Metatron was defeated. The angels had won. Castiel had won. But still, he felt unhappy. He couldn't explain why. Maybe something Metatron had said last. He was right. Everything he had done, it wasn't to save heaven, to reconcile with his brothers and sisters. He had done it to save one single human: Dean Winchester. And now, that human wasn't anymore.

Castiel was feeling emotions. He couldn't tell what it was. It was more than mere grief. Despite all the years he'd spent among humans, he couldn't understand the complexity of all their emotions. Days had passed, weeks, nearly two months, and yet, he hadn't figured it out.

He was in heaven, with the other angels. They wanted him to rule, so he ruled. They wanted him to lead, so he led. He did it all reluctantly. He wasn't supposed to do that. Last time he tried, his thoughts were darkened by hunger of power. Lots of his brothers had perished, and him too.

Meanwhile, Sam called him several times. He didn't answer once. He no longer cared about that human. Humans are weak. No matter how much angels protect them, they will all die. Anyway, he didn't deserve his attention. He was an abomination. He should not even think about him.

He was supposed to protect Him. And he failed. He did a lot of terrible things. He betrayed his brothers and sisters, he disobeyed. What for? They always end up being dead anyway.

This day, Sam called him again. He talked about demons and things, and Dean. As soon as Castiel heard that name, he flew straight to him, with his weakened wings.

Sam was standing in the main room of the bunker right across Castiel. His face seemed different. He still looked worried and thoughtful as usual, but there was something else.

"Castiel." Sam said. "You finally came."

"Yes."

"It's Dean"

"Yes, I know. He's dead. Sorry for your loss."

"No. He's back".

Castiel vessel's heart skipped a heartbeat. He tilted his head like he always does.

"What?"

Castiel couldn't believe him. Dean was dead. He had died too many times for a human. He's truly dead, now.

"The mark… It brought him back." Sam said as he started pacing.

"Where is he?"

Sam stopped walking and turned his head towards Castiel's.

"In hell, with Crowley."

"Why would he be in hell, with Crowley?"

"He's a demon now."

Castiel tilted his head once more and fixed his gaze at that strange human. He was spilling his time with his human nonsense. Grief is harder for humans. He had gone completely crazy.

"How is that even possible?"

"I told you, it's the mark." Sam argued, moving his arms. Then, he started pacing again.

Castiel watched him in confusion during few seconds. Then he asked:

"So, Dean is a demon?"

"Yes."

"So, cure him."

Castiel's words startled Sam. He stopped moving immediately. It wasn't making any sense to him.

"What—I can't."

Of course he can't, it was all lie, Cas thought. He glared at the lonely human. This conversation was a total waste of time. He knew it since the beginning.

"I can't cure him" Sam added, now that he understood what Castiel meant.. "If I do, I'll die. It's the final trial to close the gates of hell".

"So, if you do, you'll save your brother and close the gates of hell."

"But—I'll die."

"Do you think your life is that important?"

"What are you saying, Cas?"

"Castiel. My name is Castiel." The angel snaped at him.

"I'm sorry, Castiel. I'm not sure I'm following. Are you saying you want me to sacrifice myself in order to bring my brother back?"

"Don't you think your brother's life's more important than yours?"

"Are you mad, Castiel?"Sam shouted, outraged.

"You owe it to him."

Castiel stormed off.