❛ 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 ❜

⌜𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 - 𝒹𝑒𝓋𝒾𝓁 𝑔𝑜𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓊𝑒? ⌟

⊟

Mouth agape with incredulity she spins around, flinching from the persistent whispers dancing close to her ears. Pressing the side of her neck to her shoulder she turns away, murmuring incoherently under the tormenting screams that ring through the silence threatening to spread through the pathways.

Only now does she pick up on the sound of her chattering teeth. Rubbing her arms to create some warmth, she lets her feet take her in a random direction. Throwing a glance over her shoulder every few seconds as she becomes submerged in the pool of unforgiving darkness.

"I wish there were something I could do to help." Michael replies in his famous, soft spoken voice.

Cassian smiles in appreciation. "It's alright. I'm sure I'll figure something out, I always do in the end."

Michael returns the warm smile with a slight nod of his head. "You always do." He briefly looks away. "I must go, I am needed." Cassian nods understandingly. "Make me one promise. Promise me you won't give up hope."

"I would never give up hope."

"I have seen a mere glimpse of your future, brother, all I ask is that you remember the lessons I taught you when you were young."

"You taught me that things get worse before they get better, and that time heals all wounds, physical or not."

He smiles proudly, bringing a hand to Cassian's shoulder. "You have prayed so much. Your voice has been heard, and your father has a plan for you. But remember, it isn't always the answer to the prayer that matters. It's what you learn while you are waiting for that answer."

Cassian only manages a nod, feeling his friend's wise words speak directly to his soul. Michael sends him a bright smile as he takes a step back.

"I hope to see you again soon, brother." He returns to his home above the clouds in a beam of light. Cassian's gaze fixates on the tranquil waves washing over the sand, finding some peace in the glimmering ocean.

"It would appear I have competition."

"Evening, Lucien. To what do I owe the pleasure this time?" When he calmly turns around their eyes instantly meet.

"Honestly? I thought I'd drop by. Ask how things were, rip out your heart. Nothing overly special."

"Ah," he nods.

"Are you not going to put up a fight? Now, that is surprising. Mostly tedious," he sighs, "I always love the ones who try to put up a fight."

"No matter how corrupt and black-hearted you may be, I think even you would regret killing your own blood."

"I do wish people would stop telling me I care, it's getting awfully tiring."

"You never could accept the truth."

"You know, your precious mortal said the same thing. She gave me an entire speech on how she plans to help you. Told me I wouldn't let anything happen to my so called family. Although what really stole my attention, was the fact that she was willing to end her life, for you."

Cassian's mouth opens and closes. "What do you mean? Lucien. What have you done?"

"She got in my way. She was a liability. I had to take care of her."