Page 71 of Wicked Angel
“What—” I stammered, turning to find Levi and Aspen stepping through the portal behind me, both wearing matching expressions of satisfaction. “You knew about this?”
“Of course I knew,” Levi said, slipping his arm around my waist. “Did you really think I'd let your birthday pass without a proper celebration?”
Farrah rushed forward, enveloping me in a tight hug. “Happy birthday, Ariella! Did we surprise you?”
“Completely,” I admitted, still stunned. “How did you all manage this?”
“It wasn't easy, keeping a secret from an archangel,” Wyatt said, joining us with a grin. “But Levi was very persuasive.”
I looked around, taking in the faces of everyone who had gathered to celebrate with me. Erin and Rey stood with Doreen and Andre near one of the food tables, raising their glasses in my direction. Rage was deep in conversation with Jasmin and Tanner, who had actually left the underworld for this occasion. Almae, Keeran, and Luana formed a small group with Aspen and Boise, while Hazel, Sean, Britta, Anna, and Shade had claimed a corner for themselves.
Shane and Raika were there with their pack—Minsi, Tyren, Lucille, Dom, and Anne—all looking slightly out of place but happy to be included. Twyla and Daleigh had made the journey from the Frost Court, standing close to Farrah and Wyatt.
And of course, Lacey, Abbie, Maggie, Gwen, and Trent, all beaming at me from near the center of the room. They had become like family to me during my time at the Great Eternity Hall, and seeing them here, in this place where I had been at my most vulnerable, felt particularly poignant.
My mother, Adriel, and Ezekiel stood by them, smiling wide and seemingly having a good time.
To my surprise, even Adona was there, having slipped through the portal while I was distracted. She stood with several members of the Lost Legion, including Kadriel and Tarek, looking far more relaxed than I had ever seen her in Elysium.
“You were in on this too?” I asked her, unable to keep the wonder from my voice.
She smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression. “Of course. Did you think I would miss celebrating one of my archangels? Especially when she has done so much for Elysium?”
“But the mission?—”
“Was to get you here without suspicion,” she finished, looking rather pleased with herself. “And it worked perfectly.”
“Drake and Thea send their regrets,” Levi told me, leading me further into the party. “The lockdown at DuMoir Castle is still in effect while they deal with Sarki. But Lavinia, Killian, and Zadkiel sent messages.”
He handed me a small stack of cards, each containing birthday wishes from friends who couldn't be there in person. I felt my throat tighten with emotion as I read their words—so many people who cared, who had become part of my life through the strangest of circumstances.
“I don't know what to say,” I admitted, looking around at the gathering. “This is incredible.”
“You don't have to say anything,” Lacey said, joining us with a glass of champagne that she pressed into my hand. “Just enjoy it. You deserve it, Ariella.”
Music started playing—a young demon hunter had set up as DJ in one corner, mixing songs that ranged from upbeat pop to slower, more romantic melodies. The lights dimmed slightly, creating a proper party atmosphere, and people began to move toward an open area that had been designated as a dance floor.
I sipped my champagne, still trying to process the fact that all these people had gathered just for me. Two years ago, I had been alone on Earth, a fallen angel with no wings and no hope of returning home. Now, I stood surrounded by friends from across realms, with a position of respect in Elysium and a mate who had defied every convention to be with me.
“You're thinking too much again, sweetheart,” Levi murmured in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “I can practically hear the gears turning.”
I laughed, turning to face him. “Can you blame me? This is a lot.”
“Too much?” He looked concerned for a moment, his brow furrowing.
“No,” I said quickly, reaching up to smooth the worry from his face. “No, it's perfect. I'm just not used to being the center of attention like this.”
“Well, get used to it, sweetheart,” he said with a smirk. “Because as long as I'm around, you're never going to be forgotten or overlooked again.”
My heart swelled with a sudden rush of emotion, and I had to blink back tears. “Thank you, Levi. For all of this. For everything.”
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “Happy birthday, Ariella.”
The night unfolded in a blur of laughter, dancing, and conversation. I moved from group to group, catching up with friends I hadn't seen in weeks or months, sharing stories of our adventures and plans for the future. Despite the lingering threat of Sarki and the ongoing work of rebuilding Elysium, there was a sense of genuine joy in the air—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there were moments worth celebrating.
I danced with everyone who asked—Wyatt, who moved with surprising grace for such a big man; Shane, who stepped on my toes twice and apologized profusely; Rage, who proved to be an unexpectedly skilled dancer; and even Adona herself, who moved with the ethereal elegance that only the oldest angels possessed.
But my favorite dance was with my mother, who held me close and whispered, “I'm so proud of you, Ariella. Your father would be too.”
