Fallen

Chapter Twenty Five

As the taxi pulled up outside the failing church, Harper couldn't erase the feeling of unease that overtook her.

It had been a subtle touch at the back of her mind since she had spoken with Miles the evening before. As he went over their plan, told her how to get there, and instructed her on what to expect, it was always present. But it wasn't until this moment, as she stepped out onto the curb, that she truly felt afraid.

Everything she loved would be decided in a moment. Her family, her future, her freedom.

And Michael.

Steeling herself, she jogged up the few broken stone steps to the heavy wooden front door. Pushing it aside, she stepped in, her eyes immediately moving to the front of the small church.

What appeared to be countless candles illuminated the altar, all varying heights, thicknesses and brightness. No artificial light overtook the space, and as the flicker of flame caused shadows to dance across the wooden walls, Harper felt unsure.

Before she had a chance to reconsider, a short figure stepped out from the side of the altar. He was as Miles described; small, slight build, hunched and aged. His lined faced showed his years, but his eyes were kind.

Slowly, she approached the man, her hands wringing together nervously. Once in front of him, he smiled.

"Can I help you, child?"

Finding her voice, Harper nodded. "I am Harper Caison," she began. "I come to you on behalf of the Angel, Michael."

The Father did not seem surprised, despite the fact that he would have been expecting the pure to come to him that night.

"You are the mortal for whom the Angel loves?"

"I am."

The Fathers smile broadened. Gesturing to the pew at his side, he urged Harper to sit.

"And where is your beloved?" the Father asked as he joined her side.

Swallowing back her nervousness, Harper began. "There was an accident yesterday. A Fallen attacked the Angels, forcing them to defend themselves." Harper purposefully left out the mention that the Fallen involved was her own blood. "The Fallen was killed at the hands of Miles. He is now mortal."

For the first time since her arrival, Father Josiah showed emotion.

"That is...upsetting."

Harper could only nod in agreement.

"And Michael?"

"He is to be returned to Heaven Sunday evening,"

The Father did not seem surprised. "It is custom," he mused. "I suppose you are here, as neither are able to leave the community now, in light of these events?"

"I am."

"Then I shall not waste your time with idle chit chat," he said quickly. "I have met with the Angel Rahmiel. Are you familiar with him?"

Harper nodded. "A little bit. Michael told me he is the Angel of mercy and love. That it would be up to him if he found me Angel or human."

"That is true," the Father agreed. "Each Angel reigns governance over their faiths. In this, they have the power to make exceptions to rules that would otherwise be absolute. As the Angel of love, and also mercy, it is in Rahmiels hands to decide your fate."

"And has he decided?"

"He has," the Father nodded. Harper stared at the man, imploring him silently to just be out with it. To not hold back for dramatic pause, as she was too tired, to afraid, and too broken to endure it.

Reaching out, the Father took her hand.

"You are of the pure, Ms Caison," he said gently. "Rahmiel has decided you of worth, and in this, worthy of your match with Michael."

The relief that swept over Harper was so overwhelming, she felt herself become weak. The Father gripped her hand tighter, as if tethering her to the ground as he continued. "It is up to Ariel to announce his decision, a decision that I pass to you. Ariel need only call on Rahmiel for confirmation, as he cannot present himself without request. Pass the information to him, and it will be done."

The cool touch of tears tickled Harpers cheeks, as the relief she felt completely poured from her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, barely able to breathe. "Thank you for this."

"You are most welcome," he smiled with a gentle pat to her hand.

Controlling her emotions, Harper turned to the other issue at hand.

"But I am afraid there is more, Father," she began. "My parents have decided that my pairing with a member of the messengers may in some way ease some of the tension within the compound following yesterdays events. I am not yet eighteen, and cannot be married, but they intend to announce my engagement tomorrow morning."

The Fathers previously happy face faltered. He considered this new information for a moment. "They have not yet made the announcement?"

"No," Harper confirmed. "And Ariel has returned to Heaven until tomorrow, securing Miles freedom of sin in the Fallen's death. I fear I do not have the time to reach him, before my parents announce my betrothal."

Father Josiah looked forlorn. Harper allowed the man time to consider this new roadblock.

"What you need is time?"

"Yes, Father,"

Nodding as though to himself, the Father stood abruptly. Harper watched as he stepped through a small door at the side of the altar, disappearing from view. She could hear him rummaging around in the room, the sound of glass, of papers, before he reappeared with a sense of urgency he had not held before.

Pulling her to her feet, he placed a small vial in her hands.

"This is a potion," he explained. "Very old, but very powerful. It is no longer in use here on Earth."

Harper looked at the small vial, the pale red liquid inside. "What does it do?"

His expression grave, he waited until he had her full attention.

"It will stay your life,"

When Harpers face fell, Father Josiah continued. "Drink this, and you will be as though dead. Your heart will be undetectable. Your breath unnoticeable. But you will not die, Harper. You will be in a state of animation, lasting only twenty four hours. At that time, you will be reborn as though awoken from a dream. You will suffer no ill effects. It will provide you the time you need, to delay your parents announcement."

Fearfully, Harper gazed at the small vial. This tiny glass container held the ability to pause her life. She only need to be brave enough to take it.

"If you take it tonight," the Father continued. "It will delay your parents. You must get word to Ariel of Rahmiel's decision, as well as to Michael that you are not truly dead. Allow Ariel to grant your freedom, and when you awake, you will have all you desire."