Embracing Eternity by Voirey Linger

been sent to Hell. While this is hardly unexpected, I know you were hoping for something different.”
    Evan’s wings drooped over the arms of the chair and he leaned back, dejected. “So you have found nothing to help Philomela’s case?”
    Ren shot him a look over the top edge of the scroll. “Technically speaking, Philomela has no case. Her trial ended ten thousand years ago and we are exploring a theoretical situation.”
    Evan clamped his lips shut. Theoretical, his pinfeathers. There was nothing theoretical about saving Meela, nothing at all. He had every intention of seeing her back in Heaven and wouldn’t stop pursuing this until she was home.
    “Now,” Ren continued, “there is a precedent for human souls who have a near-death experience but never fully enter Hell’s gate. In these cases the soul hasn’t completely lost its grip on humanity. Because it is still human and has not lost mortality, when it returns to the body, the person has an opportunity to make changes in life that may ultimately lead to redemption.”
    Ren’s words trailed off as he spread the scroll across the coffee table and leaned over it. He occasionally mumbled to himself and Evan suspected he’d lost himself in the scroll. Ren flipped over a leaf and dragged his finger over the words on the new page.
    “Renatus, what does this mean for Meela?”
    “Hmm?” Ren looked up and blinked in confusion.
    “This news, with the humans who escape Hell and are redeemed. What does this mean for Meela and her redemption?”
    “Why, nothing. She’s a demon. She’s never had any humanity in her. If there is a correlation between those humans and the Fallen, I fail to see it. I shall continue to look, though.”
    “Then why mention it?” Evan snapped, rising to his feet to pace the breadth of the room.
    Ren stood, the scroll dangling from one hand and his expression one of bewilderment. “I know you are anxious, but you must understand that due process must be followed. We have no evidence that demons can be redeemed at all, or that they should be.”
    “You do not believe she should be redeemed?” Evan stopped short, trying to ignore the disappointment Ren’s words brought. He’d hoped that Ren’s anger would have eased some once he knew Meela was changing.
    “Evan, please…” Ren paused, noticeably choosing his words, and Evan tensed. As an Angel of Annunciation, Ren spoke truth to those who did not wish to hear it. It was not in his nature to temper his words or attempt diplomacy. For him to do so now was not encouraging.
    “Please just say it, Ren. Your honesty is an admirable trait. Don’t try to evade truth to salvage my feelings.”
    “Very well.” Ren gave a formal half bow in assent. “I understand that you have affection for Meela. You always have. But your feelings are not shared by any resident of Heaven, myself included. She was not just one of the demons who tortured me in my time of punishment, she was a leader. Because I was part of her trial, she blamed me and was determined to make me suffer.
    “And she did, every minute of every hour I spent at the demons’ mercy, Meela was there. If anything, I have more reason to despise her. No. I do not want her to be redeemed. I don’t believe she deserves forgiveness for anything.”
    Every word Ren spoke was a blow to Evan’s heart. He’d known Meela wasn’t loved, that the angels didn’t trust her, but it had never occurred to him that she might be considered unforgivable. Worst of all, he had no words to speak in her defense. She had rightfully earned their ire. Even if she returned home, she could be an eternal outcast.
    “Evan, what did you expect?” Ren asked gently. “She is demon, with no kindness in her. You love the cherub you remember, not the creature she is now.”
    “She is not fully demon. I’ve spoken with her. I’ve held her and felt her soul. She is still an angel. She still feels love. She still has compassion in her. She could have had