We stood before the Queen, with Beleth at our side, as she said the ancient words to induct us into the Court and bring Ana into her powers.
The Queen flew down from her throne after the words were spoken and used a ceremonial knife to cut her wrist. She took a dab of the blood and dotted Ana's forehead with it, then held the knife to Ana. "You must taste of it, child."
Without hesitation, Ana flicked her little tongue over the knife.
She began to glow a golden hue and she squealed as small light-filled wings of gold sprouted from her back.
With a flick of her wings, she hovered in the air above Sam's hands. "I can fly, Daddy!"
We all looked on in awe.
"You sure can, honey."
We stepped to the side, watching Ana practice with her new wings, as Ryder stepped forward. He was chained. Today would determine his fate.
"Ryder, you broke your oath as Emzara. How do you plead?" the Queen asked.
Derek stepped forward. "Your Majesty, before you sentence Ryder, I'd like to plead for mercy on his behalf."
She turned her head to Derek. "I must admit, I was not expecting this. Did you not once not so long ago try to destroy this man for nearly killing your friend?"
Derek nodded curtly. "That's true. But people change. He's changed. And so have I. He's no threat to Nephilim. He was tortured, betrayed, used by the church and by you. He deserves to find his own path in life now."
I hated Ryder for attacking me, for nearly killing me. But because of him I was able to reunite with my father and claim my true powers. And he did help save me from the Stone Prison and he helped to defeat Talon. All of this ran through my mind, but I knew what I had to do. I stepped forward to stand next to Derek, with Sam at my side. "I support this petition," I said. After all, everyone deserved a second chance. I'd made my share of shitty decisions once upon a time.
Sam nodded. "As do I."
The Queen studied the faces around her. "Does The Gray Watcher have a thought on this matter before I decide?"
Rose stepped forward and waved a hand, releasing a golden light around Ryder. "His heart is pure. He is not the man he was. I vote to release him and allow him to repair the damage he's caused to others."
"Very well," the Queen said. "Ryder, if you vow to cause no harm to Nephilim, you are free to go and find your own path in this life."
Ryder bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
We were all ready to leave Italy and return home. War, starvation, torture… it can take it out of you.
We arrived home to Elysium decked out in Christmas decorations. Ana's new wings were a hit amongst the students, and that helped pull focus off of what had happened with the rest of us.
Professor Shaw and Brad came out to greet us and I hugged them both. "I haven't seen you two in ages," I said.
I missed my best friend.
"World travel, man. We're getting so many amazing stories," Brad said. "But it sounds like you've had quite the journey yourself."
I let my wings unfurl and they both sucked in their breath. "You could say that."
Sam came up beside me, holding Ana. "Hi, guys! It's so good to see you!"
Professor Shaw hugged Sam and held Ana while she tugged at his glasses. Brad just stared at the three of us. "So all three of you are, like, angels?"
"Nephilim," I said, "but, basically, yeah."
"Your life is intense," he said laughing.
We walked into the mansion and made tea while we talked around the old wooden table in the kitchen. "What are your plans?" I asked. "You’ll be sticking around awhile, I hope?"
Brad shook his head. "We're starting a new show. Taking Brad's Blog live. Professor Shaw is one of the producers."
"That's great!" Sam said. "I'm so happy for both of you."
"When are you leaving?" I asked.
"In a few days," Professor Shaw said. "We figured we'd stay for the big Christmas party the kids have been planning and then leave right after."
"You know this is always your home whenever you need a break," I reminded them.
Toby and Serena came skidding into the kitchen, Serena's large white cat, Angel, at their heels.
"Drake! Yo! You're back." Toby hugged me and I hugged him back.
"Hey, buddy, how's it going? You staying out of trouble?" I asked.
"You know it, dude. Serena's been teaching me to do more with my powers. It's wicked."
We all laughed. "Great. I'm not sure we can handle you doing more with your powers, but I'm glad you're making friends."
Serena smiled shyly. "He's helped me with some of my fighting too. I think it's helping. Derek would be happy."
"I'm sure he'll be really proud of you," Sam said.
"I think these two are falling for each other," Sam said to my mind.
"Young love. Serena's good for him. Let's hope he's good for her too."
"She's been lonely for a long time, since her parents died. So had he. I think they are good for each other."
I smiled as I looked around at my closest friends. My family. We'd made a beautiful life here for ourselves and our child. I put an arm around Sam and pulled Ana onto my lap as she munched on a cookie Professor Shaw snuck her.
Family.
THIRTY FIVE
Your Voices
ROSE