Of course, our definition of hand in hand usually involves at least three people, but who’s counting?
43
Candace
The heavenlies glow with an otherworldly light as crystalline platforms float, where time flows at its own pace and reality bends around divine will.
The air carries the scent of jasmine and electricity, with a hint of freshness that comes just before dawn. From our celestial perch, sounds from the mortal world drift upward—the snap and crackle of bonfire flames, children’s laughter, and the steady rhythm of waves against Paragon’s shore.
I settle into my favorite observation chair, woven from starlight and sapphires, and smile as I watch my daughter’s bonfire celebration play out on the viewing sphere in front of us. The scene unfolds like a carefully planned performance, every moment falling into place exactly as it should.
“Well,” I say to my companions, unable to contain the satisfaction in my voice, “that was entertaining.”
Demetri sprawls on his own crystal chair with that dark, brooding presence he’s perfected over the centuries, his dark hairgleaming in the strange light. “Entertaining is one word for it. I prefer humiliating.”
“Come now,” Sector Marshall chimes in from where he’s examining his reflection in a puddle of liquid stars, “surely you’re not still sulking about being outsmarted by mail theft?”
Demetri’s signature grin appears, though it carries considerably less smugness than usual. “Outsmartedis a strong word. I prefer to think of it as a temporary setback caused by federal postal regulations.”
“A temporary setback,” I repeat with amusement. “Is that what we’re calling it when your centuries-long plan to marry my daughter’s stepmother is foiled by a stolen travel brochure?”
“The plan had many moving parts,” Demetri protests with a touch of wounded dignity. “I couldn’t account for every variable, including your daughter’s apparent willingness to commit felonies for love.”
Sector Marshall laughs. “I have to admire her style. Most people try to prevent cosmic disasters through prayer or meditation. Skyla goes straight to a federal offense.”
“She gets that from me,” I say with a delicious grin.
“The criminal tendencies or the stubborn refusal to accept defeat?” Demetri asks.
“Both.”
Below us, the viewing sphere shows Skyla holding sweet Eden, then Jaxson, while her family laughs around the fire. I’ll admit, the sight fills me with something warm and electric—and the particular satisfaction that comes from watching carefully laid plans coming to fruition.
“Look at them,” I say, gesturing toward the scene. “Exactly where they’re supposed to be, exactly whenthey’re supposed to be there. Celestra will endure.”
“Your faith in mortal resilience is touching,” Demetri observes. “Although I have to point out that both of my sons are still down there playing the part of hero. It’s very disappointing from a paternal perspective.”
“Wesley’s heroism is temporary at best,” Sector Marshall says dismissively. “Give him a week and he’ll be back to morally questionable activities and brooding in dark corners.”
Demetri tips his head. “One can only hope.”
I lean forward as the sphere shows the good Sector hunting down Skyla on the beach, and I have to suppress a laugh at the expression on my daughter’s face. “Sector Marshall, you’re incorrigible.”
“I prefer persistent. And before you lecture me about destiny and free will, I’d like to point out that some of us are playing a very long game.”
“How long exactly?” Demetri asks with far too much curiosity.
“However long it takes.” Marshall’s smile turns predatory as we watch him kiss Skyla on the sand. “She can fight it all she wants, but we all know how this story ends.”
“Do we?” I tilt my head with mock innocence. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like she’s quite happily married to Logan, with a growing family and a strong support system. Not exactly leaving room for celestial suitors.”
“Details.” Marshall waves the thought away. “Love transcends temporal limitations. Besides, I am an immortal. I have all the time in the universe.”
“Immortality doesn’t guarantee romantic success.” Demetri points my way as he says it. “I know this firsthand.”
“Your situation is different,” Sector grunts. “You’re trying to win back an ex-soulmate who’s decided you’re the embodiment of evil. I’m courting a woman who’s destined to be my wife.”
“According to whom?” I ask, though I’m still smiling.
