Page 56 of Raphael
“I would do anything forher,” I reply sternly, clarifying my allegiance.
Lucifer’s smile widens as he looks back at Helena. “My dear, you make me so proud. Awakening your dormant powers and becoming such a formidable demoness!”
Helena’s blush deepens at his praise. “I had the best motivation to grow stronger,” she admits, slipping her hand into mine and gazing up at me with adoration.
“Well then,” Lucifer says jovially, lifting his drink in a toast. “Let’s not be strangers, shall we? Plenty of revelry to go around!” And just like that, he disappears back into the lively crowd.
“He’s right. Come on, let’s celebrate!” Helena’s voice is bubbly as she grabs my hand and leads me to the dance floor. Music pulses all around us as we weave through groups where the laughter from angels mixes with the wild energy of dancing devils.
We greet friends along the way, indulging in the delicious spread of food and drink. And then I see him—my brother Michael, with his arm wrapped possessively around his witchy love, Amanda.
“Helena, there’s someone I want you to meet,” Michael says, his gaze shifting to the blonde bombshell to his right. She’s stunning in a little black dress, sheer gauze sleeves barely revealing the wiccan tattoos that cover her arms. Michael introduces the ladies, beaming with pride as Helena and Amanda chat and good-naturedly tease us archangel brothers.
Just then, our sister Gabrielle joins us. “There you are!” She gives Helena and Amanda quick hugs before turning to me and Michael with a sly smile. “You’re both lucky angels to have snatched these amazing women. Love is in the air tonight!”
I feel my stomach twist with anxiety as I scan the room for the last of my brothers, but he’s nowhere in sight. “Speaking of angels, has anyone seen Uriel?” I ask, my voice filled with curiosity.
Michael and Gabrielle exchange a look, both shrugging. “He said he couldn’t make it,” Michael replies offhandedly.
“Well, it seems our brother has been quite smitten with a special someone lately,” Gabrielle reveals, eyes glinting knowingly.
“Uriel? No way!” I gasp, shocked at the news. As the guardian of chastity, I never would have expected him to find romantic love. But I’m happy for Uriel.
“Everyone deserves their happily ever after,” Gaby chants as the music swells in the background. “Now, off you go, you two! Enjoy your party!”
I pull Helena into my arms and we sway to the music, my dark eyes locking onto hers as I whisper meaningfully, “This is just the beginning of our beautiful love story.”
Helena gazes up at me tenderly. “To think such joy was possible, even after everything...” Her words trail off, wonder in her voice.
I know she’s thinking of the shadows we’ve both overcome. “I can’t believe it sometimes either,” I reply, spinning her gently. “Angels and demons coming together, finding peace... for now, at least.”
As I dip Helena, she laughs. “How is this even possible?”
I pull her close again, our faces inches apart. “For you, my love, I would move mountains.” A smirk plays on my lips as I inch closer, and my mouth finally meets hers in the sweetest kiss.
No truer words have ever left my lips. With Helena by my side, even the heavens don’t seem so far away.
“I love you Raphael,” Helena replies as we part briefly, placing her hand in mine. I draw her close against me, our bodies swaying in effortless unison to the music. Helena’s head comes to rest against my shoulder, her silken hair brushing my jaw. I breathe in her intoxicating scent, losing myself in the feel of her in my arms. The rest of the world falls away.
As the song winds down, I lean close to her ear, my heart swelling with emotion. “Move in with me,” I murmur, my voice shaking in anticipation. After this blissful evening, I can’t fathom us ever being apart again.
Helena pulls back to meet my gaze, surprise and delight lighting her exquisite face. “I want nothing more,” she whispers, her eyes sparkling with fathomless love. And she seals it with a deep, passionate kiss that steals my very breath away.
Our life together has truly begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
