Page 34

Two months after Rhodes's defeat, Elysium had settled into an uneasy peace. The wounds left by his betrayal were still fresh, but healing had begun, thanks in large part to Adona's swift reforms and the work of her newly appointed archangels—including me.

I stood on the balcony of my new quarters in the Celestial Tower, enjoying the warm June breeze that carried the scent of golden lilies from the gardens below.

Last week, I had finally made time to return the gem to the dragon shifter, who didn’t attack us this time.

The blood oath was paid, and we left without many words, though I noticed he seemed more uneasy than before.

For a moment, I wondered what was his story?

Why he was here alone. But I knew very well that when people didn’t want to share their story, you had to give them time.

So I made a mental note to come back and check on him in a few months. Or maybe I would tell Kaz about him.

My twenty-fourth birthday had arrived with little fanfare—I hadn't mentioned it to anyone except Levi, who had promised me a quiet dinner that evening. After everything that had happened, a simple celebration seemed perfect.

“Ariella?” Levi's voice called from inside. “Are you ready? Adona's messenger just arrived.”

I sighed, turning away from the view. “Coming.”

Levi waited by the door, looking devastatingly handsome in his usual dark attire.

Though he had adapted surprisingly well to life in Elysium, he refused to adopt the lighter colors preferred by most angels.

The contrast suited him—a shadow among the light, a reminder that the new Elysium embraced diversity rather than enforcing uniformity.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” he murmured, pulling me close for a quick kiss.

I smiled against his lips. “You already wished me happy birthday this morning. Three times.”

“And I'll probably do it three more times before the day is out.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “Though I was hoping to celebrate with you properly tonight, not go on some mysterious mission.”

“I know. Me too.” I sighed, resting my forehead against his chest for a moment. “But duty calls, I guess.”

“The burdens of being an archangel,” he teased, though I could hear the genuine pride in his voice.

We made our way to Adona's private chambers, where she received us with her usual grace.

In the two months since Rhodes's defeat, she had recovered completely from her ordeal, though I sometimes caught glimpses of a new wariness in her eyes—a reminder that even the most powerful beings could be vulnerable.

“Ariella, Leviathan,” she greeted us. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“You mentioned it was urgent,” I said, getting straight to the point. “What's the mission?”

Adona's expression gave nothing away. “I've received intelligence about a situation that requires immediate attention. It's sensitive. I need my most trusted representatives to handle it.”

“What kind of situation?” Levi asked, his natural suspicion showing through.

“You'll understand when you arrive,” Adona replied cryptically. “Aspen is waiting at the eastern gate to transport you to the location. The mission requires discretion, so I'd prefer you travel by portal rather than flying.”

I exchanged a glance with Levi, who raised an eyebrow slightly. Adona was being unusually vague, but I trusted her enough not to question further.

“Of course,” I said. “We'll leave immediately.”

“Thank you, both of you.” Adona's expression softened slightly. “Your service to Elysium in these difficult times has been invaluable.”

We left the Celestial Tower and made our way to the eastern gate, where we crossed to the other side, and found Aspen waiting as promised. The warlock looked unusually formal in a crisp suit, though his eyes twinkled with their usual mischief when he saw us.

“Archangel Ariella,” he greeted me with an exaggerated bow. “Friend of Elysium Leviathan. How nice of you to join me on this fine day.”

“Cut the formality, Aspen,” Levi said, though there was no heat in his voice. The two had developed an odd friendship over the past months, built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for sarcasm. “What's this mysterious mission Adona's sending us on?”

Aspen shrugged, his expression innocent. “I'm just the transportation, my friend. Adona said you'd know what to do when you got there.”

“Which is where, exactly?” I asked, unable to hide my frustration. It was my birthday, and instead of celebrating, I was being sent on a cryptic mission with no information.

“You'll see,” Aspen said already beginning the familiar movements that would open a portal. “Ready when you are.”

With a sigh, I nodded, and Aspen completed the spell. The portal shimmered into existence before us, a swirling vortex of purple energy that revealed nothing of our destination.

“After you,” Levi said, gesturing for me to go first.

I stepped through, the familiar disorientation of portal travel washing over me. When my vision cleared, I found myself standing in the middle of a large, open space that seemed vaguely familiar?—

“SURPRISE!”

The shout came from all directions at once, startling me so badly that I nearly summoned my sword on instinct. But then my brain caught up with my eyes, and I realized where I was—and what was happening.

The warehouse. Levi's warehouse in Houston, where I had been trapped in the witch's circle while my foreign magic threatened to tear me apart.

Except now, it was transformed beyond recognition.

White and gold decorations hung from the ceiling and walls, fairy lights twinkled everywhere like captured stars, and tables laden with food and drinks lined the perimeter.

A large banner hung across the back wall: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARIELLA!”

And standing beneath it, grinning from ear to ear, were my friends. All of my friends.

“What—” I stammered, turning to find Levi and Aspen stepping through the portal behind me, both wearing matching expressions of satisfaction. “You knew about this?”

“Of course I knew,” Levi said, slipping his arm around my waist. “Did you really think I'd let your birthday pass without a proper celebration?”

Farrah rushed forward, enveloping me in a tight hug. “Happy birthday, Ariella! Did we surprise you?”

“Completely,” I admitted, still stunned. “How did you all manage this?”

“It wasn't easy, keeping a secret from an archangel,” Wyatt said, joining us with a grin. “But Levi was very persuasive.”

I looked around, taking in the faces of everyone who had gathered to celebrate with me.

Erin and Rey stood with Doreen and Andre near one of the food tables, raising their glasses in my direction.

Rage was deep in conversation with Jasmin and Tanner, who had actually left the underworld for this occasion.

Almae, Keeran, and Luana formed a small group with Aspen and Boise, while Hazel, Sean, Britta, Anna, and Shade had claimed a corner for themselves.

Shane and Raika were there with their pack—Minsi, Tyren, Lucille, Dom, and Anne—all looking slightly out of place but happy to be included. Twyla and Daleigh had made the journey from the Frost Court, standing close to Farrah and Wyatt.

And of course, Lacey, Abbie, Maggie, Gwen, and Trent, all beaming at me from near the center of the room. They had become like family to me during my time at the Great Eternity Hall, and seeing them here, in this place where I had been at my most vulnerable, felt particularly poignant.

My mother, Adriel, and Ezekiel stood by them, smiling wide and seemingly having a good time.

To my surprise, even Adona was there, having slipped through the portal while I was distracted. She stood with several members of the Lost Legion, including Kadriel and Tarek, looking far more relaxed than I had ever seen her in Elysium.

“You were in on this too?” I asked her, unable to keep the wonder from my voice.

She smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression. “Of course. Did you think I would miss celebrating one of my archangels? Especially when she has done so much for Elysium?”

“But the mission?—”

“Was to get you here without suspicion,” she finished, looking rather pleased with herself. “And it worked perfectly.”

“Drake and Thea send their regrets,” Levi told me, leading me further into the party. “The lockdown at DuMoir Castle is still in effect while they deal with Sarki. But Lavinia, Killian, and Zadkiel sent messages.”

He handed me a small stack of cards, each containing birthday wishes from friends who couldn't be there in person. I felt my throat tighten with emotion as I read their words—so many people who cared, who had become part of my life through the strangest of circumstances.

“I don't know what to say,” I admitted, looking around at the gathering. “This is incredible.”

“You don't have to say anything,” Lacey said, joining us with a glass of champagne that she pressed into my hand. “Just enjoy it. You deserve it, Ariella.”

Music started playing—a young demon hunter had set up as DJ in one corner, mixing songs that ranged from upbeat pop to slower, more romantic melodies.

The lights dimmed slightly, creating a proper party atmosphere, and people began to move toward an open area that had been designated as a dance floor.

I sipped my champagne, still trying to process the fact that all these people had gathered just for me.

Two years ago, I had been alone on Earth, a fallen angel with no wings and no hope of returning home.

Now, I stood surrounded by friends from across realms, with a position of respect in Elysium and a mate who had defied every convention to be with me.

“You're thinking too much again, sweetheart,” Levi murmured in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “I can practically hear the gears turning.”

I laughed, turning to face him. “Can you blame me? This is a lot.”

“Too much?” He looked concerned for a moment, his brow furrowing.