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Lailah was holding so tightly to the woman in her arms that she was worried about crushing her, before she remembered that Artemis wasn't human anymore. And that brought relief and tears in equal measure. “Love, what's wrong?” That strong, confident voice that was gentle when it needed to be: To stop a child from crying, to assure a newcomer that she was safe, and to promise the Dominion that she did indeed love her.
“I just... I'm so sorry that I didn't fight for you.”
“What are you talking about?” The blonde shifted on the bed, which was both too small and yet somehow not small enough. It wasn't their hammock in the Grove, which had gently rocked them in the wind, and it wasn't the field of wildflowers where they'd first made love. Fingers that could string a hunting bow brushed across the Dominion's cheek, wiping away her tears. “You don't mean when Michael showed up and-”
“And I did nothing?” came the bitter interruption.
“Lailah, he threatened to kill our people. You didn't want to risk any of us, and we knew that.”
“He killed you anyway...” Lailah sat up, wringing her hands in her lap. “And right before he sealed me, he ordered his followers to round up those we'd protected. I have no idea what happened to any of them, and that... That will haunt me forever.”
“It wasn't your fault.” Artemis also sat up, gently tilting the other woman's face up until she could clearly see the silver-blue eyes. “Your bastard of an older brother came in like a toddler throwing a tantrum. He didn't care that we were building people back up; he was just jealous that those women were following us willingly. And not even because of what you are, but because of who you are.”
“I don't quite follow...”
“You cared about them because they were outcasts, exiles, and had been hurt by people they cared about. Even before I joined the Grove, you were helping those women overcome their traumas and emotional damage. You gave them an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and a voice that joined with theirs to create a chorus that couldn't be ignored. And you didn't go around saying “I'm an Angel, so you have to follow me”. No, they followed you because you were just Lailah, their friend.”
“I knew what some of them were going through, and I couldn't leave them to face that alone.” Artemis smiled and kissed Lailah's cheek.
“That's what I mean. You left Heaven behind because you cared about us, even though you knew the rest of your family didn't understand.”
“How could they?” The bitterness was back in the dark-haired woman's voice. “They see mortals as pawns and playthings. They're barely better than the Demons we fight against. But I always saw the potential in humanity: The hope and light that your souls strive for every day. I came to Earth to understand it, and for the most part, I did. Then I met you, and the true wonders of life opened up before my eyes.” Artemis chuckled, but Lailah shook her head. “I'm serious. You taught me so much.”
“Like what? How to deal with a stubborn Huntress? How to put up with my temper? How to channel your anger into fighting monsters?” Lailah grabbed the other woman's shoulders and kissed her; pressing their mouths so tightly together they would've had bruises had they been human.
“When I was in Heaven, I was derided for not thinking like the others do. Chastised for not wanting to follow Michael and Raphael's ideas. My siblings called me broken, defective, and confused. But I have never been more certain than I am when I'm with you. Certain that I was doing the right thing, and certain that I love you more than anything. That is why I pledged my existence to you under the starry sky and full moon.”
“And I pledged my life right back,” Artemis reminded her. “You're my wife, Lailah. The woman I intend to love and protect forever.” They kissed again, though gentler this time.
“And I couldn't be happier. Thank you for believing in me, Artemis. For giving me the strength to be myself.” They settled down again, wrapped in each others' arms...