Epilogue
Her heavy eyes flutter open. They slowly sweep across the open room she hasn’t seen before. Gilded light flourishes like sunlight, shining through the wall-less space. Her body still aches. Her bones feel heavy, and muscles are tense, but she rolls onto her back. Auburn hair flows around the comfortable covers she’s lying on in copper wisps. There’s no ceiling above her either. There’s nothing but light and gleam, like she’s resting on the sun itself.
Blinking, she props herself up and swings her legs off the side of the bed. The floor appears to be see-through. Glass perhaps? She’s never seen anything like this before.
Walking up to one of the open window arches, she sees the glowing atmosphere surrounding her. Beings float gently in the sky, and a gentle smile meets her lips. Soft, ethereal harp music is playing in the distance, running along her skin in soothing waves.
Tucking a piece of stray hair behind her ear, she peers out at the magical world around her.
“You’re awake.” A masculine voice sounds behind her.
Swivelling, she sees him standing under one of the archways. Dressed in his colourless silks, white hair flows around him and golden eyes are sharp like polished rings.
“I was resting?” she questions, not remembering how she ended up here, or why she’s here. Or where she is.
Uriel nods slowly, taking a step closer to her. His energy radiates warmth and ease. “You have been, but I’m glad to see you’re recovered enough to rise. ”
Her head tilts slightly as her mind wraps itself around his words. How long has she been here?
“Where are we? I’ve never seen this place before.” She asks in a quiet tone.
The Archangel approaches her, and she stays in place. His hand lifts to touch her cheek, bringing heat to her skin. “You’re safe here. I brought you here to recover.”
“Recover?”
He nods again. “Child, you were dying when I brought you here. It was the only way I could keep you safe.”
She swallows, remembering the events that occurred before she was carried away. Icy chills run down her spine at the memory. “When will I return?”
“When you are recovered, my child.”
She feels the stinging in her side. The agony lingering.
Looking down, the gaping wound has closed over. Bruises colours her skin, and a scar is beginning to form through her abdomen.
Swallowing, she peers up at the Archangel again, who is watching her with a kind face. “You will return to them soon. They require your help on Earth.”
Something flickers inside of her chest. Perhaps a flicker of fear. A flicker of worry. It feels like sparks igniting her heart once more, her pulse jumping back to life and pounding in her veins.
“I am so glad you are awake, child,” Uriel’s mouth tightening as he considers her for a moment, “but your children need you now more than ever, Tessa.”