Chapter 12

Raphael

The first raysof dawn begin to filter through the blinds, illuminating the bedroom in a muted, golden light. On the bed, Helena lies curled against me, her eyes closed and her body pressed close to mine. Long dark lashes fan out from her cheeks, and the tips of her hair, still damp from the night before, tickle my bare shoulder.

My heart swells at the sight of her, and I smile, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. It’s almost painful seeing her so at peace and vulnerable; she’s usually so guarded, so determined to keep her distance. This forbidden slice of intimacy feels more precious than all the hedonistic trysts that came before.

Careful not to wake her, I slip from the silken sheets and pad across the plush carpet to the balcony doors. The morning air washes over my skin, crisp and salty, as I step outside, overlooking the awakening city.

Below, the streets come alive with commuters blinking sleep from their eyes. So ordinary, so fleeting. Hard to believe angels and demons walk unseen amongst them.

I glance back through the glass doors to where Helena still dozes, hair a riotous tumble across the pillows. An ache swells in my chest. I want this stolen moment to last forever.

But cold reality awaits us both beyond these walls. This night was but a fantasy, a delicate soap bubble floating precariously through a harsh world.

Leaning against the railing, I turn my eyes to the heavens as the faintest violet touches the undersides of scattered clouds. Somewhere in the city, my brothers prepare to start another monotonous day pretending to be human while keeping the cosmic forces in check.

What would they say if they knew I was tangled in forbidden sheets with our ancestral enemy’s kin? No doubt they’d accuse me again of shirking duties, ignoring wisdom’s warnings.

Perhaps there is some truth to that. I’ve always struggled to deny myself earthly pleasures and follow sterile rules. But in this moment, I cannot force myself to regret last night’s choices.

A warm hand trails across my shoulders as Helena joins me outside, the oversized shirt she borrowed slipping alluringly off one golden slope.

“No rest for the righteous archangel?” she asks, stifling a yawn behind her hand.

I draw her close, arms entwining her soft waist. “Some things matter more than rest.”

Tilting her face up to mine, I capture her lips in a slow kiss filled with all the words we dare not say aloud. It feels right—being with her. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced this sensation before. I don’t linger too much on it, though. For now, it’s enough to simply be present in each other’s arms as the new day dawns.

When we finally and reluctantly part, Helena attempts a teasing smile. “I suppose you’ll return repentant to your heavenly duties after spending the night cavorting with the damned?”

Her light tone doesn’t fully mask the apprehension in her eyes. We both understand the spell woven here is fragile, ready to rupture once the world intrudes again.

I brush a thumb across her cheek. “Actually, I’m planning to stay here for a little longer.”

The smile I receive in return warms me more than the climbing sun’s rays. For now, duty can wait. This stolen moment is an oasis I’m not quite ready to leave.

Taking her hand, I lead Helena back inside, where shadows still reign. We have a few hours yet before harsh reality comes crashing in, a few more hours to savor this exquisite dream together.