Page 13 of The Redeemable 4

Can Adnan be moved? Teleported or phased or whatever it is you guys do, back to the US? The guys will care for them, Eli will make sure Adnan gets the proper aftercare.

Raphael smiled. “I hope Acerezeal is successful in the quest to return you to your body. The world needs more of you. I will arrange it, the proper legal way. If you are sure?”

He needn’t have asked. The Seven would do anything for her, and despite their gruff ways, they were softies too. Except Oz. He didn’t even try to hide his gooey center. They’d love the boys and help them heal.

I had my own healing to do first. “If you can’t help us, do you know of any way we can get Arcadia back to where she belongs?”

Raphael was silent for a long moment, and the noise momentarily quieted. It felt like Aleppo was holding its breath, waiting for the answer too.

“There are rumors of rituals that can temporarily move a soul from one body to another, but I do not know of anything permanent. The Father can do it of course, as can Michael. Gabriel will not, he is even more steadfast to God's word than I am. He disapproves of my actions here.” A tiny quirk of his brow said volumes about Raphael’s thoughts on that. “Uriel might be able to, but he would not do so easily.”

I rolled my eyes. Uriel was an asshole. He was like Azriel, but worse. He’d been promoted when Lucifer fell, and he had a chip on his shoulder about being the booby prize ever since.

“You know I can’t go to Michael.”

Raphael nodded sadly. I could tell the rift in angelkind hurt the Archangel, but it was what it was. The universe needed balance. It needed the believers and the non-believers. It needs Angels and Demons. Those that follow and those that question.

“Thanks, Raphael. If you need help with any of this,” I waved a hand around the room, with its overpowering stench of blood and antiseptic, “you only have to ask. We will come, won’t we Memphis?” I looked at my compatriot, this dark demon of German folklore, who was staring at two small orphans and bubbling with contained rage at the fate that befell them because of greed for power. I knew that's what he was thinking, because that consuming need for vengeance burned in me too.

“Of course.”

“The irony of our circumstances is not lost on me, Acerezeal. The people of this city pray daily, but it is the Devils who offer to save them. Thank you for your offer, I will keep it in mind, but for now this is my burden to bare.” He stood and began wiping down the table.

Memphis and I took our leave, waiting until we were in the bombed out building above to sift back to the landing room in Hell.

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