he keeps some of the treasures that he gathered throughout the years. You see, he was always loyal, but also very pragmatic. Some things are better hidden out of reach of Heavens.”

“I swear if he never takes me there I will put so much salt into his drink…” Grunted Sarah.

“Maybe sooner, than later.” Said Death and all of the girls looked at in confusion. “Nevermind.” Death tried to quickly dodge a bullet and turned to other matters. “Eliana, how are you settling in? All good?”

“So far I would say yes. I slept like a baby last night so that is a good sign, but it is still fresh and new so…” Said Eliana as she was finishing her breakfast. “I would like to look around this place a bit more today and see where I can be of help.”

“Keep in mind that you still need a rest, if I see you lifting something heavy or that you are out of breath I will send you straight to bed!” Said Eva and looked at Eliana with a very authoritative face.

Eliana pressed her lips together and nodded.

For the rest of the breakfast the girls asked Death numerous questions about how old she is, what heaven is like and her job. Eliana asked a very serious question that caught Death a bit off guard, “What is God like?”.

“Well, the Almighty is, basically that. He is everything. He is the embodiment of everything. The thing is that he does not have that much time so even though I know him the longest we don’t really know each other that much. What I can tell you is that he is very serious, like all the time. Jokes or that kind of stuff goes beyond him. We used to have a sit down with him every now and then when Sar was still in heaven, discussing certain matters. Sariel thought it would be good to make a joke about something and the expression of the Almighty? Even I was kind of scared.”

Sariel moved his head a bit to the left and let out a sigh in his sleep.

“We should get him in. We want to show you around and it does look like he is going to be asleep for a long time.” Said Catherine and got up.

“You are probably right.” Said Death even though she did not want to move. It was good like this, she was happy. She was not happy for a long time and wanted to stay like this forever. She whispered into Sariel’s ear. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” Sariel rubbed his eyes and opened them. He smiled and nodded, got up, waved at the girls and moved back into the house.

The girls were shocked but then heard Sarah laughing.

“I’ve read about this but never saw it work. Men are truly simple things sometimes aren’t they?” She said and got up as well.

“I wouldn’t know that but I know that he can be. For all his strength and authority he can be just like a child sometimes. All he needs is a loving voice and a little bit of gentleness. So, ladies, where do we start?!” Said Death as she moved her head around back at them.

Sariel woke up in his bed and scratched his eyes. His body felt numb, like if he was sleeping for ages. “I won’t even question how I got here. It must be close to evening by now. I should get up.” He moved his arm under his head and looked into the ceiling. The bed was so soft and comfy and he didn’t really want to get out, as he closed his eyes for a moment the thought struck into his head like an arrow! “She is here and you are sleeping, you dumbass!” He swiftly got up and rushed to the kitchen, there was nobody there so he tried to determine where they were. He felt them under the house in the caves and let out a sigh of relief. “I will give them some more time. Besides..she must know that I’m already awake. She always knew. Alright. So about that shutter on the second floor, I should get to it then.” He moved to the second floor and started fixing it. For some reason that he could not explain to him he felt a warmth in his chest like never before. “What is that? Is it because Mori is here? Probably, but it feels different. More intense. Weird.” As he was finishing the fixing he heard a yawn from behind him so he looked around. Gabrielle stood behind with one pillow in her hand and with the other she was scratching her eyes.

“How long was I asleep?” She asked.

“Doesn’t matter, you earned it. How are you feeling?”

“Still kind of tired but I can manage. Need any help?” She moved next to him and sat on the ground while clutching the pillow and resting her head on it.

Sariel smiled. “No need, you just rest. I will finish this in no time and then we will go and grab something to eat. What do you say?”

“Hmm. Yes. Food. I’m starving.” She answered with her eyes partially closed. “Is Rei still here?”

“Yes, at this moment they are in the caverns below. I think that Arielle is showing her the new herbs and right now she is probably getting some advice from Rei on how to take care of them and brew them into potions and ointments.”

“Why aren’t you with them?” Asked Gabrielle.

“Well, believe it or not, I fell asleep. Woke up just a moment before you did. The last thing I remember was having my head in Rei’s lap as she was doing her checkup on my soul and then I completely shut down.” He answered while laughing.

“Did she tell you what is happening to you?”

“I think that she did but I was probably already asleep by that time. Will have to ask her again. I’m sure there is nothing to be afraid of and everything is fine. There, I’m done. Let’s grab some food and prepare some for the rest of them.” He moved away from the now fixed shutter and helped Gabrielle to her feet. Gabrielle noticed that his expression was a forced smile but there was a hidden fear behind it. Something bothered him.

“You know that you are not a great liar, don’t you?” She said and hugged him. “Whatever it is that you are afraid of, we got your back.”

Sariel was in a bit of shock. She was not wrong, he was not a great deceiver. “Well, I can't hide anything from you, am I right?” He patted her head and held her tight. “I will let you know as soon as she tells me what she saw, alright?”

“You better.” She said and let go of him. “I’m going to freshen up a bit, meet me in the kitchen.”

Sariel nodded and watched her leave. He cleaned up around the shutter and gathered the tools that he used.

When Gabrielle came to the kitchen she found him preparing plates with cold food and some drink for the whole table and joined him. After a while that group that was in the caverns made their way back and as they left the door to the tunnel they entered the kitchen.

“I don’t believe my eyes! One proper sleep and he turns into a houselady!” Said Judith as she saw Sariel pouring wine and water to the cups on the table.

“Oh come on, you say it like I never help you with these.” Said Sariel in his defense.

“Looks good. I can’t wait to taste some.” Said Death and moved to the front of the table. Sariel helped her to his chair and looked for a place to sit as every girl took their seats around the table. Sariel moved to the storage room and grabbed one additional. As he returned and looked for a place he heard a creak and saw Death moving to the side and motioning with his head to sit to her right. He gladly accepted and moved into the place. As he sat down they wished to “enjoy the meal” to each other across the table and got into eating. Girls described that they showed Death around and persuaded her to stay for as long as she can, even longer.

“Yeah, I had to promise. They wouldn’t stop persuading me when I mentioned that one day I will have to leave.” Said Death and drank some of the wine. “Now this is really good!”

“I see that you had quite a good day today, haven’t you?” Asked Sariel.

“We did, she is amazing and knows so much!” Said Arielle.

“That she is.” Sariel smiled at Death and she placed her right hand on his thigh.

As the dinner was finished and the table got cleaned they all then sat around the table and listened to stories about young Sariel and his encounters with certain angels and situations. Like the time Sariel entered by mistake a building where female angels had their baths and was very confused and ashamed. Girls laughed as Sariel was red like a rose. He stopped for a moment and looked around himself. With Mori at his side and all of the girls there he could not feel anything but happiness. This was his dream after all. Almost like a family. After a few hours and several jugs of wine one by one the girls moved to their rooms to sleep. Only Sariel and Death stayed at the table.

“Would you like another cup?” He asked.

“Sure, why not? It does taste really good, but I still prefer water though.” She said and made herself comfortable. Placing her foot on Sariel’s leg as soon as he sat down again. “This was a really nice evening I have to say. It was like a family evening.”

“I felt the same. I wish you could stay forever. All of us, here in our small paradise. Not having to bother with the outside world too much.” He placed his hand on her leg.

“Wouldn’t you miss the rush of the battle?”

“Maybe a little bit.” He laughed and drank his wine.

They sat like that for some time in silence while he caressed her leg.

“Darling? Before you fell asleep I saw what’s inside of you. You have cracked your cage. Your soul is leaking outside of the chains that were put on you when you left Heaven.” She said and looked at him with a worrying expression.

“The one that Michael put on my soul? Heh. When he finds out he is going to be pissed. Mr. Strongest Archangel.” Said Sariel with a laugh.

“Well, that is the other thing. The cage is not by Michael, but by the Almighty. I saw his insignia and his signature on the lock. This was not done by Michael.”

Sariel froze for a moment and then looked at her in shock.

“Are you sure that it was done by him?” He asked.

“Positive. And I know what it means. I was thinking about it for a whole day and I have to say, I’m afraid. This has to stay between us, not even the girls can know. This is dangerous and you are in real danger dear. If you have overpowered something made by a God then you could end up like Lucifer. He was the only who ever managed to accomplish something similar and we all know how he ended. I don’t want you with horns and leathery wings, clear?! Promise me, that you will keep this safe and quiet and you will try to not use that power. Promise me!” She said as she sat back down, got closer to Sariel and placed her hand on his cheek.

Sariel snapped out of the shock and calmed down. “Now is not the time to be nervous. If she is afraid then I’m in a real trouble, but I can’t watch her being nervous and afraid.”

“Of course. I promise and I will try my best, you have my word.” They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment. Sariel was not sure if it was the wine or just her but he got completely lost. All the trouble went away and he was just floating in those eyes of hers. “If I don’t do this I will be cursing myself for my whole existence…Here goes nothing..” He said to himself and leaned in for a kiss. The reaction that came was nothing like he expected. Death returned the invitation and gave him the most loving, warm kiss a man could ever feel. They stayed like that for a while.

“We should rest. I will show you to your bed. We need to find out about Eliana tomorrow.” Said Sariel because he saw how tired Death was. “When was the last time you could stop for a moment and just rest?” He grabbed her by the waist and helped her up to her feet. She leaned into him and used his body for support.

“Lead the way.” She said and Sariel showed her to his room where she had a bed prepared on the other side of his room with some night clothes for her on it. “Looks very comfortable. Good night.” She kissed him again and moved to her bed. He covered her with a blanket and caressed her face as she laid down, then he dressed in his night clothes and laid down in his bed. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling, the love he felt sprung out of his soul like a fountain and he could not help but shed a tear of joy. He got completely lost in his own thoughts but suddenly felt a movement, pressure on his body and a hand on his cheek wiping the tears. “I don’t want to sleep alone tonight.” Whispered Death and when he opened his eyes he saw her sitting on him and leaning in for another kiss.