"Do you think it's really over?" he asked. "I'm almost afraid to believe that's true."

"It's finished," I replied. "I can feel it."

I honestly believed nothing could come between us again. For the first time in my life I felt incredibly blessed. Even though I had challenged the will of Heaven I had been shown mercy. I had not been abandoned. Instead my Father had delivered me safely home.

Xavier lay down beside me and his warmth seeped into my skin like sunshine. Together we waited for daybreak.

When I looked at him, I forgot about my weariness. I didn't worry about how long my recovery might take. All I felt was a pure and childlike happiness. But Xavier was frowning. A look of concern flitted over his perfect features and dulled the sparkle in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

He let out a sigh. "Are you sure you know what you've given up?"

"I do."

"And you don't regret it at all?"

"Not for a second."

"You don't wish you could have both-me and immortality."

"I'd choose you a thousand times over."

Xavier took my hand and I felt the smooth surface of his wedding ring against my palm. "I don't think you understand," he whispered, his turquoise eyes full of light. "From now on you're going to feel pain, grow old, and eventually die like the rest of us."

Despite the look of concern on his face, I couldn't stop myself from smiling ear to ear.

"I know," I said. "It sounds like heaven."

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Thank you, Mom, for being my best friend-love you always.

Thank you, Mississippi, for being my home and my favorite place in the world.

Thank you, Katie Anderson, for being a great friend and looking out for me.

Thank you, Clay McLeod. I won't forget our crazy adventures in Memphis where we both inspired each other. Don't lose your rainbow.

Thank you, Mary Katherine Breland and Jordan Lee Phillips, for being like family. Roll tide!

Thanks to Jill Grinberg and the team at Feiwel and Friends, for embarking on this three-year journey with me.

Thank you, God, for inspiring this series and constantly inspiring me.

FROM HEAVEN TO HELL, AND BACK AGAIN.

Read all the books in Alexandra Adornetto's HALO trilogy.

HALO.

A New York Times Bestseller.

"Fresh and real."-The New York Times Book Review.

"These angels are optimistic, hope-filled cousins of the tormented fallen angels in other paranormal romances.... Xavier is gorgeous, honorable, and so protective of Bethany that you'll be crushing on him after the first chapter."-Justine magazine "A compelling novel of good and evil ... and heart-wrenching romance."-School Library Journal.

HADES.

HEAVEN.

A FEIWEL AND FRIENDS BOOK.

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