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I felt like lead now, like all the power inside me was gone, even my own grace.
“She needs to rest,” Gabriel stated as he stepped into view. I struggled to look at him as my vision blurred and my legs gave way. My body refused to obey my commands now, but my hellhounds were holding me up, their hands all on me.
“Yes, definitely,” Michael agreed, although I barely heard him now as my vision started to tunnel.
‘It’s done, Lily. You did it,’Chum’s voice filled my mind, comforting me and calming the panic that was setting in.
‘Everything is going to be okay, we’re here, we’ve got you,’Jack assured me. Somehow, despite my disorientated and struggling state, I knew their voices truly were in my mind.
‘It’s over, you can rest now,’Bug said sweetly, and a smile touched my lips.
‘You’re safe,’Creeper promised.
And with that reassurance, I let myself sink into the black abyss, taking comfort in the darkness as it engulfed me.
* * *
I rolled over as a warm body slid under the covers behind me, and I relaxed as I was pulled against their chest, soaking up their warmth.
“It’s nice to finally see you waking, princess.”
“Bug,” I murmured, my voice scratchy and dry. Where was I?
“I’m here, everything’s fine,” he said softly as he stroked my hair. Since when had he started calling me princess? Not that I was complaining.
I nuzzled into him, enjoying the feel of his body against mine, his arms wrapped around me like I was the greatest treasure, protected and loved.
I frowned as I realized what had happened.
“Wait…” I pulled back, blinking through the sleep in my eyes until his sweet face came into focus. “Did we close them?”
“Yes, they’re closed, you did it,” he said, his mouth curving into a delighted smile as he stroked my cheek.
A weight lifted off my shoulders as I struggled to come to terms with it. I’d actually done it. I’d gone to Heaven, found Michael, and closed the gates.
We were safe.
I let out a soft laugh, which only grew into hysterical laughter as Bug’s smile widened, although he looked rather startled as I rolled away. I held my stomach as I laughed, tears prickling my eyes as I gasped for air.
“What did you do?” Jack laughed as he joined us and I finally flicked my eyes around the room while struggling for air.
Home. I was back at the Academy, in my room.
“Nothing, she just started laughing,” Bug said as I wheezed.
“You okay, my love?” Jack asked as he sat on the edge of the bed.
My heart melted at his pet name for me, and I scrambled to wrap my arms around him as I drew in ragged breaths.
“We did it,” I breathed, and he hugged me back tight.
“We did.”
“When did we get back? Where is everyone?” I finally asked as the reality of it all set in and my insane delight and relief settled.
“About that,” Jack started as Bug started rubbing my back.
I stiffened at the guilty look in his eye. What had happened? Had the angels not stuck to their word? Unease washed over me at the thought.
