“Eli, it was going to be Donovan or Nina. Isaac or Jared. If you ask me, the best man won.”
Her words stung Michael, but he didn’t argue.
Eli’s eyes scanned the looming angels behind Michael. “Do any of your supporters wish to enter opinion?”
Michael shook his head. “It is my claim.”
“And what exactly is your claim?” Bex asked.
Michael’s eyes narrowed, staring directly at Jared’s younger brother. “That he murdered my son.”
Claire took a step forward. “Your son murdered Nina’s father.”
When recognition hit that Claire was speaking of my father, my knees buckled, and Jared tightened his grip to keep me on my feet.
“W-What?” I said, my voice barely a whisper.
Jared leaned into my cheek, his nose grazing my ear. “Donovan shot your father. Isaac was with him.”
My eyes widened, focusing on Michael. “You want to blame Gabe and Jared? You come here, interrupt our wedding day, yel at me, accuse us of murder, and your son was an accessory to the cause of all of this?”
Michael’s dark eyes darted from me to Eli.
Eli shrugged. “She has a point.”
Michael’s jaw dropped. “Isaac did not to deserve to die. He was a good son. He accepted the curse and honored his duties.”
“Michael,” Samuel said in his deep, firm voice.
Michael stepped toward Eli. “Gabriel’s son should be punished! He all owed his Taleh to kill my son! Rebecca’s son!”
Eli looked to the ground in thought. “Rebecca was unhappy with Isaac’s choices, was she not?”
Michael’s eyes flickered to each of us. “I demand Jared be punished for taking Isaac’s life.”
Samuel spoke again. “Michael….”
“Jared should be kill ed, and leave his Taleh to the savages,” Michael said, pointing to Jared.
“Michael…” Samuel repeated, this time with a low growl.
“An eye for an eye, Eli! I demand it!” Michael said, his fists bal ed at his sides.
“MICHAEL!” Samuel boomed. The earth trembled when he spoke, and my hands flew to my ears.
Eli watched the interaction between Samuel and Michael for a moment, and then spoke. “Okay. all right. I’ve heard enough from each side. Only one argument remains.”
We all looked to one another, wondering who was left.
“My apologies,” a warm voice spoke. It was a voice I hadn’t heard in a long time. A voice from my childhood.
Jared’s hand was stil in mine, and the moment the voice could be heard, his hand went limp. “Dad?” he said.
I turned, seeing Gabe Ryel at the top of the chapel’s rock steps. He looked exactly as I remembered him: tal , his blond hair and piercing, ice-blue eyes glowing even from several feet away. A flash broke from the crowd and up the steps, and in the next moment, Claire was in her father’s arms, sobbing uncontrol ably. She pressed her cheek against his chest, whispering something I couldn’t understand. Gabe bowed his head, spoke something back, and then he kissed his daughter’s forehead. They descended the stairs together, and approached Bex.
Gabe offered a smal smile to his youngest son, who fel against him with a clap.
My mouth fel open, and I immediately searched Jared’s face for a reaction. There was none.
Gabe’s expression turned remorseful. “I’m sorry for your son, Michael. You and I are in unique positions…to know love for a child. You and I agree that if we could change the outcome, we would make it so.”
Eli reached out to Gabe. “It’s important to remember that it is in the height of adversary that we must come together. Michael, you’ve lost your son. Your widow has now lost her husband and her son. It is unfortunate.”
Michael bowed his head.
Gabe approached Michael, pulling him into his arms. “We need you on our side, Brother.”
Michael shrugged out of his grasp.
“Eli?” Michael pleaded.
Eli offered a smal , comforting smile. “You already know the answer.”
Michael shot an accusing glare at Jared.
Jared’s brows pul ed in. “I didn’t want Isaac to die, Michael. I swear to you, I wish it hadn’t happened.
“Very wel , then.” He gestured to the cloaked angels, and they all disappeared into the darkness.
Eli clapped his hands together, lacing his fingers together. “Impeccable timing, as always, Gabriel.”
Gabe nodded. His eyes paused on me for a moment before fixing on Jared. “This isn’t your fault, Jared.”
Jared didn’t speak. His face tense, his dark eyes meeting the eyes of his father, he was paralyzed. The scene brought back memories of the moment I saw my father for the last time, and I ached for Jared. He would have to say goodbye a second time.
“Jared,” Gabe began, “it’s not your fault. You’ve done everything right.”
Jared’s head dipped slightly as he attempted a nod.
“Son….” Gabe cupped both of his hands on Jared’s shoulders. “I’m proud of you.”
Jared choked, and his body gave way, all owing him to fal against his father. I covered my mouth, unaccustomed to seeing Jared relinquish control of his emotions. They embraced, and Jared’s knuckles turned white as he held Gabe in his arms. When Gabe released him, Jared used his thumb and index finger to make a quick swipe of his wet eyes.
“It’s good to see you again, Dad,” Jared said with a weak smile.