“So, that's her?”

“Yes she is.”

“She looks like she is taking it well.”

“Well, women are strong. I´m actually quite surprised that her soul is not completely shattered after what she has been through. The damage he did…One day it will come out….”

“Or maybe it won't. After all, it was you who healed her since she was here and there is no one who is better in these things, or is there?”

Sariel smiled, he knew where she was going with this and he was sure to follow direction. “Oh I might know about one person, one woman, what was her name…” He almost laughed.

“Is that why you called me? You are doubting yourself?” Asked Death and moved her head to the side so she could see better into Sariel´s face. “If that is the thing you shouldn't do. I've already checked when they were outside, there is nothing more that anyone can do. Now it's up to her and if she will be strong enough to keep the barrier on her soul.” She said while turning her head facing the lake. “You worry too much.” Said Death and smiled.

“I know. You know me.” Said Sariel. “But that is not the only thing why I called you, you know that I´m always glad when you come to visit.”

“And I’m always happy to come, but you know how it is. By the way, where is Lailah?” Said Death and started looking around. “There she is!” Said with a smile as she saw Lailah hastily coming from the wall entrance to them. “There you are, you beauty, how are you?” Lailah placed her head into Death´s lap and chuffed. Death started to gently pet her, took a quick peek into her soul if everything was ok. She looked back at Sariel with a serious face. “What do you want me to do with him, where do you want him?”

“Send him to Purgatory. I don't want him to spread the word in Hell that it was me who killed him. Even though he doesn't know me, someone could recognize me. There is still that one side of Purgatory for these fucking pigs.”

Lailah raised her head and looked at Sariel while growling.

“I know, I know, sorry. I know that you hate it when I speak like that.” Said Sariel while waving his hands in defense.

“You should listen to her more, she has a good influence on you, always had.” Said Death.

Death was right. Since he found Lailah he stopped being alone. Since then he managed to get more open to others, to actually let people come close to his heart.

“I found something in that church when I was collecting his soul. I didn't want to show you, but you need to see this.” Said Death.

Sariel looked at her. Her expression was very serious, this is not gonna be anything good. Damn, the last thing he needs he thought to himself. Death raised her right hand to him and gave him a piece of papyri. Sariel took it, nodded and quickly looked at it.

What he saw made him freeze. This was not possible, how can this be? He hasn't seen anything like this in ages and now this comes out of nowhere? “This cannot be.” He whispered and looked back at Death. She was looking at him. “Him or….?”

“I don't know. It was in the presbytery, in the fireplace. I could not believe it myself. It would be even weird to find this in Heaven. This is not good, I think that this is a sign of something coming. Or someone.” Said Death.

“But who could know this? This language is forgotten by mankind.” Sariel turned his back and looked in the direction of the house. “I need to go and check this by myself. I need to visit her place.”

“You do know that it is a trap, right?” Said Death and Lailah chuffed as approval.

“ That for sure is, but there is no other way to get the answers. I can't ask Eliana, if I started asking questions she could collapse and get worse. She is still too weak and her soul too fragile. I need to go there and see what's inside.”

“I could come with you.” Said Death with a hope in her voice. She wanted to go, this was something that she didn't want him to go through alone, plus she was very curious of what´s this means.

“I will be glad to have you by my side. And you too of course.” Said Sariel and petted Lailah. “But let's leave it to tomorrow. I can't leave Eliana without answers. I saw in her eyes that she is still not comfortable and even though I have full faith in Catherine, this is something I need to explain to her by myself.” Said Sariel. Just as he finished the sentence he opened his eyes and looked straight in front of him. “Got you.”

Lailah jumped up facing the house and Death moved her head slightly to the side.

“Aren't you getting a bit old? You would usually know about me since I was in Jerusalem.” Said unknown voice.

“Usually, you wouldn't sneak around here.” Said Sariel and got up. He turned around. “It's good to see you, Azrael.”

In front of him stood a man. His hair was completely red and his clothes were more of a noble man with a sword at his waist.

“And you, my friend.” Said Azrael and smiled. There was a brief tension between those two, like if they were measuring each other's strength. But none of them could hold the serious face for much longer, both of them smiled and gave each other a warm hug. “You look…mmm…rested?”

“Are you trying to say something?”

“No, not at all. It seems like Catherine´s cooking does wonders to your body!”

“Bite me! I´m not the one who was ravaging in the kitchen a few moments ago.” Said Sariel and started laughing. Azrael was one of his oldest friends, someone who he could always trust. He felt immense happiness every time he came to visit. “It's a real pleasure to see you but I have a feeling that your visit is not strictly social?”

“Unfortunately you are right. They sent me for you my Lady.” Said Azrael and looked at Death. “They need you. Well he needs you.” Azrael´s mouth twitched as he mentioned this.

“Everytime.” Said Death and moved to stand up. Sariel offered her hand and she accepted. Lailah got up as well and moved to stand by Sariel´s side.

“What is it that he wants now? He acts like he can summon anyone! This is beyond his status!” Said Sariel angrily.

“Heaven is not the same since you have left, trust me, if I could tell him to simply get lost I would, but you know what my situation is.” Azrael smiled at Sariel. This made Sariel move his head. He knew that this was a fault mostly on his part. When he left heaven and gave up his position there was a new distribution of power in heaven and those who should never have the power over others now have it.

“I´m sorry…”

“Don't be. You´ve had your reasons and you know that I know.” Said Azrael.

“I presume that this will not be as fast as I would have liked. I won't be able to accompany you tomorrow.” Said Death with a sad face. She really hoped to unravel this mystery with him. This was something that scared even her, this was not a good sign.

“It's ok. Me and Lailah will do just fine, don't you worry.” Sariel tried to hold his smile as he said these words but even he would have hoped to have Death by his side. This was dangerous, really dangerous. This is not a mere maiden saving, demon cleansing or priest killing mission, this was life and death and even though he had confidence in himself and Lailah, things are not as they used to be when he was in heaven. This will require preparation and the best tools he has just to be sure. Maybe even some of the old magic that he knew. Plus he really wished to be alongside Death, her company was always a pleasure…Also he couldn't get out of his mind why in the hell is He calling for Death now. Who does Michael think he is?! Summoning Death like she is his servant! Outrageous! If he would have stayed in heaven Michael wouldn't dare to do something like this!

“Stop thinking about it!” Said Death and Azrael at the same time. Sariel snapped out of his thoughts and looked at them in shock. “Seriously brother, your thoughts are basically screaming from your ears!” The trio started laughing, they knew him too well. They were right. He did the right thing and he should stop questioning himself and the decision he made all those years ago. After all, if he would have stayed it would have been much worse for everyone.

“Allright, I think that it's time to go. We wouldn't want to keep the flaming majesty waiting.” Said Death.

“Don´t you want to say goodbye to the girls? I think that you can spend a little bit more time.” Said Sariel.

“She is right, we should go. You know Michael, he hates when anybody leaves him waiting.” Said Azrael and moved to Sariel to say his goodbyes. “Be careful my friend. I know what you are about to do and even I would be scared. Promise me that you will be careful?”

“I promise!” Said Sariel and hugged him. “I would say don't worry but it would be in vain. Lailah will look after me.” Lailah nodded with her head and moved to Azrael, he kneeled and petted her head gently.

Sariel looked at all of them and held back a tear. He wished they could all stay and enjoy this peace with the rest. These were closest to him, when he was at his lowest these were one of those who stood by his side and when he fell to his knees they helped him to get up. He owed them so much and yet cannot repay them. “Goodbye my friends, I wish you could stay.”

“Be safe and if you need us, you know what to do.” Said Death and disappeared. Azrael spread out his wings, smiled and flew up towards heaven. Sariel was looking as he moved up to the skies and embraced the sadness. He got lost in his thoughts for a while until Lailah bumped his leg with her head and he snapped out. He had to focus. He took one last look at the papyrus in his hand and read those words. “Alright, let's get ready.”

“What do you mean “Death”? Is that a nickname or something?” Asked Eliana as she was moving back into the house. “That is a very strange nickname for a Lady I do have to say.”

“It is not a nickname.” Said Catherine and with. “Tell me, what did you feel when you looked at her?” She closed the door

Eliana thought about it, did she actually feel something? What was it? It was brief but very intense.

Eva came forth to her. She had a serious look in her eyes. “Let me help you. Don´t worry, I won't hurt you.” She said and placed her hands on Eliana´s cheeks.

“What are you…” Eliana did not even manage to finish the sentence. The feeling was back and now she could truly feel it. Total calmness, peace never felt. She had nothing on her mind, she was floating in the vast seas, flying through the clouds, formless, weightless. “Holy mother of Jesus…what was that?” She asked while Eva took a step backwards.

“We don´t know. But we have all experienced it when we saw her for the first time. But only the first time. It's almost like she was trying to keep us calm, like she was afraid that we might panic because she is the Death. We are not sure, but you can only replicate the feeling really close to the first moment you felt it. I have tried many times but it was never the same.” Said Eva.

“It was amazing.” Said Eliana with her eyes still closed. She tried to enjoy as much as possible the little bits of the feeling that was still left. If she is never to feel that again she wants to remember it. But something snapped in her mind, something was not right. “Hold on, how did you do that?!”

Eva and other girls laughed. “It's my gift.” Said Eva with a fading smile. “And my curse as well. It's the reason why I'm here and not home. You see, all of us here were saved by Sariel from bad situations.” Eva looked down to the ground trying to hold herself together as much as she could. The pain was beyond imagination every time she wanted to talk about it.

“What situations?” Asked Eliana and the moment she asked it she knew that it was a bad idea.

Eva did not raise her head for several seconds. Her mind was floating in memories and her state started to take a dark turn. Village, her parents, blood, fire and stones. She flinched her head. “Eva!” She snapped out of her mind and looked up. Catherine stood in front of her, both hands on her shoulders. “I'm sorry. I spaced out for a bit.”

“Are you alright?” Asked Catherine, still holding her shoulders and checking her with a medic´s precision. “You should rest for a bit, you worked hard today taking care of everything. Why don't you sit down for a moment, hm?”

Eva sat down and Arielle got her a cup of wine. “This will help you a little.” Eva´s breathing slowly calmed as she took a sip of the drink.

Eliana was in shock, what has she done? Did she open some sort of Pandora's box in Eva or something? What was going on in here anyway? Now it felt like the most welcoming and loving house in the world but with a dark secret behind every door. She was scared, what if she had got herself into a world of trouble by deciding to stay?

“Alright ladies, time to get this house cleaned!” Somebody shouted as if it was time to join the battle and every girl looked in the direction of the sound. In the doorway on the other side of the kitchen stood Gabrielle with a bucket on her head, broom in each hand. She had a stance of the ultimate hero that comes to save the losing side and turn the tides with one broom pointed to the sky.

She stood there for a good few seconds in total silence, waiting for the applause. When none was coming she looked straight in front of her and noticed the scene. “He?..Did I miss anything? You are having a party without me?” She said as she looked at the cup of wine in Eva´s hands. Everyone started laughing, even Eve forgot completely about everything a bursted into tears of joy. Gabrielle got really confused and stomped the brooms to the ground. “What are you all laughing at, huh?!” All of the girls laughed even more. Pure joy flew through their body, this was the exact thing that they needed.

“Thank you Gabrielle for saving the day once again.” Said Catherine in her head and wiped the tear from her face.

“Alright ladies, you heard the Queen of Brooms, time to get this house cleaned! Onwards!” Shouted Sarah and grabbed on the brooms from Gabrielle´s hand, still laughing.

Gabrielle stood there while Judith took the second broom. She made a grumpy face and took down the bucket from her head. She always looked forward to cleaning with the girls because it was so much fun, usually someone gets clumsy and drops something so they can all laugh and enjoy a good time. Now the moment is ruined for her. Catherine got closer to her, took the bucket from her hands and whispered: “You did good, thank you.” Gabrielle's eyes lit up. She had no idea what she did but that did not matter. Catherine moved back to Eliana. “I will explain later, now, let's change our thoughts shall we?”

Eliana did not question it. She did exactly as Catherine told her to. She started picking up stuff and was asking where to put certain things as other girls were guiding her. They had a good time, chatted for a bit, but got the job done in the process. Gabrielle could not help herself because of course she couldn´t and got into several kinds of mischief during the cleaning like hiding cleaning utilities from other girls and spilling water. When they were all done, they poured themselves cups of water and sat down around the table, trying to ease up a little bit and rest for a moment.

“What now?” Eliana asked and drank from her cup.

“Now we have some time for ourselves, but then we need to figure out dinner. Does anybody know if Sariel brought more food or we will make something from the storage?” Said Catherine and looked around.

“He did, I gave him a list since the supplies were running low. We should have plenty of grain, some goat meat and I think that he mentioned that for Eliana´s first evening awake here he got something special, don´t know what.” Said Judith who for the last year was taking care of supplies. Catherine smiled because she remembered how many times Sariel had mentioned that Judith is a real treasure, without her he wouldn't be able to even get a piece of bread. She kept things organized so that nothing ran out and she even kept remembering times when he brought certain things so nothing would go to waste or mold. She truly was perfect in this way and things got much better when she got here. “We should be stocked plenty. The only thing that we are missing are fruits, but he keeps looking in the city for some.”

“I think that I might be able to solve this problem.” Said an echoing voice that had no flesh.

Catherine grabbed a cleaver and in second was facing in the direction of the voice. All of the girls gathered around Eliana like they were forming a barrier around her. Catherine rushed in front of them, cleaver in hand and ready to slaughter anything that comes in their way. The voice came from behind the stairs to the upper part of the house. There was a small door under there leading down to the storage room. Slowly the door opened and out came a massive figure of a man with red hair. Eliana got frightened. He looked like an unstoppable force and something wasn't completely right about him. Especially red hair. It was quite unusual to see someone with hair like sunlight, but this was more of a blood color. Truly red. His clothes were of a noble man and he had a sword strapped to his waist.

“Hello everyone!” He said nonchalantly and stretched his hands out like for a hug once he came out of the door. “Did you miss me?!”

“Azrael you son of a… One day you will get into a hell of a trouble for these jokes of yours.!” Shouted Catherine and placed the cleaver on the table next to her. All of the girls gave a deep “sigh” and let their guards down. “You wanna give our new one a heart attack? What is wrong with you?!” Catherine scolded him.

“I´m sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, but you know, I´m trying to avoid his detection and this time I really think that I finally got him. Something about this wood in the storage, almost like the one from the other side of the world. People there have the best weapon against demons and they don't even know it, would you believe that?”

“Azrael!” Shouted Gabrielle and rushed to him, giving him a big jumping hug.

“Gabi. Good to see you! Well at least someone missed me I see.” Said Azrael and hugged her tightly. He closed his eyes for a second as if he was hugging someone of his own kin, like a brother hugging his sister after a long time apart. Eliana was watching in awe. The affection was basically flowing through the air and she could feel that everyone, even Catherine, was happy to see him. Even though she was mad at him, Catherine was really happy to see him. Azrael was always a welcoming sight. “Let me look at you.” Said Azrael after a hug, hands still on Gabriel's shoulders and gave her a good measure with his eyes. “You, my lady, look better and better. You must be pretty happy and comfy here.” Gabrielle nodded. Then she grabbed his hand and started to pull him towards Eliana. All of the girls one after another welcomed Azrael, giving him hugs, pats on back or just simply smiling. Judith gave him a big smile, touched his arm gently and moved around him and went to the storage. She knew that he wasn't there by accident.

“Eliana, this is Azrael. Azrael, this is Eliana, our newest, woke up just today!” Said Gabrielle with almost a proud voice. Azrael stood in front of Eliana and looked down on her and bowed.

“I'm very glad to meet you. It's an honor.” Said Azrael and bowed.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Eliana didn´t know how to respond. She was still in awe and wasn't able to quite figure out what to think of him. He was giving her a good feeling, welcoming and warm, but at the same time she had a feeling like something dangerous, almost life threatening was standing in front of her. She didn't know what to you, her legs wanted to flee yet her heart wanted to hug him. Azrael looked up noticing her confusion and quickly apologized.

“I´m sorry, I know that you are feeling uneasy about me, but I promise you, you have nothing to be afraid of.” He tried to calm her down but it did not help. He felt it and quickly figured out why it was like this. He took a step back to give her some space. She wouldn't be able to trust him for some time, he figured out as much and for a good reason. When a man shatters a woman's soul she will not be able to trust any man in a long time.

“You don't have to be worried Eliana. Azrael is an Angel, he won't hurt you. He is one of Sariel's oldest friends and he actually helped save me. He is truly a kind soul even though he looks all mighty and massive, he is more of a cuddly ram!” Said Gabrielle and laughed.

Azrael shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Eliana. He didn´t know how to approach her and thought that it would probably be best if he didn´t and let her come on her own turf. He reckoned that even if all the girls welcomed him it wasn't enough for this new one to trust him. It would be best not to push it and just stay in some distance and show her that he is no threat by not forcing himself into her world. “So about the fruits…”

“Woooow!” A voice came from the storage and Judith came out of the door. “You really went far for these right?” She said and moved to him. She hugged him closely and whispered a quick “Thank you, they will need it.” in his ear. Azrael smiled. He loved when he could do something so simple and yet it would change the world for this house for quite some time. “He got us all the goods, from figs to apples and cheese.”

“Cheese?!” Asked Sarah and looked at Azrael with sparkles in her eyes.

“You bet, I know that you love it so I made a quick stop in France to get you some!” Said Azrael proudly. Truth is, since he is an Angel he can travel the world without any issues.

Sarah gave him a wide smile and nodded her head in gratitude.

“Wait, an Angel?” asked Eliana and Azrael turned back facing her.

“Like, he is really an Angel. A real angel.” Said Gabrielle with a passion in her voice like if she was revealing the biggest secret of the world to Eliana. “Like those that you see in the church!”

Eliana could not believe it. Gabrielle has to be joking. Angels should have wings and be in white cloth and do not come unless sent by God himself. That much she knew from church. All the stories about Michael and Gabriel and the angels from Sodom and Gomorrah. They are messengers of God, not noblemen buying cheese in France. “If he is an angel, why do I have a feeling that he could end my life in a second? Angels are messengers, but he feels more like a..”

“Soldier.” She did not even finish her words and Azrael responded. “I'm sorry about that. But it is what I´m. I'm a soldier of heaven, that is why you have that feeling. Your instinct tells you to run away from me, it's natural for people that went through something dark. It does take time for it to go away, your soul will have to accept me as a friend.” Said Azrael and looked down to the ground. He really felt sorry for this, but there is nothing he can do about it. When people go through something dark that affects their soul, the soul responds to his presence like if it was scared. It feels impure and is afraid that he could smite it for the impurity. Every soul is like that. Eliana was still in disbelief and he could sense it.

“I felt it too and it took me time to get over it, but it will, don´t worry. Once you will see how nice he is, you will come around, just like all of us.” Said Gabrielle and slapped his back a bit. “So, what are you doing here anyway? I won´t believe that you just stopped by to deliver supplies for us.”

Azrael sat down at the table and the girls gathered around him. “You are right, I was sent here by Michael.”

“Michael? Why would Michael send you here? What does he want?” Asked Catherine with a slight disgust in her tone.

“Well he did not exactly send me here, he doesn't know about this place of course, but he sent me for her.” He flinched his head to the main door. “For Death”.

The girls were listening closely and when he finished his words they started whispering to each other. They were all pretty angry about it since that means that Death will not be able to stay, they did not manage to spend enough time with her in the past and she was always some sort of distant for obvious reason, but Sariel was telling them stories about her and about times he spent with her, how brave she was so she basically became a role model for them. They wanted to get to know her more and of course, find out the truth behind her friendship with Sariel. He always acted differently when she was around.

“But I think that we still have time, so I have decided to stop by you in the first place. I think that those two deserve some time to speak.” Said Azrael and drank from his cup. The water is something he enjoyed very much. Angels don't need to drink or eat since they are feeding on their soul force and when that gets damaged all they need to consume is Mana. But he could feel life in the water. Angels have much more sensitive senses so for him a cup of water tasted like the first breath of life when the soul is born. “Tell me, Eliana, how do you like this place so far? You girls mentioned that she got up today correct? Do you need anything?”

Eliana looked at him. One thing that struck her right away was the fact that she had no problem looking into his eyes. They were green, almost like a color of grass but with black spots. How is it possible that she can look into eyes without any issues but not to Sariel´s? What was it? She felt something on her shoulder, it was Arielles hand for support. She pushed herself into answering, trying to hold up her nerve.

“I´m…I´m good. Still a bit tired and shocked about everything, but good.” Eliana answered.

“What she needs is rest , time and Sariel.” Commanded Arielle.

“You are in the best hands you can be. If you are being taken care of by Arielle and Sariel you will be well very soon. Kings would pay treasures to be treated by these two.” Azrael smiled and took one more sip.

“You bet she will. We are here for her.” Said Gabrielle and Azrael turned around to answer her. The whole table started mumbling with each other, planning things that they will do for Eliana to get better. Gabrielle promised to stay with her and show her every secret of the house, Idit promised to show her the garden and how to take care of it and the plans that she has with it, Sarah promised to give her the best books so she will never be bored and even teach her some ancient languages and secrets. Eliana smiled a bit, she really felt the warmth and care this table resonated with. Maybe she will really be fine and this place will make her heal. Maybe one day she will forget that night and all will be just a bad dream. She remembered that night and something snapped in her, like a crack. She quickly tried to calm herself. Arielle noticed it and placed her hand on her shoulder again. Sudden feeling of calmness rushed through Eliana. She felt better, more rested and clear minded.

“Can I ask you something?” Said Eliana to Azrael. The whole table went silent and Azrael turned around with a surprise on his face.

“Of course, if I will be able to answer.” Azrael got curious, maybe she will be able to come around sooner than others.

Eliana took a deep breath. “Who is Sariel?”

Azrael looked at her in confusion and then to Catherine and others. “She doesn't know?”

Catherine shook her head. “There was no time yet.”

This was not the answer Eliana was looking for, for this did not look good at all. What do they mean there was no time? This man saved her as far as she knew, but is he a good man? Truth is that she decided to stay not so long before when they were outside this place, but she was still unsure if it was a good idea. There were still so many questions unanswered and she needs those answers. Azrael looked back at her, thought carefully about what he was about to say. He could have avoided answering by simply saying that she should wait for him to have time to speak with her, but he felt like this girl was on a breaking point and avoiding this topic could lead to bigger issues.

“He is my friend, my brother in arms and my superior. He is someone I would trust to lead me through the Nine circles of Hell and back. He is the definition of honor, courage and virtue, he is also a pretty funny guy.” Azrael smiled as he got a little bit more comfortable in his chair. “I knew Sariel for my entire life and trust me when I say this, there is no one better to be around, he will keep you safe even if he was to give his life for yours. He would rather die than let something happen to you. He is also the strongest being that I know.”

Eliana got a little bit more calm but there were two things Azrael said that grabbed her attention. Also there was one more thing she needed very fast to be cleared and her gut forced her to almost shout her question out of her mouth. “What is he?”

Azrael smiled in approval. He was impressed. This girl had a wit and perception almost as strong as Sarah. He nodded in approval and looked at Catherine who had a slight smile on her face. Catherine felt really proud even though she knew this girl for a really short time, she was impressed and proud by her perception.

“Well he is not human if that is what you are pointing at.”

“Is he a demon?” Eliana asked and Azrael moved his head back, surprised by this question.

“Why would you think that?” He asked and looked at Eliana in curiosity.

“His eyes.” Eliana looked down to the ground and shook a bit. All the girls were looking at her in confusion except for Catherine and Eva who actually looked at each other. They did not like the direction this conversation was going but curiosity got the better of them. Azrael moved his head slightly to the side showing Eliana that he is about to ask what she means. “Only demons have black eyes, don´t they?”

Complete silence covered the room. Eva and Catherine looked back at each other in surprise and other girls started looking around in complete confusion. They did not know what she meant by “black eyes”. Sariel doesn´t have black eyes so what is this supposed to mean?

Azrael looked in a slight shock at Eliana but decided not to go down the road. This was not his right to nor his place to discuss such matters. “My dear, trust me, Sariel is nothing that you should fear. As I said, he was my superior so what does that mean? He is an Angel and let me tell you, he is THE Angel. There is no one else in the entire existence that I myself, and I think that I can speak for all of the ladies in here, would trust more with my existence. What do you say ladies?”

All of the girls nodded in approval and responded. “He is right. Sariel is the best. He is the reason I´m safe. Thanks to him I´m alive and well!” One after another were saying all of this out loud. Eliana was looking at all of them as they were talking and she kept thinking: “Should I trust them? Am I really safe here? I mean he did save me from that church and if what they are saying is right he healed me..” Then she thought..the scar on her chest was basically completely healed! How?! She got branded with an iron cross and that is something that cannot heal to this point in three days! This is not possible. She saw how bad it was when someone got burned by fire when she was younger and took weeks for the pain to go away if the person had even survived. If he had the power to heal this quickly and to this point he could not be anything but good. Demons have only power to destroy and corrupt, nothing else. Still, what does she have to lose? There was nothing in her life anymore, her house was abandoned, her family passed away not long ago and if the people of her village visited her house they would banish her as a witch anyways. She will try staying here and see what will happen.

Catherine stood up and moved to resupply the water. “Just wait until he speaks to you. You will see that your opinion will change and you will feel more comfortable after that.” Said Catherine. “I was in the same position as you a long time ago and look at me now? I would die for every single person in this room!”

“Aaaaw, I think that I will be blushing!” Said Azrael and smiled.

“Except for you, I would use you as a shield and then sell you for ransom!”

“And here I thought that you finally started to like me.” Said Azrael while laughing. The whole room felt so warm at that moment because everyone started laughing and chatting amongst each other. One girl after another came to Eliana and with a warm smile told her that she has nothing to worry about, that they used to feel the same. Eliana was curious about how they could feel the same? Is this a household of saved outcasts or maidens in distress? She wanted to know more but didn’t want to push it too far. The girls scattered around the house while Catherine, Eliana and Gabrielle stayed with Azrael and spoke for a little longer. “So how is Jerusalem recently?” Asked Catherine.

“Well not good if I'm being honest. The situation with the Christians and Muslims is getting tense. It's almost like these people never listened to the commandments. I’m afraid that it will take one spark and the whole Holy war will start.” Said Azrael and shrugged his shoulders. “And heaven is silent. I don’t know what they are waiting for and to be honest I’m scared a bit because of that. There is no talking amongst angels and Archangels are even worse. The only one I have seen in recent times is Michael and he is just commanding nonsense.”

“Michael? Like the Archangel Michael?” Asked Eliana in shock. So it was all true what they said in the church. They do actually exist? But why is Azrael speaking in such a disrespectful tone? Michael is supposed to be the definition of nobility, courage and all that is good.

“Yes, The Michael. You see once Sariel stopped being my superior I got assigned to Michael, big downgrade if I do say so myself. But hey, I´m just a soldier, if there is some secret plan, I mean there always is some secret plan, I don't have to know. I do wish sometimes that Sariel would return. He was the best, he used to speak to us about everything we were about to do. We knew every single detail so nothing could go sideways on the mission. And he listened to us when we did not agree with either the mission or the plan.” Azrael dreamed for a moment and then snapped out of it when he noticed that all the girls were staring at him and Catherine was giggling at Gabrielle who had the same expression.

“You do realize that we will tell him that you said that?” Said Catherine and held back the laughter.

“Oh no. Please don´t, that would be a disaster! Name your price!” Azrael panicked a bit. If this gets to Sariel he will never stop making fun of him.

“Eliana, name our price. What is it that will make us keep this secret amongst us?"said Gabrielle and turned her head upwards in pride. She loved this moment. Messing with Azrael like this was the best feeling ever.

Eliana caught up to the game and started thinking about something. What could it be that even an Angel would have a hard time getting? “How about Manna from heaven? Michaels flaming sword? Or the shoes of Raphael?!” She said with a loud voice and looked at Azrael. His face expression made the girls burst out in laughter, his mouth was wide open in shock. “You girls hate me or what is this? Flaming sword of Michael, this is not something that is just laying around the heaven for me to shove it up my ass and walk out!”

The room exploded in laughter. Even Azrael laughed so hard that he could barely gasp for breath. “Tsk” He hissed through his mouth. “What is it?” Asked Eliana. “Now he definitely knows I'm here, I´ve tried to keep myself hidden from him.” Said Azrael and laid back in his chair placing his hands on the back of his head. “But how can he know? He is out there on the lake with Death, he can´t hear us, we are not that loud.”

All three of them smiled and looked at each other. “Oh he knows and honestly if you think that he didn't know the moment you came here you forgot who you are playing these games with.” Said Catherine. “Don't spoil the fun for me. I’ll have you know that my skill has improved since the last time!” Azrael looked at her proudly. But she was right, no matter how much he tried he could never beat Sariel, it would take a big amount of dark magic to hide a soul from him.

“I'm so confused. I think that this is way beyond my understanding of the world.” Said Eliana and shook her head.

“You have every right to be. I can imagine. Sitting in front of an Angel that just magically popped out of the storage room like an egg from the shell. Plus you are here amongst strangers that you have never met, who are still trying to convince you that you can trust them. We all were when we were in the same position as you are now. It will get easier and you will understand but it takes time.” Said Catherine, got up and sat next to her. “I know that this is not the best start for you, but just wait until he finishes his chat with Death and he will explain everything, I promise.”

Eliana nodded in understanding and tried to stop thinking about everything. After all, her head felt like it was about to explode from everything that she had to process so far. She turned her eyes back at Azrael and decided that she would take a better look at him. But as luck would have it, he noticed and looked straight into her eyes, like if he was searching for something, prodding her mind almost. “Is there something wrong?” She asked.

Azrael quickly snapped out of his thought and, in an embarrassment, looked away. “What are you looking for huh?” Said Catherine who, like always, noticed every single move that everyone made.

“Nothing!” Said Azrael and his face turned the same crimson color as his hair. “Why would you think that I’m looking for something?”

“Because, I can see you. Plus I can see Eva basically probing your skull because she is sensing something from you!” Catherine smiled because she got him! Oh, what a pleasure, winning over an Angel.

“Ok, ok, don´t rip your face with that grin of yours.” Said Azrael and made a grimace. “Sorry, I could not help myself. With what little I know about healing a soul I wanted to see for myself. Sorry Eliana, I did not mean…”

“Umm, I don't even know that you did something so I'm not offended.” Said Eliana “But I think that Eva is the one you should be apologizing to by the looks of it..”

Azrael´s face got stuck. He closed his eyes for several seconds, as if he was listening to something. Then his eyes opened widely and he slowly, almost step by step looked at Eva with a cracked smile on his face. “Eh-heh. Come on Eva, I did mean no disrespect. I was just curious, I promise!” Azrael slammed his hand into a praying position and tried his puppy eyes on Eva. It did not work into full effect but it cracked a smile on her face which Azrael quickly used “Oh dear lord, ok, how about some honey next time I´m here? Or something else?”

Eva looked with intrigue at him and said: “I think that there are some things I could use that would persuade me into forgiveness. Let's say some Chamomile, Rosemary and Belladonna.”

“Deadly Nightshade? What are you planning to do with that?” Azrael gulped and looked at her in shock. “Uh, but why am I even asking. You have your reasons for sure, it's a deal then. I will try to get them as soon as possible.”

“Good, then I might forgive you for doubting us and Sariel.” Eva smiled victoriously, looked at Catherine and winked. Catherine loved this moment, they got him.

“Sometimes I even wonder if you ladies actually hate me.” Said Azrael with a sad face and looked to the ceiling. “I think that I will give him a few more minutes with Death, Michael will be furious as always anyway. Can I get a little bit more water please?” Gabrielle poured him another cup of water and smiled at her in thanks. “I almost forgot, holy, how could I forget. Sarah, I brought something for you!”

“For me?” Sarah was in shock. “Don´t tell me that you have another cheese in your pocket!”

Azrael laughed. “No, but I got you something special, I can say that I will definitely get in trouble for this if they find out that I snatched it in Heaven, but I saw it and thought that you would love that!” He put his hand under his cloak and pulled out a book with a strange marking on the case and a lock. Sarah´s eyes watered and her face turned completely red.

“Is that what I think it is?!” She almost shouted and tears poured from her eyes straight away. The last time she felt this hunger and excitement for knowledge was when Sariel and her sat for a week and he taught her about the power of a Moon magic, the radiance of Stars and which ones to summon and everything about demons and evil entities. She rushed to Azrael and hugged him. “This is an amazing gift, thank you!”

Azrael smiled and gave her the book. “How to open it you have to figure out yourself, I could not.”

“No worries, I will get it open in no time.” Said Sarah and held the book closely to her chest. Then she looked back at it, studying it. The cover was an unknown metal, something like Opal she said to herself, the lock was in the shape of a Pentagram so a standard lock she moved her fingers across the lock and felt something, markings. Something was written inside the lock but it was not meant to be seen by eyes but only by touch. She grinned in excitement.

“So this was your trump card huh? You knew that you would get into trouble and kept something like this if it happened?” Said Catherine and crossed her arms. Azrael shrugged his shoulders and bit his lip. “Smart move. What is that book anyway?” Sarah kept studying the book not even noticing the question. “Sarah?” Catherine asked again, no response. “Sarah?!” She asked once more with a louder tone.

“Yes? Oh yes sorry. Now this is something very special, something Sariel wished he could show me when we discussed exorcism. This is Sefer Raziel! Book by Raziel! It contains both books, those books that he gave to Adam and Noah, only this one is uncensored! In this one he does not hide any knowledge! Azrael, how did you even get this? I figured it would be under tight lock?!”

“It was in Uriel's private library. You would be surprised how easy it was to get there. Sariel once showed me how to get in, you would be surprised how stupidly easy are the keywords for magical doors in Heaven.” Said Azrael with a smile. “I don't even think that Uriel is going to notice, even though he is a collector, once he memorizes the books he just puts it up on a shelf and leaves it there. Sariel once mentioned this book and that there should be a copy somewhere in the west but when he got to the copy he found out that it was just a myth. This is the only one, but please, don't make a copy. I don't think that this knowledge should be widely spread across the world.” He said with a slight fear in his voice. He knew some bits and pieces about the content, but nothing specific, still he did not want humanity to know the aspect of how to summon an angel to do divine favors.

“No worries, it will be safe with me. We have to be cautious though. I will have to take a look at this with Sariel if there are no magical locks that could alert Raziel or Uriel if we tried to open it. That would be really bad, or to summon a Spectral Guardian!” Said Sarah and made a worrying face. Azrael nodded.

“Well, that would be my time ladies. I think that I will have to gather myself and go get Death.” Azrael got up and smiled at everyone. Girls got up as well and gave him their goodbye, one after another. The last one was Gabrielle who Azrael hugged most tightly. “I´m sorry Gabi that I cannot stay longer for a better chat but I promise I will stop by as soon as possible alright?”

“You better, I can't wait for more stories about heaven!” Said Gabrielle and closed her eyes, it was to her like if she was giving her goodbye to the truest love. She held back a tear and gave him a big smiley goodbye, suddenly she could not help herself and kissed him on the cheek. Quickly in embarrassment took a step back. Azrael's face lit in crimson again and his face widened in shock. All of the girls were constantly switching their looks, to Gabrielle, back to Azrael, back to Gabrielle.

Azrael did not know how to respond but he knew that he did not want to be an object of observation any longer and if he stayed it could lead to a very uncomfortable conversation. “Well ladies, it was a pleasure seeing you again and thank you for the refreshments.”

“Thank you for stopping by and for the supplies Azrael, come again soon alright?” Said Catherine and instructed everyone with her hands to give him some space. Azrael took a few steps back and did something that put Eliana in a state of shock and surprise. He straightened up and from his back spread out a pair of crimson angelic wings. Their redness was shining across the whole room with a bloody color. Eliana could not believe it, she never saw something this beautiful and majestic. Catherine placed her arm on her shoulder. “Squint your eyes.” She said with a smile.

Eliana did what she said and immediately knew for what reason. Azrael folded his wings around the front of his body and with a bright red light he was gone. Disappeared without a trace. “What in God's name…” Said Eliana with an open mouth and a state of utter disbelief.

“Well that's how he comes and goes. Alright ladies, let's treat ourselves to some of those goodies he brought. I think that I will even get some cheese!” Said Catherine and in a swift move ran to the storage room.

“He? Now hold up! Leave some for me!” Shouted Sarah and rushed in her steps, book still in hand.

Eliana smiled. Maybe the time here will be actually pleasant, maybe after all, she could lower her guard and calm down. “Yes, I think that this will be ok.” She said to herself in her mind and went to help with the preparations.