Page 79 of Wings of Strife
I blanch. “They’re aware? The Archangels, I mean.”
He nods. “I read the note myself. They’re planning for war.”
“Against the demons or the Fallen?” Hayliel’s voice trembles, and I know his answer has the power to shift her entire world.
He looks away, unable to meet our eyes. “For anyone who stands against them.”
If they’re talking about an all out war, things are way bigger than we expected and happening on levels we never even could have imagined.
My slate pings and Raduriel says, “I’ve just shared the rune weaver’s contact details with you, and I also let her know she’d be hearing from my brother. I know you might not trust me right now, but I’d like to be kept in the loop and assist however I can with what you’re planning.”
“We’ll have to talk with the others first to make sure they’re on board, but I’d like that,” Hayliel says, and I realize that as much as I thought I’d hate the idea, I don’t. My brother has been more helpful in the last half an hour than he has in over a decade.
I don’t think anyone will disagree with him helping, especially not once we get him to the cave and test his intentions.
We got what we wanted in coming here. The rune weaver. We still have to convince her to help us, or at least fund the clothes, but that won’t be a problem. I just have to hope Theo and Castiel had as good of luck as we did.
Raduriel shifts to face me, his expression solemn. “I’ve been open and honest with you both today because I trust you.” He turns to Hayliel, a small smile lifting his lips, “And your outburst at dinner was glorious and long overdue. It put a lot of things into perspective for me, so thank you for doing what the rest of us should have. Raphael, I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you like I should have. It shouldn’t have taken her speech for me to realize how shitty I’ve been, but I hope you’ll let me make it up to you.”
His words cause a crack to form in my carefully built walls. I’ve waited years for him to have this revelation, and I honestly thought it was past the point of any reconciliation. Yet I can’t ignore the blooming hope cautiously spreading through the seams. On the outside, I keep my expression neutral despite the war raging inside me.
“That said,” he continues, “I’d appreciate if what we discussed today didn’t leave this room, or at least doesn’t go beyond the trusted friends you mentioned.”
The space between us fills with a pregnant pause charged with possibilities for the future. One not filled with the constant pain and betrayal of having my only sibling turn their back on me, and instead stand at my side.
With a nod to my brother, I say, “You have our word.”
34
Raphael brought me back to his room after his brother left. With the bomb he’d just dropped, neither of us wanted to just sit around and do nothing.
A war.
Have things gotten that bad already? In truth, the war against demons is long past due, but the Fallen? Even after all the things I’ve witnessed from Roderick, I wouldn’t wage war on them. Growing up with Fallen parents, I knew they were unhappy with the way of the world, but I never could have imagined this happening.
Raphael calls the rune weaver, who surprisingly answers on the second ring, despite it being a Friday evening. While they hash over the details of our rune-stitched clothing, I test outthe long distance connection with my parents to see how they’re doing.
The possibility of an attack on the Fallen, especially those who are innocent like my parents, makes me physically ill. But the Archangels are smart. They’re our rulers for a reason. I doubt they’ll go into any situation without all the details and a foolproof plan to protect those who’ve done nothing.
They didn’t win a war against God, or survive as rulers for this long, without the brains to show for it.
I don’t expect to reach my parents. Not on a random Friday night without prior warning, but they must have been practicing hard because Mom answers almost immediately.
All good! Baking as always. You okay?
I smile as her choppy words fill my head.All good here. Proud of your progress, Mom. Love you.
Love you, Haylie-bear.
I’m relieved just knowing they’re alright. War will take time, and we’ll use every second to figure out a way to keep my parents as far from it as possible.
A thought strikes me so suddenly, I’m a fool that I didn’t think of it sooner. I should give my protection amulet to them. It’s only one, but it’s better than nothing, and as a Seraphim, I’m far more protected than they are already. I could never choose which of them would get it, and I already know how it would play out. Dad would refuse to wear it and insist that Mom use it. Even if they made a schedule, he’d find some way to get it around her neck. Maybe Zeke or Mira could steal me another one?
Fuck. I need to get better at thinking ahead.
I check my slate and see a few missed messages in the group chat.
Theo: How was family dinner? Was Raduriel helpful? Hoping we can talk soon.
