There were skyscrapers, thirty stories high, all white and covered in shimmering glass. A white brick wall surrounded the massive city and I had a feeling some sort of barrier we couldn't see protected it as well. We stood atop a hill with a path of white marble stairs that led down to the entrance, a massive opening in the white brick wall.

Natalia and Amos were already halfway down the steps, headed straight for the guards at the entrance.

My heart skipped a beat. Wouldn't they be arrested immediately? What sort of plan was this? To walk into a trap?

"Let's go." Gabriel's voice startled me, causing me to look over at him.

"Go where? We have to hide."

"There's no way to hide outside of the city. They're going to cause a diversion so we can sneak in. They'll meet us after."

What the heck was he talking about? We weren't going to make it very far without them. I had no clue where I was going and I sure didn't trust Gabriel to get us there despite his secret history with the city. "I'm not feeling too confident about this plan."

"Too late. It's already in action."

Sure enough, it was.

Natalia and Amos were already fighting using the swords they'd hidden in their clothing. There were only two guards but more would surely come. These also were in their angelic form so they had an advantage with their wings. They'd never met the ferociousness of Amos and Natalia though. Amos was one powerful force but together? They were unstoppable.

We were running at an angle toward a side entrance that had now been abandoned by its guard, a smaller opening that led into a narrow passageway and straight into the city. We ran into the opening without hesitation, my heart beating so hard my ears were ringing, and straight through to the other side. The sight that greeted us halted me in my tracks.

It was amazing.

The city was even more amazing up close. It was a vibrant ivory version of New York. Sans the trash-filled streets. The multitude of skyscrapers were all mirror paneled, reflecting the sunlight in a way that made them sparkle. The smaller buildings were a combination of mirror paneling and white metal, and the population on the street was almost entirely angelic. They were dressed all in white and glided with an air of ethereal confidence no human could ever possess. Perhaps less than five percent of them were Elioud. Two of those being Gabriel and I.

I hadn't realized I was still standing frozen in the middle of the busy white cobblestoned street until a hand grabbed mine and pulled.

"Pay attention, Ava. This will all be a waste if we're caught within the first few minutes." Gabriel was leading me toward one of the nearest buildings, weaving through the mob of angels strolling about.

I'd never seen so many in their angelic form so it was becoming a bit overwhelming. That familiar pressure on my head and ringing in my ears was subtle but I was fearful it would grow and cause me to pass out as it had with my first angelic encounter. Fortunately, Gabriel was pulling me into the building before the effects had time to magnify.

The noise of the street was immediately muffled once the door closed, enveloping us in a still silence. The room we'd entered, or rather massive cathedral like space, had high ceilings and was void of anything but pillars throughout and groups of white blankets where angels had kneeled and seemed to be meditating. Our entrance hadn't roused any of them but I was certain it soon would if we didn't move. Rather than pause at the entrance, Gabriel was already leading me to one of the doors that lined the far side of the room. The doors were almost invisible as they were white marble and handle-less. To enter, Gabriel pushed lightly and waited a moment as it swung open of its own accord, revealing a smaller room.

The door shut behind us, closing out the light from the main room and leaving us in only the candle light that glowed from the small mantle before us. Gabriel released my hand and touched my face, a gesture that didn't surprise me as I was still in such a haze. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, focusing my gaze on him but still feeling slightly light-headed as though I'd just finished an intense workout. "Yes, I'm fine. Might take me a minute to get used to that many fellows."

"You will. Just take deep breaths when it happens. We're going underground for a bit though so you'll have a break."

Underground?

I didn't have time to ask what he meant as he'd already moved toward the mantle and another wave of dizziness hit me. Placing my hands on my hips, I inhaled and exhaled deeply as I watched him feel around the wall, apparently looking for something in particular. A moment later he found it, pressing on a crack in the marble and stepping back.

The wall shuddered for a moment before a section of it began to shift, sliding down into the floor, revealing a set of stairs that descended into darkness. Grabbing one of the candles, Gabriel beckoned me forward.

"Where does that go?" I asked, suspicious of this secret entrance into who-knows-where. "And how did you know about it?"

"I grew up here. I know a lot of the city's secrets. Now let's go. We have to keep moving."

Seeing as how I had no clue of where I was or what to do, my only option was to follow. Grabbing my own candle, I descended the stairs, holding my breath. We weren't going down the stairs long before we hit flat ground and were walking down a large abandoned hallway. Despite it being underground, the hallway was large and paved with more white marble, the floor so clean it was practically slippery. Candles lined the walls down as far as the eye could see and though we were alone, I had a feeling we wouldn't be for long.

"Where are we?" I asked quietly, falling into step beside Gabriel.

He was walking casually, at ease as though he'd walked this hall hundreds of times before. "It's sort of an underground railroad for the Nephilim and Elioud here. The council knows of it but just assumes it's to transport goods or as a way to avoid interacting with fellows since Nephilim and Elioud don't exactly mesh well with them. It's true purpose is smuggling people out."

"Out? Why would you want to leave this place?" Heaven's capital seemed pretty amazing to me. Granted, I'd only been here for about twenty minutes but it was gorgeous. Life certainly seemed better here than on Earth.

"How do you think the rebellion was formed? The Nephilim and Elioud here wanted to do more about the malevolents on Earth and the council wouldn't allow it. So, a small group snuck out and went to Earth. Others followed after until the rebellion grew into what it is today."

"What are Nephilim?"

"Half angels. You're the descendant of a Nephilim. Your parents were Elioud however their parents were Nephilim. Nephilim are considered tainted because of the forbidden relations between angels and humans. Elioud however are innocent of this transgression as they had no choice in their heritage and therefore are considered pure."

Fascinating logic that didn't exactly make sense to me as I didn't agree with the original concept but I decided not to question that in this moment. "Are there Nephilim on Earth?"

"There are. You've actually come across a few that have assisted us. They appear to be human as Elioud do however they do not require a stone as their energy is already within them. The ones you met I assume you thought were bonded Elioud."

We'd come to a curve in the massive hallway and were now passing a few Elioud. There were three of them, dressed in all white as we were and chatting casually, barely throwing us a glance. They were so casual about their walk through this underground railroad that it caused me to release a bit of my tension.

"Where are we meeting Natalia and Amos?"

"At the Council Hall. They should be there soon."

"Are they going underground too or dematerializing?"

"Dematerializing is not allowed in Ezra. Or any of Heaven for that matter."

"Why not?"

"It's the council's way of keeping control. It's easier to find someone who can't disappear at the snap of a finger."

I wanted to ask more questions but Gabriel was headed toward a set of stairs to our left. On the wall just beside it was a plaque with symbols engraved that resembled the mark of the guardians. Now that I thought about it, I'd seen those symbols on plaques all about the city for the brief moment that I'd been above ground. It must have been the angelic language.

Gabriel had started up the stairs but then stopped and turned to look back at me. "Stay quiet. We probably will be apprehended by the guards almost immediately but don't panic. You're safe here."

"Don't panic? How can I not panic if that's the plan?"

"There's no other way in. You wanted to help Gavin, well, this is the way."

A part of me knew this would happen all along but I'd pushed that thought deep into the back of my mind. I was no fan of the spotlight so being caught by the council guards and undoubtedly meeting the council themselves was a terrifying thought. They were angels which should have been comforting but they were the angels chosen to rule the rest of the angelic population. They were essentially the Congress of Heaven. And the U.S. Congress was powerful on Earth so these beings were that and more.

"Fine. Let's go." Following Gabriel up the steps, I took deep breaths in an attempt to calm my nerves as we approached the door at the top. I began to reach for the blade strapped to my thigh then stopped, reminding myself that I wasn't going to fight once they came for us.

Gabriel pressed on the door and waited for it to slide open, allowing light to flood out before walking through. I followed, stepping into another room that was none too familiar to me.

This room was small and it took me a moment to realize we were in a restroom. It certainly resembled nothing of the restrooms on Earth with its pristine white design and strangely shaped toilet. I wondered for a moment what angels needed a restroom for if they didn't consume food or liquid but then realized Nephilim or Elioud must also work for the council.

"Ready?" Gabriel asked, moving toward the door that would take us out.

"As I'll ever be," I responded.

Turning the handle, Gabriel pulled the door open and stepped out. I followed just behind him, wary and anxious.

The building was impressive. It was massive to say the least and it was almost overwhelming in the authority it emanated. The ceiling was at least three stories high and housed the same magical sky as all angelic buildings seemed to. We seemed to have walked into a massive lobby area with guards patrolling the area while other angels and Nephilim or Elioud strolled about.

We were spotted almost immediately. Two guards in their angelic form approaching us right away. They were tall and muscular, dressed in all white with silver armor. They wore silver cuffs that looked suspiciously similar to the pair Amos wore. Rather than run, Gabriel strolled up to them as though he were walking down the street in Manhattan. "Hello gentlemen."

"Hands above your head. Both of you," one of them demanded.

I raised my hands immediately, stopping beside Gabriel. I wasn't sure what to say so I kept quiet.

"Turn around and walk straight."

We did as we were told and began walking down the hallway, the guards walking behind us. I had expected to be arrested in a much more aggressive manner so I was surprised we hadn't been handcuffed with some sort of special angel metal or something.

Reading my mind, Gabriel whispered to me, "Violence and aggression don't exist here unless absolutely necessary."

Right. That made sense.

The hallway curved until we reached a door that led to a massive room. It was two stories, white barred cells running along the perimeter of both floors. Despite it being a holding room, every surface was covered in white marble. I recognized it immediately, the room Gavin was being held in.

"Move. Down the stairs."

Obeying the guards' commands, we started for the stairs off to the left and took them down to the first floor. Most of the cells were empty but the few occupied held fellows or Elioud that looked anything but criminal. I couldn't help but wonder what crimes they'd committed to be thrown in jail in Heaven.

"Second to the end."

Right next to the cell Gavin was being held in.

My breath stuck in my throat as we approached our designated cell, the one on the end coming into view. We were standing just in front of ours and waiting for the guard to open the door when I realized Gavin's cell was empty. Where was he? Was it time already for his trial? Had we missed it?

I followed Gabriel into the cell and turned to watch as they closed the barred door and locked it, leaving without a word.

"It's good to be home," Gabriel scoffed, sitting on the side of the white sheeted single bed.

Crossing my arms, I began walking back and forth, beyond frustrated. "I didn't see him in his cell. Do you think we missed it?"

"No. He's probably been moved or is meeting with a few of the council members before the trial. Don't worry. They'll bring us in."

"How do you know?"

"I grew up here. I know how this place works."

What he hadn't answered was why he left though I knew I couldn't ask that question now, if ever. "I hope you're right."

The door we'd come through on the second floor opened, it's sound echoing throughout the room. I rushed to the bars of our cell to see who was being brought in now, hoping it was Gavin. Instead I was half surprised to see Amos and Natalia.

Their hands weren't held up and it was almost as if they were leading the way rather than being ordered by the guards. Amos' cuffs were glinting in the light, confirming that they were indeed an identical match to the ones the guards wore. Had Amos been a guard for the council before?

They walked into the cell beside us and waited until the guards were gone to speak. "Fancy meeting you two here," Amos said, his voice reaching our cell though we couldn't see them.

"Did you see him anywhere?" I asked, gripping the bars.

"We didn't," Natalia answered. "But don't worry, we'll be brought in for the trial."

"How do you know?" I asked. How did everyone but me have so much confidence in this?

"Because we're key witnesses. They needed us and now that we've turned ourselves in, they'll use us to find out the truth."

"How do they know we won't lie?"

"We can't with the Dagger of Certitude. There are seven in existence but the original is here with the Committee."

Fun fact of the day. "What will happen to us after the trial?"

"That, I don't know. All we can hope for is mercy as we don't have the proof we need: Elyon."

Damn Elyon and his traitorous ways. The only reason we were all in this mess was because he had betrayed everyone and left his comrades to pick up the pieces. Except they couldn't pick up the pieces without him. Everything else would be good information but nothing would compare to hearing the truth from the traitor himself.

I was already getting cabin fever in this cell as well. "How much longer do you think we'll have to wait?"

"Not long," was Natalia's response.

True enough, five excruciatingly long minutes later the door to our left opened and in walked six guards. Their extra muscle was unnecessary as we'd turned ourselves in but I did wonder briefly who would win in a fight. I wasn't exactly the helpless girl I'd been a few months ago.

"Line up single file. Don't speak."

We did as we were told, the four of us exiting our cells and lining up just outside. The guards then walked us through the door and led us down a hall that ended at another door. This door had a large stained glass window but I didn't need to see through it to know where we were going. I could hear the very authoritative voices just on the other side.

The door was opened and in we walked, single file like a group of criminals.

"Before we use the Dagger of Certitude, I'd like to announce that we have new witnesses that have just arrived for this trial. Their arrival came unannounced but most welcome as three of them have been in hiding since the closing of the gates. Natalia. Amos. Gabriel. And Ava."

We had just entered a large room, one similar in design to the supreme court on Earth, and a murmur spread across the crowd as soon as we were noticed. The ceiling in this room was high and just as the others had a magical lively sky with clouds floating past. Rows of seats lined the circular room with what was assumed to be the committee at the front. Seven angels, their massive wings pressed into their back, all dressed in elegant white outfits as the rest of the city people were. I recognized none of them but the fellow second to the middle, his short fiery red hair giving him away. He must have been Zamira's brother, the one that had exorcised one of the strongest demons in history and was considered a hero, given a place on the committee due to his act of bravery centuries ago. And if his hair didn't give him away, his intimidating demeanor certainly did. There was no mistaking his likeness to Zamira, who sat in the crowd a few rows back, her long red hair pulled back into a French braid.

We were marched to the empty front row on the left side of the room and ordered to stand there, the committee looking down their noses at us, trying to decide our punishment no doubt. I couldn't care less about them though. I was focused on Gavin who stood right in the center of the room. I hadn't seen him in so long it was almost overwhelming to see him now. He was dressed as he had been in the dream, wearing a white tunic, white pants, and white shoes. He looked healthy and almost confident, his posture betraying none of the fear or other negative emotions he may have been feeling. As soon as his eyes locked with mine though, something seemed to change. It didn't show in any other way but an unspoken message traveled between us. I was pretty sure his was something along the lines of 'What the hell are you doing here?'

"Before we begin, I'll introduce myself. My name is Zion. I'd like to say to you all and specifically Ava and Gavin; the city of Ezra and the world are eternally grateful for your sacrifice. Valor should not be unheeded despite the situation at hand."

I nodded at him, afraid to speak. Was I even allowed to speak? No one else seemed to be.

"We shall now proceed with the trial." His gaze turned from us. "Gavin, you are charged with treason and insubordination. Your actions leading up to and following the closing of the gates go against every law we have in place to protect the fragility of life. You had relations with an Elioud, an act forbidden for centuries now due to its ability to leave room for costly mistakes. Following the closing of the gates, you assisted Ava in escaping her memory wipe, betraying your fellows in the process. Rather than turn yourself in right away, you chose to go into hiding before realizing the error of your ways. Is there anything you would like to say to the Committee before we proceed with the Dagger of Certitude?"

The room was silent. The most silent it had been since we'd arrived. I wasn't sure what Gavin was going to say but it was clear everyone was waiting with baited breath, curious to know what such a traitor would have to say about his actions.

Gavin waited a moment, seeming to be mulling over his thoughts as he chose the words. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm. "My intention in all of this was never to disrespect or betray the Committee, nor my brothers and sisters. I chose to dedicate myself to being a guardian because I saw it as the most immediate and effective way I could give back and earn my place here. Along the way I allowed my thoughts to become clouded by my feelings, something I am not proud of but also something I was helpless to fight."

That stung. It stung quite a bit. I wasn't sure whether he was putting on a show for the committee or whether he meant it but his gaze was now on the committee members so I had no way of knowing.

"Forgive me for my ignorance but I do not agree with this law against relations between Fellows and Elioud. We are of the same force, the same energy, so forbidding that which comes natural seems wrong."

Frenzied whispers had begun around the room, shock clearly at his blatant disregard for the law. A few of the committee members seemed ruffled but Zion was surprisingly calm, regarding Gavin with what seemed to be curiosity. "Quiet everyone." The room quieted immediately. "Continue Gavin."

"I would never intentionally disobey the Creator. However these laws were not put in place by the Creator. So I urge you to reconsider your faith in rules made centuries ago because of a horrible unforgettable moment in time. As for my betrayal of the fellows, I do accept that what I did was a grave mistake. I was only looking to protect someone I cared about, and selfishly allow her to keep her memories, a choice that should be hers and hers alone. Despite my opinions on these matters, I acknowledge that I broke the law and must be punished for it. All I ask is that no matter what my fate, please reconsider what these laws are doing to those who have not broken them yet but ultimately will."

The sting had blossomed into a massive amount of gratitude and love for the man before me. I hadn't expected such a speech and from the looks of it, neither had anyone else. It was perfect though, even better than I could have imagined. He still loved me and he didn't regret what our love had brought us to. Maybe, just maybe, the committee would take all of that into consideration.

"Thank you for your honesty, Gavin. Your words do not fall on deaf ears. Though we are not always in agreement with the law, we do know that it is our duty to uphold it. Despite your eloquent words which no doubt have moved the room, you are being tried for the law as it exists now, and not as it may exist in the future. Before we continue to the Dagger of Certitude, do any of you have anything to say on behalf of the offender?"

Offender. If anything he was a de-fender. It angered me to hear Zion say what he'd said, even if it was meant to be semi-complimentary. None of us would have a chance to speak though, as another unannounced visitor was about to make a very dramatic entrance.

A banging echoed about the room as the door we'd come through only minutes before was flung open. There was quite a bit of scuffling as two figures moved into the room, one tied up and being dragged by the other.

Ohmygoodness. Of all the people I had expected to see here, none surprised me or delighted me more than these two. The entire room had begun to chatter again, this time the volume almost double the previous.

Ullrick in his angelic form, looking every bit as powerful and severe as he always did, came strolling in. Stumbling before him and shackled by some sort of glowing rope, was Elyon.

And he did not look as though he wanted to be there.

One of the committee, a raven haired woman, spoke for the first time since we'd arrived. "What is the meaning of this disruption? Ullrick?"

Ullrick pushed Elyon to the center of the room and forced him to his knees. The four guards behind him remained surprisingly reserved, as though their loyalty was to Ullrick over the committee. "I apologize for the interruption Zion. But this is the traitor you have been looking for. Elyon."

If the angels in the room had been chatting before, they were practically yelling now. It was almost impossible to hear Ullrick's next words.

"Silence!" Zion shouted, clearly annoyed by the disturbance.

The room was quiet again though a few whispered to each other, unable to contain themselves.

"Ullrick, please explain immediately."

More than happy to oblige, Ullrick ignored Elyon's glare and spoke, his voice commanding the room. "The true criminal and cause of all the misfortune that fell upon us on Earth is right here before you. The fellow responsible for the deaths of many, including Idris, Miles' guardian, is right here before you. Elyon was working with Lucifer from the beginning, setting us up to fail. He was conniving and used our blinding loyalty against us. Gavin is not the fellow you should be concerned with. He is a hero. Elyon however, is the reason we lost our brothers and sisters, and is also the reason the closing of the gates may not have happened at all. I could go into further detail but I will let the Dagger of Certitude reveal the truth. That Elyon is your traitor."

I wanted to hug him. And the urge to hug Ullrick had never plagued me before. He was as difficult as they come and he certainly wasn't someone I'd warmed up to right away. But he was loyal and vigilant no matter what the circumstances, always fighting for what was right, even if it pained him to do so. He was the reason Gavin and I had been caught in the first place but he was also the reason he might walk free.

The talking had begun again but this time Zion did not ask the room to be quiet. Instead he began speaking to the committee member beside him, as were the other five members. They traded off speaking to each other, clearly trying to decide how to proceed now that everything had changed.

I glanced over at Gabriel but he was focused on the committee, one member in particular who seemed to be avoiding his gaze. Turning my attention back to Gavin, I begged for him to look at me again but to no avail. His attention was also on the committee, despite the uproar in the room.

Finally Zion turned back to Gavin, waiting as the committee woman called for the room to be quiet. Once it was silent again, he spoke, seeming unbothered by this turn of events. "Due to the nature of this unexpected change in the direction of the trial, we will use the Dagger of Certitude to determine the truth of these accusations. I trust your judgement Ullrick, as one of our highest ranking fellows, and your unwavering commitment to the law. You are respected among all in Ezra so I trust that anything you do has a purpose. Gavin, you may step aside for now. Elyon, you will take his place."

Elyon's reaction was subdued. He clearly was alarmed and wanted to escape but he wasn't going to be able to get out of his bonds and he certainly wasn't going to make it far even if he could. He was stuck. And his treacherous ways would be revealed once and for all.

Ullrick pushed Elyon toward the center where Gavin had stood, his other hand tight on the glowing rope. He definitely didn't care one bit about Elyon's comfort, as the rope's seemed uncomfortably tight.

Gavin moved to the side where he was flanked, unnecessarily in my opinion, by two guards. He still wasn't looking anywhere but at the committee but it was clear he was still as surprised as the rest of us.

The Dagger of Certitude, this original one, arrived in dramatic fashion from the side door Ullrick had come through. It was enclosed in a glass case and carried by one guard who was led by two other guards. The dagger was large, all shimmering gold, and emitted a glow as everything in Ezra did. There was some sort of inscription on the handle but the most interesting part was the fact that it seemed to be floating roughly an inch above the pillow in the case, as though it had a life of its own.

The dagger was carried to the center of the room where the glass case top was removed by one of the other guards. It was then taken by another guard who turned toward a fearful Elyon. Ullrick forced Elyon to hold out his arms, baring his wrists, where the tip of the dagger was then placed on the right one. Elyon's reaction was not one I expected. He immediately dropped to his knees, crying out, as the glow of the dagger seem to spread out over his arm.

"The more you fight it, the more it hurts," Zion said, his tone unforgiving. "You cannot hide anything, Elyon."

Elyon was sweating, his breathing labored. He dropped his head, eyes jammed shut. "I won't tell any-" He cried out again, cut off no doubt by the searing pain shooting through him.

Zion stood, placing his hands on the committee desk. "Elyon. You stand here accused of treason. We will begin the questioning with your motives and who you have been taking orders from."

Elyon gritted his teeth, his arms shaking. "Lucifer," he bit out. "Lucifer wanted me to create a divide between the fellows so that he could easier take Ava."

There was a gasp and a murmur among the crowd.

"And what does he want her for? Why not kill her?"

Again Elyon cried out, his forehead glistening. "He....He wants to use her power. She is the most powerful Elioud ever to exist and he wants to use her to overthrow Heaven and take back what is rightfully his. Once he has, he can re-open the gates of hell and conquer Earth as it is destined."

I knew Lucifer wanted me and I knew Elyon was helping him but I had wondered why Lucifer truly wanted me to join him. I had thought perhaps to open the gates again but this, to overthrow Heaven, was shocking to say the least. I had no intention of joining him but to hear this plan out loud shook me to my core.

Gabriel hadn't looked my way the entire time but he finally did so and leaned over to speak into my ear. "Are you alright?"

I hadn't realized it but I'd been holding my breath and was no doubt turning slightly red. I nodded my head, wondering why he was having to ask that question so many times in the last twenty four hours. "I'm okay." I definitely wasn't but as soon as my lungs started working again I would be.

Zion continued to ask questions, eliciting more gasps from the room which eventually died down as the onlookers realized the surprising information was not going to stop. Elyon answered each and every question and eventually was too exhausted to try and fight the dagger, giving answers in a defeated manner. He told the story of how he was recruited by Lucifer, how Lucifer offered him vengeance for his murdered brother, the same fellow Amos had accidentally killed in an attempt to kill Lucifer. Elyon was unaware, of course, that Amos was innocent, a truth they would soon all find out. Lucifer's plans now were to get to me, take me, and torture me into working with him. My family was well protected by multiple guardian's now so his only option was to force me to help him. He also planned to kill Gavin the moment he had the chance, the main person standing in the way of his path to me. This all was not as surprising as I thought it would be but the final piece of information was what sent my emotions running wild.

"Once he has Ava, he will use the Cambion Carter to overthrow Heaven. Carter is already easily influenced by his malevolent side. It is only a matter of time before he is able to be convinced to let it take over, at which point Lucifer will bond him with some of his demonic energy and Carter will no longer be human."

I'd become light-headed but I knew that I couldn't faint in the middle of angelic court. I'd fainted too many times in front of the fellows. This was no time to do so. My face was hot though and I knew the tears that had welled up in my eyes were going to begin flowing any moment. I had to keep them at bay and keep it together. If we made it out of this, I had to get out of here immediately and get to Carter.

I had to save him.

"I think we've heard enough." Zion sat down, waving at the guards. "Elyon, you have been tried for treason and found guilty by the Dagger of Certitude. You will spend the rest of eternity in Abysm."

The guards moved as soon as Zion had finished speaking, pulling Elyon to his feet and practically dragging him out of the room, off to a cell no doubt.

"Gavin. Come forward, please."

My heart lurched, watching as the man I loved moved to stand before the committee.

Please God, let him go free.

"I won't delay this process any longer. Due to the information revealed here today and taking into account your good withstanding prior to these accusations, Gavin, you are hereby exonerated. You are free to go under the requirement that your relationship with the guarded, Ava, remains platonic. I have considered your well said words from earlier and they will be taken into account."

It was a victory, one we needed...so why did my heart still hurt so much? I could deal with being platonic. It was like being friend zoned except neither of you were interested in being just friends. At least I could be friends with him. And he wasn't going to be trapped in purgatory for all eternity.

"As for the four of you. Amos and Natalia will still need to be tested by the Dagger to ensure that this story holds up. Ava and Gabriel you are required to wait outside until the proceedings are finished. The revelation of Lucifer's plan has shown us that we must take action to prevent him from succeeding so we have much to discuss."

I wasn't exactly looking forward to a more personal conversation with Zion but it was a relief to know they were taking this seriously. If not only for our sake but for Carter's.

*~*~*~*~*~*