In a hidden world where angels and demons clash, Cecelia White's life takes a thrilling turn when she discovers her connection to a powerful relic, the Angel Key. With her best friend Evie by her side, Cecelia is thrust into a supernatural conflict...
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Three Months Later
Cecelia's Perspective
The days had begun to blur together in the aftermath of Christoph's death. Life at NYU resumed its relentless pace, but for Cecelia, each step forward felt like an effort to reclaim normalcy. The autumn semester was in full swing, the campus bustling with the energy of returning students. Yet, a part of her felt hollow, as if a vital piece of her world had been irrevocably lost.
Evie, always a source of strength, was her constant companion. They navigated their classes together, studied late into the night, and shared quiet moments of grief when the weight of their loss became too much to bear. Cecelia found solace in the routine, the academic rigor a welcome distraction from the aching void left by Christoph's absence.
One crisp October afternoon, Cecelia and Evie decided to visit Erik, Sam, and Darius at their new apartment. Erik had found a place in a quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn, a fresh start for the remaining members of the Elite Wing. The plan was to have a barbecue, a small gathering to remember Christoph and celebrate their continued bond.
As they approached the apartment building, Cecelia's heart quickened. It had been a while since they had all been together, and the prospect of seeing Erik, Sam, and Darius brought a mix of anticipation and sadness.
"Ready?" Evie asked, her voice gentle.
Cecelia nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, let's do this."
Erik's Perspective
Erik had thrown himself into his new life with a fervor that bordered on obsessive. Moving into the new apartment with Sam and Darius had been a necessary change, a way to distance themselves from the painful memories associated with Montauk. The apartment was modest but comfortable, a sanctuary where they could rebuild their lives.
The barbecue was Erik's idea. He wanted to bring everyone together, to remind them of the strength they still possessed as a unit. He had spent the morning preparing, marinating meat, chopping vegetables, and setting up the grill on their small patio.
As he worked, his thoughts kept drifting to Christoph. He missed his brother more than words could express. The laughter, the camaraderie, the sense of invincibility they had shared—all of it felt like a distant dream. Erik knew he had to be strong for the others, to keep the spirit of their fallen leader alive.
"Hey, Erik," Sam called from the living room. "Cecelia and Evie are here."
Erik took a deep breath, steadying himself before heading to the door. Seeing Cecelia and Evie always brought a rush of emotions—comfort, sorrow, and a deep sense of responsibility.
"Hey, you two," Erik greeted them with a warm smile, pulling them into a group hug. "It's good to see you."
"You too, Erik," Cecelia replied, her voice tinged with emotion.
Darius appeared behind Erik, grinning widely. "Welcome, ladies. Make yourselves at home."
The Barbecue
The apartment was filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled food and the sound of soft laughter. The group gathered on the patio, the sun casting a warm glow over their faces. Erik manned the grill, expertly flipping burgers and turning skewers, while Sam and Darius set up the table with salads, drinks, and sides.
As they settled down to eat, a comfortable silence enveloped them. It was a silence born of shared grief and mutual understanding, a testament to the bond that had grown even stronger in the wake of their loss.
"Remember that time Christoph insisted we all practice that song he heard the first time he met Cecelia?" Sam said, breaking the silence with a chuckle. "He was so determined to get it perfect before the open mic night at Ray's Cool Cafe."
Darius laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, he had us practicing all night. We were all exhausted, but he wouldn't let us quit until we got it right."
Cecelia looked up, her eyes widening with surprise. "He did that? For me?"
Erik nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, he heard that song the night he met you and thought it was perfect. He wanted to surprise you, to show you how much you meant to him. We must have practiced for hours, but he wouldn't let us stop until we had it down perfectly."
Cecelia felt a lump in her throat, tears welling up in her eyes. "I never knew... He never told me."
"He wanted it to be special," Erik said softly. "He wanted you to feel how much he cared."
Cecelia's tears spilled over, but she smiled through them. "He always had a way of making me feel special. I wish I could thank him for that."
Evie reached over and squeezed her hand. "He knew, Cecelia. He always knew."
Cecelia nodded, her heart swelling with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. The memory of Christoph's dedication to making her happy was a precious gift, one she would carry with her always.
As the evening wore on, the group continued to share stories and reminisce about Christoph. Though the pain of his loss was still fresh, their shared memories brought a sense of comfort and connection. They were a family, bound not by blood but by the trials they had faced together. And in the face of an uncertain future, they knew they would stand strong, just as Christoph had taught them.
For as long as they had each other, they would never truly be alone.
