Gabriel and I left the room, escorted by two guards, the eyes of everyone in the room on our backs. Once we were out in the hall the guards continued to walk us to another door. This one led to an office just as pristine as the court. We were told to sit on the couch and then left alone, although I was pretty sure the guards were standing just outside.

I turned to Gabriel as soon as the door closed, feeling anxious. "So what does this mean? We're not arrested?"

"Our only crime was breaking into Ezra to help a friend. The Committee have bigger things to deal with, like Lucifer. They're not concerned with two Elioud, even though you are famous."

I rolled my eyes. "More like infamous in their eyes, I'm sure. I can't believe Ullrick found Elyon."

"Saved you a lot of explaining to the Committee which can be a daunting experience. They're understanding but not so forgiving."

"I wasn't looking forward to it either but...." I cut myself off awkwardly, unable to finish the sentence.

"You would do anything for him."

"I would."

Gabriel didn't show it outwardly but by the way he was avoiding my eyes, it was clear the statement wasn't a welcome one. "Hopefully they'll finish soon. I never thought I'd be back here. Not for another decade at least."

"So you lived here?"

"I was born here. My parents worked for the Committee, as a lot of Elioud choose to do. They were killed when I was sixteen so I left. The Committee did nothing to avenge their deaths so I chose to go where I had the opportunity to do that myself. And that was on Earth."

I rotated slightly toward him. "And did you find what you were looking for?"

"I did. I found the malevolents that had killed them and wiped out the entire den."

"On your own?" I asked, unable to hide the shock in my voice.

"I was very angry back then. I had so much pent up rage and the only way to control it was to unleash it through fighting."

"Is that how you got your scars?"

"It is."

"I'm sorry." I didn't know what else to say. What do you say to a story like that? Especially when there's nothing you can do to help or make that person feel better.

"There's nothing to be sorry about. It's in the past." His tone was empty, his emotions completely shut off. The fact that he'd opened up this much was surprising though and for that I was grateful.

The door opened then, seven figures joining us in the room, not including the guards that stood at the door. Zamira's brother Zion, the other Committee woman, Gavin, Ullrick, Natalia, Amos, and Rainen.

My eyes widened at the sight of the last fellow and I jumped to my feet, forgetting to restrain myself in the presence of the Committee members. "Rainen!"

He looked just as I remembered him. Pale skin, white hair, beautiful and as fair faced as ever. The all white outfit seemed to make him glow but what was even more amazing was the fact that he was in his angelic form which I'd never seen before. His wings were massive though they were held in at his back and it was the most natural I'd ever seen him look. He smiled lightly at me, appreciation for my excitement in his eyes. "Hi Ava."

I was so shocked to see him alive that I almost didn't hear the Committee woman speak, her tone just as curt as it had been in the court. "Have a seat. Your reunion can be saved for later. We have much to discuss."

My face was burning as I sat down, still uncomfortable with being in the spotlight. Everyone sat on the couches but the Committee members, Rainen, and Ullrick. Basically everyone but those who hadn't broken any laws. I was still processing Zion's resemblance to Zamira so I felt uncomfortable under his gaze, as I usually did with Zamira. She was a spitfire of a being and staying on her good side was best for your safety and sanity. Her brother seemed less volatile but still just as strong headed. The woman beside him though I was struggling to read. What I did know though was that she and Gabriel knew each other. He refused to look at her but she kept glancing at him, her eyes narrowed as though disappointed.

Zion began the conversation, crossing his arms as he surveyed the room. "So...we know what Lucifer intends to do. We know who he intends to use. And this knowledge gives us an advantage we didn't have before. Obviously the goal is to stop him before he infiltrates Ezra and ensure the power he holds now is diminished substantially." His eyes rested on me. "Ava, you are clearly our bargaining chip. The only way he can succeed is with you at his side. I had intended to have your memory wiped once I was notified of your capture but it seems you must be allowed to keep your memories, as you will be one of our biggest assets." He turned to the silent Elioud beside me, no change in his tone as he continued to speak. "Gabriel, as the leader of the largest rebellion, we need your help. It is time to set our differences aside. Despite your unorthodox methods, your experience with eradicating malevolents is what we need. Our focus now is to find Lucifer's den. I have reason to believe he's not in the Manhattan area. I assume you have connections that may be able to find him?"

Gabriel nodded. "I do. It might take a few days but I can find him."

"Good. Ullrick, I need you to put a plan in place for once we find the den. We are going to send every fellow available to destroy this den. Lucifer cannot be defeated while he is strong but if we take away his following, he is weak. None of you are to leave Ezra until you are told. You may be forgiven for your transgressions but your debt is not yet repaid."

The room was silent, everyone respectful and obedient to Zion's demands. It was clear he was not to be challenged. Ever.

"Atarah will show you all to your quarters for the time being. Does anyone have any questions." He said it as a statement, as though he wasn't really open to the idea of questions.

I had one though.

"What about Carter?" My voice sounded small, even to my own ears, but I wasn't too afraid to ask. I had earned my place here and my question was valid.

"What about him?" Zion asked.

"Well...Elyon said Lucifer is trying to turn him and use him against us. Against Ezra. We have to get to him before it's too late."

Zion's tone was drab, as though it cost him too much energy to sound like he cared. "As it is with war, sacrifices must be made. Carter is a Cambion, therefore he is already our enemy. The last thing I am concerned with is his safety."

"But he's not evil. He's good. We can't just leave him for Lucifer to do whatever he wants."

It was clear my speaking up was un-warranted because the ambiance of the room had changed, all eyes on me. Zion was already intimidating but as soon as I finished speaking, his demeanor changed. This situation was just like the one I'd had when I had spoken up to Nakir. Except this time I had a feeling it wasn't going to go the same way.

"You are new to Ezra so you are not accustomed to our ways. Do not ever speak unless spoken to. This doesn't just go for me but for all members of the Committee. You are a guest, an unwelcome guest at that. Do not overstep your boundaries because you feel a sense of entitlement from what you accomplished on Earth. Gavin, I trust you will teach her the ways of Ezra and ensure this does not happen again. This conversation is over. I hope the next time I see you all it will be with good news of your progress."

With each word I had shrunken further and further into myself until I felt the smallest I'd felt in a long time. I almost wished I had the power to make myself invisible I was so horrified. Zion had this ability to make you feel unbearably guilty and embarrassed, even though I knew my heart was in the right place. I hadn't expected him to lash out at me and it was even worse in mixed company. The last people I wanted to seem weak in front of were the ones sitting in the room with us.

"Thank you Zion. I will inform your secondary as soon as there are developments." Ullrick's response was simple and to the point. He was also probably the only person who had the courage to speak to Zion at that moment.

Zion nodded and made his way out of the room, taking his intimidating presence with him. Atarah, however, stayed behind as everyone began to stand. Natalia was speaking to me but I wasn't hearing a word she was saying. Atarah had said something to Gabriel that seemed to make his blood boil and moments later they were leaving the room together.

"I'm not sure what sort of death wish you have but here we show our elders respect."

This statement was made by Ullrick and as grateful as I was to him for catching Elyon, I sure as heck wasn't going to let him snap at me. Turning to him, I kept my tone low but stern. "Elder or not, my question wasn't offensive or unwarranted. I'm not going to let someone I care about be considered collateral if I can do something about it."

"If you don't want to be thrown out of here for insubordination, I suggest you watch your tone. This isn't New York where being rude and classless is allowed."

I was offended by his description of New York, despite its validity, but more so I just wanted to argue with someone and win for once. I wasn't a child to be put in their place. I was an adult. I'd sacrificed for them and I'd practically killed myself to beat Lucifer at his own game. I deserved at least a smidgeon of respect. "Let them throw me out then. I will never stop standing up for the people I care about no matter what or who they are. I'm not here to disrespect anyone. I just want to have a say in what happens because no one seems to be speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves."

Natalia touched my arm, having been silent as she, Amos, and Gavin watched our little spat. "We hear you, Ava. You deserve to be heard just as much as anyone here. But it's different with the Committee. They know what you've done for the world but they don't know you. Give them time."

Ullrick seemed to be softening, which was surprising as his nature was to be as stand offish as possible. "We're not the enemy here. I don't doubt that the Committee will protect those who deserve it. But asking them to protect a Cambion is outlandish. To you, it may make sense because Carter is someone you've known for years and are close to. To them, he is part demon and that is the only part that matters. I'll do everything in my power to help how I can but we have to remember that Lucifer is the main objective. We cannot allow ourselves to be side tracked."

Rather than respond, I merely nodded. I was beginning to soften too but I still felt that unmistakable swell of disappointment in my chest. No one was going to listen to me because Carter was part demon. His life mattered only the tiniest more than the soul of a malevolent.

"I'll show you all to your quarters," Ullrick said, signaling the end of our tense discussion.

I stood rooted in my spot for a moment, allowing them all to walk ahead of me while I simmered in my embarrassment.

So much for winning that argument.

I wanted to take a moment to collect myself before joining them so I sat down on the arm rest of the couch, taking a few breaths. I'd thought that Gavin would leave with them but he was still standing in the same place, his arms crossed. I looked up at him, fighting back the tears that no doubt wanted to make themselves known. "Hi."

He smiled lightly at me, his green eyes kind as they always were. "Hi..."

I stood slowly, letting out a breath. "Sorry for that."

"I understand and I know what you're feeling. They don't and you can't expect them to because it's been so long since they were human."

He always had the words and knew how to deliver them. It was a trait I really envied...and had missed.

I wanted to fidget but forced myself to stay still and exude calmness. Even though this was our first interaction alone in almost two months and I didn't know what to say. Or what to say first rather. "I guess I shouldn't have bothered wasting my time if I knew the outcome."

"You should never give up on who you care about."

The secondary meaning of his words sent a shiver through me. I wanted so badly to grab him and kiss him and tell him I missed him but I wasn't sure whether he would welcome it. I also didn't want one of the guards to walk in, or worse, one of the fellows. "I don't intend to."

The door opened before he could respond, Natalia putting one foot inside. "Sorry to interrupt. You two coming?"

Gavin nodded. "Yes." He held out his hand to let me go first.

I started ahead of him, the embarrassment returning. He seemed so distant and I wasn't sure why. He couldn't know about Gabriel but maybe he suspected something. Who knew. It certainly was going to drive me nuts though.

We were greeted by six familiar faces as we exited the room, all eyes on us as if they knew what was going on. Gabriel's, though, were the eyes I wanted to avoid and yet I found myself glancing at him. He obviously had thoughts he wanted to broadcast but he'd pushed them deep down into his emotional void. The Committee woman Atarah stood far away from him so it was hard to tell what sort of conversation they'd had. In any case, I hoped these quarters were spread out because I wasn't looking forward to being forced to interact with everyone for an extended amount of time.

Ullrick led us out of the building, our group receiving quite a few stares as we did so. I was sure we were known about the city but fortunately I was used to being under the microscope. However I had little time to pay them attention as I was entranced by the view within minutes of our walk. The city was gorgeous and now that we weren't evading being seen I could enjoy it. Everything was clean and sparkling, from the buildings to the people. Or angels. A majority of the beings in this part of the city were fellows but as we walked further down the paved white street, more Nephilim and Elioud began to mix in. I had never seen so many fellows in one area and it was an amazing experience. Despite my anger at the Committee, I couldn't help but appreciate the wonder of Ezra. It truly was a stunning city and it filled me with an immense amount of serenity.

The place we were staying in was a mansion that resembled the likes of the white house. It was enormous and certainly not the sort of place I ever thought I'd stay in. Ullrick was leading the pack past the armed guards at the front and into the giant entryway that reminded me very much of Nakir's place in upstate New York. Despite its grandeur appearance, the décor was simple and not flashy.

"The rooms are down that hall. Feel free to choose whichever you like. Gabriel and Ava I'm sure you could use some rest. The rest of you can follow me."

I wanted to join them but he was right, I was exhausted. Though the sun was up here, I was sure it had to be at least early evening in New York. And I had slept only a few hours the night before so I was running on empty. I also was no stranger to social cues. It was clear the fellows wanted to do their thing without the presence of rebel Elioud. I wanted to be angry but really I was ready for some alone time to sort through the thoughts in my head.

None of them looked back as Gabriel and I separated from the group and I felt a small pang in my chest as I realized I had been waiting for Gavin to.

We started down the hallway off to the left and I was much more spellbound by the gigantic airy pillar lined hallway than Gabriel. The sun somehow was shining everywhere though there were no windows. The ambiance was very light and blithe, providing a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time.

"Do you happen to know what time it is?" I asked Gabriel, my eyes still scouring my surroundings.

He didn't even need to check his watch to answer. "It's almost eight in the evening. The sun never sets in Ezra so it is always daytime."

"Well that's going to take some getting used to."

He smirked as we stopped at the first door. "You can have this room. It's not as bright as the others."

I wanted to ask how he knew that but decided against it. "Thank you. So how did you know that woman from the Committee?"

He waited a moment, seeming to mull over answer options in his mind. "Atarah was close to my parents. Get some rest." With that said, he started down the hallway again, leaving as though his answer was sufficient. It most certainly wasn't but I was too tired to go after him and prod further. I also wasn't sure my brain could handle much more new information at this point. I was barely keeping it together as it was.

The room was the simplest I'd ever seen for a bedroom. Everything was white, from the floors, to the walls, to the bed frame and even the sheets on the bed. There was no other furniture but the bed and everything seemed to blend in together. There was another door in the right wall which I assumed led to a restroom. The best part of the room though was the ceiling. It was alive with passing clouds just as the ceiling in the foyer but these clouds were moving much slower and surely going to put me to sleep faster.

Kicking off the boots Natalia had given me, I crawled into the bed and snuggled under the covers. It was possibly the most comfortable bed I'd ever laid in by far. It was so comfortable I suddenly felt all stress dissipate and in its place was just tranquility. I stared up at the ceiling and it couldn't have been much more than mere moments before I was asleep, entering the deepest and most regenerating sleep I'd had in possibly...forever.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There's a popular saying: Sleep when you're dead. I wasn't sure of how long I had slept but it felt as though I'd died and been born again. I felt absolutely amazing. Almost akin to the amazing I'd felt after bonding with the Elioud stone. There was something magical about this city and it seemed to almost power up its inhabitants like a battery source.

What was even more fascinating was the full breakfast on a table at my bedside. Had someone brought this in or had it just appeared? Did they feed all of their guests this way? I still wasn't even sure of where I was. Whether it was some main Committee guest house or if they all lived here.

Either way, the breakfast smelled delicious.

I stuffed my face shamelessly, not caring about how quickly I was eating as I was alone. In the middle of my eating I noticed a fresh outfit was floating just a few feet away beside the door, as if hanging on an invisible hanger. It was a beautiful white embroidered tunic dress and white leggings. I was grateful for the change of clothes but again I wondered if someone had come into my room while I was sleeping.

Once I was showered and dressed, I left the room, though hesitant about which way to go. Deciding it was best to go the way I'd already been, I headed back to the foyer and toward the direction I had seen the fellows go. The sun was still shining everywhere and I felt like an ant as I walked through the vast hallways. I wasn't sure what I was walking toward but the massive hallway I was in had a door at the end from which blinding light poured out of and I could hear...birds? The chirping of birds and running water. Curious, and deciding I could start here first, I walked through the doorway.

What I found on the other side was beautiful. A massive room greeted me, covered completely by nature. Vines traced every inch of the walls and grass littered with flowers covered the floor. A stream ran through the middle of the room while massive trees were littered about. At the center was a set of stone steps that led up to a long table with roughly twenty chairs. Was this some sort of meeting room?

A small blue bird flew past me, chirping happily as another followed it. My gaze followed them as they flew about the room, joined by more comrades until their group had grown to eight. It was beautiful. It was so beautiful I didn't realize I wasn't alone in the room.

"I see you've found the dining room."

Turning around, I locked eyes with Gavin and felt my heart stop. He always had and always would elicit a dramatic internal reaction from me. I couldn't control it and I certainly didn't want it to ever go away but I hoped it didn't show outwardly. "This is the dining room?"

He nodded, walking toward me. "I know, it's a little stereotypical. You should see the game room."

"They have a game room?"

His eyes twinkled. "No."

I smiled. "They don't seem like the gaming type here anyway."

"Not really." He was standing close but not too close, as though holding himself back. "How have you been?"

A loaded question and one I certainly didn't want to answer. Anxious? A complete wreck? "It's been a learning curve." I wanted to hold it all back but I couldn't. I didn't want to. I was willing to face rejection because I had to know what he was feeling. "I missed you. A lot."

His response was immediate. "I missed you too. Not a day went by that I didn't think about you. But you know we had to separate so you stood a chance. And until this law changes-"

"I know." I hated that I knew but I did. "I'm just glad you're okay." I really was and I wanted him to know that. As much as this interaction was killing me. He'd never been so distant before and I didn't know what to say or do. It was unfamiliar territory.

"You don't ever have to worry about me. I can't believe you came here but I'm glad you did. How has it been with the rebels?"

Fine. I just made out with the one I hate most. "It's been alright. Nothing like Nakir's but...I've managed."

"And Gabriel?"

Ugh. How do you lie, in the capital of Heaven, to the man you love? "He's difficult but kind."

Just like that, I guess.

Something stirred in Gavin's eyes but he didn't linger on the question, moving on with the conversation. "I felt you wake up earlier so I figured I'd show you to where we are."

"I definitely was going to get lost in here so thank you. How long was I asleep?"

We began walking toward the door. "About sixteen hours."

His answer caused me to falter in my footsteps. "Are you serious?"

He waited for me to walk through the door before following. "More or less. It's easy to get pulled into the serenity of Ezra. You'll get used to it."

Hopefully, otherwise I'd end up sleeping my life away.

We were headed down another long pillar lined hallway. This one led to multiple rooms but the one at the end of the hall was where everyone was located. The room was large with a round white table in the middle and chairs surrounding it. The walls were the same as the bedroom, blending into the floor as though there were no end or beginning. Only half of the people in the room were seated, a couple clusters having their own conversations.

As soon as we entered the room I almost wished I could walk right back out without anyone noticing. Everyone was there, including Atarah, Zion, and a few other Committee members. I tried to meet everyone's gaze with confidence but really I wanted to shrivel up. I knew I wasn't exactly welcome and yet I still hoped that maybe they'd come to accept me in time. For now, I was the outcast.

Gavin moved to stand beside Ullrick as Atarah continued speaking. Unsure of where to go, I moved to stand beside Natalia, throwing Gabriel a quick glance. He didn't look in my direction, his eyes on Atarah. I briefly wondered if their relationship had ever surpassed platonic. I didn't know how old she was in angelic years but she looked to be in her mid-thirties. She was also beautiful, with long straight black hair, olive skin, and a very regal face.

It was like Natalia all over again. The first time I'd met her I had assumed she and Gavin had a history. Come to find out her history was with Amos. Of course, I'd had to stick my foot in my mouth after Natalia confirmed that my accusations were ridiculous. The situation wasn't one I was anxious to repeat.

"It's settled then. Tonight, you all will travel back to Manhattan to the rebels' haven. Gabriel will send out a group to locate Lucifer's den. Once it has been found, Ullrick will return and we will send an army to destroy it. If we are unable to locate the den, we will draw Lucifer's possessed out using Ava as bait. Hopefully, it won't come to that but we will do what we must."

Great, just what I wanted, to be used as bait and have no say in the matter. I already didn't like this Atarah woman.

"Four guards will accompany you to ensure your safety and compliance."

This time, Gabriel spoke up. "Four is a bit much. Six fellows are enough but sending guards too will make it seem hostile."

"I don't care how it seems. It is what is necessary. I suggest you keep your rebels in line."

Gabriel crossed his arms, deciding not to comment further. Arguing wasn't much use with the Committee anyway. They seemed unwavering in their opinions.

"Ullrick and Rainen are to be obeyed, no matter the command. As for the rest of you, I will remind you that you are working not only for the city of Ezra but also for the Creator. You will be representing the Committee in everything you do so I urge you to make each decision with controlled rationality. If there are no further questions, you are free to go."

Everyone waited a moment before dispersing, leaving the room. It seemed our stay in Ezra would be short lived. I really was just anxious to get back and find a way to contact Carter. I didn't care what Zion or anyone said, I wasn't going to leave him to fend for himself when I could warn him.

The journey back to the Cosmic Axis was much less stressful than our arrival. Our group was flanked by the four guards and though it was less hectic, it certainly caused more attention. We were receiving curious stares from almost every fellow or Elioud we passed, a lot of them directed at me. It was no matter, they wouldn't have much to stare at for long.

We were going home.

*~*~*~*~*~*