The wind was soft that day, carrying the sweet scent of ambrosial blossoms drifting from the upper terraces. Emily and Maggie rested on a low hill overlooking the golden horizon, the divine skyline glowing like a memory of dawn.

For the first time in centuries, Emily felt normal. Her borrowed messenger robes fluttered in the breeze and beside her, Maggie had against every instinct she possessed set her sword flat on the grass, her armor straps were loosened, her stance less rigid, her vigilance dulled by peace.

Then they heard it.

Oh dear! Oh dear! I’m going to be late—again! A blur of pink feathers flew past them.

Emily sat up. Excuse me! Are you alright?

The pink blur stopped abruptly and turned its head toward Emily direction. It was another angel, a girl of the same rank as Emily’s disguise. She had something in her mouth, which she was pushing farther in with one hand. Her eyes were wide. What are you doing? Come on—we must leave at once!

Wait, what? Why? Emily yelped as she was pulled downhill.

No time! Cecil is on gate rotation today and he does not forgive tardiness. the angel babbled. We’re already two shifts behind!

Gate- what? I think you’re mistak- Emily’s voice cut off as she was dragged out of reach.

Maggie froze for half a heartbeat. Then panic struck her like a blade to the ribs.

Your Grace— Emily!

She lunged forward—and cursed, her sword was on the ground, her armor straps were loose. She grabbed the hilt, hands unsteady, fingers fumbling as she yanked it free of the grass. Metal clattered as she tightened a loosened pauldron, shoved her shoulder guard back into place. Too slow. All of it was too slow.

She looked up just in time to see Emily vanish over the hill, pink feathers and pale light disappearing toward the Gates.

Damn it! Maggie hissed, already sprinting. Wings flared, Armor snapped into place mid-stride. She took to the air with raw force, heart pounding.

---

At the Gates order ruled here. Lines formed without question. Scrolls floated from hand to hand. Angels moved with rehearsed precision.

Chaos arrived late.

Dolce! a voice boomed like stone grinding stone.

The frazzled pink-winged angel skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with the marble floor as she dragged Emily beside her. An older angel, a Male stood waiting—arms crossed, frown etched deep by centuries of disappointment.

You’re late Cecil growled. Again.

Dolce snapped upright. I—I was late! because... There was a—uh—minor complication... that I'm not making up.

Cecil’s eyes narrowed Did you stop to eat pastries again?

Dolce froze. …No?

Cecil used his thumb to clean something on Dolce’s face. A smear of honey glistened on her cheek.

Cecil raised a brow. Those are ambrosial confections are for ascended humans only, Angels do not require sustenance.

Dolce wilted. I know, but they smell so good and the filling is warm and the glaze— oh! The glaze She caught herself, straightened. I—I can’t help it. They’re delicious.

Cecil pinched the bridge of his nose. You are hopeless.

Cecil glanced at Emily next. He did not recognize her but it didn't matter to him. You’re the last two on rotation,

Emily hesitated. Rotation… for what?

Cecil was already writing. You’ll be going below.

Dolce’s face drained of color. Oh no. No no no. Please. Anything but that. I’ll stop eating pastries forever. I swear. I’ll clean every bathroom in Paradiso, I’ll reorganize the entire library, I’ll—I’ll massage your feet for a week, but please don’t make me go!

Sorry darling Cecil sighed, he was not sorry at all. It’s unpleasant, yes, but someone has to deliver the documents. He placed a bundle of scrolls into Dolce’s shaking hands. Then he added a small golden rod no longer than a flute with shimmering glyphs.

Don’t lose it he warned, pushing it toward her like a burden. Don’t be late next time.

He snapped his fingers. Now move!

At that moment Maggie broke through the clouds, fury blazing across her face. Flying toward them with murder in her eyes. She was halfway through unsheathing her sword when Emily gently pressed a hand to her arm.

Don’t say anything and just play along Emily whispered, eyes bright with curiosity.

What!? No. Absolutely not this charade ends now. I’m taking you back to Lady Sera.

Emily took her hands, earnest and pleading. Please. I may never get a chance like this again. I promise after this, I’ll do everything you say.

Maggie’s jaw tightened. A moment passed. Then, begrudgingly painfully she nodded. I hate this she muttered.

But you’ll follow me Emily said softly.

Maggie rolled her eyes. Unfortunately.