“His lips were practically grazing my nose. His gray eyes were so intense I could feel them reach my soul—if that were possible, anyways. With a smile so devious on his face and in his eyes Xavier whispered, "I can tell that every part of you wants to give in to what I am. The feeling that you feel right now is consuming. I’ve been there before, Ava. You can’t deny everything much longer." Closing my eyes, and swallowing back every temptation I felt, I backed away from his warmth. I opened my eyes to see his eyes searching my face in pure awe. "Watch me," I challenged.”

“His lips were practically grazing my nose. His gray eyes were so intense I could feel them reach my soul—if that were possible, anyways. With a smile so devious on his face and in his eyes Xavier whispered, "I can tell that every part of you wants to give in to what I am. The feeling that you feel right now is consuming. I’ve been there before, Ava. You can’t deny everything much longer." Closing my eyes, and swallowing back every temptation I felt, I backed away from his warmth. I opened my eyes to see his eyes searching my face in pure awe. "Watch me," I challenged.”

“The Overhead bears the most powerful Healers in Heaven,” Mother began softly. “The Healers—or Guardian Angels, as we were once known as—are given the most power from the sun. Our powers to heal others come from the light and good of the earth—it is what enables us to wake in the morning.”

“So the peasants are used as targets in war?” I doubted. “Does the Overhead feel that is necessary to kill off one of their own? Peasants are being placed as diversions on the front line like they mean nothing—” “Would you rather save the strong, or spare the weak?” Mother questioned me. “Why can we not do both?” I returned. “Because Heaven has its reasons, Anastasia,” Mother chimed quietly. “It is Heavens way to balance those who are strong and those who are weak. It cannot be changed.”