“Alright, then we will take the time to do the same. But don’t let your guards down, either. Raph is completely unpredictable, and could change his mind at any moment.” Gramps hangs up, and we sit around for a little while, discussing what could happen.
Dad is pretty certain the angels, outside of the council, are lower-level newbies that they talked into helping their cause without knowing the amount of shit they were agreeing to.
In a way, I kind of feel bad for them if that’s the case. They are essentially innocent victims in all of this too, and will most likely end up losing their lives. But I can’t feel bad about that.
If it’s them or us, I will choose them every time because my family is everything.
You would think after being around Gramps for so long, that someone showing up in my dreams would be something I get used to, but I still jump when Grandpa joins me again.
“Harleigh, how are you?” He asks me, even though I know He knows the answer, so I roll my eyes.
“Fantastic,” I mutter dryly, and He chuckles.
“You had a premonition today.” It’s a statement, and I have to wonder if He sent it to me.
“Did you have something to do with that?” He watches me, His lips tilt into a smile.
“I control a lot of things, Harleigh, but your powers are not one of them. Your premonitions come to you when you need them most.”
“I can’t shake this feeling that what I saw wasn’t the entire truth,” I tell him truthfully, and He smiles at me.
“Trust your gut. What about the vision has you questioning it?”
I sigh, and look at Him.
“I don’t question the validity of the vision. But I do question how much Raphael knows and why he’s keeping information back from some, if not everyone.”
“That’s simple, dear. The new recruits would never go against Lucifer if they had known. The council on the other hand…” He takes a deep breath before blowing it out, and looking off into the distance. “I’m not sure why he wouldn’t keep them in the loop. Raphael knows me almost as well as Michael, so he must know that I’ve given Lucifer the go ahead to end this. Why he’s keeping that from the council is something I can’t answer.” He looks so sad as I watch Him.
“Are you okay, Grandpa?” He turns to me with a sad smile.
“Not really. I trusted them with everything. To follow the rules no matter what, and to keep the balance so that everyone had the free will to choose good or evil. I never expected to be betrayed by those closest to me.”
I can’t imagine the pain He must be feeling over all this. Losing those closest to Him, and realizing He never really knew them at all.
“I can’t say I know what you’re going through. I can’t begin to fathom how hurtful it would be if the people I love and trust were to me.” Just the idea of my family betraying me, the guys and Addy, has my stomach in knots.
“You will never know betrayal like this, Harleigh,” He promises.
“You can’t know that. Can you?” He smiles down at me.
“There are a lot of different outcomes that can happen based on what people choose, but I don’t see betrayal in your future in any way. Not from those you hold dearest.”
“Thank you,” I say quietly, letting out a breath I wasn’t sure I could.
“Your parents miss you.”
“I miss them, too. Are they alright? All of them?” He nods.
“Everyone is protected, and will remain that way. I promise you that.”
“I wish I could call them.”
“I know, but it isn’t safe. Right now, you all need to focus on the battle ahead, and know that I personally have them covered. No one can find them.”
“I trust you.” He nods and stands.
“I need to go, Harleigh. Trust your instincts, they’re good ones.”
BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
16
Harleigh
Hell is NOT a nice place.
Sure, the corner I had been in over the summer was gorgeous, but the door I’m looking through right now has me wanting to toss my lunch. Just the sounds of the tormented and screaming souls is enough to make anyone with a conscience sick.
I think the only ones not affected by it are Gramps, and Orion.
“Harleigh, are you sure this is a good idea?” Dad asks me for the millionth time, and I sigh.
“Yes. I will be alright, but don’t you need to be teaching or something?” I tease him, and he rolls his eyes at me.
“You’re deflecting. I took this morning off, and I’m heading back. We can’t all be gone at the same time right now without raising suspicion.” He pulls me into a tight hug and kisses my head. “I trust Dad and your guys to watch out for you.”
