"Azrael. Abbadon." Michael's voice echoed off the pure nothingness that made up the Angel's High Court. "Step forward."
At my side, Abbadon squeezed my hand tighter.
"Don't go," her mind, perfect as music, commanded. "Do not let them do this to me!"
"My small one," I sighed. "We have no choice."
"But I have done nothing wrong!"
I smiled down at her. Her hair looked like spun gold as the light touched it. "It is not about you. Or me, my love. There were sides chosen. We chose badly."
Abbadon's bottom lip quivered and her lovely violet eyes sparkled with tears. "I am afraid."
"As am I," I assured her. Returning her iron grip, I stepped forward into the light.
"Abbadon, Dark Angel of Destruction?" Gabriel peered down coldly at where we stood, our fingers still interlaced. I felt Abbadon's terse nod and heard the curse she hurled at the High Angel.
"Azrael, Dark Angel of Death?" Almighty, my full title annoyed me. "Dark Angel," how doomed did that sound?
I nodded.
"Do you know of the crimes brought against you, the darkest of the Lord's Children?"
I nodded once again, but felt Abbadon stiffen beside me.
"Don't speak," I warned.
"I know what I'm doing." She glared up at Michael. "Read me the charges!"
Michael rolled his eyes at her. "You are charged with sin in the deepest degree; your actions have resulted in the wrongful death of countless mortals."
"Abbadon, he is not above harming you," I cautioned the girl.
She smiled sideways at me. "Do not worry, Azrael. I know what I'm doing."
"Those humans died for the greater cause. Purification of our race, among others. Casting off the rules that have been so cruelly forced upon us." She said, an angelic smile lighting her features. "Whatever be the punishment, it will have been worth it."
Gabriel surprised me by smiling. His teeth shone like diamonds, and added malice to what was clearly meant to be a flirtatious look.
"Your convictions are impressive, little Abbadon. If used properly, everyone would prosper." He glanced at me, his gaze dangerous now. "If not, the previous statement would be considered highly treasonous and would call for your immediate expulsion from heaven."
"Take the deal, my lovely one. Do not condemn yourself."
She looked up at me again, her smile still in place, her eyes now dangerously cloudy. "I will not abandon you."
"I do not accept your arrangement."
Gabriel stopped smiling.
"Then, in the name of the Lord, I hereby exile you from God's Kingdom." Gabriel's voice rang out across time and space. "Angel of Death and Destruction. Almost poetic, is it not?"
I ducked my head slightly.
"For the rest of your immortal lives, you will be bonded to each other." Michael sentenced. "And you shall live, in an altered human state, until such time that the Lord decides to practice his mercy upon you."
Abbadon's muscles tensed even farther.
"As the Lord wills it . . ." she began.
"So shall it be," I finished, pressing my lips together. "Amen."
