Page 41 of Uriel
The silence that follows my declaration is deafening. Even Lucifer looks shocked, his usual smirk replaced by an expression of genuine surprise.
“You would give up your position?” Death asks, his voice barely above a whisper. “Your divine purpose?”
I nod, feeling a strange mix of terror and exhilaration at the prospect. “I would. Because I’ve come to realize that there is no higher purpose than to truly understand those we seek to judge.”
The Horsemen exchange glances, a silent communication passing between them. Finally, War turns back to me, his expression unreadable.
“And what guarantee do we have that you’ll hold to this bargain?” he demands. “That this isn’t some celestial trick?”
I straighten, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. “I give you my word. And I will seal it with a binding oath, sworn on the very essence of creation.”
Even War looks taken aback by this. A binding oath of that magnitude is not something to be undertaken lightly. It would tie my very existence to the fulfillment of the promise.
“You would go that far?” Famine asks, a note of what might be respect in his voice. “Forthem?”
I think of Emilia, of her courage and compassion. Of Raphael and his easy laughter. Of Helena and her fierce loyalty. Of all the humans I’ve observed over the millennia, with their capacity for both great good and terrible evil.
“Yes,” I say simply. “I would.”
There’s another long moment of silence as the Horsemen confer. Even Lucifer seems to be holding his breath, watching the proceedings with uncharacteristic intensity.
Finally, Death steps forward. “We accept your terms, Archangel,” he intones. “One century of reprieve, in exchange for your oath and your position. But know this —when the time comes, there will be no further negotiations. The end will come, as it must.”
I nod, a weight lifting from my shoulders even as a new one settles in its place. “I understand. And I accept.”
With that, I begin the ritual of the binding oath. The words are ancient, older than time itself, and as I speak them, I can feel the very fabric of reality shifting around us. Power flows through me, raw and primal, as I tie my essence to the promise I’ve made.
When it’s done, I feel... different. Lighter in some ways, heavier in others. The mantle of the Archangel of Chastity, a role I’ve held for millennia, slips away. In its place, I feel a new connection to the mortal realm, a tether that both grounds me and fills me with a sense of vertigo.
“It is done,” I say, my voice rough with the aftermath of the ritual.
War nods, a gleam of what might be respect in his eyes. “So it is. One century, Uriel.”
With that, the Horsemen begin to fade, their forms blurring and dissipating like smoke on the wind. Soon, only Lucifer and I remain in the pocket dimension.
“Well,” Lucifer says, breaking the silence. “That was certainly more exciting than the business meeting I was expecting. I don’tsuppose you’d consider coming to work for me? We could use someone with your... negotiation skills.”
I can’t help but chuckle, the absurdity of the situation finally hitting me. “Thank you, but no. I believe I have a date with humanity to keep.”
Lucifer shrugs, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Can’t blame a devil for trying. Do give my best to that delightful social worker of yours. I have a feeling things are about to get very interesting for you two.”
Before I can respond, he’s gone in a puff of brimstone-scented smoke. I shake my head, marveling at the strange turn my existence has taken.
With a thought, I reopen the portal back to the mortal realm. As I step through, I feel a rush of sensations I’ve never experienced before—the cool night air on my skin, the scent of the city, the distant sound of traffic. Everything seems sharper, more immediate.
I find myself back in the DeLux Café, now empty save for our team. Emilia rushes towards me, her eyes wide with concern.
“Uriel! Are you alright? What happened? We’ve been worried sick!”
As I look at her, I’m struck anew by her beauty, both inside and out. And for the first time, I allow myself to fully acknowledge the depth of my feelings for her.
“I’m fine,” I assure her, reaching out to take her hand. The touch sends a jolt through me, more intense than I’ve ever felt before. “Better than fine, actually. I have... quite a story to tell you all.”
As our team gathers around, eager to hear what transpired, I can’t help but smile. One century to experience humanity in all its messy, glorious complexity. One century to love, to learn, to trulylive.
I may no longer be the Archangel of Chastity, but standing here, with Emilia’s hand in mine and a future full of unknowns stretching out before me, I’ve never felt more blessed.
CHAPTER 20
