Keeper of Crows (Keeper of Crows #1)(61)

He smiled. “I understand.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s on Earth at the moment.”

“You found him?” I asked, tears welling in my eyes. What I wouldn’t give to see him, to hear his voice.

“I did. Somehow, he managed to escape Heaven.” When he saw my look of confusion, he added, “With no wings, he came to Earth and was searching for a way to get to you. He was coming for you.”

Tears flooded my eyes.

“Can I negotiate one more thing?” I asked.

Gabriel inclined his head. “You can ask, although I can’t guarantee that your request will be granted.”

“I want to see him. Just for a few minutes. If they let me see him, I’ll agree. I’ll do it.”

Gabriel swallowed thickly. “Are you sure, Carmen? You could go home now and not agree to any of it. Is he worth this?”

“He’s worth everything!” I cried. “Ask them. Please.”

He looked above, relaying my request. When his mouth pursed into a straight line, I knew they weren’t going to let me see him. Anger, red-hot and fiery, rushed through my body.

“I’ll tear the veil. I’ll rip it to fucking shreds! I just want to see him for a few minutes! Just for a few minutes, and then I’ll take the deal. I’ll manage this place and then live my life on Earth. I promise, I’ll do as they ask. I just want to see him.”

“Heaven doesn’t appreciate threats, Carmen,” he said with a smile. “But they have certainly responded. I’ll be back soon.”

“With him?” I shrieked as he ascended the steps again. Gabriel turned and winked as he disappeared.

I wrung my hands, picturing Gabriel’s neck between them. Was he going to get Michael? I just wanted to see him, touch him one last time, before I couldn’t. Before time and distance kept us apart. Archangels were fast. Gabriel was back in seconds, and Michael jogged down those steps, easing around Gabriel. When he saw me, he ran. So did I, and we collided, his arms wrapping around me and mine around him, touching, feeling, memorizing. My tears wet his cheeks as he kissed me.

“My God. You’re okay. You…” He felt all of me, hands searching for damage. “You fought Lucifer?” his voice broke on the name.

“I’m going to miss you so much!” I cried, kissing his neck, his mouth, and his cheeks. His stubble raked beneath my fingernails.

Gabriel cleared his throat, looking anywhere but at the pair of us.

“I love you,” he said breathily.

“I love you,” I cried.

“It’s time,” interrupted Gabriel. “I’m sorry.”

I held him tightly. “No! Please.” Please don’t leave me. Don’t take him away. Don’t…

“I’m sorry,” Gabriel said, and meant it. It was written on his normally steely features.

“Michael? Wait for me,” I pleaded, kissing him one last time.

He ended the kiss and pulled away, his cheeks glistening with my tears and his; a mixture of excruciating sadness and hope. “I will wait for you. No matter what.”

“No matter what.” I kissed him again tenderly.

“We have to go,” Gabriel instructed as he walked up one of the steps.

“No,” I whimpered as Michael pulled away from me and took his friend’s hand.

“It won’t be long,” Michael comforted me. “Be strong, Carmen. It’s what you’re best at.”

His eyes roiled, every color of the rainbow bursting through his irises as he left me in Purgatory and ascended to I didn’t know where. My heart splintered, its fragments bursting violently apart.

Gabriel returned, descending the steps alone, and folded me in his arms. I sobbed on his chest until he, too, pulled away. “I’ve been assigned somewhere else. Remember, you just have to get through this; get through your time here. Make Purgatory what it was meant to be. Don’t let the darkness seep in. Don’t lose yourself to this place, Carmen. Remember who you are and why you’re doing this. In the darkness, remember the light.”

“All I see is gray,” I blubbered, giving Pamela a run for her money.

“When you leave this place, nothing will make sense. Just remember him. Remember Michael. He’ll be waiting for you on the other side.”

“Will I see you again?”

He shook his head. “Not until the time of your bargain is up.”

That made me cry harder. With Michael I had love, and with Gabriel, friendship. Now I was losing both and would have nothing.

“You’ll always have my friendship,” Gabriel answered my thoughts. “I’ve learned so much from you, Carmen. Love isn’t contingent upon time or distance; it exists because it has to. Just remember that love – the love of a friend, the love of your soul mate. No matter what anyone says, remember…”

I handed the sword of Lucifer to him. “I will make sure it is kept safe.” He accepted the blade, and with an inclination of his head, he was gone.

I was alone, save for the crows and souls below.

MICHAEL

Leaving her was the hardest thing I’d ever done. I wanted to kill everyone and everything that stood between me and her, starting with Gabriel. When he came for me, I was surprised, but the look on his face wasn’t angry. It was filled with pity. He understood…finally.