Fallen: A Divine Mystery

Chapter 24. A Farewell Smile

When Ann woke up, she found herself alone in the bed. She rubbed her eyes. Elliana's absence didn't bode well. Last night, Ann had been too exhausted to question the elusive angel, but now she was determined to finish their conversation.

Stepping out of bed, Ann made her way to the living room. Theo was fast asleep in the chair, while Kyle had taken refuge under the comforter on the sofa. Ann gently covered Theo with a blanket, careful not to disturb his peaceful slumber. He needed rest, and she didn't want to disrupt it. Once he had recharged his energy, he would undoubtedly spring into action to apprehend the criminals. But for now, he was safe.

Quietly, Ann tiptoed towards the exit door and stepped out onto the spacious verandah. It was late morning, and the sky wore a somber shade of gray, hinting at an impending rain. Nevertheless, the view before her was awe-inspiring - a colossal red canyon stretched out as far as her eyes could see. A river of magnificent turquoise water flowed through the rocks, creating an endless marvel of nature.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Elliana asked, her voice breaking Ann's reverie.

Startled, Ann turned and finally noticed Elliana sitting in the shade of the roof, comfortably settled in a woven chair and sipping her coffee.

"Here you are!" Ann smiled, approaching her. She noticed another mug on the side table and hesitated for a moment.

"I made it for someone who wakes up next," Elliana explained with a smile. "So, you're welcome to enjoy this cup."

"Thanks," Ann replied, accepting the offer. The warmth of the cup seeped into her palms, providing a comforting sensation. She settled into a nearby chair, contemplating her next question.

"We have a similar phenomenon in our world, and it still endures," Elliana remarked, gesturing towards the canyon. "This formation has existed for millions of years. Can you imagine? Civilizations have risen and fallen, and yet it remains. It will continue to exist until the very last moments of humanity's existence."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I want you to understand that there is something greater than ourselves," Elliana replied. "And it's worth fighting for. Despite being women from different worlds, we share a common mission - to help maintain balance, to care, and to nurture. We bring life into this world and do our best to support the people we love."

Ann winced. "You expect me to simply believe you after everything you've done?"

"What have I done wrong?"

"You deceived Theo," Ann reminded her. "By making him believe you were my guardian angel, you made him believe that I was in danger. You played with our lives as if we were mere toys."

Elliana let out a sigh. "I apologize for misleading both of you about whose guardian I am. But that knowledge wasn't the most important aspect. Throughout this time, my mission has been to help Theo understand that he doesn't need to sacrifice his life in an endless chasing of perfection. I wanted him to realize that he deserves happiness. Just as you do."

Ann's frown deepened. "But you nearly destroyed everything! That evening, when I bumped into you in our kitchen, I thought Theo had cheated on me! It shattered my heart."

Elliana's voice filled with genuine remorse. "I never intended for that to happen. I felt so sorry afterward. All I wanted was to talk to both of you and convince you to trust each other. I even baked his favorite cookies using his granny's recipe, hoping it would make my speech more persuasive."

Ann raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Seriously? That was your plan?"

"It was a spontaneous and foolish idea, I admit... But I had seen Theo's future. He was in grave danger with his new job. Someone was trying to frame him, and he was most vulnerable when your relationship began to crack. All I wanted to do was mend that crack."