Page 150 of Grave Revelations

“I can’t let you give up the fight for me,” Rebecca said. Her eyes misted again, and she wiped the tears away.

Gabriel retraced his steps, wrapping his arms around her once more. “Nothing matters to me more than you.”

She nodded, swallowing. Her racing thoughts told him more than her words had, though. She was terrified for the humans, her friends, and the fate of the Earth. Guilt coated every thought; she would never forgive herself if she were the reason evil had won.

Light, look at me.

She looked up, eyes meeting his.

Whatever happens won’t be your fault.

She sniffled, tears streaking down her face.Selfish. Always been selfish. They’ll die.

You’re not selfish. I am.

“I can’t,” she said aloud. “I thought I could, but I can’t ask you to stay while all your siblings fight. You have to go.”

Chapter 101

Gabriel

Gabriel leaned forward, letting his lips rest gently against Rebecca’s as he squeezed his eyes shut.

He wanted nothing more than to bring her back to his room and keep her there forever, but if they lost, she would blame herself, and some desperate part of him wanted to be the one to end it, to know he’d saved her.

He lifted his lips, opened his eyes, and drank her in one more time.

“I’ll end this and return quickly.” His grip loosened on her, and he raised a hand, running his fingers through her curls before turning.

“Wait.”

He twisted back to her.

“You promised me we would bond when I reached Alaxia,” she said. “I don’t want to let you go again, never having had the chance to complete our bond.”

Warmth raced through him, chased by a nervous thrill. He had waited millennia for this day, and it had arrived on the heels of the revelation. He scanned the empty distance.

“There is no one to bear witness.”

“Who’s that?”

He spun, and a wide grin broke over his face upon spying Aniel. “That’s my brother.”

Aniel reached them, clasping arms with Gabriel. He faced Rebecca and dipped his chin.

“Hello,” she said, looking hesitantly at Gabriel.

He doesn’t speak, Light.

Oh.

Aniel held out his hand.

Rebecca took it, following him to the ancient ash tree beside the gates. She stopped under its sweeping boughs, glancing up.

Now what?

Gabriel met her, turning to face her.We clasp hands.

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