CHAPTER SEVEN: GUARDIAN ANGEL

Castiel's living room was a sleek and modern oasis, a stark contrast to the ancient being that inhabited it. The walls were painted a crisp white, and the floors were made of polished black marble. A minimalist sofa and armchair, both in a rich charcoal gray, sat atop a plush area rug in a subtle geometric pattern. The coffee table was a gleaming slab of glass, reflecting the light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

A few carefully selected pieces of modern art adorned the walls, their bold colors and abstract shapes adding a touch of personality to the otherwise austere space. A sleek, silver-gray bookshelf stood against one wall, its shelves lined with a curated collection of leather-bound tomes and rare manuscripts. The room was illuminated by a combination of floor lamps and recessed lighting, casting a warm, soft glow over the entire space.

Despite its modern aesthetic, the room exuded a sense of timeless elegance, a testament to Castiel's refined taste and her ability to blend the old with the new. And yet, amidst this sophisticated backdrop, the angel's bowed head and troubled expression seemed utterly out of place, a poignant reminder that even the most powerful beings can be vulnerable to the weight of their own thoughts.

Castiel's thoughts swirled with unease as she reflected on her uncharacteristic behavior in the alleyway. She had inexplicably intervened, saving the human child from certain doom. Now, she was plagued by regret and uncertainty. "Emily," she whispered, astonished by the tiny human's ability to pierce her normally impenetrable heart.

Castiel's gaze turned inward, her mind grappling with the unfamiliar emotions that had driven her to act so impulsively. She had long ago severed her ties with mortals, after the pain of losing her last human friends had become too much to bear. Yet, here she was, inexplicably bound to this tiny, angel-obsessed child. The irony wasn't lost on her - she had become Emily's guardian angel, tasked with protecting her until the inevitable day when she would reap the child's soul. Castiel's eyes closed, her thoughts echoing with the whispered words: "What have I done?"

Castiel downed her espresso in one swift motion, the cup clattering into the trash can as she tossed it away. "Bullseye," she muttered, her frown deepening as her ear twitched, begging to be scratched. An angel, scratching her ear? It was absurd, yet the sensation persisted. Her gaze narrowed, focusing on the strange, crawling sensation at the back of her mind. Ah, yes, the little brat, Emily, demanding her attention like a persistent itch.

"Save a mortal's life, and kiss bliss and silence goodbye," Castiel grumbled, her wings unfolding from her back with a soft whoosh. She launched herself into the air, soaring toward Sutton Lane with a grace that belied her irritation. The wind rushed past her, a gentle caress that failed to soothe her growing unease. What had she gotten herself into, binding herself to this tiny, mortal creature? Only time would tell.

—_—

Castiel alighted on the porch of the quaint cottage, a charming anomaly in the midst of Dawn City's urban landscape. Her gaze settled on the dark-haired beauty, Maureen Imelda Rodriguez, who looked to be twenty-two or twenty-three. Castiel's mind rifled through her vast repository of knowledge, recalling the details of Maurie's past: the star cheerleader of Dawn City High, unexpectedly pregnant with Delaney Matters' child, abandoned by the cowardly father-to-be.

With a mischievous whisper, Castiel breathed "Boo" into Maurie's ear. The woman's hand instinctively flew to her ear, slapping at it as if to swat away an insect. "What the heck?" Maurie swore, scanning her surroundings for the elusive creature. Castiel's laughter burst forth, a melodious sound that echoed through the evening air, her eyes sparkling with mirth at the absurdity of the situation.

"Humans and their gullibility," Castiel said with a chuckle, shaking her head. She'd wager her vast fortune that Emily had eagerly shared her fantastical tale of angelic encounters and demonic defeats with her mother, only to be met with disbelief. "Typically human," she mused aloud, striding through the open doorway into the living room.

Her gaze lazily swept the room, taking in the sleek, modern amenities: a massive 55-inch plasma TV mounted on the wall, connected to a PlayStation 4 console. Her eyes lingered on the framed photos hanging on the left side of the room, depicting Maurie's beaming smile, her parents, Ma and Pa Rodriguez - whose tragic fate Castiel knew all too well, having been the angel of death who collected their souls on that fateful flight to Sevilla, Spain, twenty-five years ago.

Another photograph caught her attention, a picture of a picture, showcasing Pa and Ma Rodriguez beaming with joy alongside a grinning three-year-old Emily on her birthday. Castiel's focus shifted to Emily's aura, a bright blue glow that guided her to the child's bedroom. She walked through the doorway, her eyes fixed on the tiny figure with her back turned, cradling her cat and gazing up at the sky, perhaps expecting a divine entrance.

Castiel's chuckle preceded her, causing Emily to spin around, her face lighting up with delight. "Angel Castiel!" she exclaimed, hurtling into Castiel's arms with an unexpected embrace. The angel's surprise was palpable, her initial stiffness giving way to a warm smile as she enveloped the child in a gentle hug

"Hey Emily, how're you doing, kid?" Castiel asked, her grin surprising herself as she gazed at the tiny human. Emily's frown deepened, "Mom grounded me." Castiel's curiosity piqued, "What did you do, kiddo?" Emily's face scrunched up in a cute pout, "I got lost, but it isn't my fault, Angel Castiel! It was Indi's fault, and now I can't play outside. It's not fair!"

Castiel's expression softened, "I know, kid, life ain't fair. Not many people believe in angels, so don't be too hard on your mom. But don't worry, that's why I'm your guardian angel." Emily's eyes widened, her brows furrowed in curiosity, "What's a guardian angel?"

Castiel pondered, searching for a way to simplify the concept for a six-year-old. "Well, Emily, a guardian angel is like a special protector, someone who watches over you and keeps you safe. Like a superhero, but instead of having superpowers, I have wings and the power of love." She smiled, hoping this explanation would suffice...

"So, Angel Castiel, do you have a guardian angel?" Emily asked, her curiosity piqued.

Castiel chuckled, flicking Emily's nose playfully. "No, silly, I'm an angel. I don't need a guardian angel."

Emily's face lit up with a pleading expression. "Can you be my guardian angel, pretty please? I promise I'll be good."

Castiel's deadpan response was accompanied by a twitch of her brows, making Emily giggle. "Sweetie, I'm already your guardian angel."

Emily's excitement was palpable. "Wow, this is so cool! Wait till I tell Mom!" Maurie heard her daughter exclaim, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

"Umm, Em?" Castiel said, her voice low and serious.

"Yes?" Emily replied, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"You can't tell anyone about me, okay? You can't tell anyone I'm your guardian angel." Castiel's eyes locked onto Emily's, her gaze intense.

"I promise," Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"But why?" Emily asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Because they'd think you're crazy, and then bad people will come after you," Castiel explained, her voice laced with a hint of warning.

"Like Ahab the demon?" Emily asked, her eyes sparkling with understanding.

Castiel's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, like Ahab. How did you know he was a demon?"

"Duh, he told me," Emily said matter-of-factly.

Castiel's expression turned serious. "Well, he's dead, and yes, there are meaner demons out there." Emily's eyes widened in fear, and Castiel's heart went out to the little girl.

"Okay, I won't tell anyone," Emily promised, her tiny arms folded across her chest. "But you have to fly me around, I wanna fly!"

Castiel laughed out loud, her eyes shining with amusement. "Deal, and Em, call me Caz, alright?"

"Deal!" Emily exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Good kid," Castiel said, smiling, her heart warming to the little human.

—_—

Maurie shivered as a chill ran down her spine, the air in her living room seeming to vibrate with an unseen presence. Fear crept up her throat, making her gasp for breath. It felt as though someone - or something - had walked in, their supernatural aura suffocating her. She scolded herself, trying to shake off the feeling. "This is ridiculous, Maurie. It's all in your head. You don't even believe in the supernatural." Yet, the sensation persisted.

Seeking distraction, Maurie settled into her wooden chair on the porch, immersing herself in her e-book. But the words blurred together, her focus repeatedly drifting back to the unsettling feeling inside. Fifteen minutes passed, and she couldn't shake the nagging sense that someone - or something - was lurking within her home, watching her and Emily. The silence felt oppressive, heavy with an unspoken presence.

"Fuck it," Maurie muttered, frustration getting the better of her. She dropped her laptop on the coffee table, returned the chair to its rightful place, and headed into the house, deciding to call it a night. As she walked down the hallway, she heard voices coming from Emily's room, piquing her curiosity. She paused outside the door, eavesdropping on the conversation.

"Wow, this is so cool, wait till I tell mom," Emily exclaimed.

Maurie's ears perked up at the mention of her name. Who was Emily talking to?

"Umm, Em?" the androgynous voice said.

"Yes?" Emily replied.

"You can't tell anyone about me, don't tell anyone I'm your guardian angel," the voice continued.

Maurie's mind raced, trying to place the familiar voice. Where had she heard it before?

"Promise me, kid," the voice said, its tone gentle but firm.

"I promise," Emily replied, her voice filled with determination.

Maurie's heart raced, her curiosity getting the better of her. Who was this mysterious person, and what did they mean by "guardian angel"? She leaned in closer, eager to hear more.

Maurie tiptoed across the hall, entering her bedroom - once her mother's - and retrieved the baton from under the king-size bed. She then crept towards Emily's door, pushing it open slowly. To her surprise, the room was empty, except for Emily's peaceful form on the bed, her chest rising and falling with each gentle snore. Indi, the cat, was curled up beside her, snoring loudly, like a drill. Maurie smiled, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. She gently adjusted Emily's position, moving her to her favorite side, but the child didn't stir, lost in a deep sleep. "Must have been my imagination, stupid vampire story," Maurie whispered, shaking her head. She leaned down, kissing Emily's forehead, and quietly exited the room, the baton still clutched in her hand.

—_—

Castiel watched as Maurie left the bedroom, then revealed herself, her form materializing instantly. She had been aware of the woman's presence, knew when she was eavesdropping, and had taken action. With a snap of her fingers, she had put Emily and Indi to sleep, then cloaked herself in invisibility, a power shared by angels and demons alike.

Now, she snapped her fingers again, waking Emily. "Oh, what happened?" the girl asked, confusion etched on her face as she realized she was lying on the bed.

Castiel swiftly diverted her attention. "Your mom came in, I made you sleep. Now come on, I promised you a ride!" She spread her majestic wings, their feathers rustling softly. Emily's eyes widened in excitement as she grabbed Indi, her face alight with joy.

Castiel smiled, her heart warming to the little human. This would be the last time she'd do this, she vowed inwardly. It was too risky, but she couldn't resist the child's enthusiasm. With a gentle smile, she swept Emily and Indi into her embrace, ready to take to the skies.

—_—

Lucifer's fury was palpable, his pacing around the throne a testament to his growing unease. Ahab's absence had sparked a sense of foreboding within him, and his intuition screamed that something was amiss. The thought that Ahab might be hiding on Earth, avoiding him, was unthinkable. Ahab was his most loyal servant, the last being he suspected of betrayal.

Asmodeus entered the throne room, sensing the tension in the air. He bowed his head respectfully, aware of Lucifer's volatile mood. "Where is Ahab?" Lucifer's voice was low and menacing, the shadows under his cloak seeming to hiss with malevolent intent. Asmodeus hesitated, unsure how to deliver the news he carried. He couldn't fathom why Lucifer was so invested in Ahab's whereabouts, considering the demon's relatively low standing in their hierarchy. Yet, he knew better than to trifle with Lucifer's patience. With a deep breath, he began to speak, choosing his words carefully.

Asmodeus bowed, his voice trembling slightly. "Your Holiness, Ahab is gone."

Lucifer's gaze froze, his eyes colder than the lakes of Hell. He turned to Asmodeus, his tone glacial. "Explain yourself, Asmodeus."

Asmodeus hastened to obey, fearing Lucifer's legendary wrath. "Dead, killed by an Arch Angel. They've discovered our involvement."

Lucifer's expression remained impassive, but his voice dripped with venom. "Who was responsible?"

Asmodeus hesitated, knowing the answer would ignite Lucifer's fury. "Your sibling, Death," he .

whispered

Lucifer's eyes blazed with anger. "Then it's time for you to visit those mortals. Take as many shadows as you need, locate Azariel, and bring her to me. She threatens to ruin our plans."

Asmodeus's grin was feral, his red eyes gleaming with excitement. "What exactly do you want me to do, my Lord?" he asked, relishing the prospect of returning to Earth, where he had unfinished business with that insufferable Rafael.

Lucifer's smile was sinister. "Make her beg for mercy."

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