They followed a narrow walkway of ivory-toned marble through the garden toward the fountain. A woman with mid-length fire-engine-red hair, wearing a long white silk robe, came into view as they moved forward. She sat on a small bench, basking in her surroundings. As they neared, Cole noted the woman had long pointed ears and wings with black feathers. Anariel was an angel.

"Hello, Ana," Zafira said.

"Zafira," Anariel said. "I believe I told you never to come back to Purgatory, much like I told you to never call me Ana."

"I feel your pain," Cole joked. "She's not one for adhering to people's requests."

Anariel gazed upon Cole with...