ASCENSION Read Online Free PDF Page A

though: it makes everything clear,” Gabriel said, dipping his finger into the glass of wine. The liquid inside went crystal clear, water once more.
                  “Are you…” Sophie paused. “An angel?” she whispered.
                  Gabriel shrugged. “That is what some call might call me, yes.”
                  Sophie was in awe. “Why are you here?”
                  Gabriel scratched his head. “A difficult question indeed. I suppose because we are all here simply because no other alternative exists.”
                  Sophie sighed. “I mean here, in the cafe, right now...”
                  “Oh,” Gabriel said with a vacant smile. “That's considerably simpler. I am waiting for someone.”
                  “Who?”
                  “A messenger. One with a heart pure enough for the power and a soul strong enough to bear the burden of the oracle. I am waiting for you,” Gabriel said.
                  “What do you mean, waiting? I am already here,” Sophie said. “And how did you know I would be here? Can you see the future as well?”
                  Gabriel shook his head adamantly. “No. God forbid. That gift would be the end of me. I am not pure enough.”
                  Sophie was confused. “But you're an angel, what's more pure than that?”
                  “I am a fallen angel, and even those that still have their wings can be corrupted,” Gabriel explained.
                  “Then how did you know where to find me?” Sophie asked.
                  Gabriel shrugged. “I didn't. I have simply waited here for a kind soul to aid me, and finally, after many years, you have come. As it was told by the oracle before you.”
                  Sophie looked at him in awe. “How long have you been doing this? Sitting around this diner?”
                  “It wasn't always a diner. It was once a music studio, and before that, an apartment complex, and before that, a log cabin, and before that-”
                  “Okay, okay. I get it,” Sophie said. “So a while.”
                  Gabriel nodded. “You certainly took your time.”
                  “Didn't you ever lose faith? What if the old oracle had been wrong, and I never came?” Sophie asked.
                  “Faith is always rewarded. Even if the old oracle had been wrong, I would have waited until she was right again,” Gabriel said.
                  “I don't understand,” Sophie said.
                  Gabriel laughed. “Nor do I. But I do know God's will. You are fated to play a role in the upcoming events, Sophie. Unfortunately, your fate is tied into our own; you will be entangled in the coming war as a herald for God.”
                  Sophie shook her head. “No, you've got the wrong girl. I'm not a… herald, and I'm certainly not pure. I'm just an orphan with a messed up head, okay?”
                  “They are proud of you,” Gabriel said.
                  “What?”
                  “Your parents. They are proud of the person you are becoming,” Gabriel said.
                  “Stop!” Sophie demanded. “Stop right now! This is some kind of joke, isn't it? What are you, some kind of magician? Is this how you get your kicks? You're a sicko.”
                  Gabriel shook his head. “You've been in the darkness for a long time, child. Do not fear the light.”
                  “You're crazy,” Sophie said, getting up.
                  “You cannot run from fate. You know that better than anyone, oracle. It is your destiny!” The angel was shouting now, and it was drawing stares from the people in the diner.
                  Sophie