Page 407 of Castings & Curses

There was a sense of surprise in her voice, but not an unwelcome one.

"No one had seen you for a while after the battle, so I wanted to ensure you were both alright," he said.

"We are," she replied in a softer tone of voice. "We were so tired after the battle, we fell asleep. How are you and Gabriel faring?"

"Much better. Thank you," he replied.

I thought it was time I joined the conversation. I walked out through the doorway and approached Aurelia where she stood talking to Raphael, who was just outside the door.

"Melinda," he said, smiling at me as I joined Aurelia there.

Aurelia opened the door further and invited Raphael in. It only occurred to me then that I was the reason she hadn't before. Maybe she didn't know whether I wanted to make my presence known or not.

"Ah, I had a feeling you were here."

He was an archangel. I'd have been surprised if he couldn't sense I was here, but it was polite of him to phrase it the way he did.

"Aurelia made me feel welcome here."

"That's because you are, Melinda," she said, giving me a fond smile. "Raphael, has there been any word of the person pursuing us when we flew up to heaven? It can't have been Joanne."

"I'm afraid not," he replied. "We'll do what we can to track down any other responsible parties. You should know, you've both received commendations for your bravery. Gabriel and I might not be here now if it weren't for you both."

"Thank you, Raphael," I replied.

Even though he'd been investigating me, I felt a lot of warmth for the archangel, and I wished the best for him, just as I sensed he did for us.

"There's no hurry to resume your duties…" he told me.

"I think I'm going to be the goddess Melinda for a while, and not muse Melinda, if you understand my meaning. I need some time, Raphael, and a chance to be myself again. It's the only way I'll know what I really want to do."

"It's alright," he replied. "Just talk to the ranking archangels in the Great Hall of Light when you're ready. After what you've done here tonight, I wouldn't expect anyone to be less than understanding."

"Thank you so much," I said, beaming with appreciation. "I know that without both of you we wouldn't have succeeded."

"Indeed. It was a group effort," Aurelia replied.

"I'll head off and give you two some time together." Raphael's hint of a smile told us that he knew we were more than friends.

He didn't say anything else — but then, he didn't have to.

Aurelia closed the door after he'd gone, and she embraced me there on the spot.

"Mmm, it's so good to hold you again," I said as I rested my head against her shoulder.

I felt safe in her arms, and as I held her, I knew I wanted her to feel the same way.

Her lips found mine, and I drew her closer as we kissed. Aurelia felt amazing against me, but more than that, I was so glad she was here, and alive, and that I was too.

Things could've gone differently, but they didn't. I pushed that thought aside as Aurelia kissed my throat, and I caressed a hand down over her back.

Trading knowing smiles, we returned to her bed, hand in hand. We left all of our clothes on the floor before slipping under the covers together.

We spent most of the day there in bed, making love and talking, and just relaxing together. It was wonderful. I was surprised no one else came by to disturb us. Perhaps Raphael had made it clear that we needed some time alone to 'recuperate.'

AURELIA

Once Melinda had leftheaven and moved semi-permanently to a room at Enchant, my life returned to a steady rhythm of work and rest, with frequent visits to see my lady love.

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