Page 62 of Grave Revelations (Prophecies of Angels and Demons #3)

Chapter 61

Sophia

Sophia staggered forward, intent on putting one foot in front of the other until she breached the oppressive fog surrounding the river on three sides. At least, she hoped it was breachable. If she spent another night wandering aimlessly, only to learn the fog never ended, she would scream.

Her limbs were leaden, but she trudged forward, fighting the fog’s hold.

The mist thinned, returning some of her strength. She’d been right. If she only kept going, she could get past it, and somewhere beyond the fog, she was certain she would find the others.

She took one more heavy step and sucked in fresh air.

It was wholly different from anywhere else she’d been in this in-between realm. It was… alive? That wasn’t right, but it was nothing like the dismal space her new form had inhabited these past several days.

Where tree husks were gnarled things inside the fog, these sought life, stretching for the sky, intent on finding the light.

She spun, taking in a world in soft pastels. It wasn’t vibrant like Earth, but there was hope here.

Scanning the distance, Sophia spied something glinting on the horizon and moved toward it. Each stride away from the oppressive fog grew lighter until there was a bounce in her step .

She stopped beside a large tree, taller somehow than all the others, and stretched tentative fingers toward a single white bloom.

“Oh. Hello,” a voice said, and Sophia stumbled back, landing on her butt.

She stared up at dark curls obscuring pale skin with bright sapphire eyes rimmed in dark lashes stared back.

“Rebecca?”

The woman’s brow furrowed. “Pardon?” she asked in a strange accent. It was English, but unlike any English accent Sophia had heard before.

Sophia straightened. “I’m sorry. You look like someone I know.”

The woman smiled. “I apologize. That must have given you a fright. Will you sit with me? I don’t get many visitors.”

Sophia glanced around at the soft glow encircling them. It was as if the lone flower, or perhaps the woman who looked very much like Rebecca, gave the place new life. “Where are we?”

“This is Heaven,” the woman said. “Though I had hoped more people would be here.”

Sophia eyed her, noting the striking similarities to her friend. There were differences, too, though. She was softer somehow; her features rounded where Rebecca’s were sharp edges, and her hair was long, rolling down her back.

“Have you seen anyone else here?”

The woman blinked. “This is the part of Heaven reserved for Nephilim. Humans aren't allowed here.”

Sophia frowned. “I’m not Nephilim.”

“But you must be. Only our kind are permitted.” The words were spoken with an aching sadness.

Sophia laid a hand gently on the woman’s arm.

“I’m sorry to have to tell you, but this isn’t Heaven.”