Page 101 of Good Vampires Go to Heaven

“Sigurd, thou, too, must control thy sinful envy. One island is enough?”

Sigurd blushed at having been caught out.

“Ivak, what can I say about thy lustful nature? Best you castrate thyself if you want to survive.”

Ivak really, really cringed.

“In any case, the option of one more human life is open to all vangels, and I will explain the details to each and every one over the next two days. Decisions do not have to be made today, although, if Tranquility is thy choice, that can be accommodated forthwith. I would rather you give it great thought. In fact, I will give you one month to make a final decision. No, I will give you until Christmas, if you need that long.”

“If we decide to live out a human life, what will we do?” one vangel asked.

“Whatever you want. I will give each of you a small amount of money to start over, but thou wilt have to work to support thyselves, like any human does.”

Regina could see that this prospect troubled some of the vangels. Many of them hadn’t been trained for anything but fighting Lucipires. On the other hand, there were many occupational talents represented among them, as evidenced by all the electrical, plumbing, and architectural work that had been done on this castle renovation.

Regina looked at Zeb, and he looked at her, as the same thoughts occurred to them both.

Zeb was apparently not going to be singled out for some particular punishment. Michael surely would have mentioned it now. Well, that was good news. For Zeb, anyhow. For Regina, too, because, really, she didn’t want him punished any more than he’d already been under Jasper’s rule. Punishment by Michael, that was. Punishment by her would be okay.

The other thought was: Regina and Zeb weren’t going to be forced to marry. In fact, they might not even be considered lifemates anymore.

Regina sniffed the air.

No fresh rain scent.

Zeb sniffed, too.

Then frowned. Clearly, there was no cinnamon scent either.

Regina couldn’t decide if that was good news or bad news.

Michael dismissed them all then, reminding them that he would return at Christmastime for final decisions. Unless people wanted to go to Tranquility now; those vangels, or former vangels, should let him know by signing a sheet that had been set out on the hall table. Then, Michael hurried them on by asking that the next group of vangels be called forth.

“I have assigned a special team of archangels to help you all during this transition period.” Michael’s glance swept the room as he prepared a farewell statement. “I cannot say, Vikings, that it has been a pleasure working with you.” As always, he said the word “Vikings” as if it was distasteful. “But thou art not as bad as thou once were.” That was as close to a compliment as the Northmen would ever get.

Just like that, it was over. They were no longer vangels. Who will I be now that my self-identity has been taken away? Regina wondered. Others were apparently just as bewildered.

In the confusion and talking among themselves that ensued, Regina got separated from Zeb. That was just as well. She had much to think about.

Not only had she lost her vangelness in one blow, she’d also lost her fiancé. Should she be glad or sad about that?

Even angels need closure sometimes . . .

Zeb forced his way through the crowd until he got close to Michael. When he caught the archangel’s eye, he said, “I beg permission to speak.”

Michael nodded.

“Are you saying that I am free?”

“As free as any others here.”

“But . . . but . . . I was a Lucipire.”

“Was,” Michael emphasized. “Thou does not need to remind me of that unsavory fact.”

“I’ve been ‘imprisoned’ here awaiting your decision on my fate.”

Michael nodded. “Betimes Vikar oversteps himself.” Apparently, Michael had been aware of Zeb’s whereabouts. Zeb hadn’t needed to remind him of that. “For killing Jasper?”