They had all agreed to let Inarius recover and to leave him be. Inarius would still need to be watched, but he would be treated with neutrality and trusted to run various errands for them again. Imperius had watched Inarius's original halo come back to him after being healed by Anaurael. Even his silver hair from his hood had returned in full. His armor seemed just as resplendent as it was before all of his torment happened. Anu had given him back his original form and full Archangel abilities once more.

"He can easily lose his reprieve, if he slips," Malthael muttered. He was walking with Tyrael along the path to the Silver Spire. Imperius and Anaurael had retreated to their sanctum to be together.

"Any of us can lose reprieve. Even you," Tyrael said. "At least that's one more demon to cross off our list. Although, I do worry. If slightly."

"Over what?"

"She died outside of that rift. She could be reborn in the Burning Hells. My only hope is that, if this happens, she is found by Mephisto's followers and captured. The last thing we need is her running rampant through Sanctuary! That would be a complete mess."

Malthael could only agree with him. When they looked further down the path of the Silver Spire, they saw Imperius and Anaurael overlooking the Silver City. As much as Imperius still wanted her in his sanctum, she had insisted to come out when she got restless. Healing Inarius took quite a bit out of her, and he made no plans to leave her alone. She was resting calmly on his massive shoulder pauldrons with her eyes half-closed with exhaustion. He only mildly glanced over to nod slightly and look out again over the city. Tyrael was a bit concerned for her, but he moved to stand next to her calmly. Izarius was ordered to return to her bedroom for now.

"She is drained?" Malthael asked.

"Yes. She needs rest. I will not oversee the troops until she is well," Imperius nodded slightly.

"We could see them together," she whispered to him.

"No. They are fine," he said gently. She only nodded slightly and shivered. Then she coughed and clung to him. Now he turned to look at her with concern. "Anaurael? Are you well?"

"I feel...as though something..." she winced. He quickly pressed a thumb to her pulsing mark. She was fighting off on getting ill. He recognized the signs.

"What's wrong?" Tyrael asked now.

"I need to take her back to my sanctum," Imperius said and moved swiftly down the path. Tyrael and Malthael glanced at each other and followed them. They knew to wait when the sanctum was reached. They simply wanted to be close by if they were needed. Once Imperius sealed her in his sanctum with his core form holding her close, she seemed to finally revive. "Now how do you feel?"

"I love you," she shivered again and let him hug her tight. "Something out there...I felt so ill..."

"I know. It's why I brought you here. I tried to glean your thoughts, but I could get nothing. Tell me what you can? I need to protect you," he urged gently. He pressed a kiss to her mouth and rocked her against him with an act of complete claim.

"I just felt that something vile was watching us. That something...unseen was there. I didn't get this feeling until that demon filth died."

"You mean when Inarius killed...?"

"Yes."

"Her foul soul must be stalking the High Heavens. Such a thing is unheard of, but...if she is blocked from the Burning Hells...hmm..."

"The presence is making me feel ill."

"It appears that we need to rid the High Heavens of something unneeded."

"But...how can her spirit be here?"

"I think I know how. I have witnessed this only one other time long ago. She impaled Inarius. Much like how Malthael touched your mark, she tainted him to keep track of him. Some powerful demons have this ability. She was a direct offspring of Mephisto. Such power is not unknown to her. She was also known as the Queen of the Succubi. Since Inarius did not die with her, she now seeks to harm you. The one that healed him. We need to seek Itherael's Scroll for answers. And the Chalice."

"Do we have to leave here?"

"If we want to resolve this, then we should. Why?"

"I missed you...so much..." she whispered. As his response, he locked his mouth on hers. Earlier she was restless. Now she needed comfort. After the needy kiss was given, he sighed.

"I want to do much more, but I am far too worried over this vile soul. We must remove it first. If we delay, then it will only get stronger. If you focus on my Song, it will protect you. I will not leave your side until this is resolved. I need to keep Heaven safe for you. For all of the Angelic Host. You know that this is a duty that I cannot ignore."

"Okay," she nodded.

"I love you, my ward. I vow to always keep you safe," he said with a sigh at how her hand moved over his glowing cheek. She clung to him at the old endearment he used for her. He placed a protective hand over her belly and squeezed her. He was definitely making no plans to leave her side. When he walked out of his sanctum in his armors, he paused. On letting himself get attuned with her mark again, he was able to sense her distress. Something was close, and the sensation he got was vile. He called down Solarion with a free hand while his other hand supported her to stay on his shoulder.

"Imperius?!" Tyrael asked.

"Ready El'druin. We need to consult the Chalice. Now," Imperius said. "Inarius did only half of the job. We need to finish it."

"Only half?" Malthael asked.

"The body was killed. The soul is free," Imperius explained. "Malthael, remember what that demon, Gryxil, did before? To Urzael long ago? Granted, that demon held no allegiance to any of the Prime Evils, but it still was fairly powerful on its own."

"The soul had...oh...I see..." Malthael stiffened. "You believe it happened with Inarius?"

"Why else would the filth linger here past death?" Imperius growled.

"So, it had to have happened when he was impaled," Tyrael thought.

"Yes. He lived. The filth did not. Now that filth seeks to harm Anaurael for healing him. We need to purge it now! Before anything else happens! I was thinking of consulting Chalad'ar and Talus'ar. We may get the answers we seek before this gets out of control," Imperius said.

"Wait. Let me test something first," Malthael said. Imperius glanced at him, but nodded. Being a soul, too, he wanted to see if he could spot the lingering demoness. The only issue he had was that he was too closely attuned with Anaurael's energy. He had to separate from it just a bit. When he began to do that, Anaurael freaked.

"Malthael! No!" she panicked. He stopped what he was doing to look at her with shock.

"Anaurael!" Imperius said when he looked at her with surprise. Even Tyrael was surprised at her sudden mood. Malthael moved to stand next to her to regard her for an explanation.

"You were...slipping from me..." she whispered. "I felt you pulling from my mind..."

"I was attempting to see if I could find where the demon filth was hiding," he said. "In order to do that, I had to separate slightly from your energy."

"But...if you do that for any length of time..." she cringed. "you may be lost to me completely."

"I see. I will not worry you like that again. You have my vow," he said.

"So, if we willingly separate ourselves from you..." Tyrael frowned. When a tear fell from her cheek, Imperius unsummoned Solarion to pull her down into his arms fully.

"Easy," he whispered and cradled her. "He isn't going to remove himself. Not even the smallest bit. As much as he is a nuisance at times, he is needed. Let's find Itherael and talk to the Chalice."

"One thing first," she said and looked at Malthael. "Refocus on me. You need to."

"Of course," Malthael nodded. When he refocused on her, he paused. I cannot link back to her mind. He was still bound by her energy, but it was not as strong anymore. This was bad.

"Take me to the Crystal Arch," she said. "If Malthael cannot be in my mind, then his link to my developing offspring is at risk. After we can reestablish his link to me will we talk to Chalad'ar."

"Then let's go," Tyrael said. As they moved swiftly, Malthael paused at the sight of a ball of black smoke following them. His experiment was fruitful. He saw the demoness.

"Demon filth!" Malthael spat and lunged at the dark soul. Tyrael now turned to watch Malthael attack something invisible. Imperius moved Anaurael to be held in one hand and Solarion was called back to his side. "Imperius! Strike to your left! Now! Tyrael! Swing down to your right!"

"I'm on it!" Tyrael growled and held El'druin aloft to do just that. The cross-ways attack proved true, but the wounded soul only vanished away. It wasn't defeated.

"I have to find where it is," Malthael said. "It didn't die."

"Malthael," Anaurael cringed. When he moved to touch her, he paused. His hand moved through her arm. He could no longer touch her. He also noticed that his form seemed to be fading. Her mind was his link to remaining intact. On moving away from it, evenly slightly, had severed the link without him even knowing. His time on remaining with them was slipping away fast.

"Forget the soul!" Tyrael growled. "You need to get back into her mind!"

"Apparently so..." Malthael said with a rare form of shock.

"The Arch! Now!" Imperius urged. They moved quickly after that. When they reached the glowing crystal arches of Light, she got set down to confront them.

"Anu! Please help us!" she whispered and touched a spire. She was quick to explain the issue in her own mental way. Malthael's form was ready to diminish. Just as his form was about to dissipate, she reached over and grabbed his hand with her mental state to pull him back to safety. Anu had revealed that he was on the very edge of her mind where he was first found. When he separated from her, it was as though he jumped off the cliff without knowing it. He was scrambling to hold on with one hand. Imperius had soon appeared to help haul him back onto solid, mental land.

Malthael got hugged tightly with a sense of relief from her. Since he was only trying to secure her safety, Anu knew that he was not trying to abandon her willingly. He was trying to protect her. Now the wounded demoness's soul would need to be found another way. He could not risk moving from her mind again. As he hugged her back, he whispered, "We shall speak later. We have a rogue soul of vile demon filth to purge from the High Heavens."

"Okay," she nodded. He kissed her forehead and let her go back to Imperius. Once again, she saved my life. He owed her dearly. When they were out of her mind, he gave a careful touch to her arm. She felt it now. He was solid to her once more, as was his illusionary appearance.

"I shall find Itherael. We shall meet you at the Pools of Wisdom," Malthael said.

"Done," Imperius nodded. While he and Tyrael took her there, Malthael found Itherael. He paused at the intense glare he was given.

"I had just read what Talus'ar revealed about you. What you did was nearly fatal. Not only to yourself, but to her unborn offspring. Don't do it again!" Itherael warned.

"I was not planning to," Malthael muttered out.

"Yes, you wounded that soul with their help, but you almost harmed yourself fully, too. Anyways, we need Inarius to help us track down the soul. Since he was the one that was latched on to, he can feel out where the soul is. You should have come to me first."

"Fine. But...it would have been fatal...to the offspring?"

"Yes. Your life fuels that offspring!"

"I did not know..."

"Don't risk yourself anymore. Her grief would have been intense, if it did fail. You remember what happened to the first one that failed? This one would have affected her even worse. I shall approach Chalad'ar with you. We need to go now," Itherael nodded and had Talus'ar in hand. Malthael nodded and followed him to the Courts of Justice where Inarius rested. Inarius couldn't see Malthael, but this was expected. It was why Itherael was there. The healed Archangel was looking out a window when he turned to greet them. His wings were large and massive once again. It was as though he had never left the High Heavens at all.

"Greetings, Itherael. Can I assist with something?" Inarius asked.

"Yes. Lilith's soul lingers in the High Heavens. It torments Anaurael severely," Itherael said.

"WHAT?!" Inarius said with complete disbelief.

"When she impaled you it happened. You need to help us find where her soul is. It is wounded now, but it may heal and get stronger. If it gets stronger, Anaurael will be in danger."

"Where was it last seen?!" he demanded now.

"The Silver Spire," Malthael said. "It may be following Anaurael."

"It was the Silver Spire. However, Anaurael is the target now. We need to hurry!" Itherael urged, as he consulted his Scroll. "She was going to the Pools of Wisdom for Tyrael to consult the Chalice."

He nodded and teleported away. Itherael was soon there with Malthael.

"Should I get Auriel?" Malthael asked.

"Please do," Itherael nodded. Imperius was still carrying Anaurael, and he turned to let her see who showed up. At the sight of them, she nodded.

"Sister, I'm here! I..." Inarius said and paused. Now that he was fully healed, he saw her in a whole new light. Lilith's beauty couldn't put a candle to Anaurael's pristine perfection. From the glowing mark within her matching circlet to Imperius's halo, to the Horadric necklace that graced her throat and the gold finery the covered her, he was struck dumb. The powerful healing rings on her fingers even looked like they belonged on her. The way her straight, molten gold hair looked like a stark, armored cape coming off of Imperius's arm in a shimmering waterfall was also fascinating to see.

"I am glad that you are here to help assist," Anaurael smiled and blinked her topaz blue eyes at him. "Um...but why are you here?"

"He can help us sense where the demon filth is," Malthael said when he returned with Auriel.

"I was just informed on what happened. Sister, are you faring well?" Auriel asked.

"I get ill around that thing!" she frowned. "Ah, should my parents be here, too?"

"It may be too much. They cannot sense the spirit, anyways. We shall inform them of everything after it is safe to do so," Itherael said. "It would be best this way."

"Do you know how cross they would be, if they couldn't be here for my support?" Anaurael grinned softly. "Mother would be giving you an earful!"

"She is with child now. Ilerael would not wish for her to be here," Itherael said with his own soft chuckle. "Yes, I know she would not be happy, but this is for her safety, too."

"What is this?" Inarius asked.

"Ah, you do not know. Anaurael's parents are expecting another child. They have been adopting mortal children, too, but another mortal angel is currently in motion with Lilaurael. A few of our ranks have willingly removed their wings to create a new race on Sanctuary in the form of pureblood mortal angels. As much as it grieves me to see them go, it is their choice in the end. A building has been set up here in the High Heavens for them, but only to procreate. It can only be done with the energies of Heaven. Then they are sent back down," Auriel explained. Inarius was stunned at this news.

"You can likely see the new building after we see to this threat being gone," Tyrael said. "Chalad'ar is just up ahead. I want that soul out of Heaven!"

"As do I," Imperius muttered. When Anaurael cringed, he ran a hand over her back. "Hush, my ward. Hush now. I am not leaving your side. Let's see this threat finished."

"Yes, Imperius," she nodded, and he let her cuddle into his chest. At her soft gasp, he looked at her and laughed softly at the spots of dampness on her chest.

"You'll get a new gown after this. Bear with it," he said. She blushed and nodded again.

"I may need all new ones. The tops of these gowns are getting tight from the swelling," she frowned. "I'm surprised I'm able to breathe! And there are times that the pain is almost unbearable."

"Greed will be notified," he said.

"And I'm getting hungry again. And tired. And worried..." she muttered out irritably. At a gentle finger to her cheek to push aside a molten gold lock of hair, she placed both of her small hands around his large one to let him cup her face into it.

"This will all be over soon," he vowed. Inarius could only stare with complete amazement at the moods that Imperius was displaying. As he gazed at her again, Anaurael seemed to frown, but she kept her face hidden in Imperius's massive armored palm.

"Control yourself," Izarius warned from behind him. Malthael had to fetch him. Even Izual soon appeared to help protect Anaurael. "Remember. Anaurael is our sister."

"I know," Inarius said, as he mildly glanced behind him to address her brother.

"And remember that I am her true brother," Izarius gave with a hint of complete protection. "You may have been granted full reprieve by Anu, but I am always wary around my sister. That goes without reason. Where she goes, I go. Don't forget that."

"Izarius," Itherael said. The powerful angel moved to his side and got whispered to. With Imperius and Anaurael far off, it was safe to whisper a few things.

"I see. Of course," Izarius nodded. "I understand. Anu is assisting, so I shall honor it."

"I needed to let you know," Itherael nodded. Izarius nodded back.

"Izarius?!" Anaurael called.

"I'm here, sister!" he chuckled and moved to her side to get a tight hug and a chaste kiss. "Don't worry. That demon filth will not touch you."

"I know," she nodded.

"Can you let him hold you in case I need to attack?" Imperius asked.

"Yes. Not for long, though," she frowned. He nodded, planted a full kiss on her mouth and let her brother hold her. Izual walked up to her and got hugged by her next. A chaste kiss was pressed to his mouth, and he readied Azurewrath. When Gurzick appeared, Izarius was quick to greet him.

"Gurzick, can you sense demon souls?" he asked. Malthael looked over and nodded with approval at this decision to ask.

"Ah! Hmm..." the Greed Goblin thought.

"It depends. Who is the soul?" Greed asked from the crown.

"Lilith. She was brought back and culled, but now her soul seeks to do Anaurael harm," Izual said. "Are you able to track this filth?"

"Lilith?! Really? Oh, well, if she's still powerful, it's possible. I'll have my minions scour around now. Why was she brought back?" Greed asked curiously.

"I had to kill her to gain reprieve," Inarius said.

"Ah. Okay. Child, are you well?" he asked.

"I need gowns that have larger tops. My pregnancy is straining them," she sighed.

"I'll find something. Maybe I can find ones that belong to larger humans, and you can alter them around as needed. It is one idea that I have in mind. The only other thing would be to find one that makes the dresses. Then I could do small trades for them," Greed mused.

"Lilaurael could help with that. Speak with her," Itherael said. Greed now had Gurzick vanish to do just that, as his minions scoured the High Heavens for the meddling soul. She thought and sent a mental call for Imperael. When he appeared, he was quickly filled in.

"I'm staying with her! You should have gotten me the moment this happened!" the massive Archangel growled. He was quick to let her settle upright in his arms like Imperius did for her. He accepted the chaste kiss she gave him, as he hugged her. "Sister, are you well? Are you hurt?"

"No. I'm fine now. I was feeling ill earlier, but Imperius helped me," she nodded. He was approached by Malthael and warned to keep quiet as the warning about Inarius was given. There was now no way that Inarius was ever going to approach her alone.

"Sister, the moment Imperius is away from you, I want to know. I feel it is needed," Imperael said. She nodded and looked at Izarius. Then she mused at a thought.

"What?" her brother asked.

"You should have a halo," she grinned playfully.

"I think that would be overdoing it," Izarius laughed softly at her.

"Nonsense! I'm sure that Anu would agree with me," she grinned a bit more.

"Sister, what you have done with Imperius is plenty. I insist," he said.

"Anaurael, Izarius is fine," Imperius chuckled at her.

"As my true brother, he should have one," she frowned. At the sharp gasp that Izarius gave next, the sight of a new, golden halo with small ridges that adorned it soon appeared over his head. At the very front of the halo was a circular loop that seemed to glow outward with its own Light.

"Anu...he spoke to me!" Izarius said with disbelief. Now Tyrael turned to gape at him. He was just about to consult the Chalice. "I was commended. Honored. And he gave me a gift."

"A gift?" Auriel asked with curiosity.

"Yes. If any demons get within her presence, I will know. I don't sense any right now. I can only sense a demon when it is in close proximity. Such as, in the same chamber as her, or the same hallway. I need to keep close to her. I do so, anyways, but this will be far more permanent. I was also told that my halo can mildly stun a demon with a bright, intense light. A dazzling effect. It won't last long, but it can help give me the upper hand," Izarius sighed. "Anaurael, please...no more?"

"I just made a suggestion," she smiled.

"You do not like your new status?" Imperius asked.

"It is not that at all!" Izarius said. "I am simply feeling overwhelmed."

"This will be needed," Itherael said when he looked through Talus'ar. "Not many of us have halos of such power. You, Imperius, Inarius and Imperael all hold halos now. I know there are others, but they are few and far between. You have earned your status. Embrace it."

"He speaks truly," Auriel said. "You have fought with us as a warrior in our ranks since the Worldstone was stolen. You have lived alongside Anaurael her whole life. No one needs to ask for proof of your loyalty. Anu, himself, has blessed you with your new gifts and status. Do not spurn them."

"I am not spurning them at all," Izarius said. "It simply...it stuns me."

"But, it is needed," Anaurael smiled softly.

"Do I even bother talking to Chalad'ar?" Tyrael chuckled.

"Yes. If you don't, it will feel slighted. Speak with Chalad'ar," Malthael advised.

"Malthael is correct. Talk to Chalad'ar," Itherael nodded.

"Malthael is here?" Inarius asked.

"You cannot see him. You have yet to be locked to Anaurael's mental frame. In time, it may be done. Until then, you need to focus on finding Lilith's soul. You should begin your search around here. Ask the Greed Goblins to help you, if you see them," Izarius said. Inarius glanced back at Anaurael to nod to her silently. Then he left right after. He now made it a goal to prove himself to her. But, unknown to him, after he left, she gave a small shudder.

"Sister?" Imperael asked.

"I know that Inarius is my brother," she said softly. "but, for some reason, I feel...uncomfortable around him now. Ever since he was healed. In a way, I get the vibe that I am being looked at by that human, Lyndon. It's that same feeling now."

"Inarius is not approaching you without my presence with you!" Izarius snapped out.

"From what Chalad'ar just told me, we can't let him approach you alone. No matter what," Tyrael growled out in a protective manner. Now Imperius looked at him curiously. "It was revealed that he does see her differently. That she is more desirable than Lilith ever was."

"I will cull him..." Malthael seethed slightly.

"As long as one of us is with her, then all will be well," Itherael read aloud from his Scroll. "He may earn a place in her mind, but he cannot be alone with her either physically or mentally."

"Then he shouldn't be in her mind at all!" Tyrael said.

"Unless Anu forces his spiritual self in a constant hibernation," Izarius said. "He will be able to see Malthael, but he will not be able to appear as we do in her mind."

"If that can be done, then I will accept it. But, only if he proves himself worthy of being saved," Imperius nodded. "We shall see if he can track down the demon soul."

"Agreed," Tyrael nodded. Imperius reclaimed Anaurael back into his arms, and Auriel had already left to rally the Host of the news. Anaurael pressed herself into Imperius as much as she could. He knew the stress was getting to her.

"Easy, my ward," he soothed and ran a hand over her back. "You have the entire Angelic Host on watch right now. Angels don't need sleep. You're safe. Come. Let us walk somewhere. It will ease your mind, and I will be with you."

"Can my brothers be with us?" she smiled.

"Of course," he nodded. Izarius would have interjected, if he was told to leave. His new ability to sense demons was invaluable. As they walked out of the Pools of Wisdom, Tyrael was walking with El'druin in his hand. He was incredibly over-protective right now. Chalad'ar had mentioned something to him that he couldn't say. But, Malthael was able to sense what was said.

"He will not touch her," Malthael growled.

"I want to tell Imperius, but I don't want to worry her," he muttered back.

"I can talk to him without being heard by her," Malthael said.

"Tell him," Tyrael nodded. Malthael moved to walk alongside Imperius now, and he softly whispered something. Imperius stopped dead in his tracks and glared hard at Tyrael. At Tyrael's curt nod, Imperius now stared at Izarius.

"If I ever tell you to stay behind, decline my decision!" Imperius said with a scowl of hatred.

"Imperius?" Anaurael asked.

"Vow to me," he said to her now. "that you will go nowhere alone with Inarius. No matter how much he pleads or begs. He cannot be alone with you."

"I will vow to you. I also had no plans to do such," she said. "Imperius, why do you ask me to vow this? Do I want to know?"

"He may replace his thoughts of Lilith with you," he tensed hard. Anaurael sighed sadly and shook her head. Then she gazed at him with the love and intense devotion she always carried for him. At the feel of her hand on his cheek next, he pulled her close to cradle.

"Only you have my love. My devotion," she whispered and managed to nuzzle his chin from within the helm. "There is no other that will ever hold my heart like you do."

He caught her mouth up with his easily. At the loving, beaming smile she gave him afterwards, he found himself smiling back. Of course, no others could see it. "Sing with me."

"Okay," she nodded. He found a secluded ledge to stand with her. The others with her stood by silently. Itherael kept constant watch on the threads that Talus'ar revealed to him. Imperael had his massive grandfather sword ready. Izarius had his spear out and kept a constant, vigilant watch. His other three brothers weren't called for yet. They were organizing the bedroom and preparing another meal for her. Tyrael kept El'druin in his hand. Malthael kept a close eye on Izarius.

When Anaurael began to Sing, her voice echoed out once more to touch every part of Heaven. Imperius was soon Singing with her to enhance her tone with his deep underlays. Once more, their Song touched each part of the Silver City. It actually helped Inarius find Lilith's soul.

He tracked her down by the Diamond Gates. She was trying to recuperate faster by being away from the Crystal Arch. When he appeared, he sensed panic.

"Yes. I can sense you. I know where you are. I will finish what I started!" Inarius growled and wielded his sword. He sensed desperation next, and he turned his head to where the source of the sensation fled. "Run all you like! I will catch you!"

The soul fled to the source of the vocal tunes. If she had to go down, then she was taking someone with her. What she didn't plan on was Izarius being able to sense her. The moment she got in range, he turned quickly with his spear out and jabbed at her. Now that the soul was on the verge of collapse, she gave one final push to attack. Imperius had abruptly broken off from his Song to turn and look at Izarius for an explanation. Anaurael was left wide open. The soul charged at her and shoved her off the ledge with all the strength she had left. Then the soul dissipated completely.

"ANAURAEL!" Tyrael screamed. Imperius jumped off the ledge after her. Izarius was quick to follow. Itherael was in complete shock at what just happened. It was too fast for Talus'ar to warn him. Imperael and Izual quickly pulled Tyrael away from the ledge in case something happened to him. Malthael had vanished the moment she got shoved. He couldn't be there unless she was mentally stable. She was now far from stable, and she was at risk of losing her unborn child.

Imperius was in a free fall to catch her. He narrowed his wings in to fall even faster. Izarius was the same way. As Imperius chased her falling form, he found it odd that her hair stayed in one solid piece. It didn't fly around in strands as usual hair did. It helped make catching her easier, since she was able to see her rescuers without being blinded by long strands of hair.

Anaurael reached out to let them grab her hands. The first time was missed. The second time was closer. The third time almost succeeded, but a wind shear pushed them away. At the fourth grab, Imperius had her and hauled her into his protective embrace. Then he swerved with his massive wings fanning out to fly back up. Izarius followed them from below to ensure that everything went well.

"I have you, my ward," Imperius soothed her, as he flew back up.

"I...got shoved..." she said through her fierce tremors.

"I know. It will never happen again," he vowed.

"But...if you're not there..."

"Do not fear your home."

"After this...is Heaven...really my home...?"

"Your home is where I live. You know this. Yes, you got shoved by that filth. I rescued you. Izarius would have caught you. Any angels would bring you back to safety. Do not let this get to you."

"How can...I feel safe?"

"You would hold doubts about me?"

"No..." she whimpered and shivered. When he finally brought her up to the ledge, Tyrael had rushed to her side. At how he was panting from the fear he held for her, she could only wince. Tears were streaking down her face, but it was from wind in her face as she fell.

"I need to console her now. After she is calmed, I'll let you rest with her. She is safe and back with us. That filth has lost this battle. Give us some time," Imperius said.

"Time is not what she needs," Malthael said when he just barely managed to appear. "She cannot hear me. Her mind is in utter turmoil. She needs to forget about this. Now. Her health is at stake."

"Tyrael? Itherael?" Imperius asked.

"She will not see Heaven as her home, if she recalls this. Yes. Have her forget," Itherael nodded.

"Please do," Tyrael sighed. "I'm still recovering from this shock. I'll be fine when she is well."

"I shall have her forget up to where Izarius culled the soul," Imperius nodded. When Inarius appeared, Imperael stood before him to keep him back. Izual had to keep close to Tyrael to show that he was being guarded over. All of them were on edge now.

"Anaurael is not well. She got shoved off the ledge by that filth," Izarius growled.

"I had chased it to the Diamond Gates. I was trying to cull it. Wait! She got...?!" Inarius hissed.

"Yes. Imperius will help her. When you see her again, you say nothing," Izarius warned.

"The moment you do, I'll hit you," Izual nodded. Inarius could only nod and watch Imperius teleport away with her. Then he looked at Tyrael. "You need to rest and recover your mind."

"I know," Tyrael grimaced. "I can feel her shock, though. When she recovers, I know I will, too. I'll head to her bedroom to rest. I'm just...worried for my unborn son now..."

"He will live," Malthael vowed. "Go and rest."

Izarius was able to help Tyrael get back to Anaurael's room to do just that. In Imperius's sealed sanctum, Imperius had just burned out the vile memory with his intense Song and focus. When she came around, he had her crushed to his core.

"We were Singing..." she murmured.

"Yes. But, I had to bring you here. That soul appeared. Izarius sensed it and attacked. I had to keep you safe," he said and traced a finger over her cheek.

"I am always safe with you."

"Yes. You are."

"So, it is gone?"

"Yes."

"You said there was more you wanted to do with me?" she giggled softly.

"Why else do you think we're here?" he chuckled and planted a kiss on her that was not only a spark of desire. It was also intense relief that she was back in his arms with a stable mind.