Nana was up ahead, reassuring people that everything would be okay. She hugged Jayla tightly with tears in her eyes. “Take care of your sister,” she said to Eli. “And try to stay out of trouble.”

What was it with the adults and thinking we would get into trouble?

“I will, Nana,” he said as she pulled him into an embrace too.

All around us, godlings were saying goodbye to their celestial family members. Winston, Tay, and Candace had already found each other and were loudly proclaiming that they should be allowed to stay behind to help. “What a waste of talent,” Winston fumed. “I almost single-handedly stopped the Lord of Shadows myself. Everyone knows it.”

Papa was waiting for us by the metal detector. He stood tall, his shoulders proud, but his eyes were sad. Eleni and I stayed back while our friends went through the gateway. “I’m going to miss you so much,” Papa said, dropping to one knee.

Neither of us complained about him not coming to Azur. We knew it was useless. His job was here. He would always be the guardian of the veil as long as it stood, always be tasked with helping to protect the world. I felt that drive too, to protect those who couldn’t defend themselves. I understood his decision and that he had responsibilities, but that didn’t make this any easier.

“We’re going to miss you too, Papa,” Eleni said as she threw herself into his arms.

Papa kissed the top of her head. “Take care of each other, baby girl.”

“We will,” Eleni said through her sobs.

Papa turned to me. “Maya, don’t do anything else risky, okay?”

I bit my bottom lip. “I’ll do my best.”

Papa quirked an eyebrow. “You’ll do better than your best.”

“Yes, Papa,” I said, hugging him. I tried hard not to cry and utterly failed.

Papa said his goodbyes to Mama and whispered something in her ear. Eleni and I turned away. My sister looked miserable, and I was sure I did too. Moments later, the three of us entered the gateway to Azur, leaving Papa behind. I wiped away my tears. I would be brave; I was still a guardian in training and would do my part to keep my family safe.

The whole trip took only a few minutes, and we arrived in the city in the clouds. “Those with children under sixteen, please proceed to Arch A,” an Azurian floating above our heads said, directing the crowd. He was reptilian, with golden scales and wings attached to his arms like a bat. His hair stood straight up and was a rainbow of colors. “Godlings assigned to peacekeeper duties, please proceed to Arch B. All other visitors, please proceed to Arch C for a provisional assignment.” He repeated the announcement as godlings and their human families spread out across the courtyard.