War of Wings Page A

home.”
    She looked relieved. “Well, what did you two talk about?”
    Gabriel explained Michael’s vague sense that something bad was going to happen. When Arrayah pressed him for details, he reluctantly admitted that Michael warned him against trusting her.
    “Me? Why?”
    “It’s stupid. He doesn’t think it’s smart to trust someone I just met. You know, with everything that is going on. But let’s not worry about stuffy ol’ Michael. Let’s just have fun today instead.”
    Her mouth tightened, but she relaxed a moment later and smiled. “Good idea. Let’s go have some fun.”
    “I’ll show you my favorite spot in all of Heaven. How does that sound?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized she might not be as impressed with it as he was. She might even think it was boring. He put up a hand and said, “Before you answer, I should tell you that there isn’t much to it. It’s a simple place.”
    With a flirty lift of an eyebrow, she slid her arm through his. “I would love to see any place you want to show me, Gabriel.”
    He felt his face flush, and he began to stutter. “All right—I mean, sure then.” He cleared his throat. “But hey, seriously, it’s no big deal if we get there and you want to go somewhere else. I’m going to take you the long way. Follow me!” Gabriel launched into the air.
    Arrayah spread her pristine wings and caught up to him. She reached for his hand and took it in her own. Surprised, Gabriel turned toward her, and she stared back at him with innocent, affectionate eyes. He wanted to give this angel all of Heaven already.
    He decided he needed to show her something impressive first. “I’ll take you to my favorite spot later. Right now, I’m going to show you something that reminds me of your eyes.”
    They flew over fields and trees until they reached the Marble Falls. Gabriel took her down to the first tier where a massive wall of water fell down the side of the marble. Gabriel shot straight through it into a cave on the other side, which was lit a fluorescent blue from the crystal that filled it. When Arrayah followed him in, it was clear from the shock on her face that she had no idea it was there. She looked around in silent awe.
    Most angels knew of the popular Crystal Cave of the Iris Fall, which was huge and frequently visited. However, this cave on the first tier was much smaller and well hidden. It wasn’t even named. The blue crystal was unique to this location and had not been seen by many eyes. It shimmered in the rippling play of light that shone through the falling water, sending azure sparks dancing across the walls and ceiling. The entrance was only about twice the size of Gabriel’s wingspan. He knew it would make them stay close together.
    “This is amazing,” she said.
    Her eyes roved over the curving walls of crystal, and then she looked at Gabriel. “That was a pretty good compliment, but I thought my eyes were a deeper blue than this.”
    “Of course, they are,” he said quickly.
    Arrayah laughed, and Gabriel realized she was joking. He felt a little silly. He told himself to stop being so nervous.
    They both looked at the beautiful crystal that surrounded them as they traveled toward the other end of the cave. At the far end, the blue crystal was overtaken by solid diamonds everywhere you could see. Gabriel let her fly in front so he could take in the full beauty of her elegant flight. The crystal and diamonds were no match.
    “Gabriel, I still can’t believe this cave is down here and I have never seen it.”
    “No angel has seen all of Heaven.”
    “Maybe Lucifer.”
    He felt a twinge of jealousy. “Maybe.”
    “I’ve always felt I was missing out on something. All the other virtues are so pleased all the time with our duties, but I want more. Seeing this place just confirms how much is waiting to be discovered.”
    “I feel the same way. Michael and the other archangels know their places, but I want to make my