To Love a Celestial

Chapter Thirty-Three: Run Boy Run

Word had spread like wildfire about the attack on the archangels, and there was no time wasted on the war front. Troops were being sent to No Man's Land on a daily basis and the city was grasped by fear. Orders had been sent to other major cities to prepare and march out and camps were being built as well. If the hordes somehow did get past the mountain range then they would have another obstacle. In King's City, it was now a twenty-four operation and Raden found himself in the midst of it all.

Eli sat on the ground with his head leaning against a stone wall. "It looks like we're marching out at sunrise."

The decree for another wave of soldiers to head to the camps had been sent that morning. A wave of dread washed over Raden when he heard the news and he had no clue what he would do to break the news.

"It was inevitable," Raden simply answered. "Try getting some rest because there won't be much if they attack." He pushed off the wall and dusted off his pants. The guilt he felt right now was immeasurable. This time he had someone to fight for and leaving them was going to be harder than any battle he'd ever fought.

"You do the same."

Raden flew off before another word was said. He could feel the atmosphere of the city sitting heavy. The vibrant city they had been welcomed into was now nothing more than empty streets and quiet skies. Even Azrael had stopped venturing out to the local farmer's market and kept mostly in her room. This war was going to destroy so much of this beautiful realm and those who could prevent that are sitting in comfort letting it happen.

The inn sat warm and cozy with the soft light of lanterns glowing in the dark dreary night as Raden landed. He walked in to see the lobby empty but that wasn't uncommon now. Rosemary popped her head in as she heard the door open.

"Hey Raden, are you hungry?"

He shook his head. "Do you know where Azrael is?" His eyes held a deep sorrow as he looked upon Rosemary.

Rosemary pressed her lips into a tight line and gestured for the tavern. "She's keeping me company by the bar."

Raden followed her back to the tavern and saw Azrael sitting at the bar with her nose in a book. He walked up behind her placing a hand on each arm and squeezing lightly. She looked up and he kissed her on the forehead.

"How're preparations going," Azrael asked as Raden sat down beside her.

"Still going on, but there's something I need to tell you." He saw the light leave her eyes and that broke him in so many ways. "A new group is marching out tomorrow and I'm going with them."

Azrael looked down and just stared at her book mindlessly. Her face was void of any emotion or thought. So long on the run would do that to a person. Raden grabbed her hands and squeezed tightly.

"It'll only be for a few weeks until things are set up. I doubt that anything will happen and I'll be back before you realize it," He tried reassuring her. Even in his own mind it didn't sound believable. "Talk to me, Azrael."

She leaned into his touch. "I still don't want you to go," she muttered softly.

"I'll be back here before you blink." Raden smiled softly. He met those hazel eyes and searched for that happy girl. She was nowhere to be found.

Azrael nodded in defeat and hopped off the counter. "I think I'm going to call it a night."

Raden felt a weight bare down on his shoulders as Azrael silently walked past him. He met Rosemary's gaze and felt defeated. Everything he was doing was to keep Azrael safe. So why did this feel like the wrong move?

Rosemary placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "Go spend your last night here with her."

He held her close that night and nothing could pull her from his grasp.