Soon enough, the beaten-down ship reached the nets floating in the ocean. Below the surface, fish could be seen ensnared in the next step to Aspen’s safety.

And so, with a deep breath and a check to the makeshift harness holding Aspen’s wings in for a less cumbersome bundle, he lifted his wife and began a climb the fishing nets reaching into the sky towards hope.

Though not for him.

Marco knew that there wasn’t a great chance once he made it to the island. Aspen had regaled him with stories of the High Council and the superiority complex most Seraphim had about the other species residing on Mabilia. He was prepared for death at the hands of the Seraphim, because his life for the survival of Aspen and his unborn child was worth it. And he would stop at nothing to keep them safe…