Chapter 17

                                    

                                          
I stood in front of the massive windows of my apartment, overlooking the city of Heaven for what might be the last time. All of the white buildings had a golden glow to them, reflecting off God's light from above. I could still faintly make out the opaque souls strolling the streets aimlessly below. It's hard to believe I might never see Heaven again. After all, I didn't know what happened when Angels died. If this war ended up taking my life, I wholly expected oblivion. I just hoped Grey would be okay with that. 
                          
"What are you thinking about?" He murmured softly, pressing his lips to my neck. My eyelids fluttered shut, a slack smile spreading on my lips. 
                          
"Just that I'll miss it here," I replied softly and Grey chuckled against my skin, pulling me back against his chest and resting his chin atop my head. 
                          
"Heaven may be beautiful, but it's full of very dramatic people and very powerful people. Not a great mix if you ask me," he sighed. 
                          
"You're right. I just- everything's going to change now, isn't it?" I asked gently, placing my hands gently atop his arms, which were folded across my chest. 
                          
"Probably. But that's not a bad thing," he grumbled, his chest vibrating against my back as he spoke. 
                          
"It is if it's the Reckoning," I mumbled and felt Grey suck in a breath. 
                          
"The Reckoning will happen whether we want it to or not. Worrying about it won't change that," he hummed back. 
                          
"Not helpful," I snickered. 
                          
"Whatever happens, love, you've got me," he murmured, pressing his lips to the top of my head and releasing me from his grip. "We've got to be heading out soon. It's nearly sunset. I informed Siena already, and she angrily demanded to see you. So she'll be coming by any moment. After that, we can go." 
                          
"Figures. I spoke to Ravenna already. Have you seen Allison? I haven't seen her since my wing broke. Do you think she's still mad at me?" I furrowed my brows. 
                          
I'd spoken to Ravenna shortly after learning about Grey and I's fate. I'd run into her on my way to Suriel's to make sure my wing was fully functioning again. Even though I'd only known Ravenna a short time, she'd been there for me when I'd needed someone, and had quickly become someone I'd admired. She was a hell of a fighter, and had helped me through my issues with Grey. I knew I would miss her advice and support. Allison, on the other hand, I hadn't seen or spoken to in days. 
                          
"I don't know. I think she's more so mad at me, if we're being honest," Grey retorted under his breath as he swung his sword across his back. 
                          
"Because I forgave you?" I raised an eyebrow. 
                          
"She doesn't like me, Greene. Never has. She thinks I'm bad for you and that I treat you poorly, which- I mean, I've been a dick, so fair," he chuckled dryly. 
                          
"She hardly knows you," I frowned and Grey shrugged. 
                          
"Look, I don't pretend to know what goes on in Blondie's head. If you want to try to make amends with her, I'd suggest you do it now, before Siena gets here. Siena isn't a huge fan of her either, she only put up with her for your sake," Grey explained. 
                          
I sucked in a breath. I would regret it if I didn't go. "If Siena comes, will you stall her? I'll only be 10 minutes," I said quickly. 
                          
"Be quick, love," Grey gave me a cool smirk and a nod, and I rushed out the door and down the hall towards Suriel's apartment. If they were still together, my guess is she would be here. I knocked on the door twice and took a step back, waiting. 
                          
Slowly, the door opened. 
                          
"Jordan," Allison spoke softly, as if she were astounded I was even here. Her silver hair cascaded in waves slightly past her shoulders. She must've cut it. A dark red pigment was smeared across her lips, making her dark blue eyes appear even more vibrant than normal.