She walked through a barren land, her feet bare, sinking into the burning sand and rocks. Surprisingly, the razor sharp rocks didn't hurt as they pressed against the flesh of her feet, nor did the searing sand.

She climbed higher, her breath never getting short, a sweat never breaking out on her skin despite the sweltering heat.

She could see for miles from this high, and yet she climbed higher. The day passed into night and when she reached the summit, the stars shone brightly overhead, the swirling of the Milky Way visible and hauntingly beautiful.

She sank down onto the ground and stared up at it, lifting a hand, as though she could dip her fingers into the ether and they would come away silky with stardust.

"It is beautiful, is it not?"

She looked to the side and found a pair of sandals beside her head, a man's feet.

"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" she murmured.

The man laughed softly and moved to sit beside her head. "Your experiences are woefully limited. There are far more beautiful things."

She sighed, "That's probably true." She stole a glance at him out of the corner of her eye before staring back up at the sky. "What is the most beautiful thing you've seen?" she murmured.

The man made a soft contemplative noise. "I have seen more than you could possibly fathom. Your human mind could not contemplate the most beautiful thing I have seen."

She rolled onto her side this time, staring at him. He wore a hoodie, disguising his face from her, but she could see his hands, and they were strong, dark, and resting on his knees casually.

"You're not human then" she murmured, watching him for a reaction.

His shoulders shuddered as he laughed, "Indeed not. I'm what you call…God."

She lifted a brow, "Really? I was hoping for something more…feminine."

His laughter barked into the night. "Well, I hate to disappoint." He stood and raised his arms outwards in a beatific manner, his hood still raised around his face. A bright white light began to emanate from within the hood, growing steadily brighter until she could no longer look at him.

"Is this better?" a feminine voice asked softly, so wryly it was almost painful.

She looked up; blinking to clear the spots from her vision and after a moment was able to see a woman's form before her. The hood was still raised and she still couldn't see anything beneath it.

"I suppose so. Though I still don't know what you look like."

She could tell the woman who had been a man who was God was staring at her from under the hood; she could feel the eyes boring into her. She fought the urge to squirm.

"It would drive you to madness to see my face."

She lifted a brow, "Maybe."

A soft sighed escaped the hood. "Very well." Thin fingers reached for the hood and pushed it back.

She screamed…her voice echoing off the rocks surrounding them. Her hands covered her eyes, but the image was seared into her mind…tears flowed from her eyes….

Devery sat up in bed, dagger in hand, heart racing as she peered around the room. Her breaths came out in scared little pants and she trembled. When her hands had steadied she tossed aside the covers and rose from her bed, grabbing a sweater and pulling it on over her tank top.

She strode from the room, ignoring Gabriel's open doors, knowing he wasn't there at this hour. Her feet carried her surely through the aerie until she emerged into the throne room. What had once been drenched in blood and dead acolytes was now scrubbed clean and filled with live servants.

She walked to the foot of Gabriel's throne and lifted a brow at him before turning to his disciples. "Get out" she commanded, her tone deadly, soft.

They eyed her warily, some glancing to Gabriel for confirmation they should obey her, but others, who had seen her slaughter their brethren were already tugging the arms of their cohorts and leading them out of the room.

Gabriel watched them go with interest, sipping from a goblet. When the room had emptied he sighed and leaned back, "What is it that you need?" he asked, annoyance plain in his voice.

Devery reached for the bottle of wine and poured herself a goblet, lifting it in toast before sipping. She exhaled sharply, closing her eyes.

Gabriel studied her, noting dark circles under her eyes and sharp lines around her eyes. Since her return to life just two days before, she had slept little, and had wandered all over the aerie, seeming restless, at loose ends.

Those within the aerie were frightened of her and her abilities, especially after they had been forced to clean up the remains of their friends.

Gabriel didn't regard her with fear, his interest with Devery was a sordid mixture of an urge to kill her out of spite for having seen his father, a desire to use her to lure his brother close, and underlying all of it, his fascination with her.

"How did you see your father's face without going mad?" she whispered. Her fingers were white where they gripped the goblet and Gabriel thought he could see her trembling. She opened her eyes and the pupils were so wide her eyes were nearly as black as an 8-balls'.

"I cannot forget it. I see it in my dreams. I am haunted" she whispered, her face drawn with agony. She set aside the goblet and brought a hand up to her face, flinching at her own touch, "I would pluck my eyes from my head if it would rid me of the image…" she shook her head, "but it is not so simple" she whispered, her voice raspy with emotion.

Gabriel sighed, feeling sympathy for her despite himself. Every new angel had experienced what she was feeling at one point. When one looked upon God, it was a humbling, nearly maddening experience.

It was only because he and Michael were archangels that they had come away unscathed. For her to have survived with her sanity…he raised a brow, well, relatively sane. It was truly miraculous.

It was also proof that his father had blessed her with powers beyond that of a human, or she would surely have perished.

Gabriel lifted a hand and beckoned her forward, watching as she came closer, her steps unsteady, whether from the wine, lack of sleep, or some internal pain, he didn't know. When she reached the foot of his throne he leaned forward and frowned softly.

She looked worse up close.

Sighing he leaned back and looked up at her. "I can help you, if you want" he murmured.

Devery's eyes widened in surprise. "Wha- How?" she demanded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'll need to go into your memory, into your mind. You'll have to trust me. I can remove the pain associated with the memory."

Devery stared at him suspiciously, her fingers clenched in the material of her sweater, bunching it together as she contemplated what he was offering. After a few moments she nodded, "Okay."

Gabriel smiled faintly, "Kneel."

Devery frowned disapprovingly and Gabriel's smile grew, "If you don't want help, then you can go."

She sighed and shook her head; kneeling after she glanced around to be sure they were truly alone. It occurred to her as she looked up at him that she was in the perfect position for him to take her head off with his sword, which still hung at his side, even as he was seated. She looked away from the sword and met Gabriel's gaze, giving him a worried smile.

He reached out, pausing when she flinched back. He lifted a brow, smiling softly. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She nodded and leaned back in, controlling her reaction when his hand slid against her cheek.

Gabriel could feel her shudder against him and watched as her eyes widened. She must truly be in pain to allow me to touch her like this…in the days since she had risen she had become withdrawn and had flinched every time he or anyone else had tried to initiate contact or had accidentally made it.

"Close your eyes and open your mind. Do not raise any defenses. Think of that memory and I will aid you in taking the pain away." His voice was low and soothing; he watched as she took deep breaths before closing her eyes, steadying herself.

He closed his own eyes and reached out with his mind, finding hers easily—shining like a beacon. He stepped into the memory of her meeting his father and winced, it was laced with so much pain it was nearly unbearable, even for him.

How is she even alive? he marveled. He pulled away from the memory and watched her experience it, watched the way it seared her, leaving her raw and trembling like a newborn in the desert.

What happened next was incredible.

Her power rose up and began healing her mental wounds, protecting her from lasting damage. She wasn't even aware she was doing it.

As the memory reared up again Gabriel moved in again and began using his own abilities, numbing the pain associated with it, taking the sting away from his father's appearance. When he was done he withdrew from her mind and sank back against his chair.

Devery collapsed at his feet, her face in her hands. "Oh thank you…oh…it doesn't hurt anymore" she whispered, her voice rough with unshed tears. She took a deep breath and brushed her long silky hair back, pushing it over one shoulder before rising to her feet slowly.

She stared down at Gabriel, studying him for long moments until he grew uneasy beneath her steady gaze.

"What?" he demanded.

She shook her head, "I don't know what to think of you. You are…dangerous. Your…Nadia killed me, but you don't seem upset that I returned the favor. You're interested in how I came back, and how I can be of use to you. I'm trying to stop you from attacking humans and using 8-balls to wage war. Can I be assured that you're going to do that?" she asked.

Gabriel smirked and leaned forward, "I can assure you that I'm going to end the war between myself and humanity. I'm going to bring my father back. I'll take your help if you offer it."

Devery nodded, "Like I said. Dangerous."

Gabriel stood and loomed over her, his brow furrowing. "If you don't like it, leave."

Devery lifted a hand and rested it against his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath her palm. "I'd rather you convince me that there's a good reason to stay. Have I done any good by being here? Should I return to Vega and see your brother?" she murmured

Gabriel laughed softly, his eyes glinting with mirth. "You won't find my brother in Vega anymore. He's no longer welcome there, due to the murders he committed."

Devery frowned deeply and shook her head sharply, "He wouldn't."

Gabriel laughed, "You forget our little history lesson. Sodom and Gomorrah?" he taunted. When Devery's face slumped in disappointment Gabriel nodded, smirking. "He's a wanted man now. No better than me."

Devery's lips twisted into a grimace, "I hardly think that's an apt comparison."

Gabriel's smirk slid into a glare, "You know nothing of me." He stepped back, leaving her hand to drop into empty air. "Michael was the brother who was feared and punished by our father for what he had done. I was beloved until…" his face darkened and he turned away, his voice breaking.

Devery frowned, what could possibly have made Gabriel this emotional? "What is it Gabriel?" she murmured, stepping forward, laying a hand on his shoulder gently, "What happened?"

He shook her off and strode down the steps, pouring himself another goblet of wine, hiding his shaking hands by keeping his back turned to her. "Nothing. Get out."

Devery sighed and shook her head. She was too tired for this. Nodding, she walked down the steps from his throne, casting a glance over her shoulder to where Gabriel stood, looking smaller in the empty room by himself.

When she crawled back into bed the sun was beginning to rise and exhaustion was making her limbs heavy and her eyes drowsy.

This time as she fell asleep, the memory of Gabriel's father didn't haunt her. Instead she wandered through a lush jungle, beautiful blossoms trailing over her skin, filling her dreams with their luxurious scent.

Gabriel watched as one of the 8-balls hauled the young man towards him. He had been found climbing the walls of the aerie, and when he had gotten close to the throne room, he had finally been captured.

Alex Lannon.

The Chosen One.

He's come right to me. Bloody fool if he thinks I don't know it's a trap somehow.

Gabriel rubbed a hand along his jaw and watched as Alex was forced to his knees, his hands bound behind him. Alex glared fiercely up at him, and Gabriel chuckled, proud of the boy for his defiance.

"What are you doing here Chosen One?" he taunted.

Alex frowned at him, "I'm here because Michael lied. I need someone to help me with these markings."

Gabriel laughed in surprise, shaking his head at the boy's audacity. "Very well." He nodded to one of the 8-balls, "Make Alex here comfortable in one of our finest cells."

Alex glared at Gabriel and began struggling as the 8-balls lifted him to his feet, cursing Gabriel. When the room had been emptied Gabriel noticed that Devery was standing in the back, watching him silently, her face as impassive and unreadable as the stone wall beside her.

For some reason shame shot through him at the sight of her, but he quickly crushed it, it wasn't a useful emotion in this situation.

"What?" he demanded.

She shrugged and stepped forward, approaching his throne until she stood at the bottom of the stairs. "You could have given him rooms, like you did with me."

Gabriel smirked, "Only after you came back and proved you deserved them."

She lifted a brow, "Mmm, so he needs to prove himself?" she asked softly, her tone still not revealing how she felt about his decision.

Gabriel nodded, "I don't trust that boy farther than I can throw him." He smirked, "Do you?"

Devery pondered it for a moment and then a corner of her mouth turned up. "Do I think he needs to prove himself? I think he already did by coming here with no army. It means he figured out from Michael where you were and could have told Vega where you are, and didn't. Do I think you should trust him because of that? Hmm, maybe. You don't trust your own shadow."

She shrugged and turned away, walking towards the door before she paused and turned back, "Your distrust, need for vengeance, and lust for power will be your downfall Gabriel. They are an albatross around your neck. You will drown in your own darkness."

Gabriel watched her walk away, feeling the weight of destiny in her words.

"Boy…it has been months and you have failed to produce any information from these markings!" Gabriel shouted, pacing around the room, glaring at Alex. His frustration had grown with each passing day that Alex had failed to make any sense of his markings, and his time spent with Devery was little consolation.

Alex glared at Gabriel, his own frustration mounting. "I told you they haven't moved since I left Vega. No words, no symbols. Nothing."

Gabriel grunted and swung back around, studying Alex. "Perhaps our deal was premature. It seems you can't offer me anything. Maybe sparing Claire, Vega, your unborn baby was too much to offer."

Alex lunged forward, brought to a quick halt by the shackle restraining him. "If you ever threaten them again you can find someone else to help you with your daddy issues."

A low chuckle came from within the room and Gabriel struggled to keep his anger in check at the boy's flippant remark. He turned to the 8-ball nearby, "Bring her."

The man nodded and disappeared, leaving the silence in the room to stretch to a breaking point. "You're a dick Gabriel" Alex muttered. Gabriel smirked and paced around the room slowly, nodding, remaining silent.

The 8-ball returned with Noma, pushing and shoving her into the room, forcing her into shackles along the wall. Gabriel smiled widely, "Good! Now Alex, if you can't give me what I ask for, perhaps I need to provide you some incentive."

He nodded to the 8-ball, "Bring me the stakes. We'll pin her wings."

Alex looked horrified and struggled hard against his shackles, "No!" The restraint bit into his skin, causing blood to well up. He looked down, struggling with the shackle, trying to free himself.

One of the markings changed, swirling.

"Alex! Don't tell him!" Noma shouted.

Gabriel looked over to another 8-ball, "Find Uriel, she'll want to see this" he commanded with a smirk. The woman nodded and strode from the room.

"Tell me Alex, what do the markings say?" Gabriel demanded, walking closer to Noma, circling her like a shark.

"I can't read them."

Gabriel nodded as the 8-ball carrying the stakes returned, followed closely by Uriel.

"That's a shame." He reached out and took the stakes, smiling darkly at Alex.

Devery stepped forward from the back of the room, "Gabriel stop." Her voice was no louder than normal, but it carried the force of a shout.

Gabriel heaved a sigh, turning to give her an annoyed look. "What do you want?" he demanded.

She stepped forward, parting the small crowd, leaving a nervous looking wake behind her.

"I want you to consider your actions very carefully before you take them. I promised to try and save you, to help you. If you plan on harming this angel, I won't allow it. I will stop you." She lifted a brow and laid a hand gently on her sword, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

Gabriel laughed and turned his back on her, stepping towards Noma with the pins; "No you won't" he called confidently.

Devery sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "You're crushing your chance at redemption Gabriel. You're slipping into the deep end, and I won't throw you many more lifesavers."

"I never asked you to save me. Now get out."

Devery nodded and opened her eyes, her hand tightening around the hilt of her sword. In a fluid movement she spun, unsheathing it and slicing through the necks of the two 8-balls. As they fell to the ground she lunged, skewering another.

She heard a shout from Gabriel and heard reinforcements running down the hallways. Spinning, her sword slammed into Gabriel's, his eyes blazing with rage.

Over the sounds of their swords crashing together she could hear a thrumming noise…growing closer and closer.

Airplanes…she realized. Swirling away from Gabriel she summoned a ball of fire and threw it at the shackles binding Noma, grinning when they fell to pieces. Gabriel hacked at her and she danced back, avoiding his blade neatly.

The thrumming grew louder, loud enough to catch the attention of Gabriel. He looked up, confusion furrowing his brow.

Devery summoned more power and broke Alex's chains before lunging at Gabriel, kicking him in the chest and sending him stumbling back. She held out her sword, holding him at bay as Alex and Noma ran past.

"Gabriel, your reckoning has arrived. I'm truly sorry."

She gathered her power and threw a ball of fire at him, forcing him back against the wall as the carpet and tapestry began to burn. Gabriel cursed and hacked at the tapestry, trying to escape.

Devery ran from the room, ignoring Gabriel's cries.

She hardened her heart and pursued Alex and Noma, hoping she wouldn't be too late.

When the sky fell, she was almost out, almost free. The bomb hit, tearing into the aerie and destroying its internal structure, sending thousands of tons of stone tumbling inward.

Dust, stone, and darkness surrounded her.

AN: Guess who was on a roll and wrote another chapter? THIS KID! Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed it, and I look forward to some reviews! Thank you as always for reading!