Absolution

16: Will I Ever See The End?

Alice

I kept my hands knotted on the bloody hankerchief in my hands, praying that Cassiel will survive.

The thought of seeing a dying angel is like a nightmare keeps on replaying in my mind.

Is there also an afterlife for angels?

The question gives me an unwelcome chills, I don't even want to know. I cannot deal with it right now.

"Your knuckles are turning white" I heard a soft chuckle and I saw the woman who brought us here in her husband's house "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

I nod "I know, but all along it is my fault."

She shakes her head "No one has to be blame for this, the demons are messing up with people's minds lately and you are just another victim."

Victim. Again. Me.

"I want to have my normal life back, I want my reality back. Is that too much to ask?" I wipe the lone tear from my eyes.

She hugs me, like a motherly gesture, even though she is literally cold I can feel the warmth of her embrace.

"It will be over soon, Alice. Have faith in God and in yourself." she said, softly.

I sob at her shoulder "Will I ever see the end of this? I want everything to be back the way it was before."

She strokes my hair and comforts me, I keep on sobbing on her shoulders and eventually I stopped but I feel numb.

She gave me motivational words to move on and I kept everything in mind.

"Cassiel is out of the critical stage now, he needs to rest for a couple of days and he will be fine." I looked up to see archangel Raphael talking to us.

I still feel like in a dream where angels and demons and vampires are real.

I remembered the last passage from Book 1 of Mortal Instruments the City of Bones where Jace took Clary with him back to the Institute, if my memory serves me right he said "All those stories are true."

"Do you want to see him?" the pale haired woman asked me.

I shake my head "I am not ready yet and oh by the way what's your name, ma'am?" I have been talking to her and I even forgot to ask her name. This is embarassing.

"My name's Ira." she said while smiling.

I frown "Ira means anger in latin right?"

She nods "Yeah you're correct."

The name is opposite to her attitude.

"How many days will it take for Cassiel to wake up?"

"Three weeks maximum but probably it will only take one week if his body can tolerate the medicine I put in him." he said, taking Ira's hand.

I couldn't help but to smile at their gesture. Such a lovely couple.
----

So I decided to go upstairs, I am worried to Cassiel and I still feel guilty to what happened to him.

I knock softly on the door before opening it, there he is under the blanket with his eyes closed and a bandage on his head.

The wounds are already healed but the bruises are still there. I pull a chair beside the bed and sit on it.

I trace the scars on his pale cheeks with my finger.

"Az.." I froze as I pull back my finger away from his face slowly.