Gabriel's POV
As I held Alice in my arms, the aftermath of our passion still thrumming between us, I felt a need to share more of myself with her, to let her into the world Zadkiel and I came from. Zadkiel had told his own version, and now I intended to keep my promise and tell my side and perspective as well.
Sharing is caring
She nestled against me, her head resting on my shoulder, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. I took a deep breath, preparing to reveal my take on the story of our brotherhood and the roles we played in heaven.
"Alice," I began, my voice steady and formal. "There is much you need to know about Zadkiel and me. Although this may all be a a recount of what Zadkiel already told you, I would still very much value to share my perspective. Our bond is not one of blood, but of purpose and duty, forged by Malaki, our creator, our guide and what you as a human would also refer to as a father, many millennia ago."
Her eyes, bright with curiosity, met mine, and I felt a surge of tenderness for her. I continued, my tone measured and precise, wanting her to understand the gravity of our existence.
"Malaki, the supreme being of our realm, created us to serve distinct but complementary roles in heaven. We are not brothers by birth, but by the duties we were assigned. Zadkiel and I were crafted from the same divine essence, making us as close as kin, bound by our shared purpose."
I felt Alice's hand tighten slightly on my chest, her interest piqued. I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before continuing.
"Gabriel," she murmured softly, encouraging me to go on.
"In heaven, I am known as the Messenger," I explained. "My duty is to convey the will of Malaki to all corners of existence, to be the voice of divine wisdom and guidance. It is a role that demands precision, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. I am the bridge between the divine and the mortal realms, ensuring that the light of heaven reaches those in need."
Alice's eyes widened slightly, and I could see her absorbing every word. I stroked her hair gently, my own feelings of devotion mingling with the need to protect and enlighten her.
"Zadkiel, on the other hand, is the Enforcer," I continued, my tone growing a touch more serious. "His duty is to uphold the order of heaven, to ensure that the laws of the divine are respected and maintained. Zadkiel's role is more dynamic, often requiring him to confront and deal with transgressions that threaten the balance. He is the sword where I am the voice, his actions guided by a deep sense of justice."
I felt a pang of emotion as I spoke of Zadkiel. Our bond was complex, a blend of rivalry and camaraderie, light and shadow. I sensed Alice picking up on this, her fingers brushing my jaw in a comforting gesture.
"Our relationship," I said, my voice softening, "has always been one of contrasts. His rebellious nature balances my adherence to the rules. We challenge each other, and in doing so, we grow stronger. But there is also an unspoken rivalry between us, one that has only intensified with you, Alice. You have become the focal point of our bond, the one who has brought our differences to the surface."
Alice's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked up at me with a mix of affection and concern. "I never wanted to come between you," she whispered.
I shook my head gently, a smile tugging at my lips. "You haven't come between us, Alice. You have brought clarity to our roles, our desires. In you, we have found a reason to confront the deepest parts of ourselves. You could never come between us, you're the one who brings us together, tying shadow and light together, you are the creator of true harmony and balance. Please don't ever think you came between us, if anything you saved us. Both Zadkiel and I wouldn't have been able to avoid a conflict between each other for much longer, the difference is that your love and presence ensure that we remain focused and grounded, instead of tearing each other apart".
Next move
Just as I finished speaking, I sensed Zadkiel's presence returning to us. He emerged from the shadows of the garden outsie the mansion, and came inside to Alice and I, his expression a mixture of satisfaction and determination. His eyes met mine, and a silent understanding passed between us.
Zadkiel approached, his gaze shifting to Alice. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face with surprising tenderness. "Gabriel has always been the eloquent one," he said with a smirk, his tone light but sincere. "But he speaks the truth. You are the bond that ties us together, baby."
She looked between us, her expression one of awe and gratitude. In that moment, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, our bond strengthened by the love and purpose we shared.
Alice snuggled deeper into my embrace, her eyes closing with a contented sigh. I carried her to bed, and layed down gently on her bed while still holding her tightly in my arms. Her beautiful face so peaceful as she drifted into sleep. Zadkiel joined us and wrapped around her from behind, making sure to hold her as tightly as I did.
"Good night brother" Zadkiel whispered, so he wouldn't wake our sleeping beauty. I replied with a gentle pat on his shoulder, before we both fell asleep as well. A deep nourishing sleep.