Guardian of My Heart: An Angel's Love Story

"Azriel," spoke Metatron, the voice of the Divine, whose presence commanded reverence from all who dwelt in the heavenly realm. "Your dedication has not gone unnoticed. Your charges have flourished under your protection, finding their way to the light even in their darkest hours."

The angel inclined his head, his silver hair catching the eternal radiance that surrounded them. "I serve as I was created to serve, honored one."

"Indeed. Which is why we have chosen you for this particular assignment." Metatron's expression grew serious, and Azriel felt a shift in the cosmic winds around them. "The soul you are to guard carries a burden unlike any you have encountered before. Her name is Elena Cassandra Wells, twenty-six years of age, residing in the city of Portland. She is a teacher, beloved by her students, cherished by her friends, yet she carries within her heart a darkness that threatens to consume her."

Images began to form in the space between them, showing Azriel glimpses of the woman he would be assigned to protect. He saw her in a classroom, her warm brown eyes lighting up as she explained a concept to eager young minds. He witnessed her laughter with friends over coffee, the way she helped elderly neighbors with their groceries, her gentle care for a stray cat that had made her apartment building its home. But beneath it all, Azriel could sense something else—a profound sadness that clung to her spirit like morning mist.

"What darkness troubles her?" Azriel asked, though he suspected he already knew. He had seen it before in other charges, the weight of loss that could either forge a soul stronger or shatter it entirely.