It has taken me this long to find the words to express my feelings. I am overflowing, I really am.
Yesterday Danit summoned me to the council of my seniors. I went immediately, of course, and was surprised to find not only Danit and Zezette, but also Adnar’el, smiling at me. I greeted them all politely, but my confusion must have been plain.
“Asa’el, welcome,” Zezette said warmly. “Adnar’el requested to be present for this meeting, for reasons you will understand momentarily. First, however, Danit will tell you what has been decided in light of your charges.”
“It is much as you have expected,” Danit said, nodding to me. “You will end your time with Mary and with Jonathan. We have also decided after much discussion that it is safe to remove you from Pamela’s case, as well.”
I nodded, trying to keep my aura serene. I did not quite succeed, for Danit reached out one wing to me in understanding.
“It is difficult for you, I know,” she said. “But we truly believe that she will be well. You have done much for her.” She glanced at Zezette before continuing. “Going forward, you will continue your work with Shannon, Harrison, and Grace, and you will receive three new charges over the next few weeks—one on your own, one with Inca, and one with Brid.”
“The latter may be some time,” Zezette added. “We wish you to give extra attention to Shannon as her vital moment approaches.” She smiled. “And also, we are informed that Brid shall soon be receiving her third wing, so she may be busy in the coming days.”
My heart leapt with joy for my friend. She has been anxious that she has not heard from her seniors about this, so it was a relief to hear. “Thank you,” I said. “All of this is wonderful news, and I am grateful for your kindness.”
“That is not all, Asa’el,” Zezette said as I bowed, ready to depart. Her aura was bright as I looked up at her. “Hold your head high, brother, for you have reason to be proud of yourself. You have passed a test.”
I could only stare at her. A test? I could not believe that I had come to the point of testing. No angel is given a test before their seventh year at work.
“It was no accident that Adnar’el’s sabbath was granted to him at this time,” Danit explained. “We wished to see how you would manage these circumstances.”
I looked at my mentor in dismay. “Then you did not really have a time of rest?”
They laughed. “I did, of course, and it was lovely,” he said. “I hope we can speak of it another time. But I also knew why it was that it had to be then. I said nothing because knowing it was a test would have altered your response to it.”
“Such a test is very telling of an angel’s skill,” Danit said. “We have used similar circumstances many times with others. Some will stay close to their own assigned charge, while others will give precedence to their adopted charge on behalf of their sister or brother. Most will attempt to care for both, as you did, but few manage it as adroitly as you do.” She beamed at me. “I am very pleased with what you have done.”
“I too was impressed with your skill,” Zezette agreed. “There is a neatness to your work, Asa’el, that is rare. You cut to the heart of matters and move spirits with ease, accomplishing in weeks what would take others of us years to do. It is true that sometimes the risks you take have harsh consequences, but you always mend the damage with better results than would have occurred without your interference. It is unique and fascinating, and always a joy to watch you work.”
I could see that she was telling the truth, and yet it stirred an old, old discomfort in me to hear her talk so. “I have never sought to be any different from other Cupids, sister,” I said.
Her smile was wry, as if I had just proved her own words to be true. “If you are, it is something to be celebrated.”
“In the end, Asa’el, you have the heart of a Cupid,” Danit said reassuringly. “That has never been in doubt.” She turned to Adnar’el. “All that being said, Adnar’el has requested the privilege of giving you our decision.”
I looked to my mentor, who was smiling wider than I had ever seen. “Asa’el,” he said, “it is my honor to tell you that your seniors have decided to bestow you with your fourth wing.”
Even now, hours later, I still feel the shock of those words. No angel as young as I has ever become a Power. I would be the same rank as Danit, just one lower than Zezette. It is unheard of. “Surely,” I gasped, “it is too soon—”
“You are ready, Asa’el,” Zezette said. “You proved that when we tested you. With limited time, you managed to set two young people on a stable and happy path, moving them towards light and love. We are excited to see what you will do with more time.”
I could say nothing—my heart was full. I only bowed to them, and strength and love washed into me, renewing me, lifting me up.
I am a Power now, among the strongest of the angels who work on the Earth. I have advanced faster than any angel I have ever heard of, and my head is spinning as I try to think whether I deserve such a thing.
I suppose it does not matter whether I deserve it or not. It has been given to me, and I must show myself to be worthy of it. So I will continue my work, helping as many people as I can, and use my new strength to the very best of my ability. May my new rank strengthen not only my hands and my wings, but also my heart, as I go along my way.