"Sorry," he says, once he realizes the effect his tone had on me.

"It's alright but we need to talk," I plead with him.

"Fine, but not about your death."

"It's okay because I don't want to talk to my boyfriend about my death either. I want to talk to the First Guardian."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I need you to think like the courageous leader you are and not the guy I've come to love. Can you do that?"

I take his silence as a sign that I should forge ahead with the conversation.

"Marcus, after Sara died and I retreated from the world, you brought me back. You told me that I couldn't try and save the world. It was too big a notion to wrap my head around. You said I should focus on the people I know and love. Do you remember?"

"Yeah, I do," he says quietly.

"That's what I need you to do. I need you to focus on this," I pull out a Spiderman action figure the size of my finger.

"What is that?" he asks.

"I was having nightmares once I went back to my apartment. Ben's Mom said she could feel how sad and alone I felt. She said Ben could feel it, too. One night when I was babysitting him, he gave this to me. He has a ton of Spiderman stuff but this is his favorite. I asked why he would give it away and he said because I needed a hero.

"He was right. I do need one. I need a hero to make sure a kid like Ben gets to have a future. I need someone to focus on his perfect little face and protect him from evil. I know you love me. That's been my saving grace. But Ben is my heart. Be my hero; save him..."

He sighs heavily and nods, but he can't bring himself to look at me.

"I need to hear you say it. I need to hear you say that if we run out of time, you'll take my life and save the world."

"Okay."

"Promise me."

"Okay."

"MARCUS, SAY THE WORDS!"

"I promise. I will take your life..."

At first I think he's just saying what I want to hear. I think about getting Rio so I can tell if he's really telling the truth, but then he turns to me and I see it right there in his eyes: Marcus Cane is now making decisions as a leader.

He is no longer my guy protecting the girl he loves. He is now the First Guardian. I believe if the time comes, Marcus Cane will kill me.

Marcus pulls Isabelle towards the back of the cave so the two can try and figure out another way to get into the castle. I swear that girl has read every book ever written in the history of Angel-kind. She references books written by other Angels and tries to figure a possible entrance they may have missed. I watch as the two of them collaborate. It turns out I'm not the only one watching them.

"Hi, Jay."

"Hey, baby girl."

"I like her. She is perfect for you."

"We just met and you're trying to make me give my Rah away."

"You should."

"She is kind of cool."

"She lights up when you walk in the room."

"That's because she found someone she could argue with."

"She's seems really special. What would be so bad about the two of you getting together?"

"Girls and missions don't go well together."

"She can handle herself. You won't have to save her every few seconds like Marcus has to do with me."

"C'mon baby girl, you've saved him a few times."

"I just buy him a few seconds here and there."

"Well whatever you did, you got him hooked."

"Jay, how does the team feel about Marcus? Are you guys mad because we fell in love?"

"Mad or not, it's done."

"Yeah, I guess."

"I kind of get Marcus a little more now."

"How's that?"

"When we were battling and I saw the Swan go after Isabelle..."

"Awwwwww... My favorite Guardian is falling in love!" I playfully tease him.

"Hey, slow down okay. I haven't even introduced her to Siren."

"Your car?"

"Hey, that car and I go way back. If she doesn't like Isabelle...I'm not sure what kind of future we have."

I laugh at him and whisper softly in his ear.

"Take it from me, Jay, don't fight it."

Just then Rio enters the room and tells us Ameana has texted him. She and Wolf arrived safely in Daraquin. Wolf is on the mend although the injuries were extensive and will take time to heal.

"Can I ask you something?" Jay says to me.

"Sure."

"How long do you think one being can be committed to another?"

I turn toward Marcus who is in the corner diligently plotting a strategy to enter the castle.

"Hopefully forever."

It takes nearly five hours but finally Marcus and Isabelle come up with a possible way to enter the castle. Jay and I convince them to let the team recharge before we head out. Miku stands guard just outside cave.

I am about to drift off to sleep when I hear someone call my name. Looking around, everyone in the cave is laying still on the ground. I lay my head back down and a.s.sume it was all in my imagination. Then I hear it again. I think it may be Miku. I get up and walk towards her.

"Emmy, over here," the voice whispers.

I look off to the side, a few yards away from Miku and there's a being standing in the midst of the forest. It calls out my name yet again. I try hard to make out who it is but it's too dark. The being is tall and wearing light clothing, but for the life of me, I can't see its face.

The being signals for me to come over. Normally, I wouldn't, it could be a Demon. But there is something very

familiar about the figure. I slowly walk towards it. When I get close enough to make out who it is, I'm too shocked to do anything other than stare.

"Reese?"

The Angel beams at me. I look him over from head to toe and it's actually him. He's wearing light casual clothing that makes him look like a perfect J Crew model. His easy smile and warm eyes look back at me. I rush to him and he holds me tightly. Tears fill my eyes. He pulls me away and says he's missed me.

"Wait...what are you doing here?"

"I think what you mean to say is 'Wow, Reese you're more handsome than I remember,'"

"Wait, you're dead..."

"Rio was dead. He got another chance. Why shouldn't I?"

"They told me there was no way you could come back."

"Well, they lied to you. I'm here and I've missed you so much," he says, embracing me again.

"I'm not dreaming?" I ask.

"I could pinch you? You know I would enjoy that," he jokes.

"How is it you're alive?"

"I had something to live for-you."

"So, Lucy just let you go?"

"Let's not talk about it. Let's just focus on us."

"Wait, don't you want to talk to the team?" I ask.

"I can do that later. Right now, I just want to be with you."

"Wait, Reese, there's a lot I have to tell you. A lot has happened while you were ...gone."

"You mean like you and Marcus becoming a hot item? I heard."

"I'm sorry, I really am. I didn't even know you liked me until-"

"Yeah, I know."

"I never meant to hurt you. I love you. I mean, like a friend."

"A friend? Wow, you really know how to hurt an Angel, don't you?"

"That's not what I'm trying to do. The whole time you were gone, I've thought about what I would say to you if I ever saw you again. And now you're here and I'm s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g this up."

"Relax Em, you're doing just fine. I know you love Marcus. I get that. I still can't seem to get over you though."

"How can I help? What can I do?"

"Well, in the morning we'll all be back to team stuff but I was hoping you would give me one night."

"One night to what?"

"Convince you that you belong with me."

"If Marcus and I weren't...I'm sure I would fall for you. Hard."

"But you're in love with Marcus and there is no changing that," Reese concludes.

"I'm sorry. I keep looking back to find the moment when I led you on."

"You didn't lead me on. You're the sweetest girl I've ever met. You have a soul most Angels can only dream of."

"It's just like you to compliment me when I'm standing here telling you I love someone else."