Bastian and Anastasia gasped.
"That's impossible," Anastasia said, shaking her head. "You're saying Alex did all of this?"
"Is it impossible?" Zadkiel countered, his expression calm, almost amused. "Everyone spent so much time fearing that this child would bring ruin, that heaven itself would see him as a threat. And yet, he has altered the world—not through destruction, but through protection. He didn't just shield you two. He protected our soldiers. He shielded the palace. And he did it all without understanding his own power."
Anastasia stared at her son, her mind racing. She had spent months dreading the moment the council would decide her child's fate. She had braced herself for war, for exile, for something far worse. But this—this was beyond anything she could have imagined.
"So… you're not going to take him away?" her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Heavens, no," Zadkiel said, almost offended by the idea. "We see now what he truly is—a blessing from the Creator. And we owe you both an apology for everything you've endured."
Simikiel nodded. "Your family has suffered greatly, Anastasia. That is why we want to show our gratitude properly."
Gabriel stood then, looking at her with something she had never seen from him before—pride. "We would also like to honor your father," he said. "And bestow a gift."
Before Anastasia could react, the doors opened, and Matt and Sean walked in. They both looked calm, as if they had already been told what was about to happen.
"Matt, Sean Goodwin," Zadkiel acknowledged, giving them a nod of respect. "Thank you for coming. Your bravery in this war did not go unnoticed."
Gabriel stepped forward, two blades in his hands. They gleamed with a light that was not of this world. "These swords are forged from the same steel that created the Angel Fire Blade," he said. "With them, you carry a part of heaven's power. May the light of the Celestial Realm always protect and guide you."
Anastasia watched as her brothers each took a sword. They bowed their heads in respect, their hands tightening around the hilts.
"Thank you," Matt said sincerely.
"We won't let you down," Sean added, his voice steady.
Gabriel and the other council members bowed their heads in response, sealing the exchange.
Then, Zadkiel turned back to Anastasia and Bastian, his eyes gleaming. "There is one final gift."
Gabriel received something from Zadkiel—a small, ornate key. He walked toward them, holding it out. "This is a key to our front door. Should you ever need to visit, this will grant you entry."
Anastasia frowned. "I don't understand. What do you mean, 'your front door'?"
Zadkiel and Gabriel exchanged a glance before smiling. "Our gift to you, your husband, and your child," Zadkiel said, "is for you to go home. Back to earth."
Silence.
Anastasia's breath caught in her throat. She blinked. "Home? You mean… permanently?"
Gabriel nodded. "You fought for this city. You protected it with your own hands. But we know this was never where you belonged. You deserve peace. You deserve to raise your child free from war."
Anastasia felt her chest tighten. "But… we thought… I mean, we assumed—"
"That you would be forced to remain here? That we would control every step of your future?" Zadkiel tilted his head, amused. "We are not monsters, Anastasia. You fought with honor. Now, we give you freedom."
Bastian exhaled sharply, his grip on Anastasia's hand tightening. He turned to her, searching her eyes. "We can go home," he murmured, almost as if he didn't believe it.
Home.
A life on earth. Raising Alex without war hanging over them. No more fighting, no more running, no more looking over their shoulders, waiting for the next attack.
Anastasia's throat felt tight. "What's the catch?" she asked, her voice barely steady. "There has to be one."
Gabriel's expression softened. "There is no catch. There is only choice. You may stay if you wish. But if you choose to leave, know that this door remains open to you always."
A slow realization settled over her. This was it. The battle was over. The war had been won. And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, they had a future they could control.
She turned to Bastian, feeling his hand squeeze hers.
"What do you think?" he asked quietly.
She let out a shaky laugh. "I think… we're going home."